NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 389 owner complaints for the 2002 Ford Ranger. Most complaints involve power train (71) and vehicle speed control (54). The EPA rates it 15–23 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Ranger model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 430 |
| 1997 | 427 |
| 1998 | 597 |
| 1999 | 785 |
| 2000 | 729 |
| 2001 | 558 |
| 2002 | 389 |
| 2003 | 243 |
| 2004 | 405 |
| 2005 | 289 |
| 2006 | 272 |
| 2007 | 270 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 169 |
| 2010 | 164 |
| 2011 | 235 |
| 2019 | 272 |
| 2020 | 130 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 19 |
| 2024 | 97 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-15 MPH, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. EBY FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 2714 ELKHART RD, GOSHEN, IN 46526, (574) 534-3673) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V035000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED REAR END LOCKED UP AND BLEW HOLES THROUGH THE COVER AND DESTROYED IT. *JB”
“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.”
“FRONT FRAME SPRING POCKETS ARE CRACKED.MAIN FRAME NEAR TRANSMISSION MOUNT BRACKET CRACKING,BACK REAR FRAME SPARE TIRE MOUNT GONE..MATEL MISSING NO BACK BUMMER.BOTH MAIN FRAME UNDER CAB ARE RUSTED STARTING TO CRUMBLE .”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 25 | 23 | $2,800 | 386 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Ranger 2WD FFV Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Ranger Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 5, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 389 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (71), vehicle speed control (54), structure (52). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2002 Ford Ranger at 15–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).