2002 Ford E-350
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › E-350 › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Ford E-350. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2002 Ford E-350. 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.
On certain vans built on ford e250/e350 chassis and equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly IS out of alignment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. sure-lok IS conducting the owner notification and remedy for this campaign. owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or accubuilt at 419-222-1501.
Certain vans and wagons fail to conform to the requirements of part 567, "certification." for certain 2003 E250 vans built with lt225/75r16e tires, the rear axle rating IS incorrectly listed on the label. in addition, the tire pressure IS incorrectly listed on the label for the rear tires on certain 2002 E350 wagons and for the front tires on certain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure to follow proper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation recommendation can result in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with supplementary tire labels containing correct information and installation instructions. if an owner so desires, their dealer can install the label for them. the recall began on july 8, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
53 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Head on vehicle stripped because of the way it IS made. There was a recall on regular E350 but mine IS an rv. It was in motion when the spark plug popped out while driving down the highway on I-65 in birmingham alabama.
- Engine · Suspension · Unknown or other
This 350 econoline, 8CYL., extended body van was purchased new, and I am the original owner. the vehicle has only 120K miles on it since 2002. beginning several years ago, my mechanic complained of severe frame erosion, having had to reinforce and re-weld several parts back onto the frame…
This 350 econoline, 8CYL., extended body van was purchased new, and I am the original owner. the vehicle has only 120K miles on it since 2002. beginning several years ago, my mechanic complained of severe frame erosion, having had to reinforce and re-weld several parts back onto the frame, including but not limited to the brackets which support the rear leaf springs. (Two ocurrances-- left and right sides). last week, my employee complained of some rear end swaying at moderate speed cornering. we discovered a cross-tie connection between the side rails at the rear of the vehicle's frame had rotted away, thus causing some unwanted frame movement. if it weren't for a heavy-duty towing package I had purchased with the vehicle in 2002, I believe the left and right sides of the vehicle's under-framing would have twisted and separated from the body years ago ! also beginning a few years ago, was the decay of the vehicle's engine block, as three separately timed spark plugs had literately 'blown' out of the threaded wells of the engine block. my mechanic had to adapt heli-coil kits into re-bored holes in the vehicle's spark plug wells. it's only a matter of time before these kits come loose, and blow -out again. I'm already experiencing a painfully ominous compression loss in one (or more) of the cylinders. could ford have purchased some inferior metals, thus producing a line of junk vehicles?
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Blowing out spark pluges.
- Fuel/propulsion system
While traveling on an interstate highway, the van started showing symptoms of fuel starvation and with the family and a semi on my bumper things got quite hairy and started and argument with my wife! I exited the highway and put clean diesel fuel and fuel additive to get me back home; this did not…
While traveling on an interstate highway, the van started showing symptoms of fuel starvation and with the family and a semi on my bumper things got quite hairy and started and argument with my wife! I exited the highway and put clean diesel fuel and fuel additive to get me back home; this did not work as the van acted up again several miles down the road. After stopping and starting numerous times on a side street, I got to a place where I could change the fuel filter; I noticed that it was full of rust and aluminum flakes. The van would not move any further, I had to trailer it home, the next day. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the aluminum coating the fuel take had come off and was plugging up the fuel pickup, emergency valve and the filter. You can do an internet search and find were this IS a common problem with fords. If I would have known about it I would have performed preventive maintenance on the fuel tank and filters. Very dangerous and expensive to repair when it IS to late.....
- Tires › Tread/belt
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-350 equipped with michelin lt24575r16 tires, size: 245/756/16 (na). While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact felt vibrations from the front tires. The contact noticed that the tread from the front passenger side tire was separated. The vehicle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-350 equipped with michelin lt24575r16 tires, size: 245/756/16 (na). While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact felt vibrations from the front tires. The contact noticed that the tread from the front passenger side tire was separated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the tire was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13t012000 (tires). The vin was unknown. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 108,362 and the approximate tire failure mileage was 20,000.
- Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not able to restart. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred three times over a period of four years. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
- Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E-350. The contact stated that the turn signals and hazard lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the turn signal switch would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Service brakes · Steering · Suspension
Truck wobbling to the point of almost wrecking...was told it was wheelbearing,rotors,tierod ect. I now realize ford has a problem with the trucks regarding uncontrollable shaking , it IS very scary when this happens. I also owned a 2003 and 2004 had to sell them because the turbo kept blowing off…
Truck wobbling to the point of almost wrecking...was told it was wheelbearing,rotors,tierod ect. I now realize ford has a problem with the trucks regarding uncontrollable shaking , it IS very scary when this happens. I also owned a 2003 and 2004 had to sell them because the turbo kept blowing off and fuel injectors were clogged. I am so disappointed. I hope if there IS a problem you will do something about it. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E350 super duty. the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the front end of the frame fractured into two pieces, causing the contact to crash into a barrier on the interstate. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private mechanic who confirmed that the a…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 ford E350 super duty. the contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the front end of the frame fractured into two pieces, causing the contact to crash into a barrier on the interstate. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private mechanic who confirmed that the a frame was fractured and caused the failure. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 65,000.
- Fuel system, diesel
2002 ford E-350. S10 direct reply-request financial assistance related to the repairs of his truck due to the federal grant mandated chemical additives to diesel fuel, chemical additives have caused the de-lamination of the fuel tank *tgw the consumer stated the loose laminate material damaged the…
2002 ford E-350. S10 direct reply-request financial assistance related to the repairs of his truck due to the federal grant mandated chemical additives to diesel fuel, chemical additives have caused the de-lamination of the fuel tank *tgw the consumer stated the loose laminate material damaged the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines and prevented the operation of the vehicle. the consumer stated the replacement of his fuel tank, pump, filter and lines would cost $4,000.00 . The consumer IS seeking financial assistance because the root cause of the situation stemmed from a government mandate. *Jb updated 10/18/11. *Jb the consumer stated the engine stopped, with no warning, on a busy highway. Updated 11/10/11. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Started my 2001 ford E-350. after 10-15 seconds, large pop and engine died. opened hood and found right rear spark plug had blown out of engine. I'm an engineer and I've been working on engines of all descriptions for 35 years. this IS an obvious engineering defect. ford should replace the parts. we have a fleet of fords. I now wish it was a fleet of chevy's. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2002 ford econoline 350 equipped with V8 tritan engine. Spark plug blew out. have tapped with heli-coil repair kit, but his repair has failed. Now faced with cylinder had been removal and replacement. *Tr
- Electrical system
I have had 3 spark plug this year come shooting out of ey 2002 ford E350 V10. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Spark plug ejected 2002 ford van. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Delamination of ford fuel tanks causing decrease speed. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Driving down a street at approx. 40Mph I heard a bang and then a bunch of air escaping. Sounded like an exhaust leak. spark plug was blown out of number 2 cylinder. Had repaired at local repair shop, put in a new heli coil. since 7-6-09 has happened again. this time number 8 cylinder. these…
Driving down a street at approx. 40Mph I heard a bang and then a bunch of air escaping. Sounded like an exhaust leak. spark plug was blown out of number 2 cylinder. Had repaired at local repair shop, put in a new heli coil. since 7-6-09 has happened again. this time number 8 cylinder. these ford engines don't have enough thread on the engine heads to hold the spark plugs in. It's probably going to keep happening until all of the threads are replaced. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
My 2002 ford E-350 has been found to have a spark plug blow out. This hapened without notice. I have been told that I need a tune-up. I have researched online and found many complaints about ford truck engines ejecting spark plugs. I'm concerned that if all the plugs are replaced, that the problem may not fuller be solved without some very expensive work. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
2002 ford E350 diesel van. we bought the van with 32K miles on it. we replaced the first gas tank with 65K miles in pa after it broke down on I-81. we replaced the second gas tank at 80K miles at otis ford in quogue, ny. we are now going to replace the tank again, tank #3, because the same…
2002 ford E350 diesel van. we bought the van with 32K miles on it. we replaced the first gas tank with 65K miles in pa after it broke down on I-81. we replaced the second gas tank at 80K miles at otis ford in quogue, ny. we are now going to replace the tank again, tank #3, because the same issue IS happening again. the inside of the fuel tank has been delaminating and causing the fuel filter to become clogged. the van will lose power and chug along spewing out black smoke. it has been a known problem by ford yet they claim it IS not their fault. this has become a very expensive problem and under the right conditions with the lack of power has the potential to cause an accident. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford E350. while driving approximately 20 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise that sounded like an explosion. the vehicle proceeded to a stop sign and resumed normal operation. the failure occurred without warning. the vehicle was taken to an…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford E350. while driving approximately 20 mph on normal road conditions, the contact heard a loud noise that sounded like an explosion. the vehicle proceeded to a stop sign and resumed normal operation. the failure occurred without warning. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the spark plug blew out in the engine. the vehicle was repaired. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on a separate occasion for an identical failure. the dealer replaced the spark plugs. the failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 72,000.
- Electrical system
2002 ford E350 ambulance van. Person placed the key in ignition. Switched to on position (not turn the engine on). White smoke started coming out from under the steering wheel area. Smoke got thicker then grey. Flames started coming out from under the steering wheel area. Unable to save the…
2002 ford E350 ambulance van. Person placed the key in ignition. Switched to on position (not turn the engine on). White smoke started coming out from under the steering wheel area. Smoke got thicker then grey. Flames started coming out from under the steering wheel area. Unable to save the vehicle. Completely burned in hospital parking lot. No injuries. Http://www.ocregister.com/articles/reported-fire-valley-2363353-call-fountain. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Ford 2002 E-350 5.4L triton. Two spark plugs have blown out so far. Original plugs appx 95,000 miles. Ford says the plugs should not be changed until 100,000 miles. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
After traveling 10 miles during my morning commute, while at 40 mph, a spark plug ejected from my ford triton V8 engine causing raw fuel fumes to enter the engine compartment and passenger cabin. This has resulted in an estimated $1900 repair bill from my local ford dealer to remove and repair the plug threads for the ejected plug. *Tr
- Fuel system, diesel
Delaminating fuel tanks on ford E-350 ambulances. Causes damage to the fuel pump then stalling where it needs to be towed. This situation IS with patients on board. This problem needs to be checked out and recalls done. the cost to repair IS $1,370.46 per truck. We own 8 of them all with the same problem. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2002 ford E350 5.4L spark plug #7 blow out. the average consumer would think that something was wrong with the exhaust system before ever knowing or expecting that compressed fuel was being pumped into the engine compartment from the exposed spark plug orifice. At the same time, the sparked plug…
2002 ford E350 5.4L spark plug #7 blow out. the average consumer would think that something was wrong with the exhaust system before ever knowing or expecting that compressed fuel was being pumped into the engine compartment from the exposed spark plug orifice. At the same time, the sparked plug coil wire IS still active, combining a non-contained fuel / spark condition, possibly resulting in fire or explosion. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- HVAC Switch Failures
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data…
This investigation was opened based on one complaint and reports from four transportation fleets alleging 182 blower motor control switch failures.ODI was concerned that these melting and burning switches could lead to an open flame that could spread throughout the vehicle.After a comprehensive review of all data related to overheating blower motor control switches in the subject vehicles, ODI did not identify the existence of a safety defect trend.ODI reviewed 1,036 complaints, claims, and field reports of failed blower motor control switches and determined that only two fires were likely to have been caused by a failing subject blower motor control switch.This represents a failure rate of 0.2 R/100K on a population of 1,076,975 vehicles that have been in service for up to 14 years.ODI has found that when the subject switches do fail and begin to melt, they are constructed in a manner that typically prevents the failing switch from igniting and developing into an open flame.Ford Motor Company has agreed to take two actions to further reduce the likelihood an overheated blower motor switch in the subject vehicles.Ford informed ODI that it has implemented a series of design changes to the subject switch that will help prevent it from developing internal high resistance short circuits.Ford has also informed ODI that it would release a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB-11-11-21) instructing subject vehicle owners to replace the electrical connector at the same time a failed switch is replaced.In light of the low rate of failure resulting in open flame and fire spread on the subject vehicles, and Ford's actions to reduce the likelihood of a switch failure through switch design changes and a TSB, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers: 10427875, 10114393, 10257890For additional information, see the attached closing report.
- HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers…
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No injuries were sustained.However, the bus was carrying special needs children when the driver noticed smoke coming from the dash.The driver was able to evacuate the children prior to the vehicle becoming engulfed in flames.This PE has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA) to determine if the blower motor switch failures create a situation where a vehicle fire is possible and presents a safety risk to the driver and other passengers.
- 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.
- 10148820This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.
- 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.
- 10017865Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10013298Cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. Spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure.
- 10012941Diagnostic trouble code b1876, b1880, b1915 and/or b1920 in the ecs module - vehicles equipped with aftermarket high current devices.
- 10010743Intermittent clunk on 3-2 downshift during coastdown/tip-in. Oasis. To include 2005 F-150, e-series and expedition.
- 10007350Clunk from front suspension.
- 10004072A bump steer steering feeling, noted when the vehicle's front wheels/tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 10002783Rough idle and/or hesitation when acclerating on certain super duty vehicles equipped with a 5.4L or 6.8L engine.
- 637767Subject regarding early wear of the inner brake pad on the rear disc brakes.
- 637519Some vehicles equipped with 4r70w transmission (driveshaft >70 inch) may exhibit a vibration / roughness on acceleration or under load at about 50-55 mph.
- 636252Some vehicles equipped with a 5.4L engine / 4r100 transmission federal emissions powertrain may exhibit a rough idle and / or hesitation when accelerating.
- 633577Incorrect vehicle emission control information label installed.
- 630683Concerns with bump steer steering feeling noted when front wheels / tires contact road surface irregularities.
- 630674Concerns with intermittent rough idle on initial start up.
- 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.
- 622744Some cut-away vehicles may exhibit anti-skid brake system diagnostic trouble code c1229, c1230 and c1237.
Every Ford E-350 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.