2002 Ford F-250 SD
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 254 |
| 2005 | 295 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 141 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 22 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 7 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 39 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRE9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: tires — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF BFGOODRICH 285/75/16 122R D TIRES THAT HAVE FAILED WITH SEPARATION PROBLEMS. THE FIRST SET THAT FAILED 05/11, WE HAD BLOWOUT ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE CAUSING OVER $3000 DAMAGE TO DRIVER FRONT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150316
SAFETY TIMELINE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 07V553000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 11V352000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V553000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V352000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford F-250 SD is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-250 SD?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford F-250 SD have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.