MotorDeets

2002 Ford Expedition: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 Ford Expedition: 2 recalls, 340 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
340owner complaints
19mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2002 Ford Expedition
Photo: Ethan Llamas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.

Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #05V388000 · 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch May overheat, smoke, or burn.

Why it matters: A fire at the switch could occur.

The fix: By letter dated September 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to…

2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.

Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.

Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E067000 · 2006 · 19,413 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 331-1129l-asn and 331-1129r-asn, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for the above listed passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.

The fix: Maxzone will notify owners and offer reimbursement for any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on July 28, 2006.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 69 mention a fire, 27 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling95
Speed control / throttle58
Electrical46
Engine27
Tires26
Seat belts20
Transmission & drivetrain18
Brakes (hydraulic)16

What owners describe

The 2002 Ford Expedition has 340 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 36 Expedition model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 260). Complaints peaked in 2005 (36 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 83,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (578 complaints, 6 recalls), 2003 (615 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Regular
4.6 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive121614Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive121713Regular
5.4 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive111513Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Ford Expedition.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2002 Ford Expedition manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2002 Ford Expedition manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2002 Ford Expedition manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2002 Ford Expedition manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2002 Ford Expedition have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Ford Expedition, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2002 Ford Expedition problems?

Owners have filed 340 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (95), speed control / throttle (58), electrical (46).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Expedition get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2002 Ford Expedition repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Expedition years

199119931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027