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 PER YEAR
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 | 577 |
| 2002 | 340 |
| 2003 | 615 |
| 2004 | 296 |
| 2005 | 315 |
| 2006 | 299 |
| 2007 | 215 |
| 2008 | 146 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 58 |
| 2011 | 71 |
| 2012 | 116 |
| 2013 | 90 |
| 2014 | 71 |
| 2015 | 164 |
| 2016 | 210 |
| 2017 | 353 |
| 2018 | 357 |
| 2019 | 455 |
| 2020 | 367 |
| 2021 | 212 |
| 2022 | 104 |
| 2023 | 61 |
| 2024 | 68 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 6 |
| 2027 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 50 distinct reports on file.
FIRE13% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Cruise control deactivation switch. I was getting in my truck on my way to work in the early morning.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240720
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, 20220105
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, 20120411
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 37 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS PARKED. OVERNIGHT, VEHICLE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE AND ENTIRE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120325
CRUSE CONTROL NOT WORKING AND NO HORN
NHTSA ODI report, 20171203
8% of complaints: engine — 27 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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
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 DO
Campaign 03V094000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 CONTRO
Campaign 05V388000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 CONFOR
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.
Campaign 06E067000 — check if this car was fixed
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 DESIGN
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.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford Expedition — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (50 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (45 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (37 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V094000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V388000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E067000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Expedition have?
4 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.