2002 Ford E-150
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1991 | 15 |
| 1992 | 64 |
| 1993 | 71 |
| 1994 | 121 |
| 1995 | 71 |
| 1996 | 59 |
| 1997 | 102 |
| 1998 | 60 |
| 1999 | 83 |
| 2000 | 50 |
| 2001 | 37 |
| 2002 | 28 |
| 2003 | 21 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 16 |
| 2006 | 16 |
| 2007 | 12 |
| 2008 | 11 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 12 |
| 2013 | 19 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 8 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 28 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201228
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME EXPERIENCED SEVERE CORROSION.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180801
3 of 28 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120312
2 of 28 total reports mention: tires.
2 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240307
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240623
2 of 28 total reports mention: power train.
SAFETY TIMELINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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, S
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
Campaign 07V336000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MERCUR
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.
Campaign 08V051000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford E-150 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V336000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V051000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Ford E-150 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford E-150?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 11% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford E-150 have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.