2002 Ford Expedition recalls and problems

2 recalls and 340 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford Expedition.

2
recalls
340
owner complaints
19
complaints mentioning a crash
69
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 Expedition recalls

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 05V388000 · reported September 7, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 4,500,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
The risk
A fire at the switch could occur.
The fix
By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)

Structure

NHTSA campaign 03V094000 · reported March 7, 2003 · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS · 3,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, INC. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
The risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

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.

Jul 20, 2024 · Vehicle speed control · fire reported

Cruise control deactivation switch. I was getting in my truck on my way to work in the early morning. as I walked by the hood I could smell what seemed like burning wire, so I opened the hood & right as I got it all the way up flames started shooting up. I put the fire out and had to wait to call my mechanic he came…

Jun 6, 2024 · Vehicle speed control · 163,745 miles

The contact's fiancée owns a 2002 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the driver's side front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that while his fiancée was attempting to drive the vehicle the following day, the brake pedal was depressed but was firm, requiring the contact's fiancée…

Jun 23, 2022 · Fuel/propulsion system

My spark plugs are going bad, I bought three tires. But now I'm having to take it to the shop because it's weird noises coming from the tire it may be the wheel baring or sway bar link and bushing the mechanic say.

Jun 7, 2022 · Service brakes

re: IR 11467550. See attached photo.

Jun 4, 2022 · Service brakes

2002 expedition mfg date 12/2001 right front brake separated at swagged fitting to short tubing to caliper. had just parked, stopped fine. next day all fluid had drained through separated hose.

Expedition model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 789055199
2001 65783895
2002 23401969
2003 16155736
2004 02974915
2005 0315206

Across all years, the 2000 Expedition has the most complaints (890). All Ford Expedition years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford Expedition have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford Expedition, the most recent reported on September 7, 2005 (Vehicle speed control). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Expedition?
Owners have filed 340 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (95 complaints), followed by vehicle speed control (58).
How many 2002 Ford Expedition complaints mention a crash or fire?
19 of 340 complaints report a crash and 69 a fire; 27 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 20, 2024.