2002 Ford Expedition recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford Expedition has 2 safety recalls and 340 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
340
Crashes / fires
19 / 69
Injuries / deaths
27 / 2

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

2002 Ford Expedition recalls

Recall 05V-388: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Sep 7, 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.

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)

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

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.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

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.

2002 Ford Expedition problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling95
Vehicle Speed Control58
Electrical System47
Tires27
Engine27
Seat Belts20
Service Brakes, Hydraulic18
Power Train18
Air Bags16
Fuel System, Gasoline16
Suspension15
Structure14

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 37
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 12
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 10
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 9
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
  • Tires › Sidewall — 4
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 84,000 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 Expedition complaints

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

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jul 20, 2024
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 and told me it was definitely the deactivation switch that had caught fire.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 163,745 miles · reported Jun 6, 2024
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 to step on the brake pedal to drive. The brake pedal remained on the floorboard and was inoperable, causing the contact's fiancée to shift to park(P) to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the speed control deactivation switch…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 23, 2022
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.
Service Brakes · reported Jun 4, 2022
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.
Firerelated · at 146,457 miles · reported Jan 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2002 Ford Expedition. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught fire. The fire started from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with water. An independent mechanic came to the contact's residence and diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control) however, the contact did not receive notification of the recall. The mechanic informed the contact that the speed control deactivation switch caused the fire that damaged the hydraulic control unit and the pigtail. The…

Other Ford Expedition years

Compare all Ford Expedition years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford Expedition have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford Expedition: 05V-388 (vehicle speed control), 03V-094 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford Expedition?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (95 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (58). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 84,000 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.