Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Ranger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. On several occasions, while making a turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost power steering functionality and braking ability. Using an OBD diagnostic tool, the contact was unable to retrieve a fault code. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to allan vigil Ford of fayetteville, inc (located at 275 glynn st n, fayetteville, ga 30214, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the PCM needed to be flashed. The vehicle was serviced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 10-15 MPH, the rear differential seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. Eby Ford Lincoln (located at 2714 elkhart rd, goshen, in 46526, [phone]) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02V035000 (power train). The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Consumer stated rear end locked up and blew holes through the cover and destroyed it.
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
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...
I am having multiple problems with my 6 month old truck. A strange oil loss that was loosing 1-2 quarts of oil a week, now fixed for the moment. The clutch disengages if any pressure is applied to the clutch pedal and will not engage until the pedal is fully released, dealer claims its normal. Various electrical problems with this heap, including failing sensors, interior light coming on when it wants to, and the check engine light comes on occasionally. This truck has starting problems sometimes, you have to crank the engine for a long time(up to 30 seconds sometimes) before it will start. Had to have a tire replaced with 1066 miles on the vehicle because some of the tread was beginning to come off, vehicle was realigned at the same time to cure a pull to the right which did nothing still pulls to the right. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 35 MPH on an icy road, the vehicle skidded, followed by a loud sound of spinning tires. Suddenly, the vehicle began to lunge forward. The contact was able to gain control and continue driving to her destination. After the vehicle was parked for six hours and restarted, there was no response when pressure was applied to the accelerator pedal because the wheels locked. A mechanic inspected the vehicle and unlocked the wheels. The brakes would not function effectively after the wheels were unlocked. Also, the four wheel drive would not operate upon engagement. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure was related to a recall defect under NHTSA campaign id number 02V035000 (power train: driveline: differential unit). The recall pertained to manual transmissions which resulted to the vehicle not being included. …
I have a 2002 Ford Ranger that when I got the truck it had to have the slave cylinder for the clutch replaced which the dealer did, and the truck only had 18,000 miles, but then again before my extended warranty ran out, it went out again at about 52000 miles, and now it has happened again, at 66,000 miles, the slave cylinder again for the clutch, and I am not new to driving manual transmissions, I am 47 and learned to drive on a manual transmission when 16, it also upsets me that Ford said my extended warranty for the second repair did not cover the clutch slave cylinder, and I do not believe a vehicle should require this part to be replaced approximately every twenty or thirty thousand miles. …
Dt*: the contact stated the rear axle differential was damaged and needed to be replaced. The service dealer determined the rear axle differential could be changed at a charge. The contact expressed concern that this was a defect. Updated 11/30/2006 - while driving the rear of the truck shook profusely. An independent repair facility determined that the rear axles were cracked and the entire rear differential should be replaced. The consumer was informed of a recall related to this problem. The consumer contacted the dealer who admitted there was a recall but stated that it had expired. The consumer contacted the manufacturer. The customer service rep explained that the recall hadn't expired it just didn't exist for the consumer's Ranger. The service rep when on to tell the consumer that the recall was fir 2002 Ranger 4x4 with manual transmission. …
Truck still not shifting properly after complete overhaul by Ford on 5/22/04 ( complaint odi no. 10215891). Ford service department road test truck and verified problem. Called hotline (5lsb2012) r&r to overhaul, found sticking valve in main control(7a100), resealed trans.,replaced main control and torque converter,flushed cooler lines. But I returned the truck complaining that there was a grinding wining noise and still not shifting right. Service manager road tested and said there was nothing wrong. Work was performed at 60,206 miles and now at 90,125 miles I can't drive the truck because the transmission s broken again. The problem is he transmission was never fixed properly at the first over haul or the second time it was overhauled by Ford. Now I have a truck with a transmission overhauled twice by fore and needs overhauled again. …
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. Ford motor company negelantly did not recall all vehicles with the recalled differential units. 3) the truck's rear differential unit and gear was replaced with OEM ring and pinion gears, bearings and similar type limited slip differential unit from a different manufacturer (detroit truetrac) from which was orginally installed in the vehicle. …
Related recalls
Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
On some manual transmission trucks equipped with the fx4 package, the rear axle differential case could fracture under a high torque event such as when customers accelerate rapidly from a stop or when a spinning tire suddenly gains traction.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear axle assembly. Owner notification began March 29, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Transmission complaints in other Ranger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Ford Ranger?
NHTSA has 61 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Ford Ranger, 18% of the model year's 346 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Ranger transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-035 (differential unit, Feb 4, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Ranger transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.