2002 Ford F-350 SD

● Typical for this model
2002 Ford F-350 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:30.503Z

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
124
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 142 complaints 2000: 157 complaints 2001: 158 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2002 124 2003: 132 complaints 2004: 130 complaints 2005: 217 complaints 2006: 127 complaints 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 101 complaints 2009: 19 complaints 2010: 50 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 9 complaints 2014: 7 complaints 2015: 18 complaints 2015 2016: 22 complaints 2017: 94 complaints 2018: 11 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 8 complaints 2022: 112 complaints 2023: 41 complaints 2023 2024: 44 complaints 2025: 14 complaints 2026: 8 complaints
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 142 complaints 1999 2000: 157 complaints 2001: 158 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2002 124 2003: 132 complaints 2004: 130 complaints 2005: 217 complaints 2005 2006: 127 complaints 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 101 complaints 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 50 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 9 complaints 2013 2014: 7 complaints 2015: 18 complaints 2015 2016: 22 complaints 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 11 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 112 complaints 2023: 41 complaints 2023 2024: 44 complaints 2025: 14 complaints 2025 2026: 8 complaints
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 0 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 142 complaints 1999 2000: 157 complaints 2001: 158 complaints 2002: 124 complaints 2002 124 2003: 132 complaints 2004: 130 complaints 2005: 217 complaints 2005 2006: 127 complaints 2007: 25 complaints 2007 2008: 101 complaints 2009: 19 complaints 2009 2010: 50 complaints 2011: 43 complaints 2011 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 9 complaints 2013 2014: 7 complaints 2015: 18 complaints 2015 2016: 22 complaints 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 11 complaints 2019: 14 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 8 complaints 2021 2022: 112 complaints 2023: 41 complaints 2023 2024: 44 complaints 2025: 14 complaints 2025 2026: 8 complaints

2002: 124 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19930
19940
19952
19960
19973
19983
1999142
2000157
2001158
2002124
2003132
2004130
2005217
2006127
200725
2008101
200919
201050
201143
201229
20139
20147
201518
201622
201794
201811
201914
20205
20218
2022112
202341
202444
202514
20268

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE

Tires

22% · 27 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.

INJURY

Electrical system

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

FIRE

Fuel system, diesel

8% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

Power train

7% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing clutch assembly and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

2002 Ford super duty powerstroke diesels with 4 wheel drive. The 4 wheel drive system on these trucks is called, "Electonic shift on the fly" ... There is a dash mounted knob on the dash. The nob has written, "4X2"-4X4 and 4X4 lo".

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-02

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
  2. I
    2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
  3. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  4. I
    2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
  5. R
    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.

  6. R
    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.

  7. R
    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…

  8. R
    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-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 41 reports on file for this year.
  • Tires: 27 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • 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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Ford F-350 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-350 SD?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford F-350 SD have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.