2002 Ford Ranger recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Ranger has 3 safety recalls and 346 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
346
Crashes / fires
43 / 12
Injuries / deaths
40 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford Ranger vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford Ranger recalls

Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 02V-035: Power Train

Reported Feb 4, 2002 · 1,096 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 Ford Ranger problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train64
Vehicle Speed Control51
Structure49
Engine and Engine Cooling40
Air Bags38
Suspension36
Tires29
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Electrical System18
Seat Belts17
Unknown or Other14
Fuel System, Gasoline13

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 23
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 16
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 12
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
  • Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 9
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 9
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 9

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford Ranger complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Wheels · reported Aug 2, 2025
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 · at 180,000 miles · reported Jan 17, 2024
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…
Structure · reported Nov 21, 2021
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 · at 50,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2021
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 145,000 miles · reported Sep 8, 2020
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

Other Ford Ranger years

Compare all Ford Ranger years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Ranger: 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 07V-336 (vehicle speed control), 02V-035 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Ranger?

Owners report power train problems most often (64 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (51). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.