Difficulty in filling gasoline in 2003 Ford Ranger. It seems to be a systemic problem that many Ranger owners experience. Not only is it a safety hazard because of the constant splash-back of gasoline when filling, but it's also an environmental hazard with all the spilled gasoline on the ground.

- Clinton Township, MI, USA

While stationary at a traffic light, a smell of gasoline entered the passenger compartment followed a few seconds later by a muffled explosion in the engine compartment followed quickly by black smoke and flames pouring out from under the hood and under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was completely destroyed forward of the truck bed.

- Reno, NV, USA

The first time the car engine started racing uncontrollably I was at a stop sign. The second time, the same day 3/10/2010 I turned a corner and we took off at a very high speed. Both times I put the vehicle in neutral and "goosed" the gas pedal and the engine settled down to a normal speed. 2003 Ford Ranger.

- Auburn, WA, USA

Failure occurs on a 2003 Ranger edge 4WD 4.0L extended cab, in this case, as well as in many other model years and styles of the Ford Ranger pickup. Ford design flaw in placement of fuel pump cutoff switch (inertia switch) in the passenger compartment where it can be easily kicked (triggered) by passenger. Description of incident: 1. engine turned off at supermarket, vehicle parked on a cold January night. Passenger inadvertently trips fuel pump cutoff switch with foot while exiting the vehicle. Parties return to a vehicle that will crank but will not start. Unaware of Ford's design flaw, parties walk home in freezing temperatures burdened with valuables and groceries. Internet research on wiki answers site reveals tripped fuel cutoff switch as common problem as a result of a design flaw that places said switch within easy kicking distance of passenger's feet. Owner returns to truck next day, re-sets the switch and vehicle starts normally. 2. the failure occurs whenever passenger raises their right foot, inadvertently making contact with the switch. 3. the failure was corrected by re-setting the switch, but design flaw persists. This design flaw could be extremely hazardous if switch was kicked (triggered) at speed on crowded freeways or in remote locations. This improper placement may be purposeful to keep Ford repair tech's busy, as this design flaw is found in many model years and styles of the Ranger pickup. Vehicles should be recalled to have switch re-mounted up a minimum of 4 inches, or rerouted and placed up under the dash so inadvertent triggering could not occur by passenger shifting feet or exiting vehicle.

- Durango, CO, USA

The inertia switch located at the top of the passenger floor board engages at the slighted bump. I've had this car for 5 years and continue to get false information from the Ford dealership about avenues of recourse or rectification. Its a faulty design for the inertia switch to be located near possible contact with a passenger. Legal recourse will be pursued.

- Houston, TX, USA

Was driving on state hwy.20 @ 615pm, when I noticed no power when I pressed on the accelerator, RPM shot to 4000, then dropped down with no power, cars behind me were flashing there lights, arms waving out there windows when the car came to my side they were frantically yelling that I was on fire. I immediately pulled to the side of hwy. And flames were rolling into the cab of the truck, it was in 2 waves then I was able to open my door and exit the truck.now flames were rolling out of the rear driver side wheel well, luckily I had a fire extingwisher in the bed of the truck which I extingwished in the wheel whell and as far back as I could reach, this put out the fire, but not without extensive damage to the underneath of truck including the gas tank where grass valley Ford determined the fire oringinated.as the hot spot is very distinguishing.Ford Motor Co in dearborn mi.sent me a letter saying they will not address this failer, and will not give me any information to contact anyone that can help resolve this matter.a 4 year old truck that has no modifications, and has been wwell taken care of should not burst into flames, endangering lives.they are at this point offering no assistance to correct this problem.I can provide estimates from the dealership with parts list included as well as them determing that it was a fire originating at the gas tank..there were no events leading to this failer, never a gas smell just instantly into flames..thanks for your time in this matter..

- Big Oak Valley, CA, USA