2002 Ford Ranger Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 2%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,625miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,625 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.
“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #10175206, filed 2006-12, 44,879 miles“2002 Ford Ranger, consumer stated his issue deals with the cruise control, which worked sporadically. 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. ..updated 03/16/16 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10838435, filed 2016-02, 34,000 miles“2002 Ford Ranger, turn signal lever does not engage when turning left (blinker malfunction). The consumer stated the right turn signal did not engage at times, but was less frequent than the left. The dealer failed several attempts to fix the blinker problem before finally giving up.”
NHTSA complaint #10115130, filed 2005-03, 1,578 miles“Turn signals began to fail to flash on occasion. A loud buzzing sound seemed to come from the flasher. A slight pulling back on the indicator stalk will sometimes cause the signals to work. This, however also causes the headlights to flash (flash to pass). The windshield wipers also come on occasionally when the turn signal is activated. Happens with both right and left turn signal. I am awaiting appointment to have repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10138627, filed 2005-10, 41,250 miles“The steering wheel contained an excessive amount of play. . The steering failed on three occasions. The power steering pump was replaced. Ph. The head light bulb was replaced, and the door latches were lubricated.”
NHTSA complaint #10019530, filed 2003-07, 36,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2022 | 2 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 14 | 5% |
| 2011 | 9 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 14 | 2% |
| 1999 | 13 | 2% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 3% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 15 | 5% |
| 1994 | 10 | 2% |
| 1993 | 7 | 3% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
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 31, 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