Top 5 Problems Ford Ranger Truck 3rd Generation 1998-2012

These are the top 5 problems with the 3rd generation Ford Ranger, which ranged for model years 1998 to 2012! In this video Andy discusses some of the top problems you may find with a Ranger in this year range, and he also gives some advice on how you can resolve many of those problems yourself!

Get more tips & tricks when you subscribe to our channel!

Connect with us on social media!

#1AAuto
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[chrischansfantabottlecolle]

I have a 2008 Ford Ranger 3.0 auto. My dad bought it new. I learned to drive in it, took my test in it. And I now own it today. I bought it from my mom after he passed.

[shaneschleicher]

This ranger has to be up north. Rust causes almost all of these issues. I’m in the south and own an 08 and my ranger has 200k miles but still runs like a top. 4cyl 5speed. I did do a clutch job on it myself. Only cost me about 100 dollars in parts. (Already had the tools) I’ll keep my ranger forever. One of the best built trucks in my opinion.

[timothyleger]

That's one tough truck !! I had a 1995 Ranger XLT regular cab, 5 speed, 4 banger, swb, and it had 356, 980 miles on it when I finally sold it !!

[pistolpete]

@1A Auto you guys provide excellent top notch Ford Ranger repair information! I own a 2011 Ranger 4.0L V6, 156, 000km and running great! I've replaced brake rotors, pads, parking brake shoes, front wheel bearings, thermostat (x2) and stereo with help from your videos (Ford Tech. Manual from Amazon also helped). Looking forward to more repairs/projects and videos!! Sending love from Canada!!

[paulmaxwell]

These are excellent trucks. Ours is a 1998 XLT extended cab with 4.0L six cylinder engine and 4WD. It's at 270, 000 km or about 160, 000 miles. I had to replace the alternator many miles ago, replaced the front wheel bearings too, and just replaced the transfer case shift motor, but other than that have never had issues of any kind. Even the dreaded PVH (pulse vacuum hublock) front hubs have never given us trouble. Overall, a very reliable vehicle. We always change fluids and filters when we should, of course.

[jesseward]

Looks like a rust problem where you're at as well

[joebishman]

I have owned a 2000 XLT 4 cylinder with automatic transmission for over 20 years. It currently has 198, 000 mi. The multifunction switch was replaced when it was still under extended warranty because the wipers would just turn on without touching the switch. The upper control arms on the front wheels wear out too frequently in my opinion. Currently, it has a check engine light due to a leak in the EVAP system. Last time I had that code, the problem was a hole rusted through my fuel filler neck. Haven't found the leak yet this time. Tail gate won't go down because the bed is warped. Drive it to work everyday.

[askforjp]

2002 Mazda B3000. 289k miles. Still gets around 19-21 mpg. Great truck. Last maintenance done was cleaning the IAC valve, made huge positive impact on the wacky idle it had developed.

[THERIGGEDONE]

It’s funny, i’ve owned a 1999 Ranger for 10 yrs and have yet to experience any of these issues.

[yellowsnowbird]

Just got a 2005 3.0 extended cab xlt looking for what I should do on it to keep it running good. It has 54k miles

[farmsgrace]

You forgot the rusting/rotting chassis frame. I've had several that rusted at the connection of the front and rear frame rails. It happens because the bed drains right on the frame rails at that spot. It can get so bad that the frame rots and can break in half if not monitored and maintained.

[maplesgamer]

Ty I just got a 2003 ford ranger xlt 3.0 with 80k miles on it, great truck overall! Haven’t had these problems but good to look out for

[Fsilone]

"Cylinder heads"
"Transmission"
Me, with little expendable income and no backup daily driver: 😓

[CJ-ejsk]

This channel is a gold mine of information.

[davenewman]

Bought a new 2001 4x4, 4.0 SOHC, XLT. Closing in on 200 K. Only nonroutine maintenance has occurred in last 5 yrs. Replaced torque converter selenoid, fuel pump/gauge, valve cover and pan gaskets and radiator. Total cost less than $2 K. Runs great doesnt use oil, gonna drive it til it dies.

[enorbz]

Lol I know this old but you missed the biggest issue with these trucks!

The plastic thermostat housing! That thing cracks and fails every 30k miles or so, but they now finally make a metal one to replace it 👍

[jeffrykopis]

My 99 2wd std cab stripper has the 4 banger with AT, and still runs good at 178k miles. The only frill is AC, which wouldn't be a "frill" in a warmer state. It's been wrecked 3 times and has a salvage title, but it just keeps going. I took a 3000 mile road trip with it one year ago, and slept in the bed under a canopy. Not a luxurious trip 😂, but fun.

[georgeirizarry]

In states that use salt during winter I noticed that the red bottom spring on the brake shoes will wear down and crack. This will cause your brake shoes to drag on the drum until repairs are made with replacement of spring.
The spring will last longer if you clean them prior to first snow fall with brake clean. Also clean in the spring make sure to check thel spring for rust or metal fatigue.
2001 ranger 190k.
2 batteries
2 sets of new brake rotors & drums.
Complete overhaul of the front suspension and changed all bushings.
3 fuel filter replaced
My biggest problem was the inertia switch becoming faulty every other year in winter time.
Left me stranded like the saying "Found on road dead".


M

[vaughndibble]

Rear front and rear spring hangers and shackls in the rust belt