Most common 2002 Ford Econoline problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Econoline complaints by model year
Best Econoline years: 2005, 2006, 2007. Years to avoid: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
2002 Ford Econoline recalls (2)
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Ford Econoline:
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
On September 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or…
What 2002 Ford Econoline owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
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.
Speed control & acceleration
Tl 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.
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. In the meantime they recommend disconnecting the cruise control, which as you can imagine, is not a pleasant thought for an rv which is used for long distance traveling. …
Fuel & propulsion system
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.
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. 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. …
2002 Ford Econoline engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford Econoline a good car?
Based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Econoline rates better than average: 46% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Econoline 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 Econoline?
The engine & cooling — 8 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the speed control & acceleration (5) and fuel & propulsion system (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Econoline have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford Econoline, the most recent from February 4, 2008 (cruise 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 Econoline?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2006 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995 and 2000. See the full Ford Econoline years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Econoline problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 14% 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.