2004 Ford Ranger complaints

THE SRS PASSENGER AIRBAG ON/OFF SWITCH HAS A LIGHTBULB THAT IS HARD WIRED INTO THE BOARD INSIDE THE SWITCH MODULE. IT HAS A RELATIVELY SHORT LIFE SPAN, AND WHEN THE BULB BURNS OUT IS CAUSES THE MODULE TO DEACTIVATE THE SRS AIRBAGS IN BOTH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE. THIS CAUSES THE OCCUPANT(S) TO BE UNPROTECTED AS THE AIRBAGS CANNOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. THIS IS THE 2ND OCCURRENCE OF THIS IN MY VEHICLE IN THE LAST 4 YEARS, AND FROM WHAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GLEAN IN ONLINE RESEARCH, THIS IS A "KNOWN" PROBLEM...AND NO DOUBT ONE THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS AWARE OF, OR SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF THE PROBLEM, AS I PERSONALLY HAVE REPORTED THIS TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY. FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S WILLFUL NEGLECT TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION BY NOT CHANGING THE SWITCH TO ALLOW FOR THE EASY AND INEXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT OF A $1.00 LED LIGHTBULB TO ALLOW EITHER THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE OR A QUALIFIED AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC WITH THE CAPABILITIES OF TESTING FOR THE CONTINUITY OF THE DEVICE IS BEING DONE FOR THE GREED OF THE BOTTOM LINE, AND THEIR TOTAL LACK OF CARE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT(S). I HAVE PERSONALLY PLACED A CALL, AND LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE ON 10/29/13, FOR [XXX], FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S GENERAL COUNSEL, TO CALL ME TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE, WITHOUT THE DECENCY OF A RETURN CALL IN OVER 24 HOURS. IN THE EVENT THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS DEFECT AS A MAJOR SAFETY DEFECT...WHICH TO CORRECT EACH TIME COSTS THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE SOM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH SIDES OF THE BED EXHIBITED RUST CORROSION. IN ADDITION, THE REAR SUB FRAME AND BUMPER WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SUN OR ANY FORM OF LIGHT WOULD STRIKE THE WINDSHIELD, THE CONTACT WAS BLINDED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FINAL SHEET IN BETWEEN THE TWO PLATES OF GLASS HAD DEVELOPED BUBBLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE FELL AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE BRACKET BEING CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS ALSO CORRODED AND BOTH THE BRACKET AND SUB FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO IN TURN INFORMED HIM, THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 09/05/13*LJ

WHILE TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON I-75, NEAR LAKE CITY, FL., THE REAR, PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF THE TIRE. THE TREAD DAMAGED THE REAR, PASSENGER SIDE OF MY FORD RANGER TRUCK. FORTUNATELY, I MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. WHEN MY MECHANIC INSPECTED THE REST OF THE TIRES HE DISCOVERED THAT A HALF DOLLAR SIZED CHUNK OF TIRE WAS MISSING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE. THE CONDITION OF THIS TIRE, COUPLED WITH THE OTHER ONE, FORCED ME TO PURCHASE A COMPLETE SET OF NEW TIRES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WASN'T VERY HAPPY OVER THIS WHOLE INCIDENT. I AM, HOWEVER, HAPPY/LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND WRITING THIS COMPLAINT TO YOU. P.S., JUST FYI, I AM STILL IN POSSESSION OF ALL FOUR GENERAL TIRES. *TR

I WAS DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT 60 MPH REQUIREMENT ON I35 NORTH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE MY SPEED BEGIN TO ACCELERATE ON IT ON INCREASING UP TO 100 MPH. I WAS SCARE OUT OF MY SHOES NOT REALLY KNOWING WHAT WAS HAPPENING ARE KNOWING WHAT I SHOULD DO. I PRESSED ON MY BRAKES OVER, AND OVER AND IT STILL DIDN'T LOW DOWN. I WAS AFRAID FOR MY LIFE AND THE TRAFFIC AROUND ME. I FINALLY CAME UP ON AN ACCESS EXIT AND GOT OFF THE FREEWAY, BUT I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC ON THE ACCESS ROAD WAS MERGING AND I WAS EXITING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I JUST STARTED BLOWING MY HORN REPEATEDLY. OTHER PEOPLE DRIVING AROUND ME HAD TO THINK I WAS LOSING MY MIND TO BE DRIVING THAT FAST AND EXITING OFF THE FREEWAY, BUT IT WAS OUT OF MY CONTROL. I TURNED MY TRUCK OFF, BUT IT STILL WAS MOVING FAST. WHEN I CAME TO A STOP SIGN I HAD TO ROLL RIGHT THOUGH IT BECAUSE THE TRUCK WOULD STOP. I PUMPED MY BREAKS AGAIN, AND AGAIN, IT SLOWED UP TO SOME DEGREE SO IT DID, I THEN HAD TO SHIFT IT INTO PARK TO GET IT TO STOP. IT ALMOST THROUGH ME OUT OF THE TRUCK BECAUSE OF ME HAVING TO SHIFT INTO PARK TO FORCE IT TO STOP. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE AND I COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED ARE KILLED SOMEONE. IT HAS PLACED FEAR IN ME WHEN I'M DRIVING IT AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT HAS AFFECT MY POWER TRAIN/TRANSMISSION DUE TO THIS INCIDENT. I FEEL FORD MOTORS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBILITY FOR GIVING ME ANOTHER TRUCK ARE REPLACING MY TRANSMISSION. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING STARTED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,202. *TR UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V352000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR

ON NOVEMBER 2, 2012, I WENT TO THE PLACE WHERE I PURCHASED MY TIRES TO HAVE THEM ROTATED AND THE MECHANIC REPORTED TO ME THAT MY REAR DRUM BRAKES WHERE METAL TO METAL. THE NEXT DAY I PULLED THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE AND DRUM AND VERIFIED THAT THERE WAS NO LINING ON ONE OF THE SHOES. I PURCHASED A NEW SET OF BRAKE SHOES (10") AT AUTOZONE AND ON NOVEMBER 5, 2012 DROVE TO MY FATHER'S HOME TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE SHOES. UPON REMOVAL OF THE OLD SHOES, WE DISCOVERED THAT THE LINING OF THE SHOE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THAT SAME WHEEL WAS CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE AND COMING OFF ON ONE END. WE ALSO NOTED THAT THE MISSING LINING WAS A BONDED SHOE AND THE CRACKED LINING WAS A RIVETED SHOE. THIS WAS CONFIRMED AFTER INSPECTING THE SHOES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH APPEARED TO BE WEARING NORMALLY BUT THAT SIDE ALSO HAD ONE BONDED SHOE AND ONE RIVETED SHOE. DON'T KNOW WHY THERE WOULD BE A MIX MATCH OF BRAKE SHOE TYPES. THE REPLACEMENT SHOES PURCHASED FROM AUTOZONE WERE RIVETED ONLY. I KEPT THE ORIGINAL SHOES FOR ANYONE'S INSPECTION. I RECALL HAVING MY VEHICLE BEING STUCK FROM MOVEMENT AFTER SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, EVEN AFTER REMOVAL OF THE PARKING BRAKE, ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. I HAD TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE SEVERAL TIMES TO GET IT TO BREAK FREE. THE BRAKE SHOE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN THE REASON BEHIND THAT HAPPENING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS EXAMINING THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED TWO HOLES UNDER THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR LATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE FAILURE, A SCREW DRIVER COULD BE USED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 25,000.

I WAS APPROACHING A INTERSECTION WITH THIS VEHICLE AND I ATTEMPTED TO STOP. AS I WAS BRAKING THE TRUCK SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL.THE RPMS INCREASED,AND THE ONLY THING I COULD DO WAS TO MAINTAIN PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE AND TO KEEP MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE TRUCK PUSHED ANOTHER VEHICLE INTO THE INTERSECTION,AS I WAS BRAKING. I DID NOT RECEIVE A TICKET,AND A POLICE OFFICER CONFIRMED WHAT I DESCRIBED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH NEEDED BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A HOLE BURNT THROUGH THE WIRING HARNESS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE WHILE HAVING A THERMOSTAT REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,000.

ROT HAS APPEARED IN BED OF TRUCK. ROT HAS COME FROM UNDERSIDE OF BED, SEEMINGLY DUE TO A FABRIC THAT HOLDS MOISTURE AND WATER, THAT IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH UNDERSIDE OF BED, CAUSING RUST TO FORM AND EVENTUALLY ROT THROUGH THE BED. IN THE PAST 4 MONTHS, ONE HOLE APPROXIMATELY 5 INCHES IN DIAMETER, ANOTHER 2 INCHES IN DIAMETER AND THIRD HOLE IS FORMING. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE IS ROT FORMING ON THE FRAME MEMBERS, AND IF THIS WILL LEAD TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION DURING DRIVING OR IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. *TR

MY WIFE SAT ON THE TAILGATE OF THE VEHICLE, AND BOTH TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES SNAPPED AT THE SAME TIME CAUSING HER TO BE DROPPED ONTO THE GROUND, AND INJURING HER KNEE. NEITHER OF THE CABLES HAD SHOWN ANY PHYSICAL DAMAGE, AND THE RUBBER EXTERIOR COATING OF THE CABLES WAS STILL FULLY INTACT. UPON MY INSPECTING THE CABLES AFTER THEY HAD BROKEN, BOTH STEEL CORES WERE IN FACT CORRODED. *TR

REAR BRAKES RUSTED, HOLDING SPRINGS RUSTED, SUPPORT PINS FELL OUT AND CAUSED BRAKES TO DRAG AND BECOME WORN AND OVERHEATED WAY BEFORE THEIR TIME CAUSING REPLACEMENT ABOUT 30,000 MILES BEFORE THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN. COULD HAVE CAUSED BRAKES TO LOCK WHILE DRIVING. *TT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INTERMITTENTLY SURGE FORWARD WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN WHICH THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE DEALER REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWTICH. UPDATED 02/06/12

2004 FORD RANGER - FUEL CUTOFF INERTIA SENSOR ENGAGES SPORADICALLY AND REQUIRES RESET TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND REQUIRED THE DRIVER TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. POWER STEERING IS LOST WHEN THIS OCCURS. DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS AND SURROUNDING TRAFFIC THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. THIS ISSUE HAS OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, UNDER A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS. HAVING A FUEL SYSTEM CUTOFF THAT CAN ENGAGE AT-SPEED DURING NORMAL DRIVING IS A TERRIBLE DESIGN FLAW. *TR

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER WITH DUNLOP RADIAL ROVER TIRES, LINE SIZE 255/70/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH SHE HEARD A BANGING NOISED, SHE REALIZED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE TREAD AND PART OF THE WIRES SEPARATED WHICH LATER THAT DAY EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 170,030. PM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH B.F GOODRICH LONG TRAIL TA TIRES, LINE SIZE 235/70/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL THUMPING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT STOPPED TO CHECK THE TIRES AND FOUND AN ABNORMAL BULGING ON THE TREAD BELT. THE TIRE FAILURE WAS NOT IMPACTED BY A POTHOLE OR ANY OTHER ROAD HAZARD TO CAUSE THE FAILURE. THE REMAINING TREAD DEPTH WAS 1/4 INCHES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 06/03/11

HORN AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WHEN I TURN ON HEADLIGHTS ON 2004 FORD RANGER XLT. *TR

WITH LESS THAN 70K MILES, THE 5 SPEED AUTO TRANSMISSION IN MY 2004 FORD RANGER (3.0 2WD) FREQUENTLY REFUSES TO ENGAGE GEARS WHEN COLD. WHEN IN DRIVE OR REVERSE, INCREASING ENGINE SPEED PRODUCES ENGAGEMENT WITH A HARSH THUNK. SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW, FORD ISSUED A RECALL FOR WHICH THE DEALER PLACED AN ADDITIVE TO PREVENT HARSH SHIFTS AND PREVENT TRANSMISSION DAMAGE. I ASSUME THIS IS A STOPGAP MEASURE TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO EXCEED ITS WARRANTY PERIOD. INTERESTINGLY, AN AUTOPARTS STORE CASHIER ASKED ME IF I HAD A FORD RANGER BASED ON MY DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM. *TR

AT 45,000 MILES MY 2004 FORD RANGER 4X4 HAD A FAILURE OF THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS HUB CAUSING TIRE TO LOCK UP. NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR SHOP THERE WAS VERY LITTLE GREASE IN THE UNIT. *TR

FRAME HAS ISSUES WITH SEVERE SURFACE RUST PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE MORE DEEPER RUSTING UNDERNEATH. WORRIED BRACKETS, HANGERS AND OTHER PARTS IN TIME WILL CORRODE TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. *TR

THE PROBLEM THE WINDSHIELD IS LOWER THAN NORMAL ON THE 2004 FORD RANGER CAUSING THE DRIVER VIEW HARD TO SEE THE STREET LIGHT. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN MAKING A NOISE. THE VEHICLE THEN LOST ALL POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED IT; THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MECHANIC REBUILT CYLINDER ONE. 36,000 MILES LATER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT CYLINDER ONE FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AGAIN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FREQUENTLY EITHER DO NOT WORK AT ALL OR WILL STOP WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION. CONDITION COMES AND GOES WITH NO APPARENT WARNING OR TRIGGER. CONDITION OCCURS IN ALL KINDS OF WEATHER OR OPERATING CONDITIONS. *TR

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD TO WORK ON THE INTERSTATE. I LOOKED DOWN AND MY O/D ( OVERDRIVE ) LIGHT WAS FLASHING. THE TRUCK WAS RIDING FINE AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT GOES INTO GEAR REAL HARD. I AM NOW DRIVING WITH THE O/D OFF WHICH SEEMS TO CONTROL THIS BUT IT IS USING A LOT OF FUEL. *TR

RECENTLY I ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY 2004 FORD RANGER. THE HARMONIC BALANCE PULLEY CAME APART. THE WEBSITE CARCOMPLAINTS.COM HAS AT LEAST 14 INCIDENCE OF HARMONIC BALANCE FAILURE ON OTHER FORD MODELS. CAN YOU INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND VERIFY MY FINDINGS? IN MY OPINION, THE PROBLEM HAS SERIOUS SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS BECAUSE OF THE SYSTEMS INVOLVED. THE HARMONIC BALANCE PULLEY DRIVING THE SERPENTINE BELT THAT POWER THE STEERING AND BRAKE PUMPS. THE LOSS OF BOTH PUMPS HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE LOSS OF THE SERPENTINE BELT WILL ALSO CAUSE OVER HEATING. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD INSPECT AND MAKE REPAIRS TO THIS COMPONENT ON ITS VEHICLES WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER. *TR

COMPLAINT RELATED TO 2004 FORD RANGER 4.0L V6 SOHC ENGINE WITH 81,000 MILES. ON SEPTEMBER 15TH 2010, I STARTED EXPERIENCING A SQUEAK FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON MY 2004 FORD RANGER. I CHANGED THE PULLEYS THAT HAD BEARINGS THAT COULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE NOISE BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. I THEN CHANGED THE BELT AND THE SQUEAK WENT AWAY FOR A WHILE. AFTER ANOTHER 1500 MILES THE SQUEAK WAS BACK AND MORE PRONOUNCED. I INVESTIGATED THIS INCIDENCE AND FOUND THAT THE PULLEY SEPARATED FROM THE HARMONIC BALANCE AND SLID TOWARDS THE TIMING CHAIN CASE. THE BELT WAS NOW RIDING ON THE RUBBER HUB OF THE CRANKSHAFT PART OF THE HARMONIC BALANCE. THE SQUEAK WAS COMING FROM THE BELT RUBBING ON THE SIDE OF THE PULLEY REPLACED HARMONIC BALANCE WITH AFTER MARKET MODEL. OLD PART AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER WITH 35000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED HE HAD BLIND SPOTS WHILE CHANGING LANES. HE WOULD LOOK IN HIS MIRRORS AND WOULD NOT SEE ANYTHING BUT THERE WOULD BE A VEHICLE RIGHT NEXT TO HIM. THE CONTACT HAS ADJUSTED THE MIRRORS BUT THAT STILL HAS NOT SOLVED THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE.

ON 7/25/2010, A PROBLEM SUDDENLY STARTED OCCURRING WITH MY 2004 FORD RANGER EDGE PICKUP. WHEN I TURN ON THE "HEADLIGHTS", THE "WINDSHIELD-WIPERS" IMMEDIATELY ACTIVATE AT HIGH SPEED, AND WILL NOT TURN OFF AS LONG AS THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON. IN ADDITION, THE "WIPERS" STARTS BY "SHOOTING WATER ON MY WINDSHIELD" ALSO. *TR

FUEL PUMP FAILURE 2004 FORD RANGER,2004 FORD,2006 FORD FOCUS .I HAVE A MECHANIC WHOM HAS REPLACED MANY BUMPS ON FORD VEHICLES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.I CAN'T SAY WITH CERTAINTY IF THERE ARE SAFETY ISSUES BUT THIS COMPANY [FORD] HAS FAULTY PARTS IN THE PUMPS THEY INSTALL ON THERE VEHICLES. HOW WOULD SOMEONE EXPLAIN VARIOUS MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SCRAPING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT A VALVE SPRING HAD FRACTURED AND AS A RESULT, A PISTON FRACTURED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 39,304.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK IN AN OPEN POSITION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT A RESPONSE. IMMEDIATELY, THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. THE ANTI-THEFT LOCK WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, FOLLOWED BY A LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER REPEATED PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE SPEED CONTROL CABLE WAS DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY HAZARD REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,978. UPDATED 09/28/10. *LJ

"O/D OFF" LIGHT FLASHING. WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT TOLL BOOTH TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED BUT RPM REMAINED HIGH. HAD TO STAND ON BRAKES TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL RPM DROPPED SLOWLY. SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE AND VEHICLE LEAPED FORWARD. FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET REGARDING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WITH FORD RANGERS AND EXPLORERS BETWEEN 2002 AND 2004. *TR

TWO DAYS AGO I NEEDED TO REPLACE MY FUEL FILTER. AFTER DOING SO I NEEDED TO RESET THE "FUEL SHUT OFF" SWITCH. THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE SOLVED, BUT IT WASN'T!! NOW MY TRUCK JUST STOPS RUNNING AS I'M DRIVING AND I NEED TO PULL OVER AND PUSH THE FUEL SWITCH AGAIN! WHEN IT STOPS ALL OF MY POWER IS SHUT OFF...THIS IS SO FRIGHTENING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE JUST SINCE I CHANGED THE FILTER TWO DAYS AGO. I'M AFRAID TO EVEN DRIVE MY TRUCK NOW. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH HAS A SHORT IN IT. NOW I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT AND WHO KNOWS HOW MUCH THAT WILL RUN ME? SHAME ON THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I'VE ALWAYS TRUSTED THEM BUT I GUESS IT'S TIME TO SWITCH... *TR

MY FORD 2004 ENGINE WILL NOT START. FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD ON PASSENGER SIDE IS DEFECTIVE. EACH TIME BEFORE STARTING I HAVE TO PUSH THIS SWITCH. THIS CAN BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. I HOPE MY TRUCK DOES NOT STOP ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY KIDS IN IT. *TR

THE INERTIA SWITCH ON MY 2004 FORD RANGER TRIPPED 4 TIMES IN ONE DAY, AFTER I HAD IT TOWED 30 MILES, THINKING MY FUEL PUMP HAD DIED. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS ON. THE WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. THE HORN ALSO STARTED HONKING AND THE WINDSHIELD WASHER STARTED SPRAYING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND A REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 90,500.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER EDGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE BEGAN TO SMELL FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL LINES NEAR THE FUEL TANK BURST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF ROAD. THE VEHICLE LOST HALF A TANK OF FUEL SO THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS AFRAID IT MIGHT CATCH FIRE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 115,000.

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON...CALLED THE FORD HOTLINE NO HELP THERE THEY SAID WE WHERE A FEW MILES OVER THE WARRANTY TO COVER THAT PART. SO WE TOOK IT TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE NEW IN FIVE MINUTES WHAT WAS WRONG WE HAD PAPERWORK SHOWING THE PROBLEMS FORD WAS HAVING WITH THESES TRUCKS. SO I CALLED THE NEAREST FOR DEALER AND ASKED THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY WANTED TO CHARGE US SO MUCH TO SEE IF THEY CAN FIND THE PROBLEM WE TOLD THEM WE KNOW THE PROBLEM. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE US OVER 2000 DOLLARS TO REPAIR THE TRUCK.SO WE HAD TO HOLD OFF DUE TO THE ECONOMY SO BAD. SO WE TOOK IT 1 WEEK AGO TO OUR MECHANIC FIXED THE PROBLEM COST US 1900 FOR EVERYTHING THEY WHERE DEFECTIVE HEADS VALUES WHERE SINKING INTO THE HEADS CYLINDERS HAD NO COMPRESSION ,SO KNOW WE ARE OUT 1900 TO HAVE THIS TRUCK REPAIRED WHERE ALL OF THIS IS DUE TO FORDS BAD PARTS THEY PUT IN THE TRUCK. FORD SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP US DO TO WE HAD A FEW MILES OVER 70,000 THAT IS BULL IF THEY WOULD HAVE TOLD US ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WE WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT IN WE NEVER RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THEM TELLING US ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

2004 FORD RANGER, WHILE DRIVING ENGINE SHUTS-OFF. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL DEALERS AND AUTO SHOPS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. HE STATED THAT THE PASSENGER ON AND OFF SWITCH REMAINS IN THE ON POSITION AND THAT IT HAS FAILED. THE LIGHT AIR BAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD; HOWEVER, NO ONE HAS TURNED THE AIR BAG SWITCH ON. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND CONFIRMED THAT THE SWITCH HAS FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS HAVE ALSO MALFUNCTIONED. THE FORD MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. FORD HAS ALSO STATED THAT THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE REPAIRS WILL BE DONE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60000. UPDATED 02/17/10.

TL* THE CONTACT HAS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE FUEL SHUT OFF VALVE WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT OF THE PASSENGER SEAT UNDER THE DASH BOARD. THE PASSENGERS CAN CONTACT THE COMPONENT WITH THEIR FEET BECAUSE OF ITS POSITION. THIS MAKES THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WHEN DRIVING. HE HAD TO PAY TO REMOVE THE VALVE AND PUT IT BEHIND THE KICK PANEL ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY OR RECALLS ON THIS VALVE. HE SENT A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL WITHOUT PRIOR WARNINGS. AS A CONSEQUENCE, HER RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH INCREASED. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF SWITCH AND INSTALLED A PRESSURE RESET LOCATER KIT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 67,000. UPDATED 01/05/10 *LJ WHEN THE PROBLEM RESURFACED AGAIN, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE SWITCH WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AND HE WOULD NEED TO INSTALL A RELOCATOR KIT FOR THE FUEL PRESSURE SWITCH. THE RESET BUTTON IS NOW LOCATED BEHIND THE PASSENGER KICK PANEL WHERE THE FUSES ARE LOCATED. UPDATED 01/05/10. *JB

ON SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH MY WIFE DROVE DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY AND LOST HER BRAKES. THE DRIVEWAY IS PITCHED ABOUT 15 DEGREES SO THE TRUCK, A 2004 RANGER WITH 60,000 MILES, PICKED UP SPEED. PUMPING DIDN'T HELP. SHE STEERED THE CURVE THEREBY NOT FLYING INTO THE SHED; SHE AIMED AT A 10 FOOT DEEP FLOWERING BUSH TO AVOID THE STONE WALL AND THE TRUCK WENT THROUGH, MISSED THE ASH TREE, AND CAME TO A HALT 200 FEET DOWN IN THE MEADOW. THERE HAD BEEN NO WARNING THAT THE BRAKES WERE ABOUT TO FAIL, NO SOFTNESS THAT EITHER OF US NOTICED, NO WARNING LIGHT. THE DIAGNOSIS AT THE DEALERSHIP IS THAT THE MASTER CYLINDER 'FAILED'; NO LINES BROKEN, NO FLUIDS HAVING LEAKED. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THERE WAS NOTHING FORD WOULD DO, EXCEPT REPORT THE INCIDENT TO THE ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT TO RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. A MASTER CYLINDER SHOULD OUTLIVE THE REST OF A VEHICLE. THERE CAN BE NO EXCUSE FOR THIS. IT IS NOT JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS, LIKE A FLAT TIRE. *TR

WHILE DRIVING WITH PASSENGER, THE INERTIA SWITCH CAN BE EASILY UNATTACHED OR LOOSENED. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK TO RANDOMLY DIE. IF THE MANUAL VEHICLE DIES WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEED, IN BAD TRAFFIC, OR TURNS REQUIRING POWER STEERING, THE VEHICLE CAN BE DANGEROUS. *TR

WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 FORD RANGER, ONLY HAD 60,000 KM'S ON IT, DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 80 KMPH, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE REAR AXLE BROKE, AS I WAS GOING OVER A BRIDGE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AND STRIKING A BRIDGE, TEARING UP 20 FEET OF GUARD RAIL AND RAILING 5 TIMES. THE AIR BAGS ALSO DID NOT DEPLOY AS THEY SHOULD HAVE AS FRONT BUMPER HIT BRIDGE RAIL DIRECTLY. WAS CLEANED UP BY POLICE AND TOW COMPANY. INSURANCE COMPANY HAD THE VEHICLE AND BELIEVE THEY MAY HAVE SCRAPED IT AS THEY DID NOT WANT IT ON THE ROAD AGAIN. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT SINCE THE VEHICLE IS USED TO DELIVER MAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. DUE TO MEDICATION, THE CONTACT FELL ASLEEP WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.