2002 Ford E-450 Problems
- Complaints
- 13filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 38,750miles, 10 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford E-450 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford E-450. The part named most often is tires, with 5 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system (3) and engine (2). 10 of the complaints include a mileage, and 70% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 38,750 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 3 technical service bulletins for this model year.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Tires5 38%
- Electrical system3 23%
- Engine2 15%
- Brakes1 7.7%
- Engine cooling1 7.7%
- Exterior lighting1 7.7%
- Fuel system1 7.7%
- Body and structure1 7.7%
Example complaints
Tires: “The inner right rear tire experienced a sidewall blow out. The consumer observed the right inside dual tire split near the tread line on the sidewall. (tire model-r4 sii)”
NHTSA complaint #10019359, filed 2003-06, 4,403 milesElectrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10242340, filed 2008-09, 85,323 milesEngine: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650134, filed 2014-10, 50,829 milesBrakes: “Rear brake caliper piston boots hard, brittle, split. Constructed of material that does not seem to have adequate heat resistant properties. Both rear caliper assemblies were replaced by dealer warranty. Dt”
NHTSA complaint #768563, filed 2002-10Mileage when problems were reported
70% of the 10 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 8,700 and 50,829 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-450 1992–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
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…
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-450 1996–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Recall details for the 2002 Ford E-450 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 3 on record; the latest 3 are shown.
- 10013298Nov 14, 2005Body and structure. Cracks in the left or right spring tower flange. *tt spring tower weld repair and replacement procedure.
- 10018941Jan 1, 2005Suspension. Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
- 10013320Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Fluid leaking from the vent on the transmission mounted parking brake assembly.
Other model years of the Ford E-450
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 4,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 27 | 9,508 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
| 2019 | 5 | 111,059 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2018 | 5 | 3,514 | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 11 | 6,000 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 17 | 7,206 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2015 | 6 | 50,878 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 5 | 13,257 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 12 | 25,900 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 7 | 33,750 | 8 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 5 | 23,652 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 6 | 13,926 | 8 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 30,477 | 13 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 20 | 35,000 | 13 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 34 | 21,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 27 | 28,010 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 18 | 38,270 | 4 | — | — | — | Rising |
| 2002 | 13 | 38,750 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 16 | 54,200 | 2 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2000 | 42 | 34,350 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 73 | 34,323 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 5 | 22,008 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 18 | 54,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
All Ford E-450 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford E-450 have?
NHTSA recorded 13 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford E-450 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford E-450 is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 5 complaints (38% of the total), followed by electrical system with 3.
Has the 2002 Ford E-450 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Ford E-450 reported?
Among the 10 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 38,750 miles and the middle half falls between 8,700 and 50,829 miles; 70% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.