Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Both the back seat small doors were locked and unoperable since 2015 (the dealer refused to repair without paying for service- they said will cost $1,000.00 for each door and just to exam cost. That was not the repair cost yet) 2020 in August, perhaps, the back gate door for the trunk suddenly collapsed, felled out from the roller. That was the passenger side of the back gate to the bed of the truck I had to put back to the roller. And, it is not sure that the gate is stable condition. Under the dashboard, the cigarette lighter just touched and collapsed-broken inside under the dashboard and could not pull it out. So, it is still inside under the dashboard (notice: that feature-the cigarette lighter nobody used since bought the vehicle- non smoker owner). The under body vehicle cost a lot to repair through the years. The vehicle has about 120,000 miles currently.
Two times on 3/2/12 I took my foot off the gas to stop at a stop light and when I started to brake the truck accelerated. The first time was on wet roads so I could slow it down enough with the brakes while the tires were burning to get it into neutral and then got it stopped. Later the same day it happened again this time the road was dry and no matter how hard I pushed the brakes I could not get the truck to stop before hitting a car stopped in front of me before I got it into neutral. I am scared to drive the truck! I called a dealer and asked if they knew of any issues or recalls that would cause this and they said they did not. From what I have read on this site and other sites there are other owners having the same issue. Of course they advised I could bring it in for an inspection that cost a large fee regardless if they find and resolve the problem or not.
The positive wire connected to the alternator of a 2000 Ford Ranger with 39000 miles burned causing a fire. According to Ford, something in the alternator system failed causing the alternator to continuously charge the battery until the wiring overheated, shorted out, sparking a fire. There was no notification of a problem prior to the engine compartment fire. After contacting Ford's consumer complaint system, Ford declined to resolve the problem to my satisfaction. They basically washed their hands of the issue stating it was not a Ford design problem and that I could not elevate the problem to any other level within Ford.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle lost all acceleration without warning. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. The service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle could be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the cruise control failed to operate without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the brake lights and the turn signals failed to illuminate when engaged as the brake warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving 10 MPH, the contact noticed smoke rising from under the windshield. He pulled over and discovered flames coming from the front tires. The fire department attempted to extinguish the fire with sand and water. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and there were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger. For the last year, I have had issues with various electrical systems, including the door sensors failing, interior lights not working or not bright enough, and anti-theft light flashing (I do not have an anti-theft system, just a flashing red light on the dashboard). Then a month ago, I came to a stop sign, stopped, and turned on the left turn signal. The turn signal light flashed on and stayed on and then two puffs of smoke came out of the steering column. I drove a mile to my home and shut the truck off. The steering column was hot to the touch but I did not see any other evidence of a fire. After some research and discovering that the Ford explorer had a recalled multi-switch, located in the steering column, I had the multi-switch replaced in my Ranger. …
I had a battery that went out in 7/2003 could have been a 50/50 chance of weather related. In September of 2003 compressor was replaced. Please note my vehicle only had appx 26,000 miles. In December, I took it into the dealership and was told that the bearings to the alternator were worn out. The vehicle only had 29,500 on it. Dealer informed me that it is very, very unusual for this too occur. My vehicle is out of warranty and who knows when this could have actually started. Noticed there were a few other issues about alternaters. Dealership very helpful. Ford just doesn't seem to care and brushes it off that it isn't their problem. Think that most of the time Ford seems to relate this issue to wear & tear. I believe there is more than meets the eye. Most people aren't aware they can file a claim w/you. Please provide me any assistance. It would greatly be appreciated. …
I have complained of constantly receiving massive electrical shocks from this vehicle since it was new. The dealership claimed it was normal. There is nothing normal about the shocks me and my passengers recieve upon leaving the vehicle. It became increasingly worse the more I have driven it. I reported to fort customer assistance line that I began reciving multipe shocks even when I was getting gas . The shock was so severe I dropped the gas nozzel on the ground. No actions were taken oter than attach a little note to the repair order with Ford stating static shock was normal.these are static shocks on steroids, they will jump a half inch to get you ,and go through a leather coat and a heavy shirt. …
I went through 3 supposedly new alternators within one month. Dealerships in both tennessee and georgia denied any problem with the alternators and refused to repair/replace them at no charge. I paid for three alternators in one month!!!! Don't tell me there's nothing wrong with them. Also, the first replacement alternator was supposed to be new (I was charged over $500 for it) but after it failed and was inspected, it was determined that it was a rebuilt alternator. Why did the dealership charge me for a new one, and why wasn't I refunded any money?!?! Also, I have wilderness ht p225/10/r15 tires. They always squeal when going around corners or over speed bumps, no matter how slow I am going. Is there something wrong with them? I have read a lot of complaints about them. Thanks for the help.
Electrical complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the electrical system of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 6% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 3 injuries to electrical system 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.