CarRecallDB

2002 Ford Ranger recalls and problems

3 recalls and 346 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Ranger.

3
recalls
346
owner complaints
43
complaints mentioning a crash
12
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford Ranger recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The 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.

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
The 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.

Power train: driveline, differential unit

NHTSA campaign 02V035000 · reported February 4, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,096 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Differential fractures could potentially result in wheel lock-up.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 2, 2025 · 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 !

Jan 17, 2024 · Vehicle speed control · 180,000 miles

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…

Nov 21, 2021 · Structure

Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.

Aug 26, 2021 · Air bags · 50,000 miles

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…

Jun 17, 2021 · Suspension

Rear shake bracket rusted off

Ranger model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 36708612
2001 4515629
2002 33464312
2003 12433711
2004 10405423
2005 9289235

Across all years, the 2000 Ranger has the most complaints (670). All Ford Ranger years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Ranger have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford Ranger, the most recent reported on October 13, 2009 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Ranger?
Owners have filed 346 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (61 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (51).
How many 2002 Ford Ranger complaints mention a crash or fire?
43 of 346 complaints report a crash and 12 a fire; 40 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 2, 2025.