One problem related to air bag on-off switch has been reported for the 2002 Ford Ranger. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Ranger based on all problems reported for the 2002 Ranger.
Labor day 2002 my 2002 Ford Ranger 2. 3 let me down. Approx. 4000 mile on it leaving sequim washington on hwy 101 going to port angeles washington, I was traveling 55 miles hour. All a sudden I smelt gas, then my Ranger started to spew out lots of black smoke. The motor quit and I pulled off thi hwy. It won't statr up. Called the dealer, they were just closing up time 4:30 pm labor day I sopke to a saleman, servide dept not working, no one to help me. I told the salesman I would go back and try to start it, if I got it stsrtid I would take it home. No help the Ranger was insured. I went back, after a few times I got it started. Black smoke waw coming out of the tail pipe. I revered the engine up and was able to drive it home in second and third gear maintaning 35 to 40 miles an hour. Gopt up the nex morning the Ranger would not start till I tried it several times. It did start and ran pretty goog but with ignition troubles. Traveling, motor running 1800 to 2800 rpm in 5th gear Ranger felt like it would shift up and doun. Timing was chaning. Some time engine woul shut down then come back on. Ford dealer can't fined any thing wrong. Approx 16000 miles later I took Ranger to a garage. There computer showed the engine woud drop two clynders now and then. Shut down and right back on. Took ignition print out to Ford dealer, they still say there is nothing wrong.