The Lemon Index2002 Ford Expedition.
The 2002 Ford Expedition is better than average by owner complaints: 105 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 61, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 13 to 16 mpg combined. The best Ford Expedition year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 340 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Ford Expedition year. 2002 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 123K miles on the car (262 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 70K–124K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 34K–132K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 60K–121K miles
Recalls 4
- lights 2006
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2006
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.
- speed control 2005
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Show all 4 recalls
- body structure 2003
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Ford told dealers about
Ford sent dealers 102 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dead battery, no start, interior lamp/headlamp self-activation
- Rougness and / or excess effort in turning, key
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedSpark plug ejection from cylinder head2005–2006
- ClosedEngine compartment fires2005–2006
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★★ · side — · rollover ★★☆☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4950 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.6L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving 70 mph the front driver side tire tread separated without warning. As a result the vehicles bumper was damaged. The consumer stateed this is the third occurrence. Please provide additional information.
2002 Ford Expedition owner · NHTSA complaint 10092443
More owner reports
While at a busy intersection, the vehicle engine revved and lurched forward requiring extra brake pressure to avoid collision. The rpms were over 1500 at a stop. This is the second incident and the dealer has been contacted.
NHTSA complaint 10020880
While driving, the right rear tire had split open in the sidewall causing the tire to flatten. Ts scc
NHTSA complaint 10002367
Quick answers
Is the 2002 Ford Expedition reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 61; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Ford Expedition year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2002 Ford Expedition problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (23%), tires (19%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Expedition have?
4 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Ford Expedition get?
13 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford Expedition problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 123,100 miles. The middle report was at 83,500 miles, from 262 complaints.
Does the 2002 Ford Expedition have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2002 Ford Expedition cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4950 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2002 Ford Expedition have?
4.6L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl.
What Ford Expedition year is better than the 2002?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2012 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works