2002 Ford Ranger Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 161,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 161,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10896403, filed 2016-08, 250,000 miles“The 2002 Ford Ranger was coming to a complete stop at about 3 MPH, when all of a sudden the truck accelerated really high. I threw the gear selector into neutral and it continued to race but the wheels were no longer spinning, I hit the gas pedal and then threw it back into drive with no further problems. This is very concerning and I need help please. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10565293, filed 2014-02, 80,000 miles“I have a 2002 Ford Ranger 2.3l 4 cyl an when I start to drive my car will shift from 1st to 2nd so rough that my car jumps forward and then my overdrive light starts blinking and then everytime I press the gas from stopped it shifts very rough. I have been researching this problem and seems like a lot of people have this problem with this model. Also when I take off there is a loud vibration sounding like it is coming from the dash or engine compartment I don't know what this is about but figured I would add that in.”
NHTSA complaint #10483278, filed 2012-11, 143,000 miles“I was coming home from work and I went to park my truck in the front yard. When the truck was about to stop the engine roared, as if I really hit the gas pedal and I had to jam the car in park to get it to stop. Today, as I was coming home from work, I was coming to a four way stop in a school zone. When I was almost stopped the truck engine accelerated and I had to put the truck in park to get it to stop. I need to know is there a recall from Ford for this. I cannot let anyone else drive my truck for fear it will happen to them and they will not know what to do.”
NHTSA complaint #10627630, filed 2014-08, 190,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10818378, filed 2016-01, 179,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% |
| 2025 | 12 | 27% |
| 2024 | 10 | 11% |
| 2023 | 3 | 17% |
| 2022 | 6 | 16% |
| 2021 | 13 | 11% |
| 2020 | 16 | 12% |
| 2019 | 27 | 10% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 12 | 4% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 6 | 2% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 5 | 1% |
| 1998 | 3 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 2 | 0% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 1 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Ranger
61 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsBody and structure
49 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsTires
29 complaintsBrakes
23 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 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