Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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 equipped with Kenda Tire, tire line Kenetica, tire size P235/75/R15, and Dot Number K3DK. The contact stated he notice that tread separation from the rear passenger side tire. On another occasion the contact had a blowout on the front driver side where the tread separation. The front driver side tire was replaced with a used tired and the rear tire was not replaced. The manufacturer was not contact. The failure mileage 5,000 and 24,449.
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.
Driver was traveling on expressway in the left lane when the rear driver side tire came apart. There was no warning. We have been checking these tires almost daily because of the current recall of other Firestone tires. They appeared fine. When the tire came apart the vehicle crossed the expressway to the right and left the freeway off the right shoulder. It felt like the vehicle was on 2 wheels at one time, but did not roll over. The vehicle hit a tree in the center front. The driver had tried to steer as straight as possible, but there was no control of the vehicle. We still have our driver. Others May not be so lucky. Please help get all these defective tires off the road. (dot number: vd70 tiresize: p24575r16)
Cracked frame on passenger side by shock mount, both rear shock mounts rusted off. Also rear leaf spring shackles rotted off. As well as the spare tire crossmember completely rotted off causing my spare tire to fall off while driving!. Thank god no one was behind me. Truck only have 124K on it and it is imaculent shape other than the frame..very disappointed also I clean and maintain my trucks very well.. I wash it at least one a week and I wash the underneath then I drive around till its dry and still its in poor shape.. None of my other trucks do this so its not how I maintain them.
1. Got a flat tire;. Went to remove the spare 3. Small piece required to remove spare and work the jack got stuck inside the spare tire lowering mechanism. . There is no way to retrieve this small piece (it is a small hook-shaped piece of metal used to fit into the lowering mechanism and the jack). 5. Had no way to use the provided jack to lift truck. 6. Even better - the small piece eventually fell out and is now road debris somewhere.
Slow skid on ice covered road caused right front tire to detach from rim and deflate, causing loss of control of the vehicle resulting in a minor accident , damaging front lower air foil. Damaged limited due to slow speed and snow covered bank. Now have no confidence in the tires and thus do not drive the vehicle until I can replace the tires. (dot number: w2uu tiresize: p22570r15)
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver front wheel spindle failed while driving at 2 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that the wheel spindle had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure and current mileage was 70,000.
After driving from a long road trip consumer heard a funny noise in the front end of the vehicle. Took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer put vehicle up on a lift, and two of the wheels lugs, nuts fell to the floor from the front wheel.
While driving at 40 MPH two front wilderness/at p245/75r16 tires completely separated from rim, coming off the truck, and causing rollover. Ford and Firestone have been contacted. Firestone wilderness at p245/75/r16
Firestone wilderness at tire p215/75r15 experienced tread separation, the tread wrapped around the axle causing a crash and damage to vehicle, Ford and Firestone have been unresponsivel to consumer.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2000 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 145 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2000 Ford Ranger, 22% of the model year's 670 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (46 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Ranger wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 17 injuries and 1 death to wheels & tires 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.