3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,603 miles

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problem #3

Apr 032021

Ranger

  • 34,500 miles
My parents 2009 Ford Ranger has had an ongoing issue with the brakes. We took it to the local Ford dealership and they diagnosed the problem as a wheel speed sensor was not working. They installed it and it didn't resolve the problem! on day two, they came up with a new diagnosis that the tone/exciter ring was damaged by a previous mechanic/brake job. The truck has less than 35,000 miles. They wanted another $400 to replace the tone ring. I declined because it was way too much money after paying $300 for the sensor. They said they couldn't warranty their work, afterwards, I began to research Ford brake issues, and specifically ABS & tone ring issues. It turns out, that after looking at various youtube videos, Ford forumns, articles, etc. I learned that Ford has had significant ABS issues especially in 2008 and 2009. Even more interesting was the fact that many models have had the same problems (Focus and escape) and have may have been recalled. Not 100% sure, but the Ranger has not. Basically, the tone ring is attached to the wheel hub/axle and spins with the tire. This creates a magnetic field wherein the sensor determines the speed of the wheel. If the tone ring is damaged, the sensor sends various error codes to the ECM at which point the ABS brake will disengage the brakes on the wheel affected. And then it will engage the brakes, and repeat this until the vehicle comes to a stop. Essentially, the ABS system overrides the break pedal and you lose braking ability on that wheel. Not only that, with my vehicle, the ABS warning lights have never come on; even after they replaced the sensor. The vehicle is getting worse. At every stop it's making noises and it's harder to stop the vehicle. As I said earlier, the theory is the corrosion of the axle is breaking the ring, which is another non rusting metal, I'm pretty sure the dealership did not examine the ring. Help!!!!

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #2

Aug 142013

Ranger 6-cyl

  • 66,150 miles
Driver side hub assembly came apart causing the brakes to lock up with a sudden stop almost causing an accident. Higher speeds would have caused a major accident.

- Eagle River, WI, USA

problem #1

Jun 082012

Ranger 4WD 6-cyl

  • 27,159 miles
I brought my 2009 Ranger to the dealer for a safety inspection and oil change and during the inspection it was noted that the front brake rotors had substantial pitting and scoring on the in-board side of the rotor. The vehicle failed inspection and required replacement of the rotors. It was noted that the pads showed only 30% wear and the vehicle has only 27159 miles at the time of the service. I haven't found any other mention of these factory rotors failing in such a short period of time and never in all the Ford and other vehicles I've owned would the rotors need to be replaced after so few miles with so little wear on the pads. I had the parts saved and there are pieces missing from the surface that look to me like large flakes of the surface had worn away from the assembly. I'd like to know if this has been a problem for anyone else with this brand of factory installed rotors.

- Latham, NY, USA