KNOWN FAULTS · Ford

Known faults for the Ford Ranger (I).

2000–2006 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

1 known fault with sources

Engines: 2.5 TD / TDdi (Diesel)

Overheating and cracked cylinder head on the Ranger 2.5 turbodiesel (2000–2006)Cooling

Engine / equipment: Mazda-built 2.5 TD / TDdi (WL) of the first-generation Ford Ranger (sold in Australia as the Ford Courier and Mazda Bravo)
Period mentioned: 2000–2006
Symptoms: The temperature climbs under load, on hills or in hot weather; coolant loss, bubbles in the header tank or oil in the coolant; white smoke.
Possible cause described: CarsGuide (2023) explains that these diesels were under-cooled and are notorious for overheating, and advises against driving them with the throttle flat to the floor; the Trade Me guide also lists overheating as a weak point. Several owners report cracked heads or failed gaskets and having had to replace the whole head; overheating usually ends in a damaged head.
Check for the garage: Ask for a chemical combustion-gas test on the coolant or a cylinder leak-down test; check the radiator is clean and unobstructed (bull bars, spotlights); watch the temperature on a long climb.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.