Model year

2002 Ford E-150

Van, gasoline, 4x2, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 16, 2003 to Jun 23, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year38.32M vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints289.3 times the median 2002 van
Severity index14.32002 vans average 13.2
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2002 Ford E-150 peaked in 2010, with 5 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

02462003200520072009520112013201520172019202120232026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

18% of complaints about the 2002 Ford E-150 name brakes

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Brakes
5
Electrical system
3
Engine and cooling
3
Fuel system
3
Powertrain
3
Steering
3
Speed control
3
Suspension
2
Tires
2
Wheels
2
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

3 recall campaigns cover the 2002 Ford E-150

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford E-150
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
09V-399Oct 13, 2009Scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burnSpeed control4,500,000Repair or modification
08V-051Feb 4, 2008Affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polaritySpeed control225,000Part replacement
07V-336Aug 3, 2007On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under…Speed control3,600,000Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2002 Ford E-150

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

  1. Filed Jun 23, 2024Failure Jun 21, 2024Washington, INService brakes, Steering

    My power steering and brakes went out as I was driving. I was making a turn in town, and I almost collided with another car at the intersection. I pushed the brakes as hard as I could, but it didn't slow down, the car just eventually rolled to a stop on its own. The exact cause is unknown, but it seems like it was a failure in the power steering pump. After turning off the van and turning it back on again a minute later, it started driving normally again.

    NHTSA complaint 11595957
  2. Filed Mar 7, 2024Failure Feb 29, 2024228,000 milesBerlin, NJService brakes, WheelsFire

    The contact owns a 2002 Ford E-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, he smelled a burning odor in the passenger cabin. The contact stated that he turned the A/C on to help clear the cabin. The contact stated that he noticed smoke was being emitted from the driver's side rear tire and wheel well. The contact stated that the tire separated from the rim and the vehicle dropped to the road. The contact stated he had not noticed any warning lights. The contact stated that he managed to pull over and saw smoke emitted from the rotor and brake pads. The contact stated that the rim was almost destroyed. The contact observed that there was fluid leaking from the rotor and brake pads and had started to burst into flames. The contact stated that he was able to smother the flames with a blanket. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 228,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11575938
  3. Filed Dec 28, 2020Failure Dec 21, 2020180,000 milesWhitehouse Station, NJSteering

    IN A PARKING LOT, I WENT TO TURN LEFT, HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE VAN JUST WENT STRAIGHT. LOST ALL STEERING CONTROL. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND NOT ON THE ROAD AT HIGHER SPEED. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED AT SPEED, I WOULD HAVE HIT ONCOMING TRAFFIC , OR GONE OFF THE ROAD INTO WHO KNOWS WHAT. TWO SEPARATE MECHANICS HAVE DIAGNOSED A COMPLETE FRAME FAILURE WIHICH ALLOWED THE STEERING BOX TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME. THE FRAME IS NOT REPAIRABLE. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 FORD E150 FRAME PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED!!!

    NHTSA complaint 11385180
  4. Filed Aug 1, 2018Failure Jul 20, 201886,000 milesDE Pere, WISteering, Frame and members

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING ABILITY BECAUSE THE BOLTS CONNECTED TO THE GEAR BOX, WHICH WERE ALL CONNECTED TO THE FRAME, DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LES STUMPF FORD (3030 W COLLEGE AVE, APPLETON, WI) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED; HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11115083
  5. Filed Oct 25, 2016Failure Oct 22, 2016365,489 milesReklaw, TXEngine

    SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE BLOCK. I WAS GOING IN REVERSE WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

    NHTSA complaint 10918802
  6. Filed Dec 31, 2012Failure Dec 26, 2012125,000 milesBloundown, FLSuspensionFire

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD REGENCY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-55 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS RIDING ON THE ROTOR, WHICH STARTED A SMALL FIRE, BUT HE WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE C-CLAMP WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10490603
  7. Filed Mar 12, 2012Failure Jun 16, 2010North Royalton, OHFuel system, Gasoline

    THE GAS PEDAL ON OUR E150 FORD TRAVELER VAN IS STICKY. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SOME TIME NOW. MY WIFE HAS COMPLAINED ABOUT IT FOR SEVERAL YEARS. A CO-WORKER AND I BORROWED A FRIENDS FORD PICKUP TRUCK AND HE MENTIONED THE SAME PROBLEM, I TOLD HIM ABOUT OUR VAN(THIS WAS A MONTH AGO). *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10451299
  8. Filed Aug 8, 2011Failure Mar 1, 201140,000 milesFindley, OHFuel system, Gasoline

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE TWO STRAPS WHICH HELD THE FUEL TANK IN PLACE WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 09/19/11 *BF UPDATED 2/23/12 *CN

    NHTSA complaint 10417976
  9. Filed Jan 27, 2011Failure Jan 14, 2011132,000 milesST Claire Shores, MIFront

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE SUCH AS A SPRING POPPING, WHEN HE NOTICED THAT THE FLAT PLATE THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COIL SPRING MOUNT WAS MOUNTED ON HAD RUSTED, CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10379322
  10. Filed Sep 25, 2010Failure Sep 1, 2010205,000 milesOnalaska, WIFuel system, Gasoline

    FUEL TANK FILLER NECK RUST AND LEAK SPILLS GASOLINE ON EVERY FUEL FILLUP--EXTREME DANGER OF FIRE. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10357486
  11. Filed Jun 29, 2010Failure Jun 28, 201098,642 milesNEW Berlin, WIEngine

    I OWN A 2002 FORD E150 VAN WITH A 5.4 TRITON ENGINE. THE VAN HAS 98000 MILES, AND STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL SPARKPLUGS IN IT (MAINLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT FORD DOESN'T RECOMMEND A CHANGE UNTIL 90K). WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, I HEARD A "POP", AND SUDDENLY THE VAN BEGIN TO DRIVE SLUGGISH AND VERY LOUD. I WAS ABLE TO RETURN HOME, AND DISCOVERED THAT THE #3 SPARKPLUG HAD EJECTED FROM THE HEAD, DAMAGING THE COIL. AT THIS POINT, IT APPEARS THAT A FORD DEALERSHIP MAY NEED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AT A COST OF $500.00 . I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT IF THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN FREEWAY DRIVING OR I WERE A CONSIDERABLE WAY FROM HOME. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A FORD PRODUCT AGAIN BECAUSE OF THIS. FORD NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10340676
  12. Filed Apr 23, 2010Failure Feb 24, 200919,000 milesFoxboro, MADriveline

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-150 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WERE ONLY TWO BOLTS THAT WERE HOLDING THE DRIVE SHAFT TOGETHER AND NOT THE CUSTOMARY FOUR. THE CONTACT PURCHASED TWO BOLTS TO INSTALL INTO THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC, TESTING, OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10327155
  13. Filed Feb 7, 2010Failure Feb 7, 2010130,000 milesLometa, TXEquipment

    SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM ENGINE *TW

    NHTSA complaint 10307275
  14. Filed Jan 5, 2010Failure Jan 4, 201081,000 milesCitrus Heights, CAEngine and engine cooling

    2002 FORD E-150 W/4.6- SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF HEAD RIPPING APART THE PLUG BOOT AND SPLITTING THE COIL(OVER) IN PIECES. SPARK PLUG WILL NOT RETREAD INTO HEAD. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10298251
  15. Filed Jan 8, 2009Failure Jan 2, 2009114,000 milesTucson, AZElectrical systemFire

    THIS WAS A CAR FIRE FORD F-150 IN FRONT A RESIDENCE THEY HAD LAST DRIVEN THE VEHICLE 5 HOURS PRIOR AND I SAW FOR THE WINDOW BY MY RESIDENCE THE SMOKING IN THE DRIVEWAY AND I ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH WITH A GARDEN HOSE AND I RECEIVED HELP FROM OFF DUTY FF HE FINISHED EXTINGUISHED BUT THE VEHICLE HAS A HEAVY DAMAGE ON THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10254299
  16. Filed Apr 1, 2008Failure Oct 15, 200749,000 milesVirginia Beach, VACables

    THIS IS THE RECALL ON THE FORD VAN CRUISE CONTROL THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE ANSWER I PLAN ON GOING ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND I WANT THE CRUISE CONTROL FIXED BEFORE THAT. NINE MONTHS TO WAIT FOR A PART IS CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS FINEST. ITS VERY STRANGE THAT I CAN GET THE PART THROUGH THE FORD DEALER WITHIN TWO WEEKS IF I ORDER IT FROM THE PARTS DEPARTMENT. CRCFMC@FORD.COM WROTE: > DEAR RICK, > > THANK YOU FOR CONTACTING THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER REGARDING A FUSED WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE 05S28 SAFETY RECALL ON YOUR 2002 FORD E-150. > > PARTS FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL WILL BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE 2008. AFFECTED CUSTOMERS WILL RECEIVE A POSTCARD FROM RECALL HEADQUARTERS INSTRUCTING THEM TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEIR DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL COMPLETED. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCONVENIENCE THIS SITUATION CAUSES, AND ASSURE YOU THAT WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO EXPEDITE RESOLUTION. > LEONILA > CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER > FORD MOTOR COMPANY FORD MOTOR COMPANYMAIN TOPIC: VEHICLEWARRANTYQUESTIONSEMAIL QUESTIONS: I TOOK THE VAN IN FOR THE RECALL ON THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIS WAS DONE IN OCTOBER 07. I WAS TOLD THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN DECEMBER. IN DECEMBER I WAS TOLD JANUARY, THEN FEBRUARY THEN MARCH. IT IS NOW APRIL AND STILL NOTHING. THE DEALER HAS BEEN LESS THAN HELPFUL AND THIS PROBLEM IS COSTING ME MONEY SINCE THE VAN IS DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY DAILY WITH NO CRUISE CONTROL. I WOULD LIKE THIS REPAIRED ASAP. I'M SURE THE NEW VEHICLES HAVE THE CORRECT CABLE WHY CAN'T I. > OWNER: YESVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: MILEAGE: 55000VEHICLE LOCATION: INPOSSESSIONIF CONTACTED DEALER: YES DEALER NAME: *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10223095
  17. Filed Mar 25, 2008Failure Mar 25, 2008Bethel, OHCruise control

    ON MARCH 25TH I TOOK MY F150 IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL THEY DISCONNECTED IT. THEY TOLD THAT THEY HAVE NO PARTS TOO FIX IT FROM FORD. HOW CAN THIS BE WHEN THE RECALL IS FROM 2005. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT WOULD TAKE THIS LONG. SOMEONE NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10222292
  18. Filed Jul 2, 2007Failure Jun 23, 2007114,244 milesNiles, MITires

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-150. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER FUTURA DAKOTA LT TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO FISHTAIL WHEN DRIVING FROM A DIRT ROAD ONTO SMOOTH PAVEMENT. A TIRE WAS CHANGED AND REPLACED WITH A SPARE. THE FAILURE NO LONGER OCCURS. THE CONTACT HAS THE TIRES AND PICTURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 114,244.

    NHTSA complaint 10195176
  19. Filed Jul 10, 2005Failure Jul 3, 2005135,000 milesLancaster, CARim

    I HAVE HAD 3 2002 FORD OEM WHEEL RIMS DEVELOPE STRESS CRACKS AND LEAK AIR FROM THE TIRES. THIS HAS HAPPEND TO 3 OF THE 5 RIMS THAT I GOT ON MY 2002 E150 VAN. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS JULY 3RD, 2005, BUT THE FIRST 2 TIMES WERE EARLIER THIS YEAR. ALL THE CRACKS ARE IN THE CENTER PORTION OF THE OF THE RIM BETWEEN THE WHERE THE TIRE BEAD MOUNTS. 1 IS NEAR THE WIELD AREA FOR THE HUB PORTION BUT THE OTHER 2 ARE NOT. I HAVE 135,000 MILES ON THE VAN. PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL OR CELL PHONE. I WILL BE OUT OF TOWN FROM THE 13TH TO THE 17TH, IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. THANKS

    NHTSA complaint 10128241
  20. Filed Jun 14, 2005Failure May 26, 200516,000 milesTonawanda, NYAutomatic transmission

    DT: TRANSMISSION BLEW OUT. VEHICLE HAS 16,000 MILES. I HAD TO GET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION ,AND THEY HAD TO REPAIR IT. *AK

    NHTSA complaint 10125242
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

1 NHTSA investigation on file

  • DP05005 Defect petition, Engine and cooling
    SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
    Opened Sep 22, 2005, closed Jan 4, 2006
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

13 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • 071110 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BRAKE BOOSTER SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT A BRAKE PEDAL KICKBACK AND/OR GRABBING CONDITION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. *NJ
  • 19527 Dec 1, 2006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT NEEDED. *KB
  • 05248 Jan 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT
  • 05173 Nov 14, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1131 AND/OR P1151 - 4.2L ENGINE. *TT
  • 18735 Jul 1, 2005 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HEADLIGHT ADJUSTMENT - CHASSIS CAB INCOMPLETE VEHICLES. *TT
  • 18250 Oct 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    INTERMITTENT CLUNK ON 3-2 DOWNSHIFT DURING COASTDOWN/TIP-IN. OASIS. TO INCLUDE 2005 F-150, E-SERIES AND EXPEDITION. *TT
  • 17381 Nov 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    FRONT BRAKE PAD WEAR. *TT
  • 17520 Jan 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    CLUNK FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT
  • 17104 Sep 1, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TICKING/TAPPING NOISE WITH THE ENGINE WARMED UP AND THE TRANSMISSION IN GEAR AT IDLE. 2003 E150 INCLUDED. *TT
  • 15923 May 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EXHIBITING A STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION / SHIMMY. *TT
  • 15799 Apr 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH. *TT
  • 15517 Jan 1, 2002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SUBJECT REGARDING EXAGGERATED ENGINE BRAKING ON DECELERATION. *YD
  • 14992 Jun 1, 2001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSION (DRIVESHAFT >70 INCH) MAY EXHIBIT A DRIVELINE VIBRATION / ROUGHNESS ON ACCELERATION OR UNDER LOAD AT ABOUT 50 - 55 MPH. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.