2002 Ford Ranger Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 61about this part
- Share
- 18%of 346 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 61 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 18% of the 346 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving to work rear end locked up and exploded while driving. My head hit the steering wheel. There was a recall on 2002 Ford Ranger fx2 axle but only for manual transmission when research shows it does it on automatic ones to. Looked up recall documents and symptoms and everything was the exact same! I do have recall number 02s32. Had to be towed home...”
NHTSA complaint #11152392, filed 2018-11, 100,000 miles“While slowly backing up the throttle unexpectedly went to wide open throwing gravel, digging holes and leaving rubber burn patches. I was able to put in neutral before hitting a parked camping trailer. Later the same day while backing out of a parking place at a bank the same thing occurred but my foot was already on the brake and I was able to stop it. When I got home and was parking it happened again, in reverse, almost ramming the garage. I have not driven it since this happened . Ford 2002 Ranger 4x4 automatic trans.w”
NHTSA complaint #10760262, filed 2015-08, 175,400 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“1) events leading up to the failure: normal everyday mode of transportation via highway and surface streets. 2)failure and consequences: the rear limited slip differential unit of my 2002 Ford Ranger fx4 automatic transmission vehicle broke causing the truck to stop abruptly nearly causing an accident. The rear limited slip differential unit exploded causing the gears to break and stop the vehicle from driving. I had contacted the manufacturer (torsen) of the differential unit and stated the unit I had was recalled according to the serial number. …”
NHTSA complaint #10213587, filed 2008-01, 111,000 miles“My Ford 2002 Ranger edge pick ups automatic transmission fails to shift gears under acceleration such as taking off from a light or merging on into traffic. The transmission will shift from one gear than not go into gear leaving vehicle on of gear and without forward motion. I have had problems getting across interceptions and onto the highway. Have to remove foot from accelerator for several seconds for transmission to find a gear to shift into. Ford motor company has some service bulletins regarding shifting issues but fall way short of correcting this safety issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255872, filed 2009-01, 5,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V035000Feb 4, 2002On some manual transmission trucks equipped with the fx4 package, the rear axle differential case could fracture under a high torque event such as when…Covers: Ford Ranger 2002
Related service bulletins
- 10017891Apr 1, 2005Front axle leaks fluid from vent tube - vehicles equipped with 4x4 or awd.
- 10014086Dec 13, 2004General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10013414Nov 29, 2004Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.
- 10013369Nov 1, 2004General power train control module (pcm) programming procedures.
- 10013088Oct 1, 2002Manual shift lever outer boot detachment - fx4 models equipped with manual transmission only.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2025 | 17 | 39% |
| 2024 | 39 | 41% |
| 2023 | 5 | 28% |
| 2022 | 17 | 45% |
| 2021 | 60 | 50% |
| 2020 | 49 | 38% |
| 2019 | 92 | 34% |
| 2011 | 5 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
| 2003 | 16 | 7% |
| 2002 | 61 | 18% |
| 2001 | 51 | 10% |
| 2000 | 69 | 10% |
| 1999 | 67 | 9% |
| 1998 | 60 | 10% |
| 1997 | 42 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 7% |
| 1995 | 22 | 7% |
| 1994 | 49 | 11% |
| 1993 | 19 | 8% |
| 1992 | 13 | 7% |
| 1991 | 12 | 9% |
| 1990 | 10 | 10% |
| 1989 | 5 | 7% |
| 1988 | 9 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 2% |
| 1986 | 2 | 6% |
| 1985 | 5 | 19% |
| 1983 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford Ranger
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 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 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