2002 Ford E-150 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 18%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Ford E-150, 18% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes failure,burned out caused by lack of lubrication at critical contact points of metal parts. Was not lubed at factory caused brake pads to stick against rotors and high tempatures, premature failure. Required extra brake petal force to stop vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10025769, filed 2003-07, 16,400 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10098459, filed 2004-11, 34,000 miles“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 complaint #11595957, filed 2024-06“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575938, filed 2024-03, 228,000 miles“2002 E-150 conversion van at 27770 miles the brakes and rotors had to be replaced with out warning have to press hard on brake pedal to stop. It is like the caliper does not dis-engauge. I told the dealer ship this and they said that it is not un-common problem they have seen it happen under 20,000 miles. It cost a lot of money to have fixed it seems that there may be a design defect or not the right type of part installed because it takes so long for the van to come to a stop with speeds under 25 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10054281, filed 2004-01Related service bulletins
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 38% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 3 | 50% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2008 | 1 | 9% |
| 2007 | 1 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 4 | 25% |
| 2004 | 8 | 24% |
| 2003 | 3 | 14% |
| 2002 | 5 | 18% |
| 2001 | 11 | 30% |
| 2000 | 7 | 14% |
| 1999 | 14 | 17% |
| 1998 | 8 | 13% |
| 1997 | 18 | 18% |
| 1996 | 14 | 24% |
| 1995 | 20 | 28% |
| 1994 | 26 | 21% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 8 | 13% |
| 1990 | 2 | 12% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford E-150
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology