Most common 2002 Ford E-450 problems
Share of the 13 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford E-450 complaints by model year
Best E-450 years: 2009, 2012, 2010. Years to avoid: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000, 2005. Compare all years →
2002 Ford E-450 recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control
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…
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…
Vehicle speed control
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)
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2002 Ford E-450:
HVAC Switch Failures
ODI has received 1 complaint and reports from 4 transportation fleets alleging 182 switch failures.Each fleet operates mini buses built on a Ford E350 or E450 cutaway chassis.The OEM HVAC blower switches have melted, smoked, burned or experienced open flame and become inoperable on vehicles in each fleet.Some drivers have reported a burning smell or smoke coming from the dash.One fleet reported a vehicle fire.No…
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
What 2002 Ford E-450 owners say
Wheels & tires
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.
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)
Electrical 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.
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.
Engine & cooling
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.
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. But because the vehicle was over 6 years old they would not provide assistance. We feel that even if we were compensated for the parts would be a fair response, because this situation could have resulted in a liability lawsuit. We would appreciate any assistance you can provide us with our request to Ford. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford E-450 a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 E-450 rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the E-450 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford E-450?
The wheels & tires — 5 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about tread/belt. Next are the electrical system (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford E-450 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford E-450, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford E-450?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2012 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2022, 1999, 2000 and 2005. See the full Ford E-450 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford E-450 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 43,000 miles; 70% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.