Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2002 Ford E Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
6
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 33% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 17% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 17% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Defect
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Consequence
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DEFROSTER AND CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED REPEATEDLY. NO DEFROSTER, HEAT, OR AIR CONDITIONING BECAUSE BLOWER FAILED TO OPERATE. DEALER ROUTE 23 AUTOMALL WOULD NOT OR COULD NOT FIX.*JB”
“WHILE I DOUBT THIS WILL ATTRACT ENOUGH ATTENTION FOR FORD TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, I TOO, MADE THE MISTAKE OF PURCHASING A 2002 EXPLORER XLT. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL MAKES A HORRID WHINING NOISE BETWEEN 50-65 MPH. FROM WHAT LITTLE RESEARCH I'VE DONE SINCE THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED I'M FINDING THAT I'M…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD E-SERIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BOLTS ON THE FUSE BOX FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE'S WIRES TO BECOME EXPOSED. THE DEALER HAS NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND CORRECT VIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 9,793.”
“DRIVING ON PRIMARY ROAD WAY WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP. SOUNDED LIKE AN EXHAUST LEAK. PULL OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD, TURN OFF ENGINE TO CHECK TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS.CHECKED EXHAUST OK. REMOVED ENGINE COWLING, FOUND SPARK PLUG EJECTED ITSELF. SPARK PLUG WAS MISSING," COP" COIL MOUNTING BROKE, BOOT…”
The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Ford E Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.