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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
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICLES ENGINE SHUTS OFF AS IT IS BEING ACCELERATED, OR AT CRUISING SPEED. THE ENGINE IS THE ONLY SYSTEM AFFECTED BUT CAUSES VEHICLE TO BE UNDRIVABLE FOR AROUND 5-10 SECONDS UNTIL VEHICLE PUTS ITSELF BACK IN GEAR AFTER SHUTTING OFF. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY SOMETIMES RIGHT AWAY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED AND MOVED OR OTHER TIMES…

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THE VEHICLES ENGINE SHUTS OFF AS IT IS BEING ACCELERATED, OR AT CRUISING SPEED. THE ENGINE IS THE ONLY SYSTEM AFFECTED BUT CAUSES VEHICLE TO BE UNDRIVABLE FOR AROUND 5-10 SECONDS UNTIL VEHICLE PUTS ITSELF BACK IN GEAR AFTER SHUTTING OFF. THIS OCCURS RANDOMLY SOMETIMES RIGHT AWAY AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED AND MOVED OR OTHER TIMES AFTER LONGER PERIODS OF DRIVING. IT HAS OCCURRED REPEATEDLY, WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE COMES BACK AND IT DOES PUT ITSELF BACK INTO GEAR AND YOU START TO ACCELERATE AGAIN IT WILL CUT OFF. IT HAS CAUSED OPERATOR NOT TO BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAYS, PULL OUT ONTO ROADS, OR TO MAINTAIN CRUISING SPEEDS IN ROADS OR HIGHWAYS. IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES. EACH TIME THE ENGINE CONTROL RELAY DIODE HAS BEEN CHANGED AND BLAMED FOR PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN CONNECTED TO COMPUTER AND DRIVEN(FIRST TIME AT FORD REPAIR SHOP), THE ENGINE HAS CUT OUT CAUSING VEHICLE TO STOP ACCELERATING AND THE COMPUTER SHOWS THAT NOTHING IS HAPPENING. IT CONTINUES TO READ THAT THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING FINE.I HAVE PERSONALLY REPLACED COIL PACK, AND THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR. THE FIRST TIME DIODE WAS REPLACED THE VEHICLE RAN FOR ALMOST 8 MONTHS THEN PROBLEM RECURRED. IT WAS TAKEN TO FORD AND DIODE REPLACED AGAIN, THIS TIME LASTING ONLY 2-3 MONTHS. IT WAS TAKEN TO FORD THE 3RD TIME FOR DIODE TO BE REPLACED, THIS TIME LASTING ONLY 2 WEEKS. I CALLED THE FORD SHOP AND SPOKE TO MANAGER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE ENGINE WAS CUTTING OUT. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THEM TO GET AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO FIX MY VEHICLE, SO I WAS TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE IT EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285937

40,000 miles · Sep 14, 2009
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER WITH TWO FRONT FIRESTONE DESTINATION LE P245/75R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THE CONTACT DECREASED THE SPEED EXPECTING THE VIBRATION TO STOP; HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT FENDER TO EX…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER WITH TWO FRONT FIRESTONE DESTINATION LE P245/75R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING. THE CONTACT DECREASED THE SPEED EXPECTING THE VIBRATION TO STOP; HOWEVER, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE LEFT FRONT FENDER TO EXTEND OUTWARD APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH. A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BLOW OUT WAS CAUSED BY ROAD HAZARD MATERIALS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VIBRATION CAUSED THE TIRE BLOW OUT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY INSPECTED THE TIRES AND SINCE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW LONG THE TIRES WERE ON THE VEHICLE THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 10/06/09 *BF

NHTSA ODI #10283878

99,000 miles · Jun 11, 2009
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicFire

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY HIS NEIGHBOR THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SMOKING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND STATED THAT THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FLAMES PRESENT, BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY HIS NEIGHBOR THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS SMOKING IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND STATED THAT THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FLAMES PRESENT, BUT A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. A CASE WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 99,000.

NHTSA ODI #10273550

46,476 miles · Apr 26, 2009
Tires

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT APPROX 65 MPH FELT SEVERE VIBRATION AND MANAGED TO PULL OVER ACROSS THREE LANES TO GORE POINT AT AN ON RAMP FRONT RIGHT TIRE HAD SIDEWALL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM TREAD VEHICLE 2002 FORD RANGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266741

40,000 miles · Feb 11, 2009
Tires

THE TIRES STARTED TO WEAR IN AN ODD CUPPING SHAPE AFTER CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE CONSTANTLY TO VERIFY THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE WEAR. ADDITIONALLY MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS HAD BEEN PERFORMED TO ALSO VERIFY THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE WEAR. AFTER DRIVING FOR WEEKS LATER, THE TIRE FAILED AT 35 MPH IN A BUSY SUBURBAN STATE ROUTE INT…

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THE TIRES STARTED TO WEAR IN AN ODD CUPPING SHAPE AFTER CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE CONSTANTLY TO VERIFY THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE WEAR. ADDITIONALLY MULTIPLE ALIGNMENTS HAD BEEN PERFORMED TO ALSO VERIFY THIS WAS NOT THE CAUSE OF THE WEAR. AFTER DRIVING FOR WEEKS LATER, THE TIRE FAILED AT 35 MPH IN A BUSY SUBURBAN STATE ROUTE INTERSECTION. AFTER PULLING ASIDE AND REPLACING THE TIRE, I DISCOVERED A DELAMINATION OF THE TREAD. I HAD INSPECTED THE TIRES AND HAD SEEN ANOTHER STARTING TO SHOW SIGNS OF DELAMINATION. I IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO PRICE TIRES. I CONTACTED FIRESTONE ABOUT THE ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THE TIRE IS NOT ON THE RECALL. THREE DAYS LATER, AND THE OTHER TIRE IS CLEARLY DELAMINATED. I FEEL BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILES ON THE TIRES, THE CONSTANT AND PROPER PREVENTABLE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE TIRES SHOULD BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258367

20,000 miles · Feb 3, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

HAVING ISSUES WITH MY TRUCK I THOUGHT MIGHT BE TRANSMISSION NOW THE DEALER SAYS IT IS A CAM SENSOR. THE TRUCK SPUTTERS AND STOPS CAUSING SEVERAL NEAR MISSES THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT THE DEALER WAS NOT BALE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10257339

5,000 miles · Jan 21, 2009
Power Train

MY FORD 2002 RANGER EDGE PICK UPS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS UNDER ACCELERATION SUCH AS TAKING OFF FROM A LIGHT OR MERGING ON INTO TRAFFIC. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR THAN NOT GO INTO GEAR LEAVING VEHICLE ON OF GEAR AND WITHOUT FORWARD MOTION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING ACROSS INTERCEPTIONS A…

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MY FORD 2002 RANGER EDGE PICK UPS AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILS TO SHIFT GEARS UNDER ACCELERATION SUCH AS TAKING OFF FROM A LIGHT OR MERGING ON INTO TRAFFIC. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT FROM ONE GEAR THAN NOT GO INTO GEAR LEAVING VEHICLE ON OF GEAR AND WITHOUT FORWARD MOTION. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS GETTING ACROSS INTERCEPTIONS AND ONTO THE HIGHWAY. HAVE TO REMOVE FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR FOR SEVERAL SECONDS FOR TRANSMISSION TO FIND A GEAR TO SHIFT INTO. FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS SOME SERVICE BULLETINS REGARDING SHIFTING ISSUES BUT FALL WAY SHORT OF CORRECTING THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS HAS AND IS AN ON GOING ISSUE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255872

97,000 miles · Dec 5, 2008
Power Train

I HAVE A 2002 FORD RANGER, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING REALLY HARD INTO SECOND GEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AND THE AIRBAG SWITCH WAS BAD.. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ …

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I HAVE A 2002 FORD RANGER, SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THEN THE O/D LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING REALLY HARD INTO SECOND GEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACED AND THE AIRBAG SWITCH WAS BAD.. FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS TYPE OF TRANSMISSION SINCE IT CAME OUT. IT IS A SEALED TRANSMISSION, IN THAT,THE FLUID CANT BE CHECKED. IT'S VERY POORLY DESIGNED AND FORD DOESN'T WANT TO DO A RECALL EVEN THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250839

88,066 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Power TrainFire

THE RIGHT REAR AXLE FLANGE SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE, NEARLY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT, STARTING A GREASE FIRE IN THE AXLE HOUSING, AND DAMAGED THE REAR BODY PANEL ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250354

26,500 miles · Nov 14, 2008
Power Train

AT APPROX. 26,500 MILES VEHICLE MADE POPPING/CLUNK SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY A JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN TURNING. ESPECIALLY SLOW TURNS AFTER MAKING A STOP. SOUND CAME FROM REAR END. 1 OR BOTH REAR TIRES WOULD BIND IN SLOW CORNERS AND SKID. FORD DEALER CONFIRMED BROKEN GEARS IN DIFFERENTIAL. 2002 RANGER EXT. CAB WITH MANUAL TRANS, 4…

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AT APPROX. 26,500 MILES VEHICLE MADE POPPING/CLUNK SOUND ACCOMPANIED BY A JERKING MOVEMENT WHEN TURNING. ESPECIALLY SLOW TURNS AFTER MAKING A STOP. SOUND CAME FROM REAR END. 1 OR BOTH REAR TIRES WOULD BIND IN SLOW CORNERS AND SKID. FORD DEALER CONFIRMED BROKEN GEARS IN DIFFERENTIAL. 2002 RANGER EXT. CAB WITH MANUAL TRANS, 4 CYL, 2WD. $1,650 TO REPAIR. FORD WILL NOT ASSIST IN PAYING FOR ANY PART OF THIS. EVIDENTLY FORD IS SATISFIED WITH THEIR BREAD AND BUTTER TRUCKS FAILING SO QUICKLY. THIS IS HOW THEY LOSE A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE, BY NOT STANDING BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES. TOO MANY REPORTS OF THIS FAILURE FOR IT NOT TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY FORD. VERY ANGRY, FORD, YOUR HUGE LOSSES ARE WELL DESERVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248820

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.