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
- 245
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 245 complaints
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 | 23 |
| 2016 | 14 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 11 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
42% · 104 reportsMost commonly citing engine and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
Diesel emissions entering into passenger compartment of 2001 Ford F250 super duty V8-7.30.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-18
Service brakes
13% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
12% · 29 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and wiring.
Tires
11% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
Show 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, 2015-03-16
Vehicle speed control
6% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2002Complaint volume 245 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
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I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
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I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
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R
2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 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…
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.
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I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
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2007-12-29Engine and engine cooling07V553000 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.
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2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…
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.
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2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…
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…
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2011-08-15Exterior lighting11V352000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 104 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 42% 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.