2002 FORD RANGER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

449

Owner Complaints

53 Crashes 17 Fires 2 Deaths

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

24

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2002 FORD RANGER

The 2002 FORD RANGER has received a total of 449 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Vehicle Speed Control (45 complaints), Suspension (28 complaints), and Structurebody (23 complaints).

Recalls for the 2002 FORD RANGER

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2002 FORD RANGER, potentially affecting up to 8,190,675 vehicles.

Recall 09V399000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 4,500,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 09E012000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 16,270 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 07V336000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 3,600,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 06E065000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 3,593 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E049000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 27,176 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 02V035000 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

| 1,096 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2002 FORD RANGER

449 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 FORD RANGER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 45 6 Crashes 2 Fires
Suspension
Complaints: 28
Structurebody
Complaints: 23
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 19
Tires
Complaints: 19 6 Crashes 5 Injuries
Air Bags
Complaints: 17 7 Crashes 1 Fire 15 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 16 15 Crashes 13 Injuries
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 13 3 Fires
Electrical System
Complaints: 12 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 12 1 Crash
Power Train
Complaints: 12
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 10
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 9
Seat Belts
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 9 1 Crash 1 Injury
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 9
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 7 1 Crash 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 6
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Equipment
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Steering
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Death
Wheels
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 4
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 4
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 3
Structure
Complaints: 3
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 3
Tirestemporaryemergency Spare Tire
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 2
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2
Visibilityglass Siderear
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuel System Dieselstoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systemfuel Rail
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblymounting
Complaints: 1
Parking Brake
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrumshoeslinings
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Steeringcolumn Lockinganti Theft Device
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Steeringlinkagesknucklespindlearm
Complaints: 1 2 Injuries
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearaxlenon Powered Axle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11677978 | WHEELS | | N/A miles 1 Injury
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 !
#11566008 | 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 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.
#11441221 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.
#11430656 | 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 to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
#11421242 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | N/A miles
Rear shake bracket rusted off

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Safety Rating for the 2002 FORD RANGER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2002 FORD RANGER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2002 FORD RANGER

Ford Motor Company has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2002 FORD RANGER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

17604 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

COOLING SYSTEM FAN NOISE WHEN COLD. *TT

17127 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION WHINE IN 5TH GEAR. *TT

17227 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT NOISE ON 3.0L VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 9/18/2003. *TT

16743 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

COOLANT LEAK DUE TO A BROKEN RADIATOR HOSE CLAMP(S). *TT

16626 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

HESITATION OR SURGE CONDITION DURING CRUISE WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON. *TT

03048 — POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

THUMP/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

02232 — STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

FRAME MOUNTED FRONT BUMPER BRACKETS SERVICE KIT. *TT

02224 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VIBRATION-ENGINE VIBRATION AT IDLE-VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3.0L ENGINE-VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/26/2001 ONLY. *MJ

022110 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

MANUAL SHIFT LEVER OUTER BOOT DETACHMENT - FX4 MODELS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION ONLY. *TT

16091 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.0L EFI (NON-FFV) ENGINE, MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE QUIT CONDITION UPON DECELERATION AND / OR AT A STOP. *TT

Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2002 FORD RANGER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the FORD RANGER

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Other FORD Models

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