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2002 Ford Ranger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Ranger years

Owner complaints for the 2002 Ford Ranger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 144.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

220 reports with mileage · 126 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

43 crash reports12 fire reports25 injury reports

What owners actually said

346 reports
83,333 miles · Jan 19, 2013
Suspension

PER THE ADVICE OF MY MECHANIC, WHILE REPAIRING MY REAR BRAKE SEALS, THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE THE LEAF SPRING SHACKLES, HANGERS & BOLTS REPLACED BEFORE I HAVE A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAD THE WORK DONE AND I DID NOT RE-ATTACH THE SPARE TIRE. ITS IN THE CAB. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493503

12,000 miles · Jan 8, 2013
Seat Belts

THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT RETRACT THE BELT MORE THAN A FEW INCHES. THE REMAINING BELT FALLS ONTO THE DOOR OPENING AND GETS PINCHED WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED. THIS DAMAGES THE BELT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491831

31,000 miles · Nov 9, 2012
StructureSuspensionUnknown Or Other

BROUGHT TRUCK INTO SERVICE CENTER FOR NOISE IN FRONT. RAISED TRUCK TO INSPECT---- COMPLETE UNDERCARIAGE RUSTED BEYOND BELIEF,FRONT TO REAR BOLTS, NUTS, BRACKETS,FRAME, SHOCKS, ETC. MAIN CONCERN IS FRAME, BRAKE LINES --- HAD TO HAVE REAR LEAF SPRING SUPPORT AND BRACKET REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS READY TO BREAK. HAD SHOCKS REPLACE…

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BROUGHT TRUCK INTO SERVICE CENTER FOR NOISE IN FRONT. RAISED TRUCK TO INSPECT---- COMPLETE UNDERCARIAGE RUSTED BEYOND BELIEF,FRONT TO REAR BOLTS, NUTS, BRACKETS,FRAME, SHOCKS, ETC. MAIN CONCERN IS FRAME, BRAKE LINES --- HAD TO HAVE REAR LEAF SPRING SUPPORT AND BRACKET REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS READY TO BREAK. HAD SHOCKS REPLACED BECAUSE THEY LOOKED LIKE THEY COULD BUST AT ANY TIME. THIS IS A TRUCK WITH LESS THAN 32,000 MILES --- BODY STILL LOOKS GREAT BUT UNDERNEATH IS QUESTIONABLE IS THERE A RECALL OR SOMETHING I CAN FALL BACK ON ????

NHTSA ODI #10484401

143,000 miles · Nov 4, 2012
EnginePower Train

I HAVE A 2002 FORD RANGER 2.3L 4 CYL AN WHEN I START TO DRIVE MY CAR WILL SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND SO ROUGH THAT MY CAR JUMPS FORWARD AND THEN MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND THEN EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS FROM STOPPED IT SHIFTS VERY ROUGH. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM AND SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM…

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I HAVE A 2002 FORD RANGER 2.3L 4 CYL AN WHEN I START TO DRIVE MY CAR WILL SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND SO ROUGH THAT MY CAR JUMPS FORWARD AND THEN MY OVERDRIVE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND THEN EVERYTIME I PRESS THE GAS FROM STOPPED IT SHIFTS VERY ROUGH. I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM AND SEEMS LIKE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL. ALSO WHEN I TAKE OFF THERE IS A LOUD VIBRATION SOUNDING LIKE IT IS COMING FROM THE DASH OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THIS IS ABOUT BUT FIGURED I WOULD ADD THAT IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10483278

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY DEFECT WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING AS HE LEFT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE A TURN , THE ENGINE RPM'S DROPPED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING ERRATICALLY AND ALMOST SLATTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE CONSU…

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2002 FORD RANGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY DEFECT WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING, SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING AS HE LEFT OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO MAKE A TURN , THE ENGINE RPM'S DROPPED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IDLING ERRATICALLY AND ALMOST SLATTED OUT COMPLETELY. THE CONSUMER READ ON A WEBSITE WHERE A PLASTIC PLUG COULD COME OUT OF THE FRONT OF THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. HE REMOVED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND SOON AFTER, HE DISCOVERED THE PLASTIC PLUG AND ABOUT A 3/8 HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE HOLE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE VACUUM IN THE SYSTEM, THEREFORE IT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ERRATIC IDLE/STALL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WELDED THE PART BACK TOGETHER AFTER LEARNING IT WOULD COST ANYWHERE FROM $500-$1000 TO REPLACE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10469811

106,596 miles · Aug 1, 2012
StructureSuspension

A LOUD THUNK, REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED, IMMEDIATE STOP AT MECHANIC'S SHOP, EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST AND RIVETED CONSTRUCTION OF SHACKLE BRACKET HANGERS AND SHACKLE BRACKET HAD CAUSED THE SHACKLE BRACKET HANGER TO BREAK FROM THE FRAME. THE SPRING WAS SHOVED UP AGAINST THE TRUCK'S BED. AT HIGHWAY SPEED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADL…

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A LOUD THUNK, REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DROPPED, IMMEDIATE STOP AT MECHANIC'S SHOP, EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST AND RIVETED CONSTRUCTION OF SHACKLE BRACKET HANGERS AND SHACKLE BRACKET HAD CAUSED THE SHACKLE BRACKET HANGER TO BREAK FROM THE FRAME. THE SPRING WAS SHOVED UP AGAINST THE TRUCK'S BED. AT HIGHWAY SPEED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. MECHANIC SAID BOTH SHACKLE BRACKET HANGERS AND SHACKLE BRACKETS WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT WITH PROBABLY NEW METAL WELDED TO THE FRAME TO ENSURE THE NEW SHACKLE BRACKET HANGERS WOULD BE STABLE. ALSO, MECHANIC STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED TO A GREATER DEGREE THAN USUAL EVEN FOR NEW ENGLAND. WITH 107000 MILES, THIS SHOULD BE UNACCEPTABLE FOR US. THERE ARE ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS WAITING TO HAPPEN. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING DONE. MORE TO COME ONCE I GO TO THE WELDING SHOP TODAY (8/1/2013). READ ONLINE RANGER FORUMS TO SEE HOW PREVALENT THIS FRAME ROT ISSUE IS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10468753

117,000 miles · Feb 9, 2012
StructureSuspension

REAR CROSSMEMBER ROTTED OFF CHARCOLE CANISTER AND SPARE TIRE FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING WHY SHOULDN'T FORD BE RESPONSIBLE WHEN GOVERMENT MAKES TOYOTA RESPONSIBLE FOR THERE FRAMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447281

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE WAS SET TO WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IF THE BATTERY HAPPENED TO DIE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE DESIGN OF THE VEHICLE WAS SET TO WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL IF THE BATTERY HAPPENED TO DIE. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS WERE A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 02/14/12*LJ UPDATED 02/24/12

NHTSA ODI #10444671

50,000 miles · Jan 17, 2012
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD UNLATCH ERRONEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING AND COULD NOT BE PROPERLY LATCHED AFTER TRYING TO SECURE IT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMAT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT WOULD UNLATCH ERRONEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING AND COULD NOT BE PROPERLY LATCHED AFTER TRYING TO SECURE IT AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10444043

49,013 miles · Dec 9, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT THE DEALER FAILED TO DISCONNECT THE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) BUT THE DEALER FAILED TO DISCONNECT THE SYSTEM. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE SUN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT AND THE CRUISE CONTROL TO GET HOLES ON IT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,013

NHTSA ODI #10439146

Official recalls

3

09V399000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Oct 13, 2009

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Aug 3, 2007

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

02V035000 · Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Feb 4, 2002

ON SOME MANUAL TRANSMISSION TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH THE FX4 PACKAGE, THE REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL CASE COULD FRACTURE UNDER A HIGH TORQUE EVENT SUCH AS WHEN CUSTOMERS ACCELERATE RAPIDLY FROM A STOP OR WHEN A SPINNING TIRE SUDDENLY GAINS TRACTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DIFFERENTIAL FRACTURES COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN WHEEL LOCK-UP.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.