2002 Ford Ranger Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Ford Ranger, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance5111.9%
- Body & structure4911.4%
- Engine4510.5%
- Airbags378.6%
- Suspension368.4%
- Transmission327.5%
- Tires & wheels307.0%
- Powertrain (other)296.8%
- Brakes245.6%
- Electrical184.2%
- Fuel system174.0%
- Seat belts163.7%
- Other / unspecified133.0%
- Interior & seats92.1%
- Steering81.9%
- Visibility71.6%
- Exterior lighting61.4%
- Heating & air conditioning10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
RECENTLY MY TRUCK UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AS I WAS BACKING UP IN DRIVEWAY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I PICKED UP TRUCK AFTER COLLISION REPAIR, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON HIGHWAY CAUSING IT TO FISH-TAIL OUR OF CONTROL AND NEARLY CAUSING ANOTHER ACCIDENT.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Extreme rusting of the entire frame and underside steel components. Attachments are rusting to the point of failure and falling off the vehicle.
Rear shake bracket rusted off
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON HWY 79FROM PALISTINE TX TO JACKSONVILLE TX THURSDAY 7/11/2016 WHEN WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED FIRE UNDER THE HOOD I TRIED TO POOR WATER ON IT ALL IT DID WAS JUST GET WORSE AND OUR TRUCK ALL MY WORK TOOLS MY LIVELY HOOD BLEW UP.
ENGINE ERROR CODE P303 DISPLAYED AND ENGINE MISSING ON THAT CYLINDER. FORD TSB 05-26-3 STATES HEAD REPLACEMENT NECESSARY TO CORRECT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A GENERIC ISSUE WITH THE 3.0 LITER VULCAN ENGINES,. CAR WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION UNTIL THIS IS REPAIRED.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
HARD FRONT END COLLISION WITH TELEPHONE POLE. ICE ON ROAD. TOTAL DAMAGE, VEHICLE STATUS IS SCRAP. DRIVER INJURY. HEAD AND JAW. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THIS IS SECOND FRONT COLLISION. FIRST COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. STRUCK BY WRONG WAY DRIVER. $3400 DAMAGE. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. REPAIRS AT FORD DEALER, ST. LOUIS , MO.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Rear shake bracket rusted off
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2002 FORD RANGER XLT NOW WITH 57,000 HIGHWAY MILES, ALWAYS GARAGED/WASHED/MAINTAINED, LITTLE DRIVING IN WINTER (MOSTLY IN SUMMER), ALWAYS FORD MAINTAINED/SERVICED AT SAME DEALERSHIP, BODY/ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IN GREAT SHAPE, WILL LIKELY FAIL INSPECTION THIS SPING BECAUSE FRAME AND FRAME COMPONENTS ARE SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. - SEVERE RUST ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INCLUDING BOTH CROSS MEMBERS (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION), ARM BOLT POINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. - FRAME ALSO HAS SEVERE RUST DOWN BOTH SIDES TO REAR BUMPER, REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTAL, LEAF SPRINGS AND ALL MOUNTS. - THE PASSENGER SIDE STEARING KNUCKLE IS DELAMINATING. - ALL BRAKE LINES HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING: FIRST THE REAR BRAKES INCLUDING ALL AXLE COUPLINGS AND DRUM COUPLINGS; SECOND THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FAILED AT THE DISK BRAKES AND RUBBER COUPLINGS. ALL BRAKE TUBES HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE WHEELS. - SERVICE MANAGER IS WORRIED ABOUT FRONT CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE ENGINE, MIDDLE CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GAS TANK BRACKETS/STRAPS. - THE FRAME AND MEMBERS AND MOUNTS MUST BE REPLACED; THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY SOUND. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NO REPAIR WAS POSSIBLE TO FRAME RUST IS SO BAD PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED AND/OR VEHICAL INSPECTED BY NHTSA IF DESIRED. ALL BRAKE LINES AND COUPLINGS PERFORMED AROUND AUGUST 29, 2019.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE MAKING A TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO LOST POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY AND BRAKING ABILITY. USING AN OBD DIAGNOSTIC TOOL, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALLAN VIGIL FORD OF FAYETTEVILLE, INC (LOCATED AT 275 GLYNN ST N, FAYETTEVILLE, GA 30214, (770) 461-1151) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PCM NEEDED TO BE FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
2002 FORD RANGER, AUTOMATIC, EXTENDED CAB. SLOWING DOWN TO PULL INTO PARKING SPOT AND REAR TIRES LOCK UP, SENDING TRUCK INTO SKID. ONCE STOPPED, CANNOT MOVE TRUCK, EVEN IN NEUTRAL. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE TIRE IS BF GOODRICH P245/75 R16 109S. I WAS UNABLE TO SELECT THE CORRECT TIRE ON DROP DOWN BOX. REPORT AS FOLLOWS. WHILE DRIVING ON I-74 I FELT A BIT OF A BUMP, AS IF I HAD RUN OVER SOMETHING. THE STEERING WHEEL SHIFTED IN MY HANDS THEN WENT SHARPLY INTO THE RIGHT LANE. THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF CONTROL. AS THE TRUCK WAS FLIPPING I SAW THE GUARDRAIL THROUGH A SIDE WINDOW, THE AIRBAGS HAD BEEN DEPLOYED BY THEN. THE TRUCK KEPT FLIPPING. THE TRUCK THEN LANDED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR AND SPUN SEVERAL TIMES, THEN FINALLY STOPPED. I WAS ABLE TO REMOVE MY SEAT BELT THEN STAND IN THE TRUCK. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE PASSENGER DOOR THAT WAS IN THE AIR, ABOUT 10 INCHES, ENOUGH TO LOOK OUT, SCREAM FOR HELP AND WAVE MY ARM. A MAN THEN PRIED THE DOOR OPEN ENOUGH FOR ME TO CLIMB THE TRUCK SEATS AND CONSOLE LIKE A LADDER THEN SQUEEZE OUT OF THE DOOR AND JUMP DOWN. AFTER EVALUATING THE TRUCK, THE TIRE TREAD HAD COME OFF OF THE TIRE, WHICH IS STILL ON THE TRUCK AND INFLATED.
BRACKET FOR SPARE TIRE ROTTED, TIRE DROPPED OFF, NO CAR IN BACK OF ME, DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HAPPEN AT THE TIME, THAT HAPPENED 6 MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT, THE OTHER DAY THE FRAME CRACKED IN HALF. CAR DEALER SHIP SOLD TRUCK TO ME ROUGHLY 15 MONTH AGO TRUCK IS TOTALED. INSURANCE ADJUSTER SAID WHOLE FRAME AND UNDER CARRIAGE IS ROTTED? HELP. EXTERIOR OF TRUCK LOOKS BRAND NEW? HELP *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING TO WORK REAR END LOCKED UP AND EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. MY HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WAS A RECALL ON 2002 FORD RANGER FX2 AXLE BUT ONLY FOR MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHEN RESEARCH SHOWS IT DOES IT ON AUTOMATIC ONES TO. LOOKED UP RECALL DOCUMENTS AND SYMPTOMS AND EVERYTHING WAS THE EXACT SAME! I DO HAVE RECALL NUMBER 02S32. HAD TO BE TOWED HOME...
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2002 FORD RANGER XLT NOW WITH 57,000 HIGHWAY MILES, ALWAYS GARAGED/WASHED/MAINTAINED, LITTLE DRIVING IN WINTER (MOSTLY IN SUMMER), ALWAYS FORD MAINTAINED/SERVICED AT SAME DEALERSHIP, BODY/ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IN GREAT SHAPE, WILL LIKELY FAIL INSPECTION THIS SPING BECAUSE FRAME AND FRAME COMPONENTS ARE SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. - SEVERE RUST ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INCLUDING BOTH CROSS MEMBERS (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION), ARM BOLT POINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. - FRAME ALSO HAS SEVERE RUST DOWN BOTH SIDES TO REAR BUMPER, REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTAL, LEAF SPRINGS AND ALL MOUNTS. - THE PASSENGER SIDE STEARING KNUCKLE IS DELAMINATING. - ALL BRAKE LINES HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING: FIRST THE REAR BRAKES INCLUDING ALL AXLE COUPLINGS AND DRUM COUPLINGS; SECOND THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FAILED AT THE DISK BRAKES AND RUBBER COUPLINGS. ALL BRAKE TUBES HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE WHEELS. - SERVICE MANAGER IS WORRIED ABOUT FRONT CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE ENGINE, MIDDLE CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GAS TANK BRACKETS/STRAPS. - THE FRAME AND MEMBERS AND MOUNTS MUST BE REPLACED; THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY SOUND. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NO REPAIR WAS POSSIBLE TO FRAME RUST IS SO BAD PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED AND/OR VEHICAL INSPECTED BY NHTSA IF DESIRED. ALL BRAKE LINES AND COUPLINGS PERFORMED AROUND AUGUST 29, 2019.
2002 FORD RANGER, CONSUMER STATED HIS ISSUE DEALS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL, WHICH WORKED SPORADICALLY. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PRESSED THE BUTTON FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE GREEN LIGHT WOULD FLASH, BUT IT WOULD NOT ENGAGE. TWO MONTHS AGO, THE BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. *JB..UPDATED 03/16/16 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD ACTIVATE AND DEACTIVATE ON ITS OWN. IN FEB 2015, ALL THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. HOWEVER, ALL THE BULB WERE STILL GOOD. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 03/22/16.*JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
DOOR AJAR LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER CAR IS STARTED AND INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON FOR ABOUT TEN MINUTES AFTER VEHICLE IS STOPPED BEFORE GOING OUT. DOES NOT HAPPEN IF VERY COLD 20 DEGREES F, OR LESS. ALSO DRIVERS DOOR WILL PARTIALLY OPEN OCCASIONALLY WHEN DRIVING TO THE SAFETY CATCH POSITION. DOOR OPENING IS NORMALLY AT LOWER SPEEDS, LESS THAN 30 MPH AND MOSTLY WHEN GOING AROUND TURNS. STARTED ALMOST A YEAR AGO.
MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON HWY 79FROM PALISTINE TX TO JACKSONVILLE TX THURSDAY 7/11/2016 WHEN WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK WE PULLED OVER AND NOTICED FIRE UNDER THE HOOD I TRIED TO POOR WATER ON IT ALL IT DID WAS JUST GET WORSE AND OUR TRUCK ALL MY WORK TOOLS MY LIVELY HOOD BLEW UP.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
CANT COTROL CAR WANT TO LUNGE FORWARD OR STALL HARD TO DRIVE LIKE THIS I AM TOLD IT IS THE (ETB) ALSO DOOR WILL NOT STOP CHIMING
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEAT BELT ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOES NOT LOCK, AND AS A RESULT IT'S CAUSING THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO GO OFF AND IT FLASHES CODE NUMBER 46 AS FOR THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 6/11/15*CN
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 !
ON 8/13/2013 THE ORIGINAL FUEL PUMP IN MY 2002 FORD RANGER WAS REPLACED WITH AN AIRTEX BRAND FUEL PUMP.ON 3/17/2015 I HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AFTER IT FAILED,ONLY 18 MONTHS AND 5000 MILES LATER.DURING THE PERIOD OF 6/10/2013 AND 8/16/2013 AIRTEX HAD A FUEL PUMP RECALL ON THREE DIFFERENT VEHICLE MODELS,AS WELL AS HAVING RECALLED DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS SINCE.ALSO IN 12/2013 AIRTEX BEGAN OFFERING A LIFETIME WARRANTY AS OPPOSED TO THEIR PREVIOUS ONE YEAR WARRANTY.I HAVE OWNED 6 CARS AND THIS IS THE ONLY TIME I'VE HAD TO REPLACE A FUEL PUMP.I BELIEVE MY LOW MILEAGE MANAGED TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP,AND THEREFORE NEITHER ME OR MY REPAIR SHOP SHOULD BE LIABLE.I ALSO BELIEVE THE HISTORY OF FAILURE WITH AIRTEX PUMPS SHOULD MAKE THEM LIABLE FOR MY REPAIR,DESPITE ANY OUTDATED WARRANTY.I BELIEVE THEIR CONSTANT RECALLS AND OPTING TO PROVIDE A LONGER WARRANTY SUGGESTS THEY DON'T HAVE THE FAITH IN THEIR PRODUCT THEY EXPECT ME TO. I FEEL AIRTEX CUSTOMER SUPPORT FAILED TO ADDRESS MY ISSUE OR PROVIDE ANY MEANS FOR RESOLUTION.THIS IS A DEFECTIVE PUMP,NO QUESTION ABOUT IT.I STILL HAVE ALL REPAIR RECEIPTS AND THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER THAT WERE REMOVED FROM MY TRUCK.THERE IS ZERO CHANCE HOW I DRIVE,PARK OR ANYTHING I HAVE DONE HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THIS FUEL PUMP FAILURE,I DO NOT WANT TO BE PUNISHED BECAUSE I PRESERVED THEIR DEFECT BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD,WHICH AIRTEX THEMSELVES DEEMED TO BE INSUFFICIENT,OTHERWISE WHY WOULD THEY CHANGE IT TO A LIFETIME WARRANTY? *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS BACKING MY 2002 FORD RANGER XLT INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN I STOPPED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK GAVE WAY WITHOUT WARNING AND I SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF THE CAB. WHEN I LOOKED AROUND THE SEAT I SAW TWO BOLT HEADS ...THEY APPEARED TO BE SHEARED OFF. MY SEAT BACK WILL NOT STAY OR LATCH ANY MORE. *TR
DOOR AJAR LIGHTS IS LIT ON DASH AND DOME LIGHT STAYS ON. SOMETIMES WILL EVENTUALLY GO OFF, BUT EVENTUALLY COMES BACK ON BY ITSELF OR IF JARRED. *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF A 2002 FORD RANGER XLT NOW WITH 57,000 HIGHWAY MILES, ALWAYS GARAGED/WASHED/MAINTAINED, LITTLE DRIVING IN WINTER (MOSTLY IN SUMMER), ALWAYS FORD MAINTAINED/SERVICED AT SAME DEALERSHIP, BODY/ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IN GREAT SHAPE, WILL LIKELY FAIL INSPECTION THIS SPING BECAUSE FRAME AND FRAME COMPONENTS ARE SEVERELY RUSTED OUT. - SEVERE RUST ON THE ENTIRE FRAME INCLUDING BOTH CROSS MEMBERS (ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION), ARM BOLT POINTS AND CONTROL ARMS. - FRAME ALSO HAS SEVERE RUST DOWN BOTH SIDES TO REAR BUMPER, REAR AXLE AND DIFFERENTAL, LEAF SPRINGS AND ALL MOUNTS. - THE PASSENGER SIDE STEARING KNUCKLE IS DELAMINATING. - ALL BRAKE LINES HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING: FIRST THE REAR BRAKES INCLUDING ALL AXLE COUPLINGS AND DRUM COUPLINGS; SECOND THE FRONT BRAKE LINES FAILED AT THE DISK BRAKES AND RUBBER COUPLINGS. ALL BRAKE TUBES HAD TO BE REPLACED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE WHEELS. - SERVICE MANAGER IS WORRIED ABOUT FRONT CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE ENGINE, MIDDLE CROSS MEMBER FAILING UNDER THE TRANSMISSION AND THE GAS TANK BRACKETS/STRAPS. - THE FRAME AND MEMBERS AND MOUNTS MUST BE REPLACED; THE REST OF THE VEHICLE IS MECHANICALLY SOUND. SERVICE MANAGER SAID NO REPAIR WAS POSSIBLE TO FRAME RUST IS SO BAD PICTURES CAN BE PROVIDED AND/OR VEHICAL INSPECTED BY NHTSA IF DESIRED. ALL BRAKE LINES AND COUPLINGS PERFORMED AROUND AUGUST 29, 2019.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STEER VEER TO THE LEFT. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED FROM THE IMPACT AND SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. THE FATAL INJURIES TO THE DRIVER WERE CAUSED BY THE IMPACT FROM THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 03/04/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIRBAG EXPLODED WITH GREAT FORCE. THE AUTOPSY SAYS HE DIED OF MULTIPLE BLUNT TRAUMA INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND HEAD. UPDATED 10/15/2015*JS
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEATER CORE STARTED LEAKING WINDOWS FOGGED UP I ALMOST WRECKED. *TR
SEAT BELT NEVER STAYS CONNECTED ( POPS OUT) ALL SPEEDS. (5 YRS) I ASKED DEALER ABOUT FIXING HE SAID MY WARRANTY EXPIRED BUY A NEW ONE (FORD DOES NOT CARE ABOUT SAFETY AFTER WARRANTY DATE) THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL STAY ON FOR A WEEK THEN OFF FOR A MONTH THEN REPEAT ( 5 YRS) DOOR AJAR LIGHT HAS NEVER TURNED OFF (MAYBE IT WILL BURN OUT SO I DON'T SEE IT ANYMORE) TAILGATE LATCH REPLACED 3 TIMES ( DANG THAT CHEAP PLASTIC) FRONT END REALIGNED NUMEROUS TIMES (ANTI NASCAR, ALWAYS TURNS RIGHT) ENGINE SHUDDERS BAD FEW TIMES A YEAR(BAD GAS MAYBE ONCE, OTHERS PROBABLY NOT) COIL PACK REPLACED TWICE (IM STILL UNDER 60,000 MILES) REAR WINDOW LEAKS ALSO :) *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
CANT COTROL CAR WANT TO LUNGE FORWARD OR STALL HARD TO DRIVE LIKE THIS I AM TOLD IT IS THE (ETB) ALSO DOOR WILL NOT STOP CHIMING
FORD 2002 RANGER DRIVEN BY MY MINOR SON TO SCHOOL APPROX 3 MILES. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A MOTORIST BEHIND MY VEHICLE ALERTED MY SON THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. MY SON AND OTHER MOTORIST PULLED INTO NEXT AVAILABLE PARKING LOT WHERE THE OTHER MOTORIST WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAILLIGHT WITH WORL GLOVES. AT APPROX 8:00 A.M. I DROVE THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP TO REPORT THE VEHICLE FIRE AND DETERMINE REPAIR COST AND PAYMENT METHOD (OWNER VS. FORD). HALL FORD COULD NOT INITIALLY IDENTIFY WHY THE FIRE STARTED IN THE TAILLIGHT AND FORWARD INCIDENT REPORT TO THEIR REGIONAL MANAGER, WHO IN TURN, FORWARDED THE REPORT TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION ON NOV 28, 2006 THAT SUGGESTED I GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY WHO COULD FILE SUBROGATION CLAIM AGAINST FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE REMAINS UNRESOLVED. THERE IS NO REASON FOR A TAILLIGHT TO CATCH ON FIRE UNLESS THERE IS MATERIAL DEFECT. WITHOUT THE ALERTNESS OF ANOTHER MOTORIST, THE FIRE COULD HAVE CONTINUED UP THE WIRE HARNESS AND PASS THE FUEL NOZZLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY HUSBAND AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. MY HUSBAND ATTEMPTED TO OVERTAKE A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE. HE HAD TO ACCELERATE BETWEEN 80 AND 85 TO OVERTAKE IN FAST MOVING TRAFFIC. OUR VEHICLE ACTED LIKE IT WAS STARVED OF FUEL AND WAS NOT RESPONDING. THIS PUT US IN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THERE WAS OTHER TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND A DEFECT. WE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERN THAT THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER PUTS US IN AN UNSAFE OVERTAKING SITUATION. WE WERE INVITED TO TAKE A TEST DRIVE WITH A TECHNICIAN. WE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF THE TECNICIAN AND OURSELVES DURING A TEST DRIVE A HIGH SPEEDS. THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD MANUFACTURING STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. FINALLY HAVING FAXED OUR CONCERNS TO THE DEALERSHIP ON10/14/02, WE WERE OFFERED ANOTHER TEST DRIVE WITH A SERVICE TECHNICIAN ON 10/15/02. DURING THE TEST DRIVE AT SPEEDS NOT EXCEEDING 65 MILES PER HOUR, THE TECHNICIAN EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS A "REV LIMITER" WHICH IS GOVERNOR WHICH STOPS ALL ACCELERATION AT 85 MPH. WE FEEL THAT THIS INABILITY TO GO ABOVE 85 MILES PER HOUR PLACES IN A VERY VULNERABLE POSITION. THE TRUCK WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RESPOND IN AN EMERGENCY OR AVOIDANCE SITUATION. THIS PLACES EVERYONES LIVES AT RISK. IT SEEMS THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS DECIDED HOW FAST THEIR TRUCKS SHOULD GO AND HAVE NOT TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE DANGER THAT THEY A PLACING US IN. WITH REGARD TO THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: THE UNIT CYCLES ON AND OFF APPROX. EVERY 12 SECONDS. THIS CAUSES THE TRUCK TO SURGE EACH TIME THE UNIT COMES ON AS THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER TO THE ENGINE. THE UNIT ALSO MAKES A LOUD CLICKING SOUND AS IT COMES ON. THE CONSTANT SURGING OF THE ENGINE MAKES FOR A VERY UNCOMFORTABLE RIDE. THE FORD DELEARSHIP AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY DO NOT CONSIDER THIS A PROBLEM. MR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .