CarBrief

NHTSA has 676 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Ranger[1], and tires lead the list with 140[2]. Four recalls are on file for this model year[3], so check which ones apply to the truck you are looking at.

676owner complaints[1]
4recalls[3]
15–22MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 676 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of those, 87 mention a crash[1], 12 a fire[1], and 85 mention injuries[1]. Two deaths were reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Here are the biggest groups by number of complaints:

Component group Complaints Crashes Injuries Median miles at failure
Tires[2] 140 10 16 41,578
Structure[5] 105 0 0 111,412
Brakes[6] 77 11 6 57,000
Suspension[7] 72 5 3 85,000
Power train[8] 70 6 6 85,000
Air bags[9] 68 52 50 68,450
Speed control[10] 56 3 0 87,500
Engine[11] 45 0 0 64,044

Tires. In a sample of 11 distinct tire complaints we read, 8 describe a tire failing suddenly, losing its tread or coming apart at speed[2]. Tires also have the lowest median mileage at failure in the table.

Brakes. In a sample of 10 distinct brake complaints we read, 5 describe the truck pulling to one side when braking[6]. Some of those reports say dealers could not find the cause[6].

Suspension. In a sample of 11 distinct suspension complaints we read, 6 describe shaking or vibration, often at highway speed[7].

Structure. In a sample of 12 structure complaints we read, 3 describe a cracked or rusted frame[5]. The group includes 2 fires[5].

Air bags. This group has 68 complaints, and 52 of them mention a crash and 50 an injury[9]. That is the highest share of crashes among the groups above. We did not read air bag complaint texts, so we cannot say what owners describe.

Speed control. The 56 complaints include 3 fires[10]. See recall 07V336 below.

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for the 2000 Ranger[3]. Newest first:

Ask a Ford dealer to run the VIN to see if any of these recalls apply to a specific truck, and whether the work was done.

Fuel economy

EPA lists gasoline versions between 15 and 22 MPG combined[4][16]. The 2.5L four cylinder with a manual transmission is the most efficient at 22[4]. The 4.0L six cylinder with an automatic and four wheel drive and the 3.0L four wheel drive FFV automatic are lowest at 15[16][17].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD, 2.5L, automatic[18] 18 / 23 / 20 $3,350
2WD, 2.5L, manual[4] 20 / 24 / 22 $3,050
2WD, 4.0L, automatic[19] 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
2WD, 4.0L, manual[20] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
4WD, 4.0L, automatic[16] 14 / 17 / 15 $4,450
4WD, 4.0L, manual[21] 15 / 19 / 16 $4,200
2WD FFV, 3.0L, automatic[22] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
2WD FFV, 3.0L, manual[23] 16 / 21 / 18 $3,700
4WD FFV, 3.0L, automatic[17] 14 / 18 / 15 $4,450
4WD FFV, 3.0L, manual[24] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950

The FFV versions run on gasoline or E85. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

EPA also rates two electric versions. One with a lead acid battery gets 58 MPGe combined and 50 miles of range[25]. One with a NiMH battery gets 56 MPGe combined and 65 miles of range[26].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star program lists the SUPERCAB and 2 DR versions of the 2000 Ranger as not rated[27][28]. So there are no star ratings to compare.

Engine and size

EPA lists 2.5L four cylinder, 3.0L six cylinder and 4.0L six cylinder gasoline engines for the 2000 Ranger[18][22][19], plus electric versions[25][26]. These sizes are Canadian-market specifications for six regular cab versions, so US trucks can differ slightly.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Flareside, short box[29] 189 in 69 in 65 in 112 in 3,029 lb
Flareside, short box, 4x4[30] 187 in 70 in 68 in 112 in 3,430 lb
Styleside, long box[31] 201 in 69 in 65 in 118 in 3,049 lb
Styleside, long box, 4x4[32] 200 in 70 in 68 in 118 in 3,450 lb
Styleside, short box[33] 187 in 69 in 65 in 112 in 3,029 lb
Styleside, short box, 4x4[34] 188 in 70 in 68 in 112 in 3,430 lb

How 2000 compares with other years

1995: 321 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 413 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 411 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 582 complaints, 7 recalls19981999: 760 complaints, 5 recalls2000: 676 complaints, 4 recalls67620002001: 527 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 346 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 243 complaints, 1 recalls2004: 404 complaints, 10 recalls20042005: 289 complaints, 9 recalls2006: 272 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 270 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 326 complaints, 5 recalls2009: 169 complaints, 7 recalls2010: 156 complaints, 8 recalls20102011: 235 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 270 complaints, 11 recalls2020: 130 complaints, 7 recalls20202021: 118 complaints, 6 recalls2022: 37 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 18 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 94 complaints, 13 recalls2025: 44 complaints, 13 recalls2026: 7 complaints, 8 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Ranger model year. The 2000 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19953211
19964132
19974111
19985827
19997605
20006764
20015274
20023463
20032431
200440410
20052899
200627212
20072705
20083265
20091697
20101568
20112355
201927011
20201307
20211186
2022375
2023184
20249413
20254413
202678

Among the Ranger years in the NHTSA list, 2000 has the second most complaints at 676[3]. Only 1999 has more, with 760[3]. The next closest is 1998 with 582[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, but they compare fairly across years of the same model.

For recalls, 2000 has 4[3]. That is fewer than 1998 (7) and 1999 (5), and fewer than every year from 2004 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2026 except 2023, which also has 4[3]. Years with fewer recalls are 1995 (1), 1996 (2), 1997 (1), 2002 (3) and 2003 (1), and 2001 has the same 4[3]. The list has no entries for 2012 to 2018.

Should you buy a used 2000 Ford Ranger?

The complaint count is high for this model, and tires, structure and brakes lead it[1][2][5][6]. Those are unverified reports, and they come from a small sample of texts, but they point to what to inspect. Look closely at the tires, the frame, and how the truck brakes. Ask a dealer to check the VIN for the four recalls, especially the speed control switch with its fire risk[12]. Fuel economy is modest, and Fuel economy is modest, and the four wheel drive automatic versions cost the most to run at $4,450 a year[16][17].. Remove the sentence.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2000 Ford Ranger?
Tires have the most complaints at 140, then structure at 105 and brakes at 77[2][5][6]. Owners filed 676 complaints in all[1].
How many recalls does the 2000 Ford Ranger have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year[3]. They cover a speed control switch fire risk, electric pickup transaxle bolts, seat belt buckles and a heater return tube[12][13][14][15].
What gas mileage does a 2000 Ford Ranger get?
EPA combined ratings for gasoline versions run from 15 to 22 MPG[4][16]. The 2.5L manual two wheel drive is the best at 22 MPG combined[4].
Is the 2000 Ford Ranger a reliable truck?
The 2000 model year has the second most complaints among the Ranger years listed, 676 against 760 for 1999[3]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales[1].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 676 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Ford Ranger (87 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 85 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 140 complaints name the tires component group (10 crashes, 0 fires, 16 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,578). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Ranger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 24 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 105 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 111,412). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 77 complaints name the brakes component group (11 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 72 complaints name the suspension component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 70 complaints name the power train component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 85,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 68 complaints name the air bags component group (52 crashes, 0 fires, 50 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,450). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 56 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 45 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,044). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 07V336, filed August 3, 2007: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 01V062, filed February 26, 2001: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 00V228, filed August 18, 2000: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 00V094, filed March 28, 2000: Engine And Engine Cooling › Cooling System. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Ranger 4WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Ranger 2WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Ranger 4WD FFV, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, Lead Acid, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 58 MPGe combined, 50 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Ranger Pickup 2WD, NiMH, Automatic (A1), Electricity: 56 MPGe combined, 65 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUPERCAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX: length 189 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,029 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB FLARESIDE S/BOX 4X4: length 187 in, width 70 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,430 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX: length 201 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 3,049 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE L/BOX 4X4: length 200 in, width 70 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 3,450 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX: length 187 in, width 69 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,029 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, RANGER REG CAB STYLESIDE S/BOX 4X4: length 188 in, width 70 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 112 in, curb weight 3,430 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.