Problems · by component

2001 Ford Ranger structure problems

112 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2001 Ford Ranger cite structure, 20% of all 558 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
112
20% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the structure

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The rear frame rusted so bad the bumper fell off and the frame actually cracked. This is a common issue with the late 1990s & early 2000s Ford Ranger, I do not understand why this isn't a recall yet as is it very dangerous. This happened on the highway. The front end frame, engine and all the components work flawlessly while the rear frame is just crumbling in rust.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 5, 2022StructureODI 11463502
“The frame has rusted so bad it has completely separated from the body. The Ranger frame rusting is a known problem but it has not been recalled like the Toyota Takoma has been.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2022Suspension, StructureODI 11455156
“I noticed that there was significantly more rust than there should be. There are places where the frame has rusted through. It is a major safety concern. I researched the issue and found several others with the same concern. I also found that Toyota has previously recalled several vehicles for the same issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2021StructureODI 11426128
“REAR FRAME HAS RUSTED THROUGH. REAR DRIVER SIDE SPRING MOUNT HAS RUSTED AND BROKEN FROM THE FRAME. REAR BUMPER MOUNTS AND SPARE TIRE MOUNTS ARE RUSTED OUT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED .”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 20, 2020Suspension, StructureODI 11375642
“THESE ARE PICTURES OF THE FRAME ON MY RANGER. THE FRAME IS RUSTING OUT AND IT ONLY HAS 76,619 MILES ON IT. MY MECHANIC FOUND THIS WHEN I WAS HAVING THE BRAKE LINE REPAIRED AND HE LIFTED THE TRUCK.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2019StructureODI 11253033
“TAKATA RECALL. MY VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I GOT TO WORK I NOTHING MY REAR BUMPER FELL OFF WITH NO GIVEN WARNING AND I DIDN'T HEAR IT HIT THE GROUND I GOT HOME AND LOOKED UNDER THE FRAME AND NOTICED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN AWAY AND IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2019Suspension, Structure, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11244925

Showing 6 of 112 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 5, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Structure: hinge and attachments

Free remedy

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, THE HOOD COULD FLY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN.

StructureReported Nov 28, 2000NHTSA 00V394000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 5, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.