Faulty clutch design on 2003 Ford Ranger 4.0L with Mazda M50-R1 5 speed transmission: Please research this problem. Premature failure rate approaches 100% and recurs again within a short period of time. This problem is not unique to the 2003 model year. The hydraulic mechanism of the clutch is at fault. It cannot maintain adequate pressure to allow enough pedal travel to shift the transmission. Recommended fixes include replacing the entire clutch or the slave cylinder/throwout bearing, and master cylinder for clutch system. All of these short lived fixes are very expensive as the transmission must be removed except for the master cylinder. Just bleeding the system is expensive if the leek is internal, which is usually the case.

- Kellogg, IA, USA

I was driving down the road and came up to a light. When the light turned green I tried to put the truck into gear but was unable to do so. I had the car brought to a mechanic and was told that the clutch, slave cylinder, and fly wheel needed to be replaced because a pump had failed and allowed fluid to penetrate all three. The truck only has 48,000 miles on it. I never in my life had to replace a clutch with only 48000 miles.

- Madison, NJ, USA

Manual transmission wouldn't go into gear. Dealership replaced a chip in the engine motor. But, problem recurred. Then, dealership replaced the clutch pedal because it was loose, and problem recurred.

- Brackettville, TX, USA