Vehicles / Ford / Ranger / 2002

2002 Ford Ranger

346 federal complaints (449 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 127 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 40 model years of the Ford Ranger →
Engine
3.0L 6-cyl
Fuel
Gasoline Or E85
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
346
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Power train
64
Speed control
51
Body & structure
49
Engine & cooling
46
Air bags
38
Suspension
36
Tires
29
Brakes
23
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 52 complaints01 years old: 41 complaints2 years old: 32 complaints3 years old: 16 complaints4 years old: 15 complaints5 years old: 33 complaints56 years old: 18 complaints7 years old: 14 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 13 complaints10 years old: 7 complaints1011 years old: 13 complaints12 years old: 16 complaints13 years old: 13 complaints14 years old: 10 complaints15 years old: 5 complaints1516 years old: 6 complaints17 years old: 3 complaints18 years old: 5 complaints19 years old: 5 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 325 of 346 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 38 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 34 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 41 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 23 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 26 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 19 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 10 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 13 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 6 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 4 complaints200,000+ miles: 3 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 217 of 346 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Power train

64 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"WHILE SHIFTING AND DECELERATING THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE. THE DEALER DENIED ANY PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Speed control

51 complaint records3 fire reports6 crash reports
"2002 FORD RANGER SPEED CONTROL RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPAIRED DUE TO THE LACK OF PARTS. HE STATES THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WILL BE IN. *KB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse speed control parts in the directory →

Body & structure

49 complaint records1 crash report
"WE, IN GOOD FAITH, PURCHASED A NEW 2002 FORD RANGER, EDGE EDITION FROM YOUR ROBSTOWN TEXAS DEALERSHIP ON 7/12/2002. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse body & structure parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
09V399000Vehicle Speed ControlFORD 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...Normally free
07V336000Vehicle Speed ControlON 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.Normally free
02V035000Power TrainON 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...Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2009292
2009-10-14
Other492,877On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation.
2007258
2007-08-07
Electrical165,447On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28).
2002017
2002-01-31
Powertrain78Certain 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...

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB 20-2233
Jul 2020
StructureThis 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.
TSB 19-2026
Feb 2019
StructureSome 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.
06116
Jan 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPOSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TT
052212
Nov 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingBUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TT
042421
Jun 2005
Seat BeltsSAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
04147
Jun 2005
Electrical SystemSERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
030508
Apr 2005
Power TrainFRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT
0513
Jan 2005
EquipmentINSIDE DOOR PULL HANDLE LOOSE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/15/2002 AND EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS/DOOR LOCKS. *TT
18375
Jan 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingHIGH IDLE AT COLD START. *TT
04251
Dec 2004
StructureALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
042107
Dec 2004
Power TrainGENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
042419
Dec 2004
SuspensionREVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT
04237
Nov 2004
Power TrainDRIVESHAFT THUMP CLUNK ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *EH
04217
Nov 2004
Power TrainGENERAL POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
041610
Sep 2004
Service BrakesGRABBING CONDITION FROM REAR DRUM BRAKES. *AR *TT
04174
Sep 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
020801
Aug 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE FROM PRIMARY CHAIN DRIVE AREA 2000-3000 RPM - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE. *TT
04111
Jun 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED 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. *TT
02M01
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingCUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6. *TT
0486
May 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingBOOM/VIBRATION AT 1800-2200 RPM, ROUGH IDLE. *TT
17777
May 2004
SuspensionREAR LEAF SPRING NOISE. *TT
17718
Apr 2004
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0171, P0172, P0174 OR P0175. *TT
17604
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLING SYSTEM FAN NOISE WHEN COLD. *TT
0369
Feb 2004
Electrical SystemSAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) B1877 AND/OR B1881. *TT
0415
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingLOWER ENGINE OIL LEAKS 3.0L 2V VULCAN ENGINE. DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT
03223
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY. *TT
17490
Jan 2004
TiresEXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE HEAL AND TOE WEAR AT LOW MILEAGE. ON GOODYEAR P245/75R16 TIRES. *TT
03231
Nov 2003
StructureINOPERABLE LATCHES, LOCKS AND/OR LIFT STRUTS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HARD TONNEAU COVER. *TT
03235
Nov 2003
StructureBED EXTENDER COMPONENT REPLACEMENT SERVICE TIP. *TT
02138
Nov 2003
Power TrainLOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT), SLIPPING SHIFTS AND / OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS WITH POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0732, P0733, P1762 SET ON VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/1/2001. *TT
03203
Oct 2003
Electrical SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457 OR P1442 OR A CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DTC P0457 FOR THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM. *TT
17254
Oct 2003
SteeringCLICKING/POPPING NOISE FROM UPPER STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING. 2004 E SERIES AND EXPLORER SPORT TRAC ALSO INCLUDED. *TT
17255
Oct 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHARD START/LONG CRANK WHEN COLD OR STUMBLES/SURGES DURING DRIVE-AWAY. POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171, AND P0174 OR P0172 AND P0175. *TT
03181
Sep 2003
Electrical SystemREMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
17127
Sep 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION WHINE IN 5TH GEAR. *TT
17198
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingWEAR-THROUGH CONDITION ON THE ABRASION SLEEVE OF THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE NEAR THE AIR CONDITIONING ACCUMULATOR OR TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK. *TT
17221
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSPARK KNOCK, DETONATION, OR PING CONDITION ON TIP-IN OR DURING STEADY STATE OPERATION AT OR NEAR WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. *TT
17227
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingACCESSORY DRIVE BELT NOISE ON 3.0L VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/18/2003. *TT
17234
Sep 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE OIL LEAKS FROM THE FILTER AREA ON VEHICLES WITH A 3.0L 2-VALVE ENGINE. *TT
03148
Jul 2003
Power TrainNEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
16889
Jun 2003
Electrical SystemAN RCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1881, B1882, OR B1883. *TT
0393
May 2003
Power TrainBUZZ/HOWL IN THE TRANSFER CASE SHIFT LEVER WHILE DRIVING, AND/OR SHIFT LEVER BOOT DETACHMENT DUE TO INSUFFICIENT RETENTION OF THE BOOT(S). *TT
0394
May 2003
Service BrakesPULL TO RIGHT OR LEFT CONDITION WHILE BRAKING ON 4.2 (NON-EDGE) COIL SPRING EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *TT
0398
May 2003
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
16743
Apr 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLANT LEAK DUE TO A BROKEN RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP(S). *TT
0361
Mar 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH OR WITHOUT ROUGH RUNNING, LACK OF POWER, SURGE OR POOR FUEL ECONOMY WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0401, P0402, P1400, P1401. *TT *JB
0369
Mar 2003
Seat BeltsDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1877 AND/OR B1881 INDICATING A HIGH RESISTANCE IN THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT. *TT *JB
0358
Mar 2003
Power TrainFLUID MAY LEAK OUT OF THE FRONT AXLE VENT TUBE. *TT *JB
0332
Feb 2003
Power TrainTHUMP TYPE NOISE/VIBRATION HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TT
0335
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingIDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT
0322
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSTREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401, OR RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY, AND THE ABOVE LISTED DTCS WITHOUT MIL. *TT
0327
Feb 2003
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC) B1877 (DRIVER PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT RESISTANCE HIGH) AND/OR B1881 (PASSENGER PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT RESISTANCE HIGH), INDICATING A HIGH RESISTANCE IN THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER CIRCUIT. *TT
16610
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingNO START, NO COMMUNICATION WITH POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) USING WDS/NGS OR A MISS/BUCK/JERK WHILE DRIVING. *TT
16626
Feb 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingHESITATION OR SURGE CONDITION DURING CRUISE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON. *TT
030302
Feb 2003
Power TrainDRIVESHAFT - THUMP/CLUNK HEARD ON LIGHT ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN BRAKING AND COMING TO A STOP. *TT
03048
Jan 2003
Power TrainTHUMP/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. *TT
16510
Jan 2003
TiresP225/70R15 FIRESTONE WILDERNESS HT TIRE MAY EXHIBIT EXCESSIVE TIRE CUPPING/FEATHERING ON THE OUTSIDE EDGES OF THE FRONT TIRES. OASIS. *TT
16461
Dec 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingTOOL KIT CONTAINS THE TIMING PEG USED TO LOCK THE CRANKSHAFT IN PLACE WHEN PERFORMING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY OR ENGINE TIMING SERVICE. *TT
0258
Nov 2002
Power TrainINOPERATIVE OR INACURRATE SPEEDOMETER, 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATD, AND / OR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1635 OR P1639. *TT
02232
Nov 2002
StructureFRAME MOUNTED FRONT BUMPER BRACKETS SERVICE KIT. *TT

Showing 60 of 127 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  2. Test the throttle response and the cruise control on an open road.A surge, a hang in engine speed after lifting off, or cruise that will not set or cancel cleanly are the speed-control complaints on this vehicle.
  3. Walk the body slowly in daylight.Panel gaps, rust at the rockers and wheel arches, and cracked trim are this vehicle's structure complaints. Open and close the liftgate or trunk and look at the latch area.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Ford Ranger →