2002 Ford Econoline: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Left house for vacation, got 75 miles away at 60 mph on the freeway, and engine started making a popping sound. Pulled off road and called a nearby mobile repair company. They sent out a mechanic, he diagnosed a blown out spark plug, and said this was common for the ford v-10. Made it to his shop, and that's where it sits. Estimates are over $4000 to repair.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford econoline e-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, he heard a loud, abnormal noise from the vehicle. After stopping the vehicle for further inspection, the contact discovered that the rear end of the fuel tank had detached from the vehicle. In addition, one of the fuel tank straps had become completely corroded. The vehicle was driven cautiously and was later taken to the dealer. The dealer confirmed the failure of the fuel tank straps and installed a temporary strap for the fuel tank. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and the current mileages were approximately 76,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2012
“Took the van to the store. Upon returning from store started the van, there was a loud explosion as if a bomb went off. Everyone looked because it was so loud. Turned the van off and restarted it. It sounded like a drag car at the track, no exhaust system at all. Took cow off and looked inside, found the spark plug with the boot laying on top of the valve cover or intake, not sure there is no room and just enough to get two fingers in to retrieve it. I had noticed a little ticking earlier in the day like an exhaust leak, but did not find one. Had vehicle towed to repair shop, where it is now. Not sure what will happen next. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2012
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“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford econoline. The vehicle has b.f. Goodrich commercial ta all terrain tires. The contact stated that all four tires experienced tread separation. The tires were purchased in june of 2007 and have been on the vehicle for a little less than two years. The manufacturer referred the contact to an authorized warranty repair dealer. The manufacturer was willing to pro-rate the cost of the tires. The tire size was unknown. The tire failure mileage was approximately 12,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 64,190.”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford econoline. The contact received a recall repair notice stating that the vehicle speed control parts had arrived. When he called the local ford dealers, he was informed that the parts would not be available for two months. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 75,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2008
“I called about a recall on my ford e-150 econoline van in august and was told the part was not in. I called again in september and was told it was still not in and I would be put on a waiting list but I still have not been called. How long does it take to fix a recall? *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in august of 2007. The dealer stated that the part was unavailable and could not provide an estimated arrival date. The contact felt that was unacceptable. There had been no failure to date. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage was 30,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford econoline. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). The dealer originally stated that the part would be available in december of 2007. As of december 14, 2007, the dealer stated that the part would be available in march of 2008. The manufacturer stated that the part could be available at anytime. The contact was dissatisfied with the wait time and the remedy. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 50,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“Tl*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.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2007
“While traveling normal speed the vehicle stalled. Driver was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2005
Recalls - 4 campaigns
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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 VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
Remedy: FORD WILL SEND TECHNICIANS TO THE OWNER'S LOCATION TO INSPECT AND ADD THE BRACKETS AND OUTRIGGERS AS REQUIRED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
How other years compare
Check your exact Econoline 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 Econoline reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Ford Econoline. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2002 Ford Econoline have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.