2002 Ford E-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 11%of 28 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford E-150, 11% of the 28 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,000 miles.
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.
“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 complaint #11385180, filed 2020-12, 180,000 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 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11115083, filed 2018-08, 86,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 25% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 22% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2005 | 1 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 4% |
| 1999 | 17 | 20% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 7% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 20 | 17% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford E-150
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
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 28, 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