While traveling on cruise control at 70 miles per hour, the vehicle decelerated. The dash board lights lit up and truck would not restart. Temperature gauge indicated not overheating, water was in radiator, oil was at the full mark on the oil dip stick. No fluids leaked from the engine. My vehicle is at the Ford dealership in owatanna, mn. I have been told by a Ford dealership technician that he believes it to be pieces of the gasket around the oil pump that blocked the flow of oil to the engine seizing the valves in the engine. Apparently it happens frequently to his knowledge. Also, I know of another Ford Ranger that experienced unexplained engine failure this past week. I have maintained oil changes within the manufacturer's recommendation during the time I have owned the Ranger. The vehicle has only 69136 miles on the odometer. At this juncture the extended warranty service and the dealership have not resolved method of replacing the engine.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

The consumer stated that she was driving when the vehicle blew up, and feels that she was almost killed. After being told that the vehicle had experienced a major engine failure. The consumer found, after the investigation, a connecting rod protruding through the oil pan. There was no evidence of oil leakage from the filter or oil pan gasket, nor from the valves or oil related systems. The water mixed with the oil, which resulted in a broken rod. There was sludge in the engine. The consumer believes that a bearing may have spun and caused this damage.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

99 V 062 001/cruise speed control cable: Vehicle has cut off on five separate occasions while driving at 45 mph, vehicle restarted on each time. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

- Quincy, MA, USA

"marble" engine noise getting worse.

- Dousman, WI, USA

Took truck into dealer for first oil change and was informed that Ford was replacing the 4.0 because of rattling noise in lower end. 2nd motor would miss and foul plugs every 2 or 3 thousand miles so they finally replaced it with a 2000 model 4.0L and this seemed to solve the problem until recently when the very loud rattling noise returned. I've taken it to the local dealer where I live now and he confirmed the noise but Ford won't respond to his enquiry about it. It sounds just like it did with the original motor and now its out of warranty!

- Holiday Island, AR, USA

The engine block heater blew out losing all antifreeze. Engine shot. Invoice from manufacturer does not even show this as being on the truck. Manufacturer has been zero help. How many 3.0L V6 engines have had this same problem?

- Owensville, MO, USA

I feel that my Ford Ranger is an unsafe vehicle. I have had many problems with it since I bought it brand new. Everything stemming from holes in the floor to a faulty transmission and engine among faulty power windows and electrical on more than one occasion.. I just wonder what is next. I am worried about the future of this vehicle especially with its past track record. Please send me any information that may be of help to get Ford to buy my vehicle back. My email is jennetic@aol.com or sacroxx1@aol.com.

- Fresno, CA, USA

Ignition takes 2-3 times before vehicle will start, vehicle idles below 1 RPM and feels as if it's going to stall.

- Gallant, AL, USA

Serious engine marbling/clatter with 4.0 liter engine.owner does not expect motor to last much longer;ultimate failure of motor presents serious safety concern.

- Fairfax, VT, USA

Second 4.0 motor was taken out because of a clattering noise. Consumer is now experiencing the clattering noise again. Took to dealer, and they sad that all Ranger sound that way.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

Ford Motor Company informed me via the dealership I now use in san luis obispo, ca (perry Ford; 12200 los osos valley road; san luis obispo, ca 93405; (805) 544-5200) that my engine has a manufacturing defect and will be replaced. I was aware of the marb.

- Paso Robles, CA, USA

Engine misses, runs rough, cladders in the morning, and it has very little pep compared to other cars. After taking vehicle back and forth between dealers, nothing could be done to correct the problem.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

4.0L engine began 'marbeling' at <5K miles (sounds like a diesel at times).

- Round Rock, TX, USA

4.0L engine began 'marbeling' at <5K miles (sounds like a diesel at times)

- Round Rock, TX, USA

While driving through a water puddle at a speed of 10 mph vehicle cut off.upon starting vehicle back up, the vehicle did not start at all, and had to be towed to the dealer.

- Anchoridge, AL, USA

First the braking system started to vibrate when brake applied, rotors were machined, then brakes continued to lock up and calipers were replaced and now vibration has returned. Second the engine has had a running problem since almost day one and now has loud knocking and rattling comming from engine. Third, two of the steel wheels became weak and began to warp and truck could no longer be driven. As of now, vehicle has been in the shop for 22 consecutive days and I have only owned it five & a half weeks. So far, no repairs have been made to make the vehicle drivable.

- Knotts Island, NC, USA