2002 Ford E-450: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern tires.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2023
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2015
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2012
Show 6 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2010
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2009
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2008
“While driving the inside right rear tire exploded. The dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. *nlm the tire was replaced by the dealer at no cost. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2003
“The inner right rear tire experienced a sidewall blow out. *nlm the consumer observed the right inside dual tire split near the tread line on the sidewall. (tire model-r4 sii) *scc *jb”Owner report · Tires · May 2003
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2002
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
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)
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2002 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-450 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford E-450 reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Ford E-450. The most complained-about area is tires.
Does the 2002 Ford E-450 have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning vehicle speed control. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.