One problem related to manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe 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.
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.