Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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.
I was driving my truck down a main road and there was a small pothole.it was only about an inch deep by about a foot and all of a sudden my truck started making very loud noises going down the road and almost seeming like the truck didn't want to go straight. I pulled over because I wanted to check it and here was a massive crack in the frame behind the shackle mount in the front of the wheel well. This was caused by the gas tank mount that the strap connects do holding dirt and moisture behind it and rotted out a hole in the frame. Also the gas tank mount rotted compleatly out and is no longer there on the drivers side the same place that the frame rotted out. This is a big defect by Ford as there is no way to clean it out and the frame will just rot even though the body of the truck is spotless and rust free because I wash the undercarriage every week as well as the whole truck. …
During routine maintenance found a 6 to 8 inch hole rusted through the frame just behind the right front tire and front suspension attachment location. No repair has been made, but frame looks to be weakened at this point.. Photos available. Other issues due to rust: spring 2013: replaced engine oil pan - leaking oil due to rust holes. Winter 2013: body repair - major rust and right side accident damage - much more rust coming on truck. Autumn 2013: replaced 5 feet rusted brake line to rear brakes - leaking brake fluid, no brakes. Summer 2012: steel wheels were replaced due to rusted bead area causing weakness and air leakage. Spare tire mount found inoperable due to rusted support.
Was pulling lawn mower trailor on I-81 & car pulled up beside me, they were histericly telling me to pull over, that my bumper was coming off, along with trailer, mower & all. This could have resulted in many fatalities. The frame of my truck is completely rusted in 1/2 on driver side. Not far from it on passenger side. Gas tank strap rusted in 1/2. Needless to say, my Ford truck is undriveable. This is a great inconvenience. Please investigate, & recall my truck for new frame. Thank u very much....still a Ford man for now.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While operating the vehicle, a rattling type noise was present under the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the leaf spring shackle connected to the subframe failed due to rust and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was informed that the replacement components needed to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a rattling noise underneath the vehicle. Suddenly, the rear driver's side shock detached from the vehicle. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the entire frame was rotted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
Came to a slow stop on a downhill slope when driver's side frame rail broke from apparent rust through. Inspection of frame and suspension shows much rust deterioration even though this truck has been meticulously maintained and kept under a carport on a paved driveway. All mechanical s, exterior body and interior literally look like a new vehicle. Ford should do the right thing, as Toyota did, and replace this truck's frame or buy out this vehicle.
While traveling down the road both rear wheels and axles come off my 2000 Ford Ranger causing me to go broad side down the road about 50ft. The state patrol man informed the towing company to take the truck to the garage and tear it apart to find the cause, he felt there was a defect in this truck, we come to find out that the king pin in the rear end broke causing the rear end wheels and axles attached to come off
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. While the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs, the technician discovered that the mainframe behind the front passenger side wheel was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, but it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no solution was provided. The failure mileage was 128,858.
I recently replaced rotted parts of the underside of my Ford range, spring shackles, schocks and schock mount brackets. I did this repair to make mu truck safer, after 3 weeks of driving with the new repairs the frame began to crack and is about to split in half... Not so safe. The body is in great shape, but I can't drive the truck with the frame in its current condition. Back road driving 3 days a week.
Suspension complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 11% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is front (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 1 death to suspension 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.