2002 Ford Ranger. Consumer writes in regards to safety defect with plastic intake manifold the consumer stated recently while driving, suddenly and without warning as he left off the accelerator to make a turn, the engine RPM's dropped and the vehicle started idling erratically and almost slatted out completely. The consumer read on a website where a plastic plug could come out of the front of the plastic intake manifold. He removed the power steering pump and soon after, he discovered the plastic plug and about a 3/8 hole in the intake manifold. The hole caused the vehicle to loose vacuum in the system, therefore it was the cause of the erratic idle/stall. The consumer stated he welded the part back together after learning it would cost anywhere from $500-$1000 to replace.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

While accelerating or attempting to pass another vehicle the engine starts to cut off like it is starving for fuel. Started happening about 1 year ago and continues to this date.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

The vehicles engine shuts off as it is being accelerated, or at cruising speed. The engine is the only system affected but causes vehicle to be undrivable for around 5-10 seconds until vehicle puts itself back in gear after shutting off. This occurs randomly sometimes right away after vehicle is started and moved or other times after longer periods of driving. It has occurred repeatedly, when the vehicle engine comes back and it does put itself back into gear and you start to accelerate again it will cut off. It has caused operator not to be able to accelerate to merge onto highways, pull out onto roads, or to maintain cruising speeds in roads or highways. It has been taken to Ford dealership for repairs 3 times. Each time the engine control relay diode has been changed and blamed for problem. The vehicle has been connected to computer and driven(first time at Ford repair shop), the engine has cut out causing vehicle to stop accelerating and the computer shows that nothing is happening. It continues to read that the vehicle is running fine.I have personally replaced coil pack, and throttle position sensor. The first time diode was replaced the vehicle ran for almost 8 months then problem recurred. It was taken to Ford and diode replaced again, this time lasting only 2-3 months. It was taken to Ford the 3rd time for diode to be replaced, this time lasting only 2 weeks. I called the Ford shop and spoke to manager and was told that the entire wiring harness would have to be replaced because they could not figure out why the engine was cutting out. I was also informed that the wiring harness was not available for them to get and that there was nothing they could do to fix my vehicle, so I was to continue to drive it even though the engine shuts off while driving.

- Fowlerville, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated. The mechanic replaced the thermostat unit however, after the repair the vehicle continued to leak coolant. Upon further inspection, the mechanic found a small hole in the engine block. In addition, he found that the engine block rusted. The current and failure mileages were 62,000.

- Stillwater, NY, USA

I bought a 2002 Ford Ranger in April of 2006 and now there seems to be an issue with the oil pressure sensor on the engine failing the sensor causes the gauge to "twitch" I bought the vehicle with this unknown defect has there been a recall on this matter? I have visited some on line bulletin boards and it seems to be a common defect.

- San Diego, CA, USA

While driving engine produces a knocking sound. The consumer stated that the vehicle doesn't run properly on the 87 octane gas. The engine had a spark-knock condition. The consumer feels this type of problem is unacceptable for a new vehicle.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

I had a pinging, they changed a sensor, it went away for a while and now it is back, then they cleaned the carbon out of the engine and now it surges, and still pings. They put it on a machine and the machine said it is ok. I am not satisfied.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

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. I have tried to get in contact of Ford Motor Company to get this vehicle replaced under a lemon law to no avail. I get told a story and put off, the dealership I bought this thing from does the same thing tries to fix it to no avail and puts me off. I paid 15 thousand dollars for this truck and now may lose my job because it is not dependable! something must be done this is not how to treat a repeat customer, this being my 4th Ford product and my last.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

While turning a corner the vehicles engine shuts off. Vehicle will start right up again, consumer feels unsafe because the brakes and steering go out. Cause of stalling is unknown.

- Lakeside, OH, USA

While starting vehicle and warming up, engine misfired, had to refill fuel constantly. Dealer has been notified however does not have a remedy for problem.

- Crescent, OK, USA