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 Expedition owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Expedition. While driving at low speeds and attempting to accelerate, the tires wobbled. In addition, the front and rear of the vehicle were unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that all four rims were bent. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who diagnosed that the belts and bands were worn for all four tires and that all four tires could have blown out. The mechanic stated that the front passenger side tire was frayed to the point that it could blow out and needed to be replaced. All four tires were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
My wife had a tire blowout on our 2002 Ford Expedition . Tires mounted on the vehicle were the general aw grabbers 17inch. We were informed last year a couple of months after vehicle was purchased that these tires had been recalled. We contacted dealership and took our vechicle in to another local dealership, and they said no they had not been recalled even after we insisted they at least look at the tires. My wife and infant child were in the vechicle which caused extensive damage to the car but thankfully only minor bumps and bruises to my family. We are in the process of getting legal advice and have taken numerous pictures of the tire and had our own tech examine the tire.
The vehicle was driven earlier that day for about 2 to 3 miles and then it was parked inside a private mobile home park. After 30 to 45 minutes had passed, an explosion was heard outside the mobile home park; the vehicle exploded and was on fire. The explosion occurred in the hood and now it is a total loss. This occurred on April 18th, 2016. We contacted the national highway traffic safety administration and they informed us that a recall back in 2005 was issued. The Ford motor company has not helped us out in this accident.
There was no accident, but substantial damage to my SUV caused by the tire tread separation at 65 MPH. This problem is similar to the class action lawsuit settled last year by Ford regarding tire tred separation on their SUV line. My Expedition had a tred separation on the left front tire at 65 MPH, which caused damage to the bumper, wheel well, and running board. The tire was still perfectly inflated, but the entire tread, which is still hardly worn, completely separated from the tire, causing this damage. I talked to Ford customer service, and they said it was my responsibility as it is out of the 36,000 mile waranty. They are lucky my SUV didn t flip over and kill me, like many before me who had this same problem. These are the original factory tires that Ford installed on my new Expedition. …
During our thanksgiving holiday, I was traveling at highway speeds with my family on my way from phoenix, az to las cruces, nm when the right rear general grabber aw p275/60r17 factory installed tire of my 2002 Ford Expedition experienced tread separation. There was no police report nor were there any injuries. The tire did not deflate, but it did an estimated $2,241.47 in damage to my Expedition when the tread separated. Please note that the tires were inflated as recommended as indicated on the door sticker. I check the air in my tires prior to each trip as the safety of my family matters most. This right rear tire was inflated to exactly 33 psi the day before the trip. I have submitted a claim to continental north America who deny any workmanship and/or material fault. They only want to offer $1,000 in goodwill, which will not cover the damages caused by the tire tread separation.
In March 2008, I purchased 4 advanta SUV tires p265/70r17 for my vehicle, about 3 months later one tire had an air bubble on the side and I had to replace it. I don't travel that much just to and from work. This August 2009, I let my mom use my truck and the two rear tires went, one blew out while the other rear one began to shred. On Saturday October 10 while traveling on the highway the front passenger tire blew out. I noticed there is a recall for p265/70r16 and I need to know who I need to contact regarding the tires that have. This is a very serious and dangerous situation, my family and I am are very blessed that we were not hurt in theses incidents.
On three occasions between March 2006 and March 2009 four out of five tires purchased through sears have suffered tread separation and three cases lead to complete failure while driving at posted speed limits. Tire failure lead to two near miss accidents. In the last failure, March 22, 2009 lead to several thousand dollars of property damage. One tire was replaced shortly after purchase; another tire ordered but was not stocked; currently in possession of the most recent tire failure. The recent tire has greater than 60% of tread life remaining. Tire separated yet inner tub still inflated.
While driving the steering wheel shook and a loud noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. The driver's side tire tread separated from wheel. The consumer was able to change the tire, and drove the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. General, continental, p265/7or17. Two defective tires were found. The tire/tread. GM stopped making these tires due to problems. Another tire May be seperating.
Treads separated from the tire, while still inflated and caused damage to rear fender of Ford Expedition. Previously reported problem under claim number 10024727. Contacted continental under the claim and was told my tires did not fall within the recall dot numbers which contradicted the information provided by your agency. The tire dealership also told me the other tires were bad. Tires are being sent to continental for investigation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford Expedition. The contact was driving 5 MPH when he heard a noise coming from the vehicle.the contact discovered that the spare tire had fallen and partially detached from the vehicle, hanging by a cable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The failure and the current mileage was 75,000.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Expedition years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Ford Expedition?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Ford Expedition, 8% of the model year's 340 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford Expedition wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2002 Ford Expedition, though it has 2 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 Expedition wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 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.