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...

- Syracuse, IN, USA

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, (574) 534-3673) 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.

- Syracuse, IN, USA

The vehicle occasionally rolls after being put in park. Told that the parking pawl may be defective creating a safety hazard due to the vehicle rolling in park.

- Bradford, MA, USA

Cv joint problems

- Reno, NV, USA

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

- East Brady, PA, USA

Driveshaft thump clunk on light acceleration from stop or when braking and coming to a stop.

- Harrisonburg, VA, USA

Violent missing, chugging, jerking upon acceleration. Accelerating onto highway, accelerating on highway, approx. 2500 - 3000 RPM. Automatic transmission 3.0 V6. NHTSA #10018746 online with many others reporting same problem. Truck will not accelerate. Instead jerks and hesitates violently.

- Grand Junction, CO, USA

This is the second Ranger I have owned that has had this problem. The gears in the rear differential are grinding and the pins are loose. I had shop take off rear diff cover and they verified metal shavings/shards in oil and loose differential pins. If the pins/gears lock up the rear wheels could lock up and cause wreck. There is a recall for the this issue for manual transmission model Ranger but not auto transmission models. Look at carcomplaints.com and you will see others who have same issue with auto trans models (I am sure other sources have same complaints). Looks like same parts were used in both models but only one was recalled.

- Harrisonburg, VA, USA

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.

- Belleview, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph the rear differential cracked, causing the rear axle to lock up. The contact towed the vehicle to a local mechanic. The local mechanic replaced the entire rear differential unit. The contact then noticed NHTSA campaign I.D. number: 02V035000 (power train:driveline:differential unit) and notified the manufacturer. The manufacturer informed the contact that due to the VIN the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact expressed concern over the failure due to it being identical to the failure addressed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

I, among others own a Ford Ranger XLT 4.0 liter. I recently replaced my battery and lost my four wheel drive. After some involved research, I discovered that this is a recurring problem with fellow 2001, 2002 Ranger. Ford's refusal to claim responsibility for this engineering flaw is unsafe, unfair, and unacceptable. Ford is making a fortune from this unfortunate situation and it needs to be addressed. This is criminal!

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

The consumer states that vehicle rocks while driving. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer, and the dealer suggested that the spark plugs needed replacing. The consumer sates that the vehicle goes at a rate of 2500+3000 RPM 202 Ranger, shakes in the net or park. The engine cuts out and jerks at high speeds, also when passing vehicles or trucks on the freeways-cuts out, its very unsafe, and the brakes pulsate/shake when applied at highway speeds. (6000 RPM, plus the speedometer shows 120 mph) certified mechanic(s) have stated that there's something wrong with the vehicle.

- Edmond, WA, USA