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2002 Ford E-150 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Ford E-150 is brakes, typically around 34,000 miles. It has 2.3 times the complaints of a typical E-150 model year.

Typical year2.3x the typical complaints
Year score
42/100
Owner complaints
28
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
13
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
13-16mpg

The worst 2002 Ford E-150 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Suspension
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1

Recalls 3

Vehicle speed controlReported October 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 09V399000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cruise controlReported February 4, 2008 · 225,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 08V051000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported August 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 07V336000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford E-150

Defect investigations

Spark plug ejection from cylinder headOpened September 22, 2005, closed January 4, 2006

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehicle stalled without restart.information contained in the odi consumer complaints and obtained from 72 telephone interviews with complainants showed the following:(1) 99% of the complaints were on my 1997 to 2002 subject vehicles.(2) most the complainants reported hearing a loud pop while driving or upon starting up the vehicle followed by a loud, repetitive clicking or popping sound.(3) many of the complainants reported that the popping sound was accompanied by some loss of vehicle power; however, in 99% of the incidents reported, the vehicle did not stall.in the very few incidents where the vehicle did stall, most vehicles could be restarted.(4) only a small percentage of the complainants cited that they smelled gas or a slight burning smell when the incident occurred.(5) in all but a very few incidents, vehicle damage was limited to the engine.in one incident, the complaint reported that the fuel rail was damaged and replaced after one of the spark plugs ejected from the engine; however, the complainant reported that the damage did not result in any type of fuel leak or fire.in another incident, the only incident where a fire was alleged, the complainant reported that no fluid leak was observed, but that a fire resulted after the spark plug had ejected from the engine and he had restarted the vehicle and driven to another location.none of the complainants reported any damage to the vehicle hood.(6) only two complainants reported that they observed what appeared to be some drops of fuel coming from the cylinder where the spark plug had failed or on the spark plug itself; however, each of these complainants reported that there was no smoke or flames as a result of his incident.as the petitioner noted, and odi?s analysis showed, it is possible for a spark plug to detach from the engine cylinder threads in the subject vehicles.however, odi?s analysis of 474 complaints describing such incidents found only a very few alleged any safety-related consequences.none of these showed any evidence of a serious safety consequence.given the large population and relatively long exposure time of the subject vehicles, the complaint analysis indicates that the risk to motor vehicle safety from the alleged defect is very low.in view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.

DP05005

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Ford E-150 13

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 13 bulletins for the 2002 Ford E-150

2002 Ford E-150 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.6L 8‑cylRWD12-1417-1914-16
5.4L 8‑cylRWD12-1316-1813-15
4.2L 6‑cylRWD131714

What 2002 Ford E-150 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 23, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · IN

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.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Brakes, Wheels · 228,000 miles · NJ · fire

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.

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Steering · 180,000 miles · NJ

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!!!

Filed Aug 1, 2018 · Body, Steering · 86,000 miles · WI

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2016 · Engine · 365,489 miles · TX

Spark plug blew out of engine block. I was going in reverse when this happened.

Filed Dec 31, 2012 · Suspension · 125,000 miles · FL · fire

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.

Filed Mar 12, 2012 · Fuel system · OH

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).

Filed Aug 8, 2011 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · OH

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

Filed Jan 27, 2011 · Suspension · 132,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Sep 25, 2010 · Fuel system · 205,000 miles · WI

Fuel tank filler neck rust and leak spills gasoline on every fuel fillup--extreme danger of fire.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2002 Ford E-150 before you buy

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Questions about the 2002 Ford E-150

Is the 2002 Ford E-150 reliable?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the 2002 Ford E-150, 2.3 times a typical E-150 model year.

What is the 2002 Ford E-150 year score?

The 2002 Ford E-150 scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford E-150: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford E-150?

Brakes, with 5 complaints, typically around 34,000 miles. Next is acceleration (3).

How many recalls does the 2002 Ford E-150 have?

3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control.

What year does the Ford E-150 have bad brakes?

The Ford E-150 model years with the most brakes complaints are 1994 (26 complaints), 1995 (20 complaints) and 1997 (18 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford E-150 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Ford E-150 range from 13 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.6L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 12-14 city and 17-19 highway.

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