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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
72,000 miles · Jan 6, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK STRAP TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000, UPDATED 02/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUB FRAME WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL TANK STRAP TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000, UPDATED 02/11/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRAME ROTTED WHERE THE FUEL TANK STRAP FAILED, CAUSING THE TANK TO HANG LOWER THAN IT SHOULD. IT WAS HOLDING BY ONE STRAP. THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FRAME. UPDATED 02/12/14

NHTSA ODI #10558691

74,000 miles · Dec 20, 2013
Power Train

THIS IS THE SECOND RANGER I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE GEARS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ARE GRINDING AND THE PINS ARE LOOSE. I HAD SHOP TAKE OFF REAR DIFF COVER AND THEY VERIFIED METAL SHAVINGS/SHARDS IN OIL AND LOOSE DIFFERENTIAL PINS. IF THE PINS/GEARS LOCK UP THE REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK UP AND CAUSE WRECK. THERE I…

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THIS IS THE SECOND RANGER I HAVE OWNED THAT HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. THE GEARS IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ARE GRINDING AND THE PINS ARE LOOSE. I HAD SHOP TAKE OFF REAR DIFF COVER AND THEY VERIFIED METAL SHAVINGS/SHARDS IN OIL AND LOOSE DIFFERENTIAL PINS. IF THE PINS/GEARS LOCK UP THE REAR WHEELS COULD LOCK UP AND CAUSE WRECK. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE THIS ISSUE FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODEL RANGERS BUT NOT AUTO TRANSMISSION MODELS. LOOK AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM AND YOU WILL SEE OTHERS WHO HAVE SAME ISSUE WITH AUTO TRANS MODELS (I AM SURE OTHER SOURCES HAVE SAME COMPLAINTS). LOOKS LIKE SAME PARTS WERE USED IN BOTH MODELS BUT ONLY ONE WAS RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556861

130,000 miles · Oct 29, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER FRACTURED, CAUSING THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE BED WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILUR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER FRACTURED, CAUSING THE TIRE TO DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE BED WAS CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10550027

41,123 miles · Sep 4, 2013
Suspension

TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC BECAUSE OF TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. MECHANIC REPLACED BUSHINGS AND SUPPORT RODS ON BOTH SIDES BUT THE TAPPING NOISE PERSISTED. AFTER RETURNING TO THE REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT THAT THE BOOTS ON ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD ROTTED OUT AND APPARENTLY LED TO PREMATURE FAILURE …

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TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC BECAUSE OF TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM FRONT END. MECHANIC REPLACED BUSHINGS AND SUPPORT RODS ON BOTH SIDES BUT THE TAPPING NOISE PERSISTED. AFTER RETURNING TO THE REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT THAT THE BOOTS ON ALL UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAD ROTTED OUT AND APPARENTLY LED TO PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BALL JOINTS. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW, KEPT IN A GARAGE AND HAS HAD MINIMAL USE OF ONLY 10,000 MILES OVER ELEVEN YEARS, THE MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NO OTHER EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THEY NEED REPLACEMENT AFTER SUCH LOW MILEAGE. I'VE ALREADY SPENT $242 FOR THE BUSHINGS AND RODS. NOW, IT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S GOING TO COST ANOTHER $1000 TO REPLACE THE FAULTY BALL JOINTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10541934

44,000 miles · Aug 28, 2013
Tires

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RADIAL (P) TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER RADIAL (P) TIRES, SIZE P235/75R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES HAD BUBBLES ON THE SIDEWALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH ANOTHER SET OF THE SAME TIRES. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A WEEK LATER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10537780

171,000 miles · Jul 25, 2013
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING FLUIDS, HE DISCOVERED A BROKEN SHOCK ON THE REAR AXLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THE FRONT SHOCK TOWER MOUNTS AND THE FRAME WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHANGING FLUIDS, HE DISCOVERED A BROKEN SHOCK ON THE REAR AXLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THE FRONT SHOCK TOWER MOUNTS AND THE FRAME WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

NHTSA ODI #10531816

158,000 miles · May 31, 2013
StructureSuspension

WHEN PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY, I HEARD A LOUD CRACK FROM THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. AFTER INSPECTION, THE REAR FRAME HAD RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE THE LEAF SPRING MOUNT DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED WHILE HAULING A LOAD, OR PULLING A TRAILER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT COULD HAVE LED TO A CRASH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514495

153,000 miles · Apr 2, 2013
StructureSuspension

MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED DESPITE THE BODY, ENGINE AND INTERIOR BEING IN GOOD SHAPE. MY SPARE TIRE MOUNT ROTTED AND THE SPARE FELL OFF. ONE OF THE CROSSMEMBERS THAT HELD THE EVAP CANISTER COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AS I WAS DRIVING STAYING ATTACHED ONLY BY THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY SEVERE…

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MY FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED DESPITE THE BODY, ENGINE AND INTERIOR BEING IN GOOD SHAPE. MY SPARE TIRE MOUNT ROTTED AND THE SPARE FELL OFF. ONE OF THE CROSSMEMBERS THAT HELD THE EVAP CANISTER COMPLETELY BROKE OFF AS I WAS DRIVING STAYING ATTACHED ONLY BY THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR. THE FRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE COMPLETELY SEVERED JUST FORWARD OF THE AXLE. THE LEAF SPRING IS THE ONLY THING HOLDING IT TOGETHER AND THOSE SHACKLES LOOK LIKE THEY'RE READY TO GO. FORD SUCKS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505310

67,000 miles · Mar 24, 2013
StructureSuspension

I NOTICED MY VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT SAG TO IT SO I TOOK IT IN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, THE MECHANIC GAVE ME HORRIFYING NEWS, STATING MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FRAME BEING EXCESSIVE ROTTED OUT, HE SHOWED MY WHERE THE SPARE TIRE WAS BEING HELD ON THE RUST HAD EATEN AWAY THE SUPPORT AND SAID I WAS LUCK NOT TO LOSE THE …

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I NOTICED MY VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT SAG TO IT SO I TOOK IT IN TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP, THE MECHANIC GAVE ME HORRIFYING NEWS, STATING MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE FRAME BEING EXCESSIVE ROTTED OUT, HE SHOWED MY WHERE THE SPARE TIRE WAS BEING HELD ON THE RUST HAD EATEN AWAY THE SUPPORT AND SAID I WAS LUCK NOT TO LOSE THE SPARE ON THE HIGHWAY. ALSO THE GAS TANK SUPPORTS WERE COMPLETELY GONE. THE TRUCK HAS 67K MILES. THE OUTSIDE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL AND CLEAN YOU WOULD NEVER TELL BY LOOKING AT THE TRUCK THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS ROTTED. I FIND IT ABSURD THAT A TRUCK WELL TAKEN CARE HAS TURNED TO THIS... THE MECHANIC SAID THE ONLY WAY TO FIX THIS IS TO REPLACE THE FRAME, WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE, SO I'M LEFT WITH A UNSAFE PILE OF RUSTED METAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504299

100,000 miles · Jan 24, 2013
Structure

SPARE TIRE MOUNT FELL OFF TRUCK GOING 50 MPH. COULD HAVE KILLED SOME ONE. MOUNTS WERE TOTALLY RUSTED OFF. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD TO WELD FRAME SEVERAL TIMES TO PASS INSPECTION. FRAME IS NOT GOING TO PASS AGAIN THIS YEAR ON A TRUCK WITH GREAT ENGINE, TIRES, BRAKES, ETC. LAND FILL HERE WE COME. SOMETHING WAS VERY WRONG WITH THE STEEL…

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SPARE TIRE MOUNT FELL OFF TRUCK GOING 50 MPH. COULD HAVE KILLED SOME ONE. MOUNTS WERE TOTALLY RUSTED OFF. SINCE THEN HAVE HAD TO WELD FRAME SEVERAL TIMES TO PASS INSPECTION. FRAME IS NOT GOING TO PASS AGAIN THIS YEAR ON A TRUCK WITH GREAT ENGINE, TIRES, BRAKES, ETC. LAND FILL HERE WE COME. SOMETHING WAS VERY WRONG WITH THE STEEL USED IN THIS FRAME. THERE IS NOTHING LEFT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10494533

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.