2003 Ford Ranger

2003 Ford Ranger

The 2003 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 2.3-liter inline-four with 143 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. Optional engines included a 3.0-liter V6 with 154 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter V6 with 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.

The Ranger was praised for its ruggedness, affordability, and off-road capabilities. However, it was also criticized for its cramped interior, poor fuel economy, and dated design.

Engine

2.3-liter Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, loss of engine power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from engine, loss of engine power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0-liter V6

• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from valve cover, burning oil smell
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of engine power, poor fuel economy
  • Solution: Replace fuel injector(s)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0-liter V6

• Spark plug blowout
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of engine power, rough idle, misfires
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs and inspect cylinder heads for damage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace clutch and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid seal or gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or slipping during acceleration, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission control module (TCM) failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifting problems, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace TCM
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Automatic

• Valve body failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid, difficulty shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid seal or gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ball joint failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from suspension, unstable handling
  • Solution: Replace ball joint(s)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per joint
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken leaf springs, reduced suspension travel
  • Solution: Replace leaf spring(s)
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead even with new battery
  • Solution: Test electrical system for parasitic draw
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, flickering lights, loss of electrical power
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rusty body panels, frame, or suspension components
  • Solution: Preventative measures include regular washing, waxing, and rustproofing. Repairs vary depending on severity.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on extent of rust damage
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks developing on dashboard
  • Solution: Dash cover or replacement dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door panel rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noises coming from door panels
  • Solution: Tighten or replace door panel clips
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2003 Ford Ranger has a number of common issues, particularly with its engine and transmission. These issues can be costly to repair, and they can significantly impact the reliability of the vehicle. However, the Ranger is still a popular choice for those who need a rugged and affordable pickup truck.