2002 Ford Ranger Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 11%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 14,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 11% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I owned a 2002 Ford Ranger with 45,000 miles on it. My daughter was driving it and came to a stop at an intersection after exiting an expressway. Black smoke started coming out of the engine compartment. Within 10 minutes, the trucks engine compartment and cockpit were completely engulfed in flames and the truck was destroyed.”
NHTSA complaint #10157274, filed 2006-05, 45,000 miles“Having issues with my truck I thought might be transmission now the dealer says it is a cam sensor. The truck sputters and stops causing several near misses this has been an issue for several years but the dealer was not bale to find the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10257339, filed 2009-02, 20,000 miles“2002 rangers are apparently equipped with a speed control chip that limits top end speed and RPM's. I was not informed that my vehicle was going to be crippled by this device or I would not have purchased it. When driving in the western us, this limiter has almost caused me to be in an accident 4 times. Ford should be compelled to tell buyers that this vehicle has a speed limiter before the sale is closed.”
NHTSA complaint #10000242, filed 2002-12, 9,000 miles“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…”
NHTSA complaint #10207043, filed 2007-10, 1 miles“Since about 10,000 miles my engine has made a crackling noise under acceleration. 've talked to many other Ranger owners who are having the same problem. Some of them said they took their trucks to a dealership and the service department said the noise was from the timing in the engine and the problem could not be fixed. It was to my understanding that if a automotive company makes a mistake and it is not easily repairable and is frequent there should be a recall so the problem could be fixed. I'm going to sell my truck in the spring because of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10104460, filed 2004-12, 10,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10021051Feb 27, 2007Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt.
- 10020173Jan 1, 2006Possible engine damage - install special service tools prior to removing crankshaft pulley bolt - service tip.
- 10018746Nov 14, 2005Buck/jerk and miss during drive cycle above 3000 rpm - no dtc - 3.0l 2v gas and ffv engine.
- 10013315Jan 1, 2005High idle at cold start.
- 10011150Aug 9, 2004Rattle noise from primary chain drive area 2000-3000 rpm - 4.0l sohc engine.
- 10013075Oct 1, 2002Engine timing service tools / service tip.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 3 | 3% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 10 | 3% |
| 2004 | 17 | 4% |
| 2003 | 18 | 7% |
| 2002 | 39 | 11% |
| 2001 | 29 | 6% |
| 2000 | 37 | 6% |
| 1999 | 45 | 6% |
| 1998 | 51 | 9% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 31 | 8% |
| 1995 | 14 | 4% |
| 1994 | 23 | 5% |
| 1993 | 12 | 5% |
| 1992 | 16 | 8% |
| 1991 | 16 | 12% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 11 | 15% |
| 1988 | 13 | 15% |
| 1987 | 7 | 14% |
| 1986 | 7 | 20% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
| 1984 | 2 | 17% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Ranger
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsBody and structure
49 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsEquipment
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford Ranger
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology