2002 Ford Ranger problems
Owners have filed 449 complaints about the 2002 Ford Ranger with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 14.3% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of vehicle speed control at 11.4%.
Complaints449
Crashes53
Fires17
Injuries46
Deaths2
What owners report breaking
Power train 14.3% · 64
Vehicle speed control 11.4% · 51
Structure 10.9% · 49
Engine and engine cooling 8.9% · 40
Air bags 8.5% · 38
Suspension 8.0% · 36
Tires 6.5% · 29
Service brakes, hydraulic 4.7% · 21
Severity
Of those complaints, 53 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire, 46 report an injury and 2 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 26 model years of the Ford Ranger in this data, 2002 sits 10th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 23 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 57,000 miles.
In owners' own words
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 · reported at 100,000 miles
Transmission in 2002 Ford Ranger is a piece of junk,my transmission has done it all,failed completly with only 12,000 miles,then the dealer gets it and the parts changers,not mechanics don't change enough parts(left torque converter full of garbage) I was a Ford man for years now I will never ever buy another piece of Ford junk!!!!! Power train
A loud knocking and grinding noise was head coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed determined that front driver's side and passenger's side axles/tires, and other parts needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that problem recurred. Power train
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…