2002 Ford E-150
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-150 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford E-150. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2002 Ford E-150. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
28 complaints1 involved a crash3 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Steering
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…
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.
- Service brakes · Wheels
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…
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.
- Steering
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…
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 · Structure › Frame and members
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…
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.
- Engine
Spark plug blew out of engine block. I was going in reverse when this happened.
- Suspension
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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). *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
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 *cn
- Suspension › Front
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…
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Fuel tank filler neck rust and leak spills gasoline on every fuel fillup--extreme danger of fire. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 2002 ford E150 van with a 5.4 triton engine. the van has 98000 miles, and still has the original sparkplugs in it (mainly due to the fact that ford doesn't recommend a change until 90K). while driving at approximately 20 mph, I heard a "pop", and suddenly the van begin to drive sluggish…
I own a 2002 ford E150 van with a 5.4 triton engine. the van has 98000 miles, and still has the original sparkplugs in it (mainly due to the fact that ford doesn't recommend a change until 90K). while driving at approximately 20 mph, I heard a "pop", and suddenly the van begin to drive sluggish and very loud. I was able to return home, and discovered that the #3 sparkplug had ejected from the head, damaging the coil. at this point, it appears that a ford dealership may need to repair the damage at a cost of $500.00 . I can only imagine how this could have been different if this would have been freeway driving or I were a considerable way from home. I will never purchase a ford product again because of this. ford needs to make this right. *Tr
- Power train › Driveline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-150 van. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that there were only two bolts that were holding the drive shaft together and not the customary four. The contact purchased two bolts to install into the drive shaft. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-150 van. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, he noticed that there were only two bolts that were holding the drive shaft together and not the customary four. The contact purchased two bolts to install into the drive shaft. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic, testing, or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000 and the current mileage was 23,000.
- Equipment
Spark plug ejected from engine *tw
- Engine and engine cooling
2002 ford E-150 W/4.6- spark plug blew out of head ripping apart the plug boot and splitting the coil(over) in pieces. spark plug will not retread into head. *Tr
- Electrical system
This was a car fire ford F-150 in front a residence they had last driven the vehicle 5 hours prior and I saw for the window by my residence the smoking in the driveway and I attempt to extinguish with a garden hose and I received help from off duty ff he finished extinguished but the vehicle has a heavy damage on the engine compartment. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cables
This IS the recall on the ford van cruise control that IS not an acceptable answer I plan on going across the country and I want the cruise control fixed before that. Nine months to wait for a part IS customer service at its finest. Its very strange that I can get the part through the ford…
This IS the recall on the ford van cruise control that IS not an acceptable answer I plan on going across the country and I want the cruise control fixed before that. Nine months to wait for a part IS customer service at its finest. Its very strange that I can get the part through the ford dealer within two weeks if I order it from the parts department. crcfmc@ford.com wrote: > dear rick, > > thank you for contacting the ford motor company customer relationship center regarding a fused wiring harness needed to complete the 05s28 safety recall on your 2002 ford E-150. > > parts for the cruise control switch recall will be available in june 2008. affected customers will receive a postcard from recall headquarters instructing them to make an appointment with their dealer to have the recall completed. we apologize for the inconvenience this situation causes, and assure you that we are doing everything possible to expedite resolution. > leonila > customer relationship center > ford motor company ford motor companymain topic: vehiclewarrantyquestionsemail questions: I took the van in for the recall on the cruise control. This was done in october 07. I was told the part would be available in december. In december I was told january, then february then march. It IS now april and still nothing. The dealer has been less than helpful and this problem IS costing me money since the van IS driven on the highway daily with no cruise control. I would like this repaired asap. I'm sure the new vehicles have the correct cable why can't i. > owner: yesvehicle identification number: mileage: 55000vehicle location: inpossessionif contacted dealer: yes dealer name: *tr
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
On march 25TH I took my F150 in to the ford dealership on a safety recall for the speed control they disconnected it. They told that they have no parts too fix it from ford. How can this be when the recall IS from 2005. I can't believe it would take this long. Someone needs to address the problem. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford E-150. the vehicle has cooper futura dakota LT tires. while driving 70 mph, the vehicle began to shake. the vehicle would also fishtail when driving from a dirt road onto smooth pavement. a tire was changed and replaced with a spare. the failure no longer occurs. the contact has the tires and pictures. the current and failure mileages were 114,244.
- Wheels › Rim
I have had 3 2002 ford oem wheel rims develope stress cracks and leak air from the tires. This has happend to 3 of the 5 rims that I got on my 2002 E150 van. the last incident was july 3RD, 2005, but the first 2 times were earlier this year. all the cracks are in the center portion of the of the…
I have had 3 2002 ford oem wheel rims develope stress cracks and leak air from the tires. This has happend to 3 of the 5 rims that I got on my 2002 E150 van. the last incident was july 3RD, 2005, but the first 2 times were earlier this year. all the cracks are in the center portion of the of the rim between the where the tire bead mounts. 1 IS near the wield area for the hub portion but the other 2 are not. I have 135,000 miles on the van. please contact me by email or cell phone. I will be out of town from the 13TH to the 17TH, if you have any questions. thanks
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: transmission blew out. Vehicle has 16,000 miles. I had to get another transmission ,and they had to repair it. *Ak
- Electrical system › Horn
In rainy/snowy weather horn fails to work intermittently. Therefore, consumer IS unable to warn other drivers. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Electrical system › Horn
During very wet weather, the horn does not work or works very faintly. this has happened multiple times. the van IS a 2002. I have always had the recommended maintenance performd by the ford dealership. I made a complaint to them on 2 occasions and was told there IS nothing they can do about…
During very wet weather, the horn does not work or works very faintly. this has happened multiple times. the van IS a 2002. I have always had the recommended maintenance performd by the ford dealership. I made a complaint to them on 2 occasions and was told there IS nothing they can do about it. I have not had any incidents other than hitting my horn and having little noise come out. I am afraid that when I need the horn it will not work in wet weather.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module · Tires
On 11/04/04, recall work for ABS sensor was performed. At the same time, front brake pads were replaced by dealer - their suggestion ("10% left"). On 11/05, at highway speed in heavy traffic, dry-clear day, I needed to stop aggressively due to unknown traffic situation ahead. Spongy brake pedal…
On 11/04/04, recall work for ABS sensor was performed. At the same time, front brake pads were replaced by dealer - their suggestion ("10% left"). On 11/05, at highway speed in heavy traffic, dry-clear day, I needed to stop aggressively due to unknown traffic situation ahead. Spongy brake pedal went to the floor, no ABS activated. swerved onto grass shoulder to avoid an accident with other vehiclesto complete stop. 11/8-Brought vehicle to dealer. Dealer claims the ob computer shows no incident, and could not replicate problem. "Larry" dealer service rep claims they do not bleed brakes during replacement. "Larry" also indicated that ABS not working IS typical in the first 1,500 miles of a brake pad replacement.*ak
- Service brakes, air › Disc › Caliper · Service brakes, air › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, air › Disc › Rotor
2002 E-150 conversion van at 27770 miles the brakes and rotors had to be replaced with out warning have to press hard on brake pedal to stop. It IS like the caliper does not dis-engauge. I told the dealer ship this and they said that it IS not un-common problem they have seen it happen under 20,000…
2002 E-150 conversion van at 27770 miles the brakes and rotors had to be replaced with out warning have to press hard on brake pedal to stop. It IS like the caliper does not dis-engauge. I told the dealer ship this and they said that it IS not un-common problem they have seen it happen under 20,000 miles. It cost a lot of money to have fixed it seems that there may be a design defect or not the right type of part installed because it takes so long for the van to come to a stop with speeds under 25 mph. *cb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
When on a small hill and stopped at a red light when you take your foot off the brake (when the light turns green) it rolls backwards. Eng 4.6l-v8. customer service at dealer told me this IS a characteristic of this particular transmission. this IS the same transmission as some expeditions and…
When on a small hill and stopped at a red light when you take your foot off the brake (when the light turns green) it rolls backwards. Eng 4.6l-v8. customer service at dealer told me this IS a characteristic of this particular transmission. this IS the same transmission as some expeditions and they will do the same thing. it almost rolled back and hit a car. customer relationship at dearborn wants me to test drive another E-150 to see if it does the same thing from the dealer. currently, I'm waiting for the dealer to get back to me on this. *la
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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…
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 nhtsa 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 nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10022675Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10022232Headlight adjustment needed.
- 10018941Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10018741Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p1131 and/or p1151 - 4.2L engine.
- 10017865Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10010743Intermittent clunk on 3-2 downshift during coastdown/tip-in. Oasis. To include 2005 F-150, e-series and expedition.
- 10008193Front brake pad wear.
- 10007350Clunk from front suspension.
- 10004045Ticking/tapping noise with the engine warmed up and the transmission in gear at idle. 2003 E150 included.
- 637826Exhibiting a steering wheel vibration / shimmy.
- 637519Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50-55 mph.
- 630043Subject regarding exaggerated engine braking on deceleration.
- 622802Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a driveline vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50 - 55 mph.
Every Ford E-150 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.