2002 Ford F-250
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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 |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 107 |
| 1992 | 119 |
| 1993 | 131 |
| 1994 | 125 |
| 1995 | 184 |
| 1996 | 176 |
| 1997 | 304 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 581 |
| 2000 | 326 |
| 2001 | 220 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 221 |
| 2007 | 60 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 54 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2011 | 248 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 95 |
| 2014 | 142 |
| 2015 | 273 |
| 2016 | 275 |
| 2017 | 1082 |
| 2018 | 382 |
| 2019 | 1151 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 116 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING THE VEHICLE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED AND DUE TO THE INCREASED ABILITY TO STEER OR BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ROLLED INTO THE KINGPIN OF THE FIFTH WHEEL AND DAMAGED THE UPPER LEFT REAR FENDER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021211
ON 03/16/2012 AT 10:30PM WHILE ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, I CAME TO A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. TRUCK WAS RUNNING FINE. AS I PULLED AWAY FROM THE STOP SIGN AND ACCELERATING I HEARD A LOUD POP AND WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXHAUST LEAK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120318
14% of complaints: tires — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
CRASH12% of complaints: service brakes — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The vehicle is equipped with adjustable brake and accelerator. The pedals should move up and down together. But the brake pedal is several inches higher causing a safety issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231120
10% of complaints: power train — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column shift and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
9% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT WITH IGNITION TURNED OFF AND KEYS OUT OF IGNITION WHEN VEHICLE SOME HOW CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020701
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CON
Remedy: SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Campaign 06E052000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS INTO THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 7, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILE
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — 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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E052000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) 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 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford F-250 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-250?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford F-250 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.