RoadVitals

2002 Ford E-450

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
13
Latest Aug 18, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Oct 13, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
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.
1

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Ford E-450, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, engine and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 9 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Tires & wheels531.3%
  • Engine318.8%
  • Electrical318.8%
  • Exterior lighting16.3%
  • Powertrain (other)16.3%
  • Fuel system16.3%
  • Brakes16.3%
  • Body & structure16.3%

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

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09V399000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Oct 13, 2009
4,500,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
The risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.
The 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 MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 09S09View on NHTSA.gov
06V286000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Aug 1, 2006
1,200,000 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
The risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 05V388)
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S28View on NHTSA.gov
06E056000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Jun 13, 2006
58,640 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
The risk: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The 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.
UFI FILTERS USAView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE09055ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HVAC Switch Failures

Opened Dec 7, 2009
Closed Apr 21, 2010

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
EA05005ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Mar 22, 2005
Closed Aug 2, 2006

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMLed to recall 05V388000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 13
Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Ford E-450. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, a loud bang came from the vehicle and the vehicle was steered over to the side of the road. Additionally, the contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

NHTSA ID
11539428
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Mileage
43,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Aug 17, 2019

I WAS DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 90 IN SOUTH DAKOTA AT APPROX 70MPH WHEN A VEHICLE BEHIND ME FLASHED HIS LIGHTS. I PULLED OVER AND DRAGGING BEHIND ME BY ONLY ONE HYDRAULIC LINE WAS THE REAR LEVELING SYSTEM. THIS ASSEMBLY IS ABOUT 5 FEET LONG AND HAS TWO HYDRAULIC JACKS ONE ON EACH END. MY GUESS IS THIS WEIGHS OVER 70LBS. HAD THIS BROKEN LOOSE IN THE INTERSTATE AT THAT SPEED GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT DAMAGE THAT COULD HAVE CAUSED..THE UNDAMAGED BOLTS WERE STILL IN THE FRAME..(SEE PHOTO 1) IT APPEARS TO HAVE JUST COME LOOSE OVER TIME.. WITH ANY KIND OF LOCK WASHER UNDER THE NUTS OR LOCKING SYSTEM THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED. I DISCONNECTED THE REMAINING HYDRAULIC LINE AND PUT THE UNIT IN THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT IN THE CAMPER(SEE PHOTO 2)

NHTSA ID
11244604
Incident
Jul 25, 2019
Mileage
45,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Mar 30, 2015

I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORHOME WITH THE FORD E-450, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF MY PARK I LOST MY TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10702574
Incident
Mar 28, 2015
Mileage
11,315 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 26, 2014

WE WERE TRAVELING NORTH TO SOUTH JUST OUTSIDE OF LASVEGAS WHEN A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE CYLINDER, WITH THE INJECTOR STILL PUMPING FUEL. IN OUR 31' MOTORHOME WITH A E450 ENGINE. DID WE NOT REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION THE ENGINE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY. AS A RESULT THIS COST US $7200.00 AND THE LOSS OF USE OF OUR VEHICLE AND HOME FOR 10 DAYS. WE HAVE ASKED FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SOME RENUMERATION TOWARDS THE COST OF REPAIRS BECAUSE AS WE SOON FOUND OUT THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. BUT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 6 YEARS OLD THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. WE FEEL THAT EVEN IF WE WERE COMPENSATED FOR THE PARTS WOULD BE A FAIR RESPONSE, BECAUSE THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A LIABILITY LAWSUIT. WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE US WITH OUR REQUEST TO FORD. THANK YOU, *TR

NHTSA ID
10650134
Incident
Feb 20, 2014
Mileage
50,829 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 11, 2012

SPARK PLUG EJECTED WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE CAUSING EMERGENCY BREAKDOWN RESULTING IN 550.00 BILL FOR SPARK PLUG SLEEVE REPAIR THEN 50 MILES FROM THIS INCIDENT THE FAN BELT SHREDDED RESULTING IN ENGINE OVERHEATING AND ANOTHER EMERGENCY REPAIR OF 520.00 FOR NEW BELT AND ALTERNATOR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10454816
Incident
Apr 6, 2012
Mileage
34,500 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jun 22, 2010

COOPER SRM II LT 225/75/R 16 TREAD SEPARATION OF REAR TIRE ON RV APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES OF HOME WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE. TWO MONTHS EARLIER HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCE WITH ANOTHER REAR TIRE. TIRES WERE PURCHASED AS A SET OF SIX ON 04/08 WITH LESS THAN 10,000 MILES WHEN FAILURES OCCURRED. TIRES ARE BEING REPLACED WITH A COMPLETE SET FROM A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10339434
Incident
Jun 19, 2010
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 27, 2009

WHILE DRIVING THE AMBULANCE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE TAKING IT TO THE SHOP. WHEN THE AMBULANCE IS AT IDLE IT JUST SHUTS OFF, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE RPM'S ARE AT IDLE THE ENGINE WILL JUST SHUT OFF. NO CRASH OR INJURIES HOWEVER IT WAS VERY CLOSE AS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IT WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE AND LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10275088
Incident
Jun 25, 2009
Mileage
121,001 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2008
Fire reported

IN EARLY JULY MY VEHICLE SUFFERED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS A VEHICLE COVERED UNDER THE EXISTING FORD RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL WIRING. THE DEALER , WHO HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE JUST 45 DAYS EARLIER, STATED THAT THIS FIRE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF WIRING FIRE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL IN PLACE MAY NOT FULLY ADDRESS THE RISK OF FIRE, AND THAT THERE MAY BE MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING THE WIRING HARNESS THAN HAS BEEN DISCLOSED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10242340
Incident
Jul 1, 2008
Mileage
85,323 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

0511

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

CRACKS IN THE LEFT OR RIGHT SPRING TOWER FLANGE. *TT SPRING TOWER WELD REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. *TT

05248

SUSPENSION

VIBRATION/HARSHNESS ABOVE 45 MPH (72 KM/H) AFTER TIRE BALANCE. *TT

18382

POWER TRAIN

FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VENT ON THE TRANSMISSION MOUNTED PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY. *TT

18250

POWER TRAIN

INTERMITTENT CLUNK ON 3-2 DOWNSHIFT DURING COASTDOWN/TIP-IN. OASIS. TO INCLUDE 2005 F-150, E-SERIES AND EXPEDITION. *TT

17799

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE ROUGHNESS AND DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *TT

17520

SUSPENSION:FRONT

CLUNK FROM FRONT SUSPENSION. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford E-450 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027010—
2026210—
2025200—
2024400—
2023230—
2022133150.0
2021276150.2
2020000—
2019500—
2018540—
2017112141.8
2016174060.0
2015611—
2014530—
2013122037.4
2012440—
20117100—
2010570—
20092100—
2008681—
20071211163.3
20062012162.1
2005347157.4
2004276154.8
2003185154.1
2002Viewing133252.2
2001162346.4
2000423356.7
1999732354.5
1998522—
1997182246.7
1996121—
1995010—
1994010—
1993410—
1992010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.