RoadVitals

2002 Ford E-150 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
28
Latest Jun 23, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Ford E-150, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes515.6%
  • Steering39.4%
  • Other / unspecified39.4%
  • Electrical39.4%
  • Engine39.4%
  • Fuel system39.4%
  • Driver assistance39.4%
  • Transmission26.3%
  • Suspension26.3%
  • Tires & wheels26.3%
  • Airbags13.1%
  • Powertrain (other)13.1%
  • Body & structure13.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11595957 · filed Jun 23, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 11575938 · filed Mar 7, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11595957 · filed Jun 23, 2024

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!!!

NHTSA ID 11385180 · filed Dec 28, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11575938 · filed Mar 7, 2024

SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM ENGINE *TW

NHTSA ID 10307275 · filed Feb 7, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10254299 · filed Jan 8, 2009

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

NHTSA ID 10103836 · filed Dec 15, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF ENGINE BLOCK. I WAS GOING IN REVERSE WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

NHTSA ID 10918802 · filed Oct 25, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10340676 · filed Jun 29, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10451299 · filed Mar 12, 2012

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

NHTSA ID 10417976 · filed Aug 8, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. [email protected] 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

NHTSA ID 10223095 · filed Apr 1, 2008

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

NHTSA ID 10222292 · filed Mar 25, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: TRANSMISSION BLEW OUT. VEHICLE HAS 16,000 MILES. I HAD TO GET ANOTHER TRANSMISSION ,AND THEY HAD TO REPAIR IT. *AK

NHTSA ID 10125242 · filed Jun 14, 2005

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

NHTSA ID 10043349 · filed Oct 22, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10490603 · filed Dec 31, 2012

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.

NHTSA ID 10379322 · filed Jan 27, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10195176 · filed Jul 2, 2007

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

NHTSA ID 10098459 · filed Nov 8, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

AS THE RESULT OF A HEAD-ON COLLISION, THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE COLLISION WAS SLIGHTLY OFF-CENTER TO THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SUBJECT VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35 M.P.H., OTHER VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT LEAST THE SAME SPEED IF NOT MORE. SEAT BELT DID LOCK-UP CAUSING A POSSIBLE TEAR OF THE THE SUBJECT VEHICLE DRIVER'S SPINAL CORD AT THE FOURTH CERVICAL VERTEBRAE (NECK) LEVEL. *NLM

NHTSA ID 10014438 · filed Apr 16, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 10327155 · filed Apr 23, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11115083 · filed Aug 1, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .