2002 Ford Econoline Problems
- Complaints
- 23filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 97,258miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford Econoline (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Econoline. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 6 complaints (26% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control (5) and fuel system (3). 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 97,258 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part. Vehicle speed control complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
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.
- Engine cooling6 26%
- Fuel system3 13%
- Brakes2 8.7%
- Electrical system2 8.7%
- Engine2 8.7%
- Steering2 8.7%
- Body and structure1 4.3%
- Suspension1 4.3%
- Tires1 4.3%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “The contact owns a 2002 Ford Econoline. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated as the accelerator pedal was being depressed. A mechanic stated that the engine locked up possibly due to an excess of oil. The vehicle was towed from the mechanic's shop to the dealer and then to the contact's residence. The dealer provided a repair quote, but no repairs have been made. The contact received recall notice number 05s28 for the vehicle speed control, however, it was unable to be located on the NHTSA website. The current and failure mileages were 61,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10201924, filed 2007-09, 61,000 milesVehicle speed control: “A safety recall was issued aug 2007 on Ford vehicles for the speed control which may cause an underhood fire. We have been trying to get the vehicle (2002 bt cruiser) in for repair over the last several months, and have been told that the parts are not available. Apparently there is a national back order of the replacement part(s). Our dealer said they are now being told they will not get a shipment until march. There is not a system in place that gives anyone an idea of when they may get this resolved. We have been told to keep calling the dealers, who keep saying they don't have parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212516, filed 2007-12Fuel system: “Fuel pump failed while driving vehicle at freeway speeds on 101 south on the waldo grade approaching the golden gate bridge. Vehicle lost power half way up the grade and slowed to 10 MPH. Limped vehicle to off ramp. I am an ase certified master mechanic, I also hold my california smog license. I've worked as a mechanic for 30 years. Upon getting the vehicle home I diagnosed the concern I found the fuel tank full of metal that had flaked fromt he walls of the fuel tank. I found the fuel pickup in the tank plugged with filings, the fuel pump ruined, and the fuel filter full of metal and rust. …”
NHTSA complaint #10459094, filed 2012-05, 96,517 milesBrakes: “Contact states: in winter with snow on ground there is extended stopping distance. The anti lock brakes will not stop the vehicle on down grade when there is slush or snow on the road. The brakes have failed 6 times when roads were snow covered. The spare tire cable had a broken wire.”
NHTSA complaint #10119433, filed 2005-05, 8,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
14% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 61,000 and 123,005 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Ford Econoline. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econoline · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford Econoline 1992–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 03V282000Aug 5, 2003Fuel system, gasoline › StorageCovers: Ford Econoline 2001–2003
On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.
Recall details for the 2002 Ford Econoline → · 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. 4 on record; the latest 4 are shown.
- 10148820Apr 6, 2018Steering. This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly…
- 10026321May 26, 2008Transmission and drivetrain, Engine cooling. Ford: vehicles mistakenly charged $100 powertrain warranty deductible for fuel injector repair or repairs. No model or model years provided. *pe econoline, excursion and f-series super duty…
- 10096433Sep 18, 2007Body and structure, Equipment. Merlin multiplex system when a proer/ground lug is not correctly tightened or becomes loose for any reason; erratic system operation is possible.
- 10013116Sep 6, 2004Electrical system. Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. Various models including 2004 f-series.
Other model years of the Ford Econoline
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 22 | 48,500 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 23 | 97,258 | 2 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2001 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 39 | 50,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 84 | 75,794 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 46 | 79,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 79 | 89,400 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 81 | 98,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 73 | 45,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 124 | 118,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 65 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 83 | 115,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | 52,867 | 3 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 30 | 44,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 32 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 22 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 15 | 110,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 10 | — | 5 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 7 | — | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Econoline model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford Econoline have?
NHTSA recorded 23 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford Econoline as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford Econoline is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 6 complaints (26% of the total), followed by vehicle speed control with 5.
Has the 2002 Ford Econoline 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 Econoline reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 97,258 miles and the middle half falls between 61,000 and 123,005 miles; 14% 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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
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.