2002 Ford Ranger: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Ford Ranger?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Ford Ranger than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Chassis rust or damage5.7× usual
  Ford Ranger

  22.7% All 2002 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings4.6× usual
  Ford Ranger

  18% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rigid brake pipes1.6× usual
  Ford Ranger

  29.2% All 2002 cars

  18.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Rear fog light6× usual
  Ford Ranger

  9.6% All 2002 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
  Ford Ranger

  14.5% All 2002 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 3.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2002 Ford Ranger MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Ford Ranger MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  40% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Rust and bodywork
  33% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  22% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Ford Ranger

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2002 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2002 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2002 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?