Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
The contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the gear shifter had to be shifted into neutral to start the vehicle. The gear shifter was not matching with the actual gear that was selected. While the vehicle was in park, the vehicle would roll backward before the park was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the shift range bracket and ignition lock cylinder were replaced however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V062000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 91,264.
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.
Was driving northbound on interstate 05 [aka] golden state highway when truck made a funny noise and engine froze ? No engine problem light,s came on no warning light off any kind came on with great difficulty id was able to pull to the side since this is a stick shift transmission when id tried to start the vehicle the starter would not turn .had this been a automatic transmission we would surly with no doubt been involved in a death accident still don't know what failed in my truck butt engine is completely frozen [can you help me locate the source off the failure since this vehicle is a must keep vehicle i9t,s a family memorial must keep vehicle.
2000 Ford Ranger. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle spontaneously went into low 4 wheel drive. The consumer stated when the vehicle went into low 4 wheel drive it resulted in him careening off the road to the right and totaling the vehicle. The consumer was injured.
Vehicle bogged and stalled while attempting to parallel park, turning the steering wheel to the left and right end points. After engine died, it did not start again and needed to be towed to my home. Happened on hilo town on holomua street.
In October of 2006 the automatic transmission in my 2000 4x4 Ford Ranger began to not engage in park when I would stop and park the truck. The indicator would also not stop on the gear that the truck was in. After checking the transmission selector cable run and adjusting it where it enters the transmission the problem was a little better. In about two weeks the problem began again and I looked at the components I had looked at before and everything was the same. At that time I also got a mirror and light and looked under the dash at the back of the gear selector and saw two star drive screws. I put a star drive on my driver and found both screws turned easily. After tightening the screws the shifting mechanism stayed on each gear as it should have and engaged all gears and park. The problem was fixed. …
I have a 2000 Ford Ranger xlt extended cab 4x4 I first started having trouble with the alternator it just stopped working, took to shop and the brushes on it was wore out had the replaced and it lasted 2 days and same problem so had to buy a new alternator at 300.00 it lasted 4 days took it back to parts store got a replacement and im still using it but it still isn't working as good as it should got stranded at 1230 am beside road with my daughter with me the first time, and when that happened that when my od light started flashing and the transmission wouldn't shift into the right gears had to manually shift it to get it to move took to shop noone could find the problem even putting it on the computer no codes was found ended up getting stranded again when train completely quit pulling had towed to shop and had to buy another train at 600.00 and that is 3 weeks pay for us but its the …
Frame rotted. I feel as though it is a problem with many many rangers with the year around 2000. I had a cracked frame about 2 feet forward of where from suspension for rear tires meet frame. Cracked frame completely and when bed was removed cause truck to collapse and be immoveable until frame was simply patched to be moved. Had to junk truck due to condition and repair costs were more than truck was worth. Very upset with 2000 Ford Ranger I purchased. Spent alot of money and didnt even get a year out of truck. Never used to tow or as work truck. Never more than 200 pounds in bed and still had frame problems. Some thing is very wrong with Ford Ranger frames. When will something be done . I May never purchase another Ford vehicle due to this unfortunate but all too common frame failure.
Computer parts regulating the transmission, drive train, and engine have failed on four different occassions. The last incident, June 19, 2000, the truck switched from 2 wheel drive into four wheel drive while the vehicle was in motion rounding a corner. This sudden jolt caused the truck to tip onto two wheels and then slam back down. Both myself and my passenger were tossed around the truck causing head, neck, and back injuries. The truck had been in for similar problems atleast three times prior to this incident. My truck is only 40 days old and I am already scared to drive it due to fear of serious bodily injury. I can't possibly imagine that I am the only person who is experiencing these problems with the 2000 Ford Ranger.
At less than 36,000 miles, and at just 4 yrs old, the transmission needed to be completely rebuilt and a celanoid needed to be replaced. In addition, I have had to replace at least 2 sensors. Ford says there is nothing they can do at this time and will not release any data as to how many Ford rangers have required the transmission to be rebuilt or replaced. In addition, Ford will not comment as to whether the issue is even being investigated by the engineers. I feel that this is an issue that Ford is aware of but is not willing to correct at this time because they are not required to by law.
Transmission complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 10% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.