Ford

Expedition (2002)

2002 · Full-Size SUV ยท 3 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.1)
358 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
70 Fire Reports
19 Crash Reports
View all 6 generations of the Ford Expedition → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
2/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

Ford Expedition Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.1)
92 complaints 92.0 per year
11 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
30
cooling
25
other
10
suspension
9
transmission
8

Known Issues

Engine Issues (30 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (25 complaints)
Suspension Issues (9 complaints)

5.4-V8-Gas

5.4L 8-cyl / 235 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.0)
186 complaints 186.0 per year Gasoline
39 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
73
cooling
57
other
33
electrical
27
wheels tires
17

Known Issues

Engine Issues (73 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (57 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (27 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

4.9-I6-Gas

4.9L 6-cyl / 145 hp
โœ… Recommended (4.9)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
View details

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Ford Expedition regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (120 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (93 complaints)
cooling critical
Electrical System Issues (40 complaints)
electrical critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (18 complaints)
wheels_tires critical
Interior Issues (12 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (4)

06E056000Jun 12, 2006serious
Fuel System

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.

06E067000Jan 7, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

05V388000Jul 8, 2005serious
Vehicle Speed Control

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

03V094000Jul 2, 2003serious
Structure

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.

Alternatives in Full-Size SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Ford Expedition problems?

The 2002-2002 Ford Expedition has accumulated 358 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Cooling System, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Ford Expedition engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Ford Expedition was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.6L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Ford Expedition a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Ford Expedition can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 358 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Ford Expedition have?

The 2002-2002 Ford Expedition has 358 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Ford Expedition?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Ford Expedition vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Ford Expedition?

Before buying a used Ford Expedition, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Cooling System, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Expedition?

The 2002 Ford Expedition received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 358 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

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