The vehicle dossier US · 2002

2002 Ford
RANGERProblems & recalls

346 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Other components appears in 134 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 346 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Other components134 reports
Transmission & drivetrain61 reports
Body & structure49 reports
Engine45 reports
Air bags37 reports
Suspension36 reports
Brakes22 reports
Fuel system17 reports
Electrical system17 reports
Steering8 reports
Visibility7 reports
See original component labels
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL45
SUSPENSION28
STRUCTURE:BODY23
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION19
TIRES19
AIR BAGS17
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL16
UNKNOWN OR OTHER14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE12
POWER TRAIN12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE10
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT9
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS9
SEAT BELTS9
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP7
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY6
TIRES:TREAD/BELT6
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY6
ENGINE6
WHEELS5
EQUIPMENT5
STEERING5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC5
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE5
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM3
INTERIOR LIGHTING3
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT3
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE3
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE3
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY3
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS3
STRUCTURE3
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY2
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
SUSPENSION:REAR2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL2
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER1
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM1
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS1
AIR BAGS:ON-OFF SWITCH ASSEMBLY1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
PARKING BRAKE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:FUEL RAIL1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY1
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
SEATS1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Aug 2, 2025
Mileage, where supplied

55,700 miles is the median among 220 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 26,502–99,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

7 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Oct 13, 2009 Safety recallVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 09V399000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 09S09

Read campaign 09V399000 at NHTSA
May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Aug 3, 2007 Safety recallVEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 07V336000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: 05S28

Read campaign 07V336000 at NHTSA
Jul 17, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E065000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 06E065000 at NHTSA
May 24, 2006 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 06E049000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 06E049000 at NHTSA
Feb 4, 2002 Safety recallPOWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNITCampaign 02V035000

Reported concern

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.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Read campaign 02V035000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

128 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Jul 13, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 20-2233This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or pee…NHTSA ID 10177863

This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10177863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10156863

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: EQUIPMENT · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10156863 at NHTSA
Feb 7, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB 19-2026Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is re…NHTSA ID 10155551

Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition

Components: STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10155551 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2006 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions06116POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TTNHTSA ID 10020173

POSSIBLE ENGINE DAMAGE - INSTALL SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS PRIOR TO REMOVING CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10020173 at NHTSA
Nov 14, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions052212BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TTNHTSA ID 10018746

BUCK/JERK AND MISS DURING DRIVE CYCLE ABOVE 3000 RPM - NO DTC - 3.0L 2V GAS AND FFV ENGINE. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10018746 at NHTSA
Jun 7, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions042421SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TTNHTSA ID 10014138

SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT

Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014138 at NHTSA
Jun 1, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04147SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TTNHTSA ID 10017923

SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10017923 at NHTSA
Apr 1, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions030508FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TTNHTSA ID 10017891

FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM VENT TUBE - VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4X4 OR AWD. *TT

Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10017891 at NHTSA
Jan 24, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions0513INSIDE DOOR PULL HANDLE LOOSE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/15/2002 AND EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS/DOOR LOCKS. *TTNHTSA ID 10013300

INSIDE DOOR PULL HANDLE LOOSE - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/15/2002 AND EQUIPPED WITH POWER WINDOWS/DOOR LOCKS. *TT

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10013300 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2005 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions18375HIGH IDLE AT COLD START. *TTNHTSA ID 10013315

HIGH IDLE AT COLD START. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10013315 at NHTSA
Dec 27, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions04251ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TTNHTSA ID 10014165

ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

Components: STRUCTURE:BODY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014165 at NHTSA
Dec 13, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions042419REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TTNHTSA ID 10014096

REVISED PROCEDURE FOR ADJUSTING ALIGNMENT ON ALL SUSPENSIONS - NEW RIGHT HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM DESIGN FOR TORSION BAR FRONT SUSPENSIONS. *TT

Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10014096 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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