2002 Ford Ranger

Introduction

The 2002 Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.3-liter inline-four that produced 143 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.0-liter V6 that produced 154 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and a 4.0-liter V6 that produced 207 horsepower and 238 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a five-speed manual, a four-speed automatic, and a five-speed automatic.

The Ranger was praised for its off-road capabilities, affordability, and reliability. However, some owners have reported a number of issues with the vehicle.

Engine

2.3L Inline-Four

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to rough idling, stalling, and a loss of power.
  • Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to slip. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: The timing chain tensioner must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket can leak, causing oil to leak onto the engine. This can lead to smoking, oil consumption, and engine damage.
  • Solution: The valve cover gasket must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L V6

• Spark plug blow-out
  • Description/Symptoms: The spark plugs can blow out of the cylinder head, causing a loss of compression and power.
  • Solution: The spark plugs must be replaced and the cylinder head may need to be repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Shifter linkage failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The shifter linkage can fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears.
  • Solution: The shifter linkage must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic

• Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid can leak from the transmission pan or other seals. This can lead to low transmission fluid levels and transmission damage.
  • Solution: The transmission pan gasket or other seals must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Automatic

• No issues found.

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The front suspension struts can fail, causing a loss of ride height and handling. This can also lead to premature tire wear.
  • Solution: The front suspension struts must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs can fail, causing a loss of ride height and handling. This can also lead to premature tire wear.
  • Solution: The rear leaf springs must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 per leaf spring
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly, even when the vehicle is turned off. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty alternator, a parasitic draw, or a bad battery.
  • Solution: The battery must be tested and the source of the drain must be identified and repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty wiring harness
  • Description/Symptoms: The wiring harness can become damaged, causing a variety of electrical problems. This can include problems with the lights, the gauges, and the engine.
  • Solution: The wiring harness must be inspected and repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: The body of the Ranger can rust, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads.
  • Solution: The rust can be repaired, but it is important to prevent further rusting by regularly washing and waxing the vehicle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000 per panel
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The headlights can fail, reducing visibility at night. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a faulty bulb, a bad wiring harness, or a problem with the headlight switch.
  • Solution: The headlights must be inspected and the source of the problem must be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: The dashboard can be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat fabric tearing
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat fabric can tear, especially in areas where it is subjected to a lot of wear and tear.
  • Solution: The seat fabric can be repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Ford Ranger is a reliable and affordable compact pickup truck. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the more common problems include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain tensioner failure, valve cover gasket leaks, spark plug blow-out, shifter linkage failure, transmission fluid leaks, front suspension strut failure, rear leaf spring failure, battery drain, faulty wiring harness, rust, headlight failure, dashboard cracking, and seat fabric tearing.

The severity of these issues varies, but some of them can be costly to repair. It is important to be aware of these issues before buying a 2002 Ford Ranger.