2002 Ford Ranger
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Ranger › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford Ranger. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 2002 Ford Ranger. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
346 complaints43 involved a crash12 involved a fire40 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels
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 !
- Vehicle speed control
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V399000 (Vehicle Speed…
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 NHTSA 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.
- Structure › Body
Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.
- Air bags
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 NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Rear shake bracket rusted off
- Structure › Body
Truck failed nh safety inspection 4/10/2021 due to badly rusted frame.
- Structure › Frame and members
2002 ford ranger. Consumer writes in regards to frame on ranger vehicle. *Ld *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
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
- Vehicle speed control
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.
- Unknown or other
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.
- Structure › Body
The frame has completely rusted out. The spare tire rusted off while driving. *tr
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
We are original owners of a 2002 ford ranger xlt now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because…
We are original owners of a 2002 ford ranger xlt now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because frame and frame components are severely rusted out. - severe rust on the entire frame including both cross members (engine and transmission), arm bolt points and control arms. - frame also has severe rust down both sides to rear bumper, rear axle and differental, leaf springs and all mounts. - the passenger side stearing knuckle IS delaminating. - all brake lines have failed while driving: first the rear brakes including all axle couplings and drum couplings; second the front brake lines failed at the disk brakes and rubber couplings. all brake tubes had to be replaced from the master cylinder to the wheels. - service manager IS worried about front cross member failing under the engine, middle cross member failing under the transmission and the gas tank brackets/straps. - the frame and members and mounts must be replaced; the rest of the vehicle IS mechanically sound. service manager said no repair was possible to frame rust IS so bad pictures can be provided and/or vehical inspected by nhtsa if desired. all brake lines and couplings performed around august 29, 2019.
- Air bags
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 ford dealer, st. Louis , mo.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Rear tire fell out onto road, rotted carrier , frame rotted at axle, cracked in half while driving on highway, rear end shifted, can know longer drive vehicle safely, had to buy new truck days later! Body in good shape, frame totally rotted! So many other complaints about same thing on google…
Rear tire fell out onto road, rotted carrier , frame rotted at axle, cracked in half while driving on highway, rear end shifted, can know longer drive vehicle safely, had to buy new truck days later! Body in good shape, frame totally rotted! So many other complaints about same thing on google search. toyota toyota had same thing, we called all their trucks and replaced all truck f we called all their trucks and replaced all truck frames frames, still to this day ford has not recognized a major problem with their frames!!! these vehicles are a major safety hazard on the road and a recall needs to happen !!
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
Transmission stuck in 4X4 low
- Structure › Body
Front frame spring pockets are cracked.main frame near transmission mount bracket cracking,back rear frame spare tire mount gone..matel missing no back bummer.both main frame under cab are rusted starting to crumble .
- Structure › Body
Frame IS rusting away. Front coil spring pockets cracking.frame near front control arms are rusted,and cracking.back frame spear tire bracket are gone.frame rusted back leaf spring shackels no matel frame for back bumper mount.
- Power train
Driving to work rear end locked up and exploded while driving. My head hit the steering wheel. There was a recall on 2002 ford ranger FX2 axle but only for manual transmission when research shows it does it on automatic ones to. Looked up recall documents and symptoms and everything was the exact same! I do have recall number 02s32. Had to be towed home...
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford ranger. While driving approximately 10-15 mph, the rear differential seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Eby ford lincoln (located at 2714 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, (574) 534-3673) was notified of the failure. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford ranger. While driving approximately 10-15 mph, the rear differential seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Eby ford lincoln (located at 2714 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, (574) 534-3673) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 02v035000 (power train). The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. *Tt consumer stated rear end locked up and blew holes through the cover and destroyed it. *Jb
- Seat belts
The seat belt on the driver side does not lock, and as a result it's causing the airbag light to go off and it flashes code number 46 as for the seat belt tensioner.
- Structure › Body
At the annual safety inspection it was determined that the rear frame has been perforated by rust. I was informed that this IS a common problem due to how the frame IS shaped where the spare tire attaches. An otherwise mechanically sound and solid vehicle IS no longer driveable.
- Power train
The vehicle occasionally rolls after being put in park. Told that the parking pawl may be defective creating a safety hazard due to the vehicle rolling in park.
- Power train
Cv joint problems
- Suspension · Unknown or other
Rear bumper and spare tire holder rotted off .. Rear shackles on both sides.. Gas tank straps and crossmember that holds it up... Now the frame has rotted in half right in middle of truck... Spare tire fell off while driving
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford ranger. On several occasions, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and braking ability. Using an obd diagnostic tool, the contact was unable to retrieve a fault code. The contact stated…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford ranger. On several occasions, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and braking ability. Using an obd diagnostic tool, the contact was unable to retrieve a fault code. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to allan vigil ford of fayetteville, inc (located at 275 glynn st n, fayetteville, ga 30214, (770) 461-1151) where it was diagnosed that the pcm needed to be flashed. The vehicle was serviced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10177863This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10021051Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10018746Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0L 2V gas and ffv engine.
- 10017923Service wiring harness replacement guidelines - service tips.
- 10017891Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4X4 or AWD.
- 10014165Aluminum corrosion - service tip.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014096Revised procedure for adjusting alignment on all suspensions - new right hand upper control arm design for torsion bar front suspensions.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013315High idle at cold start.
- 10013300Inside door pull handle loose - vehicles built before 11/15/2002 and equipped with power windows/door locks.
- 10013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
- 10013088Manual shift lever outer boot detachment - FX4 models equipped with manual transmission only.
- 10013075Engine timing service tools / service tip.
- 10011169Grabbing condition from rear drum brakes.
- 10011150Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0L SOHC engine.
- 10008608Equipped with a hard tonneau cover. * mj
- 10008587Driveshaft-thump/clunk heard on light acceleration from a stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10008586Thump/bump on acceleration from a stop or when braking from driveshaft area-4x2 automatic transmission super cab edge models only.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10008547Boom/vibration at 1800-2200 rpm, rough idle.
- 10008359Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c1233 & c1234 - replace anti-lock brake system euc.
- 10008351New tonneau cover lock cylinder retainer clips released for service.
- 10008329No start/no communication-contact request.
- 10008311Frame mounted front bumper brackets service kit.
- 10008307Vibration-engine vibration at idle-vehicles equipped with 3.0L engine-vehicles built before 11/26/2001 only.
- 10008305Noise-gear whine noise in 1ST and 2ND gear only-vehicles equipped with 5r55e transmission and 4.0L engine only.
- 10008304Engine-gear driven synchronizers-incorrect installation-camshaft position synchronizer (cmp) installation tool correct application.
- 10008280Thump/clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop on certain 4X4 super cab equipped with automatic transmission and steel driveshaft.
- 10008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. Additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.
- 10008223Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0171, p0172, p0174 or p0175.
- 10008154Bed extender component replacement service tip.
- 10008153Inoperable latches, locks and/or lift struts on vehicles equipped with a hard tonneau cover.
- 10008146Tool kit contains the timing peg used to lock the crankshaft in place when performing crankshaft pulley or engine timing service.
Every Ford Ranger model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.