2003 Ford Ranger Edge review from North America

Oil Leak from Rear Seal - Vehicle owned less than 6 months and under 6,000 miles. Have taken this vehicle back to the dealer 5 times to have this leak fixed. The first time I was told that it was residual oil from my first oil change (2500 miles ago) They cleaned up the underside of the truck with brake cleaner and sent me on my way. Two days later I was back at the dealer. Same leak - same place. They finally admited that I "might" have a leak. They ordered a rear seal and asked me to bring the truck back in a few day when the part arrived. A few days later with my new seal in place I drove home. Next day there was a huge puddle of oil under my truck. Called the dealer and had them send a tow truck out to get my truck. They towed my truck in and had it up on the rack before I got there. Cleaned the whole underside of the truck again with brake cleaner and started the "residual oil" conversation again. After about 30 minutes of heated conversation between me and the service manager they put infared dye in the oil. Drove the truck around for a few minuted. Hit the underside with the light and would you believe it? The whole underside of the truck was stained with - yellow dye! Got another loaner and they kept my truck for three days. picked my truck up and drove home (approximately 35 miles). Looked under my truck and......drip....drip.....drip. Called the service manager back and told him that the residual oil leak was still there. brought it back the next day. They did caliper checks on the crank shaft. Checked the shaft for nicks or burs. Did just about every check you could do on the truck. They could not find anything wrong. The dealers final decision was - my oil filter "might" have been a little loose. Funny how the only oil that was leaking was comming out from the bell housing on the transmission, not down the side of the engine from the oil filter. Took my truck home again and am currently keeping a daily eye on the underside.

I am very disapointed in ford service on this one. I exclusively owned ford vehicles my entire driving life. I am seriously going to shop around for my next vehcile. This entire episode has left a very bad taste in my mouth regarding the quality of service ford offers.

This is a sharp good looking truck.

Ride and performance are excellent.

Sound system is top notch.

Layout of the cab is somewhat wasted. Big huge center console sticks up pretty high and makes it difficult to reach things on the other side of the truck.