2002 Ford E-150 recalls and problems

3 recalls and 28 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford E-150.

3
recalls
28
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
3
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford E-150 recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · reported October 13, 2009 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Ford is recalling model years 1995-2003 windstar, 2000-2003 excursion diesel, 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 f-250 sd through f-550 sd diesel, 1992-2003 e-150 through e-550, 1995-2002 explorer, 1997 and 2002 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
The risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
The fix
Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

NHTSA campaign 08V051000 · reported February 4, 2008 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 225,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
The risk
As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
The fix
Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 07V336000 · reported August 3, 2007 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
The risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
The fix
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 23, 2024 · Service brakes

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…

Mar 7, 2024 · Wheels · 228,000 miles · fire reported

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…

Dec 28, 2020 · Steering · 180,000 miles

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…

Aug 1, 2018 · Steering · 86,000 miles

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…

Oct 25, 2016 · Engine · 365,489 miles

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

E-150 model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 65012
2001 43711
2002 32813
2003 52131
2004 53320
2005 21620

Across all years, the 2000 E-150 has the most complaints (50). All Ford E-150 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford E-150 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford E-150, the most recent reported on October 13, 2009 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford E-150?
Owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (3).
How many 2002 Ford E-150 complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 28 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 23, 2024.