One problem related to catalytic convertor 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.
Exhaust odor after engine reaches normal operating temp. The odor is like rotten eggs, sulphur, phosphorus. Problem began when vehicle was approx. 9 months old with less than 10,000 miles. Vehicle was bought new and is a 2002 Ford Ranger with 4. 0, auto, 4x4. Vehicle now has 17,405 miles and has been back to the dealer 4 or 5 times without resolve and is about to go back again. The dealer said they have done everything Ford has advised them to do and they do not know what to try next. The dealer said Ford will not authorize replacing the catalytic convertor because the problem would start over again when the new convertor "burns" in. The dealer told me the first time it would go away in approx. 5,000 miles. The smell remains and, if anything, is getting worse. The frustration began when I took the truck in the first time for the exhaust odor and a severe jerk when putting the trans. Into reverse. The service manager said the "jerk" was because the vehicle (10,008 miles) was getting "broke in" but the smell was due to the convertor just "burning in" because it was new! I've had 5 Rangers since 1996 and purchase 3 other vehicles since 1990 and have never had this odor in any of them.