2002 Ford Ranger Brakes Problems

“I've owned my 2002 Ford Ranger since new and have had all service performed by the dealer. The vehicle has 60,000 miles and was serviced under a contract purchased with the vehicle when new. Issues with the brakes started within the first year of ownership and have steadily worsened since. The complaint has been submitted to various dealers at least ten times with no trouble found. One failure mode I have observed resulted in three very close calls where the brake pedal is firm, but the vehicle does not slow. Pressing the brake harder does not increase braking effectiveness. …”

“On february 1, 2007, I was slowly following an SUV in a crowded parking lot as we both looked for a parking spot. The SUV stopped. I applied the brakes and then suddenly my 2002 Ford Ranger accelerated. The tires squealed as the brakes fought the acceleration. I hit the SUV from behind. The SUV pulled forward and the Ranger continued to accelerate an hit the SUV again. I shut off the engine. The Ranger was towed to a body shop. When the body work is complete I will have the Ranger towed to a Ford dealer to address the sudden, unintended acceleration problem.”

“I have a 2002 Ford Ranger xlt ext. Cab and the brakes started some squealing around 23,000 miles. Well, I took the truck back to the dealer and they had to resurface the front rotors and rear drums. The dealer I think did a great job, it took them 4-5 hours, although they did it at their cost. The pads they said were ok. I talked to Ford already (due to a survey I filled out), and they said they would pass it on to their engineers. What gets me is I also own another Ford and the brakes have never been touched at 68,500 miles! …”

“After 25000 miles, the steering wheel would shake violently when braking at highway speeds. Took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer found that the rotors were warped. The dealer asked if I did a lot of stop and go driving. I explained that I drive 4 miles to the freeway, 75 miles on the freeway at 4:30am, barely any traffic, and then 2 miles to the building in which I work. So no, I do not drive in stop and go traffic. The dealer did not want to cover the rotors under the 3/36 warranty, he said that the brakes were not covered. …”

“Driving a 2002 Ford Ranger with 19,831 miles, a loud noise in the back of the truck occurred, braking was impaired, the brake petal was going up and down. I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop avoiding an accident. On december 2, 2003, joe taylor Ford in seneca, pa , verified concern found rear wheel cylinders froze, springs rusted, drums warped and adjusters frozen replaced all components. In addition there was brake shoe failure. Staff at the dealership noted this was typical of 2002 rangers and stated we were in serious danger in driving the truck. …”