- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2002 Ford Econoline Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 170 complaints about the 2002 Ford Econoline with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (36) and the wheels & tires (20). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 13 fires and 18 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2009 for the headlights. For comparison, the 2001 has 175 and the 2003 has 215.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Econoline year, for its age
#72 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 170
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 7
- Fires
- 13
- Injuries
- 18
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Ford Econoline problems
Share of all 170 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 Ford Econoline recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- The brackets and outrigger members are intended to enhance crash performance.
- The fix
- 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.
What owners say
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170 complaints about the 2002 Ford Econoline
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 7.
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.
The contact owns a 2002 Ford E-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, he smelled a burning odor in the passenger cabin. The contact stated that he turned the A/C on to help clear the cabin. The contact stated that he noticed smoke was being emitted from the driver's side rear tire and wheel well. The contact stated that the tire separated from the rim and the vehicle dropped to the road. The contact stated he had not noticed any warning lights. The contact stated that he managed to pull over...
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and saw smoke emitted from the rotor and brake pads. The contact stated that the rim was almost destroyed. The contact observed that there was fluid leaking from the rotor and brake pads and had started to burst into flames. The contact stated that he was able to smother the flames with a blanket. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 228,000.
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!!!
Both front tires merely developed tread bulges , less than 15k miles, never had a flat, been overloaded ,overinflated , ect.. They just became very poor driving and vibrated badly to find they both have bulges in the tread. They seemed fine about two weeks ago and when I went to drive it a couple days ago the problem became apparent. *Tr
Head on vehicle stripped because of the way it is made. There was a recall on regular e350 but mine is an rv. It was in motion when the spark plug popped out while driving down the highway on i-65 in birmingham alabama.
Tl* 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. The vehicle was taken to les stumpf ford (3030 w college...
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ave, appleton, wi) where the failure was confirmed; however, no further assistance was offered because the vin was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
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.
This 350 econoline, 8cyl., Extended body van was purchased new, and I am the original owner. The vehicle has only 120k miles on it since 2002. Beginning several years ago, my mechanic complained of severe frame erosion, having had to reinforce and re-weld several parts back onto the frame, including but not limited to the brackets which support the rear leaf springs. (Two ocurrances-- left and right sides). Last week, my employee complained of some rear end swaying at moderate speed cornering. We discovered...
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a cross-tie connection between the side rails at the rear of the vehicle's frame had rotted away, thus causing some unwanted frame movement. If it weren't for a heavy-duty towing package I had purchased with the vehicle in 2002, I believe the left and right sides of the vehicle's under-framing would have twisted and separated from the body years ago ! Also beginning a few years ago, was the decay of the vehicle's engine block, as three separately timed spark plugs had literately 'blown' out of the threaded wells of the engine block. My mechanic had to adapt heli-coil kits into re-bored holes in the vehicle's spark plug wells. It's only a matter of time before these kits come loose, and blow -out again. I'm already experiencing a painfully ominous compression loss in one (or more) of the cylinders. Could ford have purchased some inferior metals, thus producing a line of junk vehicles?
BLOWING OUT SPARK PLUGES.
Spark plug blew out of engine block. I was going in reverse when this happened.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e-250. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the fuel tank strap detached from the vehicle and caused the fuel tank to nearly touch the ground. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 160,000.
While traveling on an interstate highway, the van started showing symptoms of fuel starvation and with the family and a semi on my bumper things got quite hairy and started and argument with my wife! I exited the highway and put clean diesel fuel and fuel additive to get me back home; this did not work as the van acted up again several miles down the road. After stopping and starting numerous times on a side street, I got to a place where I could change the fuel filter; I noticed that it was full of rust and...
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aluminum flakes. The van would not move any further, I had to trailer it home, the next day. Upon further investigation, I discovered that the aluminum coating the fuel take had come off and was plugging up the fuel pickup, emergency valve and the filter. You can do an internet search and find were this is a common problem with fords. If I would have known about it I would have performed preventive maintenance on the fuel tank and filters. Very dangerous and expensive to repair when it is to late.....
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e-350 equipped with michelin lt24575r16 tires, size: 245/756/16 (na). While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact felt vibrations from the front tires. The contact noticed that the tread from the front passenger side tire was separated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the tire was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 13t012000 (tires). The vin was unknown. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 108,362 and the approximate tire failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 ford e-350. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not able to restart. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Driving van on highway when van began smoking. Then fire. Everything was completely destroyed. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred three times over a period of four years. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e-350. The contact stated that the turn signals and hazard lights would not illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the turn signal switch would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford regency. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 mph, the driver's side rear tire detached from the vehicle. The contact was riding on the rotor, which started a small fire, but he was able to stop the vehicle safely. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the c-clamp was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 125,000.
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.
Truck wobbling to the point of almost wrecking...Was told it was wheelbearing,rotors,tierod ect. I now realize ford has a problem with the trucks regarding uncontrollable shaking , it is very scary when this happens. I also owned a 2003 and 2004 had to sell them because the turbo kept blowing off and fuel injectors were clogged. I am so disappointed. I hope if there is a problem you will do something about it. [[redacted]] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
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
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...
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with filings, the fuel pump ruined, and the fuel filter full of metal and rust. I sent the tank to who coated the fuel tank for me. Stated that he continuously sees these ford tank coming from all the dealerships in the area. Upon doing some research on the internet I found that this is a widespread problem with ford fuel tanks. My total cost for this repair in parts and repairs to the fuel tank has come to $1,200.00 Wholesale cost, not including my labor or any parts retail markup. I have owned this vehicle since new and always run good quality fuel in my vehicle and topped up the tank weekly or more often to reduce the possibility of moisture in my fuel system. I have not filled up the fuel tank and run the engine yet, and hope that there is no further damage to my fuel injectors or fuel system. If there is I could be out another $4,000 to 5,000 just in parts. I am curious as to why if there seems to be such a widespread problem our government has not recalled these vehicles? It is clear to me that ford is producing vehicles with substandard fuel systems and that there is a known defect that ford is not owning. The public should not be held liable ofr ford's design flaws. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6) *tt
The gas pedal on our e150 ford traveler van is sticky. This has been going on some time now. My wife has complained about it for several years. A co-worker and I borrowed a friends ford pickup truck and he mentioned the same problem, I told him about our van(this was a month ago). *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e350 super duty. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the front end of the frame fractured into two pieces, causing the contact to crash into a barrier on the interstate. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a private mechanic who confirmed that the a frame was fractured and caused the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
2002 Ford e-350. S10 direct reply-request financial assistance related to the repairs of his truck due to the federal grant mandated chemical additives to diesel fuel, chemical additives have caused the de-lamination of the fuel tank *tgw the consumer stated the loose laminate material damaged the fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel lines and prevented the operation of the vehicle. The consumer stated the replacement of his fuel tank, pump, filter and lines would cost $4,000.00 . The consumer is seeking financial...
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assistance because the root cause of the situation stemmed from a government mandate. *Jb updated 10/18/11. *Jb the consumer stated the engine stopped, with no warning, on a busy highway. Updated 11/10/11. *Jb
Ford Econoline: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 0 | 2 | B |
| 2005 | 0 | 2 | B |
| 2004 | 115 | 0 | F |
| 2003 | 215 | 4 | F |
| 2002 | 170 | 4 | F |
| 2001 | 175 | 5 | F |
| 2000 | 231 | 5 | F |
| 1999 | 300 | 7 | F |
| 1998 | 0 | 4 | D |
2002 Ford Econoline vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Ford Econoline | 170 | 4 | F | |
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac | 3,613 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Explorer Sport | 3,613 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 3,613 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Escape | 1,070 | 10 | D | Compare |
| 2002 Ford F-150 | 955 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford EV Ranger | 389 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Expedition | 383 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Ford Excursion | 172 | 5 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2002 Ford Econoline
Does the 2002 Ford Econoline have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Ford Econoline: headlights (May 2009); exterior lighting (April 2009); cruise control (February 2008); storage (August 2003). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Econoline?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (36), wheels & tires (20), brakes (19).
How many complaints has the 2002 Ford Econoline had?
170 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 10, 2001 and the latest on June 23, 2024. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 13 a fire, and together they report 18 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 Ford Econoline a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 1 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Ford Econoline year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Ford Econoline years have the most complaints?
1999 (300), 2000 (231), 2003 (215). See every Ford Econoline year compared.
What should I do if my 2002 Ford Econoline has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data