Steel rim came apart while adding air to tire causing severe injuries to hands leg and foot only 20 psi in tire pressure when rim blew apart !
The worst 2002 Ford Ranger problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission61
- Acceleration51
- Body49
- Engine45
- Airbags37
- Suspension36
- Tires29
- Brakes23
- Electrical17
- Fuel system17
- Seat belts16
- Lights10
- Steering8
- Visibility7
- Wheels5
- Locks4
- Seats2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Ford Ranger
No deployment 15Adaptive cruise 12Stalling 12Grinding brakes 11Airbag light 10Fire or smoke 10Harsh shifting 8Sudden acceleration 8ABS 7Jerking 7Ball joint 6Tire blowout 5
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 02V035000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Ford Ranger 128
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected
- Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit...
- Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt. kb
- Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service...
- Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 RPM - no DTC - 3.0L 2V gas and ffv engine. tt
- Safety belt retraction speed. tt
- Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips. tt
- Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD. tt
- Inside door pull handle loose - vehicles built before 11/15/2002 and equipped with power windows/door...
- High idle at cold start. tt
2002 Ford Ranger fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18-21 | 23-25 | 20-23 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-17 | 20-21 | 17-18 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15-16 | 20 | 17 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-16 | 17-20 | 16-17 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 17-18 | 15 |
What 2002 Ford Ranger owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and attempting to switch lanes, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was taken to three separate independent mechanics to be diagnosed. After each diagnostic test, the contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. Neither the dealer nor the independent mechanic was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Rear shake bracket rusted off
Truck failed nh safety inspection 4/10/2021 due to badly rusted frame.
2002 ford ranger. Consumer writes in regards to frame on ranger vehicle. *ld
While pulling up to a security gate when I applied the brakes the vehicle accelerated. And I ran into the gate. I could not stop. Don't know why this happened
Recently my truck unintentionally accelerated as I was backing up in driveway causing an accident. When I picked up truck after collision repair, it suddenly accelerated on highway causing it to fish-tail our of control and nearly causing another accident.
The rear strap that holds the fuel tank is hanging down. On closer inspection, the mount that is connected/part of the frame has completely corroded and is now missing. I only noticed the problem when the "check fuel cap" and I started to try and locate the problem.
Compare the 2002 Ford Ranger
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Other model years
199019911992199319941995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120142016201720192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2002 Ford Ranger
Is the 2002 Ford Ranger reliable?
Owners have filed 346 complaints about the 2002 Ford Ranger, 1.5 times a typical Ranger model year.
What is the 2002 Ford Ranger year score?
The 2002 Ford Ranger scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford Ranger: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Ranger?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 61 complaints, typically around 51,000 miles. Next is acceleration (51).
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Ranger have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and power train.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Ford Ranger transmission?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V035000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Ranger have bad transmission?
The Ford Ranger model years with the most transmission complaints are 2019 (92 complaints), 2000 (69 complaints) and 1999 (67 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Ranger get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Ford Ranger range from 15 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.3L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18-21 city and 23-25 highway.
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