2002 Ford Ranger Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,556miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 2% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,556 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The steering mechanism would lock up, unable to start vehicle. Between putting it between park and drive it would start by shifting it. Local Ford dealers would state nothing was wrong with it. Now, I need to replace the battery every three months. Now it won't even start. Starter is okay because when I turn it over it clicks. It's not the fx package, a 2002 Ford Ranger.”
NHTSA complaint #10134613, filed 2005-08, 45,556 miles“We are original owners of a 2002 Ford Ranger xlt now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always Ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because frame and frame components are severely rusted out. - severe rust on the entire frame including both cross members (engine and transmission), arm bolt points and control arms. - frame also has severe rust down both sides to rear bumper, rear axle and differental, leaf springs and all mounts. …”
NHTSA complaint #11290615, filed 2019-12, 57,000 miles“While driving at 40 MPH vehicle crashed into a pole head on. Upon impact, driver's head hit the windshield. This resulted in a concussion. Driver had been in and out of the hospital for severe headaches. Manufacturer was providing no assistance. Vehicle is currently parked in consumer's driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10101920, filed 2004-12, 4,000 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“I took my 2002 Ford Ranger truck in for inspection and I was told my truck was uninspectable because my frame,crossmember, front aarms are rusted thin. It only has 80 some k on it I only have it for 2years I don't drive very far I bought it with 74k.”
NHTSA complaint #10607591, filed 2014-07Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 5% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2022 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 2% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 2% |
| 2001 | 7 | 1% |
| 2000 | 25 | 4% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 19 | 3% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 17 | 4% |
| 1995 | 9 | 3% |
| 1994 | 19 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 2% |
| 1990 | 2 | 2% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 6% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
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 29, 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