Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||||
| 041610 | 09/06/2004 | 04179 | 10011169 | Grabbing condition from rear drum brakes. *ar *tt | 01/07/2005 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT | |||||
| 02176 | 09/02/2002 | 10008580 | Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj | 08/05/2004 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES | |||
| 01/11/2012 | 78000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. the contact stated that the abs warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic however, the failure was unable to be diagnosed. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 96,000. kmj | |||
| 01/11/2012 | 78000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. the contact stated that the abs warning light illuinated. the vehicle was taken to a private mehcnaic where the failure was unable to be diagnosed. the manfuacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 78,000 and the current milage was 96,000.dr | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 12/21/2011 | 58600 | ||
| The right rear brake drum had a 2 piece rusted out, the left rear brake had rusted so bad it had broken loose in the drum and the shackles had rusted completely off. the vehicle has never been left outside always garaged, never been in high water or exposed to a high level off salt. the under carriage is always washed after road salt has been applied. the under carriage has more rust than normal for a vehicle taken care of as this one. the mechanic even commented on it. in 2010 the rear shocks had to be replaced because they had been rusted through. | |||
| 12/18/2011 | 0 | ||
| Brake rotors sold by advance auto parts as an exact fit for this vehicle were installed without any problems and all associated components for a brake repair (pads, calipers, bearings, seals, abs rings) were also installed and seemed to fit perfectly. after assembly i noticed that the brake pads were only partially bearing on the brake rotor, with the pads overlapping the edge of the rotors. i did not notice this condition until both new front rotors had been replaced and all components except the tires/wheels had been replaced. upon further research, the rotors sold as an exact fit (selected for me by the counter man at my local advance auto parts store) were approximately 1 inch smaller in diameter as the original equipment rotors. i contacted advance customer service to inform them of this problem and they denied any responsibility for installation of improper parts. several reviews posted on the store's website indicate that other people have installed these rotors and are driving around with them despite the fact they are not the proper rotors for this 4 wheel antilock brake vehicle (they do fit rangers with rear wheel antilock brakes). this is a murphy's law situation in which a consumer can install these parts and drive around with them, unaware of the potential for brake failure. the final installation looks normal and i would not have noticed unless i had made a close inspection and found that the brake pads were not in full contact with the rotor surface because of the smaller than specification diameter. this is a serious safety hazard because the advance auto parts website and store computer system list them as an exact fit for the vehicle when, in fact, they are not. they can be installed and driven without the installer realizing that they are the wrong size. this requires an immediate notice and recall and advance should be sanctioned. | |||
| 05/12/2011 | 26000 | ||
| 2003 ford ranger steel brake line rotted and failed. 26,000 miles well maintained vehicle. cause brake failure. fortunatly no accident incident. steel line rotted at fitting over rear axle where it attaches to flex line to the axle housing. other rust and corrosion issues plague this vehicle. | |||
| 03/26/2011 | 98000 | ||
| This problem has appeared all of a sudden without warning. brakes fade at low speeds. the pedal sinks to the floorboard. this condition occures randomly. i have topped off the brake fluid reservoir. this has not changed the situation. i've reviewed the internet for potential remedies and have discovered many others with the same or similar problem. | |||
| 12/01/2010 | 100000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. the contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph when the cable for the gas pedal had suddenly fractured. the vehicle was able to stop by taking the key out of the ignition. the vehicle was inspected by the driver and repaired by him for the gas pedal cable. the failure mileage was approximately 100,000. tb | |||
| 03/01/2003 | 250 | 1 | |
| Brake pedal and accelerator pedal toooo close together! distance of 2 & 1/4 causes contact with accelerator when brake is being applied numerous incidents since purchased vehicle in 03.. i wear a size 9 &1/2 to a 10 & 1/2 size shoe. even though i am aware of the problem, i find that it keeps happening repeatedly; but i only bumped a curb once with my tires. *tr | |||
| 11/01/2006 | 60200 | 1 | |
| During wet weather, rear brake locks up when brakes are applied. causing skidding and lose of control. first time this happen my local ford dealership referred to this as a rear brake lock problem, and replaced rear brake components, after that when it happened again i was told that the problem was due to moisture getting into the brake parts and that if i wanted this fixed i would have to pay for the fix it. the first time i was told that there was a service bulletin out on this and that's why it got fixed,now i'm told no such thing exist.first time with problem truck had about 26,000 to 30,000 miles on it seems funny that at 60,000 i would have the same problem. *tr | |||
| 05/12/2009 | 60000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford ranger. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud grinding noise when the brake pedal was depressed. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. the failure was contributed to the manufacturer installing incorrect hubs on the vehicle. the service repair cost was estimated at $800. the front brake pads were replaced and the contact was advised to not drive the vehicle due to the potential safety hazard. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified, but there were no resolutions. the failure and current mileages were 60,000. | |||
| 03/20/2009 | 64580 | 1 | |
| The first time the brakes locked up and didn't release i was coming down the street where i live going less than 15 mph and when we hit the brakes my truck didn't stop and we went sideways trying to stay out on-coming traffic. this last time it locked up i was already on the brakes going less than 15 mph and i came within an inch of hitting the car in front of me. i have brand new tires and brakes all the way around. this should not be happening. there is something messed up in the computer my abs light never even came on while i was sliding. *tr | |||
| 09/11/2008 | 100 | 1 | |
| When releasing the parking brake during wet conditions the linings stick to the drums, this is especially a problem in the winter months as they will freeze. this also causes the brakes to be extremely sensitive during the first 5 miles (approx) of braking. when the vehicle service brakes are applied the rear wheel grab hard and the abs tries to release them and can't. i have had two faults on the abs due to this. this is not a one time thing this happens so frequently that during wet/freezing conditions i actually use a 4x4 wood block to hold the vehicle in place.. *tr | |||
| 09/09/2006 | 55000 | 1 | |
| Brake and gas pedals are too close, and hit both at same time. unable to make emergency stop and went through red light. suspect this to be cause of several accidents recently--some fatal ! *tr | |||
| 05/01/2007 | 2 | 08/30/2003 | |
| 2004 ford ranger- tsb 4-17-9 * grabbing condition from rear drum brakes customer states that the problem is more pronounced in the rain**cc the consumer provided invoice for repair and documentation pertaining to defect of vehicle. *tr | |||
| 01/03/2005 | 3 | ||
| The vehicle has been taken to the dealer on three separate occasions for brake failure and accelerator problems. *nm *jb | |||
| 03/03/2004 | 2 | ||
| Consumer stated while driving brake pedal became hard, and it could not be pushed. consumer took vehicle to two different dealers, and both were unable to resolve the problem. *ak | |||
| 12/06/2003 | 4500 | 1 | 11/08/2003 |
| While coming to a stop consumer noticed brakes became spongy. on december 6, 2003 when the owner applied the brakes to make a stop, the brakes performed erratically. extended stopping distance was necessary for the brakes to perform efficiently.*ak vehicle was stopped at a stop sign with the driver's foot depressing the pedal. the brake pedalwent all the way to the floor board and the vehicle rolled into the intersection. vehicle collided with another vehicle. 2003 ford ranger is in the shop and the mechanics are aware that the brakes need to be checked out.*mr | |||
| 2 | 02/25/2003 | ||
| Brake and engine problems. *mr the rotors were turned on the front brakes and a idler was installed because the engine stalled out. (twice after that the vehicle was returned the vehicle for the same problem) *scc *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 09/25/2004 | 24000 | 1 | 12/30/2003 |
| I have had to take this vehicle into the dealership for braking problems 7 times now. there has been a constant vibration upon braking. the vibration has become so bad at times, it is difficult to hold the steering wheel. the vibration is being caused by warped rotors. the rotors have been turned and replaced at least 2 times each. i am now on my third set of rotors. the last time i brought the truck back from dealership, it was obvious the caliper was sticking. ford even had an engineer look at the truck. the engineer looked at the truck 100 miles before the caliper was sticking. he couldn't come up with any reason for the warpage. on taking my truck back to the dealership this past time, the brake pedal started going to the floor and was making a whooshing sound upon depressing the pedal. i was afraid it wouldn't stop. i am now afraid of driving this truck because i don't know what will happen with the brakes next. | |||
| 02/20/2004 | 1 | 02/17/2004 | |
| When coming to a stop with foot pressed on brake pedal vehicle continued to roll. consumer had to pump the brakes real fast to get vehicle to stop. dealer stated consumer was pressing gas and brake pedals at the same time. the driver did not agree. *ak | |||
| 05/14/2003 | 1 | ||
| The windshield wipers failed and when the brakes were applied, the vehicle failed to stop properly and acted as if the brakes were manual, the brakes had to be pumped before the truck stopped. the vehicle was in the shop previously because the emergency brake failed to release. *jb *ts | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 05/01/2005 | 28000 | 1 | 05/26/2003 |
| (1) i was in heavy stop and go traffic, keeping with the flow of the traffic. at one point i had to slam on my brakes. the truck felt like it didn't want to stop. the brakes felt greasy and i had to avoid rear ending the car in front of me. (2) brake failure due to overheating? rotors were warped after that. truck shuddered when applying the brake. (3) a ford dealer turned the rotors at 25,632 miles. at around 28,000 the shuddering has returned during braking. dealership says it will not fix the problem again under warranty. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 06/01/2005 | 60000 | 1 | 03/05/2004 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while applying the brake pedal, a sound of metal on metal was heard. the vehicle was pulled over and the contact noticed the pad separated from the caliper holder on the front passenger side. an independent repair shop replaced the passenger front brake pad. updated 12/12/2006 - *nm | |||
| 11/29/2005 | 1 | 11/01/2002 | |
| Dt: the contact took vehicle to the dealership to have the brake pads changed. the mechanic determined that the front brake rotors where corroded and pitted. the rotors had to be replaced. *ak updated 01/04/06. *jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 07/15/2006 | 56000 | 10 | 07/16/2005 |
| Two things on my 2003 ford ranger supercab 2 wd : 1.) front brakes are bad, and continue to be bad, due to bad design of front rotors. the original oem rotors fail, due to warping, resulting in a most the aggravating pulsing when brakes are applied. this results in inadequate stopping when needed, and could cause a very severe accident !!! 2.) the fuel cutoff safety switch ( whatever it is called) above the front passenger leg area (on wall -inside cab) is defective, causing serious consequences to the occupants, due to vehicle losing all power during operation. this has happened to me now 10+ times in the last 6 months. sometimes while in heavy traffic, with no where to go when all power is lost, gauges go wacky,lose steering control, etc. as soon as the switch is reset, by pushing in on it from the top of it, and turning vehicle key to on position for 3-5 seconds, then back off ( per owner's manual) the vehicle seems fine,,,until, randomly it happens again when you least expect it. the manual says this switch is for safety concerns , when after an accident, it shuts off fuel supply, etc....but my truck has never been in any accident whatsoever, and this device is now becoming a great potential accident producer in itself !!!!! the incident date is multiple dates !!!!! and they are still continuing as of today 8 march 2008 * i have been told by mechanics the oem brakes rotors are defective, but since there is no recall, i would have to pay again,,,and again,,,and again...which is just not right. *jb | |||
| 11/29/2005 | 1 | 11/01/2002 | |
| Dt: the contact took vehicle to the dealership to have the brake pads changed. the mechanic determined that the front brake rotors where corroded and pitted. the rotors had to be replaced. *ak updated 01/04/06. *jb | |||
| 08/05/2004 | 35566 | 2 | 07/18/2003 |
| When braking at any speed the consumer would hear a squeaking noise. the consumer was informed that front brake rotors were worn. the problem was not resolved. *ak the vehicle also displayed a loud clunk that ford was under the front end. the noise appeared to be upon shifting especially when going over bumps or when turning sharply. *sc the drive belts were replaced | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 09/02/2003 | 1 | ||
| Dealer replaced the master cylinder. vehicle had only 400 miles. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES | |||
| 10/31/2004 | 13000 | 5 | 10/15/2003 |
| Consumer stated the pedals are so close together that sometimes when driving he hits both pedals at one time. *ak the consumer stated that the brake needs to be moved 2 to 2 1/2 inches to the left. *tc | |||
| 04/28/2003 | 800 | 1 | |
| When applying brakes while driving stopping distance was greatly increased and brake pedal was hard to depress. took vehicle to dealer who could not diagnose any problem. one day, consumer attempted to apply brakes, but pedal was very hard, vehicle then collided with another vehicle. *ak | |||