Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford Excursion owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Had a b f goodrich lt315/75r16d all terrain ko, dot: bfauhx111211, front left tire explode without any warning, was driving north on highway 65, about 16 miles south of branson, mo. I was traveling around 65 MPH in the right hand lane on a clear dry day with minimal traffic. The tires were purchased on 4-23-11, sam's club #6361, vehicle had 91,461 miles. The incident happened on 5-8-18, the vehicle had 136,896 miles. (45,435 miles). When the tire exploded it severed the front left brake line resulting in the loss of control of the vehicle, causing major damage to the vehicle, resulting in the vehicle being totaled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Excursion equipped with sunfull mont-pro ht781 tires, size: lt265/75/16. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear passenger side tire tread separated, which caused a bubble in the tire. Within less than a thousand miles later, the front driver's tire also experienced the failure. The retail facility where the tires were sold and installed was not contacted. The tire manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 166,000 and the tire failure mileage was approximately 4,999.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Excursion equipped with toyo open country r/t tires (na), size: lt285/75/r16. While driving 65 MPH, the rear passenger tire experienced tread separation. Prior to the failure, the rear driver's tire was replaced by allen tire (located at 1725 superior ave, costa mesa, ca 92627, [phone]) due to a bulge in the tire. The contact stated that there was damage to the vehicle. The set of tires were a replacement set. The tire was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14t014000 (tires). The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate vehicle failure mileage was 170,000 and the tire failure mileage was 75,000.
The consumer noticed a vibration while driving. The front driver's side tire exploded like it was over pressured. The vehicle was thrown across another traffic lane, spun backwards and left the road sideways into the median. The vehicle did not roll but received extensive damage.
At 50,000 miles, about one year agothere was a load screeching sound coming from the front end of my vehicle and the steering began to fail and the car began to weave. I was driving approximately 70 MPH on highway 93 30 miles north of wickenburg, az. By the time I got my car stopped the left front wheel was smoking and extremely hot. I had the vehicle towed to sanderson Ford and had to replace the axle spindle, wheel bearing, hub and wheel. Ford told me this was not under any warranty or recall. I have my vehicle again at sanderson Ford in glendale, az with a front end noise and I find that the same problem is now on the right wheel and everything needs to be replaced due to a bad bearing and scored spindle. Concidentally one of my customers came in who has a 2002 Ford f-350 and when I told him about my problem he advised that he has had the same problem on his vehicle. …
4/4/04 I rec'd a flat ti,e told it was irreparable since air was seeping out of the sidewall. 4/5/04, I receive letter from Firestone/Ford reagrding tire recall on my 2002 Ford Excursion.. 4/6/04 I phone 3 Ford dealerships and 5 Firestone stores trying to locate replaceable tires. Told they had no idea when tires would be avail. I called Ford corp., they blame Firestone, call Firestone hotline, they blame Ford. Ford corp- keisha, cust. Service told me to - drive as little as possible, wear my seat belt, ck air in tires and drive under the speed limit. 4/6/04 I ordered 5 new recommended b.f. Goodrich tires fromjim babbitt Ford, flagstaff, az. I ck each wk on order. Still have no idea when tires will be in. Called Ford corp., cust service -charmaine today & was told "it is not Ford problem", even though the replacement tires were advised & ordered thru Ford. …
Traveling east bound on I-84 10 miles from mountain home, idaho when my left rear tire tread separated from the tire and then the tire blew. Tire type was a Firestone lt 365/75r16 load range d steeltex r4s model. The thread damage my quarter panel, wheel well splash gaurds and paint on vehicle. I was travel at 75 MPH with my tire pressure set at recommended pressure set by Ford at 45 psi front and 55 psi in the rear. Vehicle was 2002 Ford Excursion xlt. I file a insurance claim for repair and they completed on sept. 10, 2004. On sept 14, 2004 I contact Firestone tech services about the tire. They will send a complaint and instruction how file a claim.
On 6/5/2013, I was driving on freeway at approx. 70mph and tread separated from rt. Rear tire causing vehicle to swerve into adjacent lane. Damage to quarter panel and running board. This is the second tire failure in the past 45 days.the tires are bfgoodrich 265/75r/16 commercial ta load range e. The four new tires were installed on 2/28/2011 and have approx. 14,300 miles of wear at time of failure. The other tire (left front) failed on 4/19/2013. Because of strong front end vibration, I inspected the front tires. I found that it was out of round due to belt separation. The dealer replaced this tire also.
The consumer stated the tires on his vehicle had irregular wear and made a lot of noise. He read that the manufacturer was recalling these tires, so he took them to the dealer and had them checked, at which time he was advised to get more tires, because of the irregular wear. The consumer stated he did purchased more tires, after consulting the manufacturer who at that time advised him of what to do to get reimbursed for the bad tires. The consumer is now having a hard time trying to get reimbursement. Bridgeport/Goodyear lt 265/75 r 16 lrd.
I am the original owner of a 2002 Ford Excursion that is equipped with the Firestone steeltex a/t tires lt 265/75r16 119/116r load range d; with about 60K miles. On Friday night I experienced a tire blowout while operating at highway speeds (55 MPH). It appears that the tread separated from the tire. In checking the web sights this evening there appears to have been a "safety improvement" for this tire. I have yet to receive it. Who can address my issues of replacing my tires and or repairing the damage.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Excursion years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Ford Excursion?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Ford Excursion, 23% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Excursion wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2002 Ford Excursion, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Excursion wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.