2002 Ford Expedition
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 340
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
28% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 340 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 3 |
| 1997 | 853 |
| 1998 | 836 |
| 1999 | 946 |
| 2000 | 890 |
| 2001 | 578 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 118 |
| 2013 | 92 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 216 |
| 2017 | 357 |
| 2018 | 376 |
| 2019 | 503 |
| 2020 | 410 |
| 2021 | 236 |
| 2022 | 112 |
| 2023 | 65 |
| 2024 | 77 |
| 2025 | 37 |
| 2026 | 10 |
| 2027 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
28% · 95 reportsMost commonly citing engine and gasoline.
Vehicle speed control
17% · 58 reportsMost commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
Show complaint excerpts
Cruise control deactivation switch. I was getting in my truck on my way to work in the early morning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-20
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-05
Also filed under Firerelated
Small fire extinguished prior to fire department arrival. Fire occurred on a sensor attached to the brake fluid reservoir. Fire appears to be consistent with speed control deactivation switch as previously recalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-11
Electrical system
14% · 47 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and front underhood.
Show complaint excerpts
Vehicle was parked. Overnight, vehicle engine compartment caught fire and entire vehicle became engulfed in flames. Total loss of vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-25
Cruse control not working and no horn
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-03
Engine
8% · 27 reportsTires
8% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show complaint excerpts
My wife had a tire blowout on our 2002 Ford Expedition . Tires mounted on the vehicle were the general aw grabbers 17INCH. We were informed last year a couple of months after vehicle was purchased that these tires had been recalled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-29
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2002Complaint volume 340 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
2003-03-07Structure03V094000 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.…
Remedy: 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…
-
I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
-
R
2005-09-12Vehicle speed control05V388000 On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Remedy: 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…
-
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
-
R
2006-07-28Exterior lighting06E067000 Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129L-asn and 331-1129R-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.
-
R
2006-08-04Fuel system, gasoline06E056000 Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n F65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect…
Remedy: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 95 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 58 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 47 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V094000 · Structure
- Recall 05V388000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 06E067000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E056000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2002 Ford Expedition reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Expedition is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Expedition?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Expedition have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.