Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
The steering column is loose. Sometimes have to move around bit to get into park or drive. The other day I had it in park, with the truck running and after I was out of it, it started moving. I had to run around and get back in to stop it. Luckily had the door open. No more leaving it running when not in the truck.
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 own a 2000 year model Ford Ranger, and for a couple of months I noticed that the steering would hang and then pop when I was turning to the right. I wouldn't do it if turning the other direction. I seemed to get progressively worse, and finally I took it to a local mechanic to fix. He changed the rack and pinion and informed me that the Ford rack and pinion had a revised design twice. For this reason I had a Ford motorcraft part installed rather than an aftermarket part. He also informed me that the very next day after he fixed my truck, another Ranger of the same year had the same problem but worse, because the steering was totally locked in place and wouldn't turn. I have been waiting for a recall to come out, because this obviously a safety issue, but nothing has happened. So now I feel I must file a complaint. …
While driving on hwy 302, lost control of vehicle and crossed turning lane and two lanes of oncoming traffic when vehicle pulled to left. Left wheel came completely off and took brakes and steering capacity with it. Side-swiped another vehicle, jumped curb and slid more than 50 ft. Before coming to rest just top-side of a deep drainage ditch. Insurance investigators say steering arm knuckle was defective. Have contacted Ford via voice mail--have not had my call returned. Please help!
Tl contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving 55 MPH she heard a loud clicking noise coming from the steering column. The dealer stated that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The dealer made the repair and there have been no other occurrences. They recommended that the contact drive the vehicle twenty miles then return for a follow-up. The failure mileage was 22,310 and the current mileage was 22,331.
Consumer was traveling about 70mph on the highway and steering: spindle: knuckle came off, lost control of vehicle, and side swiped another vehicle. Upon impact, dual airbags did deploy. One injury was sustained.
Vehicle lost power steering while driving 25 or more MPH. Vehicle was to the dealer on several occasions, and had the power steering pum/ rack and pinion, and gear box replaced. However, problem recurred.
Consumer's vehicle was in an accident and air bags didnot deploy. While driving on a clear day vehicle hit a road sign, causing vehicle to rollover. Vehicle was totaled. Had not contacted dealer as of yet.
While turning the steering wheel to the left, the steering wheel made a popping noise. The owner took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. Please provide any additional information.
Steering complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 4% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › knuckle › spindle › arm (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to steering 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.