2002 Ford E-150 recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford E-150 has 3 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
28
Crashes / fires
1 / 3
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford E-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford E-150 recalls

Recall 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

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.

Recall 08V-051: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Feb 4, 2008 · 225,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

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.

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.

Recall 07V-336: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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.

Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.

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.

2002 Ford E-150 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Service Brakes, Air4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Power Train3
Electrical System3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Steering3
Tires2
Wheels2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Suspension2
Service Brakes2

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Electrical System › Horn — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Caliper — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Pads — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford E-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Jun 23, 2024
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.
Wheels · at 228,000 miles · reported Mar 7, 2024
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…
Steering · at 180,000 miles · reported Dec 28, 2020
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!!!
Steering · at 86,000 miles · reported Aug 1, 2018
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…
Suspension · at 125,000 miles · reported Dec 31, 2012
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.

Other Ford E-150 years

Compare all Ford E-150 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford E-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford E-150: 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 08V-051 (vehicle speed control), 07V-336 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (4 reports), followed by service brakes, air (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.