Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My frame is rusted out, 110,000, miles, replaced transmission, brake lines, gas lines, and a # of other things, due to a rusted out under carriage, the motor is great, things on the frame are breaking off all the time, so much rust cant even see a bolt.
Brakes fail at slow speeds. Sometimes they work, some times they start working and quit and the truck slides. No ABS lights coming on and the ABS doesn't pump. Slid into parking curb stop, almost struck oreilly auto parts building in atchison and jammed my neck. Had brakes checked, master cylinder replaced and brakes were bled with new fluid. Every thing in good shape, but brakes are still failing. Mechanic in atchison said this is the second Ranger he seen with this problem; on the other Ranger they removed the ABS fuse and brakes functioned fine. Was told there were no codes or ABS lights on vehicle until fuse was pulled. With no codes being set, unable to figure out this problem. Ford not willing to instruct as to what is going on without charging $80 an hour for repairs. Have limited income, can not afford to take vehicle to Ford. Vehicle is dangerous is going to cause a collision. …
I was driving on a secondary road at approximately 35 - 40 MPH and as I came to the crest of a downhill section, I lightly touched the brakes due to snow on the road. The truck veered violently to the left and went into a skid. I corrected and again lightly touched the brakes and the truck again veered violently to the left and I was unable to correct before the truck left the roadway and struck a large tree stump. The truck is awaiting insurance adjustment decision on repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and parked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the master cylinder failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brakes made an abnormal noise and hesitated to stop the vehicle when the pedal was depressed. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 143,000.
When pressing on the brake to make a quick stop on dry pavement, the brake pedal bent approximately 15 degrees preventing me from stopping in time to avoid hitting the car in front of me. The truck did not skid nor did the the anti-lock brake systems activate.
Two minor accidents and several near accidents due to antilock brake failure, requested dealer look into problem, they said pads are the problem, pads were replaced two months ago. Independent mechanic confirmed that antilock was non functional.
Driving 60mph on interstate pheasant flew low in front of verhicle, as the pheasant disapeared in from my view the truck did an abrupt swirve to the left, I had no steering control, the truck went from the right lane accross passing lane and hit head on into flat concrete berrier, the air bags did not deploy, over $9,000 in damage including new frame. When the truck was being hoisted onto rollback I noticed that the tie rod was hanging. The yoke where the tie rod is bolted to (cast iron) was broken off and I noticed a lot of pheasant remains on the tierod and suspension. I am very concerned that a small bird as this would cause the cast iron yoke to break, also why my airbags did not deploy. The front tire and rim did not impact the concrete berrier. …
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger xlt. The frame, brake lines, shackles, shocks, and other components from the mid frame to the rear of the vehicle are showing severe signs of rust and rot. The rear brake lines were rotted through and required replacement. The rear bumper has rotted completely off the frame on the drivers side. The rear shackles, spring mounts, differential cover and axle are showing severe signs of rust, and in some areas, complete rot through. The vehicle has approximately 71,000 miles and is otherwise in very good condition. As I research this problem, I have found others with the same problems. These issues revolve around the safety components of the vehicle and in short time, this vehicle will likely be unsafe to drive. The vehicle is only 11 years old and in my opinion, the safety of the vehicle should not be compromised this drastically after only 11 years. …
2000 Ford Ranger brake line failure -- the right-rear brake line ruptured. This is the second brake line rupture in a little over 1 year. The first rupture was with the left-rear brake line in March 2007. The cost of the repair was $295.00. The second rupture occurred on July 2, 2008. This repair has not been performed as yet. Both ruptures occurred without warning and during an attempt to apply the brakes. Upon applying the brakes, the pedal went spongy, and both the brake warning light and ABS warning light came on. The vehicle did eventually stop. Fortunately, there where no other vehicles or pedestrians in front of me. Upon initial inspection, the brake line was leaking fluid and the master brake cylinder reservoir was below half full. A closer inspection revealed that the brake line had rusted through near the fittings. …
Brake complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 12% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Ford Ranger, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 Ford Ranger brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 11 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.