2002 Ford Ford problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Power Train:automatic Transmission (6) · Suspension:front:wheel Bearing (3) · Visibility:glass, Side/Rear (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Ford Ford model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
31 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (26)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System 2003-03-01 · 030606 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
diagnostic trouble codes for high oxygen sensor voltage (p0132 and p0152). current diagnostic may result in premature replacement of the compuvalve. *tt *jb
Air Bags 2002-08-01 · 021705 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding air bag deployment strategy with advanced restraint system. *tt
Electrical System 2002-08-01 · 16143 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some think neighbors may exhibit a vehicle no enable condition due to fretting corrosion between the 23 pin harness connector and the motor controller. *tt
Electrical System 2002-08-01 · 16127 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some think neighbor may not enable due to a damaged charger fuse cap, malfunctioning charger, or inoperative charger fuse. *tt
Electrical System:horn 2002-08-01 · 16109 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some think neighbors may exhibit an inoperative horn. *tt
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch 2002-08-01 · 16108 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some think neighbor vehicles may exhibit improper operation of the multifunction switch due to the limiting clip not installed during the manufacture process. *tt
Showing the 6 most recent of 26 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2010-08-03 · Suspension:rear · 154,788 mi“2002 ford windstar rear axle problem we were driving on 78e and were approximately 30 minutes before allentown. all of a sudden we heard a crack, smelled smoke, and heard metal scraping. the car started fishtailing and my husband virtually had no control of the car as the windstar repeatedly crossed 2 lanes and almost hit the middle barrier and…”
2009-05-22 · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control · 92,300 mi“abs and brake lights has continued to be on and cruise control has stopped working. *tr…”
2008-07-23 · Visibility:glass, Side/Rear“i have several issues, both back door windows have fallen off track and won't stay up. this happened in september of 07 and a few months later the second rear window did the same. i have to use clear packaging tape to hold them up. the key to the ignition will not turn unless i use something with a hard end and tap it several times. when the igniti…”
2008-01-24 · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages · 45,000 mi“1) i noticed that my rpms were not returning to normal and my vehicle was unable to stop completely. 2) i own a 2002 ford explorer xls 4x4 with the sohc 4.0 liter engine. the throttle cable stuck in the open position causing the engine to surge uncontrollably at approximately 5000 rpms. i had to turn off my ignition to avoid crashing the vehicle…”
2008-01-02 · Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · 69,000 mi“i put my key in, turned it on and went to shift in to drive and the shifter came right out of the steering column. the vehicle was in between gears.*cn…”
2008-01-01 · Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs · 64,070 mi“while driving my 2002 ford taurus i experienced the failure of both front coil springs which cut open like a can opener one front tires and damaged the other. i had to have both tires and springs replaced. if i was traveling more than 15 mph i fear i would not be here today.*cn…”
2007-12-04 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/Control Module · 39,994 mi“2002 explorer xlt purchased 1/03 with 37,995 miles. now only 39,996 i am disabled and don't drive much. had vehicle in due to warranty over 11/26/07 to check things over. when i picked up car air bag warning light flashing. though it was due to their work because it stopped. next time used vehicle light flashing then stayed on permanently. to…”
2007-11-29 · Suspension:front:wheel Bearing“all four wheels bearings on a 2002 ford explorer with only 70,000 miles had to be replaced. one incident included a wheel falling off due to the failure of these bearings. *tr…”
2007-11-28 · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control · 🔥 fire“vehicle parked in parking lot at 9:30p.m. sheriff woke us up 2:00 a.m. banging on windows stating suv was on fire. 3 other vehicles were damaged because of fire. i am blessed myself and my children were not in suv at that time. also damaged parking area. *tr…”
2007-11-13 · Power Train:automatic Transmission · 75,000 mi“vehicle transmission failed at 75,000- we had taken the vehicle in 2 separate occasions the first year of ownership concerning the transmission but was advised nothing wrong. *tr…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.