2002 Ford Ranger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 449 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Ranger year — the 2002 model ranks #10 of 42 Ranger years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 46 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (64), speed control (51), and body & structure (49), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

449

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Ranger years?

Ranger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Ranger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Ford Ranger problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Transmission	64	14%	— flat
Speed Control	51	11%	— flat
Body & Structure	49	11%	▼ down
Engine	46	10%	▲ up
Airbags	38	8%	▼ down
Suspension	36	8%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	34	8%	▼ down
Brakes	24	5%	▼ down
Other	22	5%	— flat
Electrical System	19	4%	— flat
Seat Belts	17	4%	▼ down
Fuel System	17	4%	▼ down
Lighting	10	2%	— flat
Steering	8	2%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	7	2%	▲ up
Latches & Locks	4	1%	— flat
Seats	2	0%	▼ down
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

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

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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

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

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.

06E065000LightingJuly 17, 2006 · 3,593 units

Defect

CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

AJ MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AJ MOTORSPORT AT 626-618-2026.

06E049000LightingMay 24, 2006 · 27,176 units

Defect

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

02V035000TransmissionFebruary 4, 2002 · 1,096 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 25, 2008 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007, THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT CALLED FORD TO HAVE HIS VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE FIRE; HOWEVER, THE RECALL…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 7, 2007 · fire

“MY SON WAS TRAVELING ON A 4 LANE STATE HWY AT ABOUT 65 MPH IN THE OUTSIDE LANE WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACK TIRE FLEW OFF. HE SAID ALL HE REMEMBERS WAS THAT THE TRUCKS REAR DROPPED ON THAT SIDE, SPINNING THE TRUCK TO FACE THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, AND CAUSING IT TO ROLLOVER NUMEROUS TIMES UNTIL IT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 21, 2008 · crash

“I OWNED A 2002 FORD RANGER WITH 45,000 MILES ON IT. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IT AND CAME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION AFTER EXITING AN EXPRESSWAY. BLACK SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WITHIN 10 MINUTES, THE TRUCKS ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND COCKPIT WERE COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 6, 2006 · fire

“HARD FRONT END COLLISION WITH TELEPHONE POLE. ICE ON ROAD. TOTAL DAMAGE, VEHICLE STATUS IS SCRAP. DRIVER INJURY. HEAD AND JAW. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS SECOND FRONT COLLISION. FIRST COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. STRUCK BY WRONG WAY DRIVER. $3400 DAMAGE. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPAIRS AT…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 31, 2019 · crash

2002 Ford Ranger — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford Ranger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 449 complaints put the 2002 model at #10 of 42 Ranger years. It is one of the Ranger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Ranger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (64 complaints), speed control (51 complaints), body & structure (49 complaints).

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Ford Ranger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford Ranger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ranger years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 1996, 1994, 2004, 1995, 2002, 2005, 2019, 2008, 2006, 2003, 2007, 1993, 2011, 2020. The cleanest record among Ranger years belongs to 2017.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2002 compare to other Ranger years?

What are the most common 2002 Ford Ranger problems?

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2002 Ford Ranger — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford Ranger reliable?

What are the most common 2002 Ranger problems?

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have recalls?

Which Ford Ranger years should you avoid?

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