2002 Ford E-450 problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
2 distinct recall campaigns
38,750 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2002 model year. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 13 complaints (23.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 23.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 7.7% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 7.7% |
| Fuel system concerns | 1 | 7.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Tires | 2 |
| Tires:Tread/Belt | 2 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
Electrical System: 3; Engine: 2; Tires: 2; Tires:Tread/Belt: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 3 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
2002: 1; 2003: 3; 2006: 1; 2008: 1; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2012: 1; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2019: 1; 2023: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10275088 · 2009-06-27 (June 27, 2009)
WHILE DRIVING THE AMBULANCE THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE TAKING IT TO THE SHOP. WHEN THE AMBULANCE IS AT IDLE IT JUST SHUTS OFF, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE RPM'S ARE AT IDLE THE ENGINE WILL JUST SHUT OFF. NO CRASH OR INJURIES HOWEVER IT WAS VERY CLOSE AS THE ENGINE SHUT OFF IT WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE AND LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 121,001 miles reported. Look up ODI 10275088 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10702574 · 2015-03-30 (March 30, 2015)
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MOTORHOME WITH THE FORD E-450, WHILE DRIVING OUT OF MY PARK I LOST MY TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 11,315 miles reported. Look up ODI 10702574 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10242340 · 2008-09-15 (September 15, 2008)
IN EARLY JULY MY VEHICLE SUFFERED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THIS IS A VEHICLE COVERED UNDER THE EXISTING FORD RECALL FOR THE SPEED CONTROL WIRING. THE DEALER , WHO HAD REPAIRED THE VEHICLE JUST 45 DAYS EARLIER, STATED THAT THIS FIRE WAS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF WIRING FIRE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE RECALL IN PLACE MAY NOT FULLY ADDRESS THE RISK OF FIRE, AND THAT THERE MAY BE MORE OF A SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING THE WIRING HARNESS THAN HAS BEEN DISCLOSED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 85,323 miles reported. Look up ODI 10242340 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10650134 · 2014-10-26 (October 26, 2014)
WE WERE TRAVELING NORTH TO SOUTH JUST OUTSIDE OF LASVEGAS WHEN A SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF THE CYLINDER, WITH THE INJECTOR STILL PUMPING FUEL. IN OUR 31' MOTORHOME WITH A E450 ENGINE. DID WE NOT REALIZE THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE SITUATION THE ENGINE COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED EXTENSIVE DAMAGE AND POSSIBLE INJURY. AS A RESULT THIS COST US $7200.00 AND THE LOSS OF USE OF OUR VEHICLE AND HOME FOR 10 DAYS. WE HAVE ASKED FORD MOTOR COMPANY FOR SOME RENUMERATION TOWARDS THE COST OF REPAIRS BECAUSE AS WE SOON FOUND OUT THERE HAVE BEEN THOUSANDS OF…
Owner-reported narrative. 50,829 miles reported. Look up ODI 10650134 at NHTSA ↗