2002 Ford Econoline recalls and problems

2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Econoline.

2
recalls
23
owner complaints
0
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 Econoline recalls

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.

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

NHTSA campaign 03V282000 · reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 64 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.
The risk
The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.
The fix
Ford will send technicians to the owner's location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. Owner notification began on september 3, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

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.

Oct 14, 2017 · Engine · 150,000 miles

LEFT HOUSE FOR VACATION, GOT 75 MILES AWAY AT 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, AND ENGINE STARTED MAKING A POPPING SOUND. PULLED OFF ROAD AND CALLED A NEARBY MOBILE REPAIR COMPANY. THEY SENT OUT A MECHANIC, HE DIAGNOSED A BLOWN OUT SPARK PLUG, AND SAID THIS WAS COMMON FOR THE FORD V-10. MADE IT TO HIS SHOP, AND THAT'S WHERE IT…

Jul 20, 2014 · Electrical system · 280,000 miles · fire reported

DRIVING VAN ON HIGHWAY WHEN VAN BEGAN SMOKING. THEN FIRE. EVERYTHING WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED.

Oct 18, 2012 · Fuel/propulsion system · 76,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD ECONOLINE E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, HE HEARD A LOUD, ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE FOR FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR END OF THE FUEL TANK HAD DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, ONE OF…

Jul 16, 2012 · Engine · 98,000 miles

TOOK THE VAN TO THE STORE. UPON RETURNING FROM STORE STARTED THE VAN, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AS IF A BOMB WENT OFF. EVERYONE LOOKED BECAUSE IT WAS SO LOUD. TURNED THE VAN OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT SOUNDED LIKE A DRAG CAR AT THE TRACK, NO EXHAUST SYSTEM AT ALL. TOOK COW OFF AND LOOKED INSIDE, FOUND THE SPARK PLUG…

May 21, 2012 · Fuel/propulsion system · 96,517 miles

FUEL PUMP FAILED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS ON 101 SOUTH ON THE WALDO GRADE APPROACHING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. VEHICLE LOST POWER HALF WAY UP THE GRADE AND SLOWED TO 10 MPH. LIMPED VEHICLE TO OFF RAMP. I AM AN ASE CERTIFIED MASTER MECHANIC, I ALSO HOLD MY CALIFORNIA SMOG LICENSE. I'VE WORKED AS A…

Econoline model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 33934
2001 32812
2002 22303
2003 22203
2005 2000

Across all years, the 2000 Econoline has the most complaints (39). All Ford Econoline years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Econoline have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford Econoline, the most recent reported on February 4, 2008 (Vehicle speed control: cruise control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Econoline?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (6 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (5).
How many 2002 Ford Econoline complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 23 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 14, 2017.