2002 Ford Ranger Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,322miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 1% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,322 miles.
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.
“Truck pulls to the right especially at highway speeds. At times severe vibration and rubbing noise. Safety definetly an issue when driving vehicle. More recently 4x4 engaged & truck tilted to front right and made loud grinding noise, could only drive 5mph or so. Put in reverse and was able to drive it at highway speeds but still pulls, vibrates and is getting worse. Now, a oil leak found. Also, anti lock brakes are locking up. Fan motor cooler not working correctly.”
NHTSA complaint #10059089, filed 2004-02, 6,643 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 miles“The tailgate latch on the 2002 Ford Ranger pickup broke. The plastic material appeared to be heavily oxidized and brittle , based on my mechanical engineering experience. The dealer that repaired the latch said they sold 3 or 4 of these each month at a cost of $179.81 each, including labor. Ford motor company did not accept that they made a mistake in the choice of materials.”
NHTSA complaint #10187831, filed 2007-04“The passenger rear door (suicide door) latches at the top and bottom. The bottom latch will not latch. As a result, whenever you close the regular passenger door it does not allow for a secure latch. The inside light and the ip light (door ajar) remains on unless you go outside and push on the door. If you hit a bump in the road, the light condition will reappear. This door has probably not been used more than 25 times since I purchased the truck new. The vehicle is a 2002 Ford Ranger supercab.”
NHTSA complaint #10139507, filed 2005-10Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 0% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 6 | 1% |
| 1998 | 7 | 1% |
| 1997 | 4 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 1% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 0% |
| 1993 | 3 | 1% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 2 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 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 30, 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