VehicleVerdict

2002 Ford Ranger transmission problems

The 2002 Ford Ranger has 64 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 14% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

64

Transmission complaints

14%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

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

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2002 Ford Ranger have?

NHTSA has 64 complaints about the 2002 Ford Ranger transmission — 14% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Ford Ranger transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 02V035000.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.