MYRModel Year Report

2002 Ford F-350

● Typical for this model
2002 Ford F-350
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:24.928Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
116
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Tires

17% of complaints

Complaints per year

1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1997: 155 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 116 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2021: 88 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1992 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1996 1997: 155 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 116 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2004 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2012 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2016 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2020 2021: 88 complaints
1989: 2 complaints 1989 1991: 31 complaints 1992: 52 complaints 1992 1993: 101 complaints 1994: 96 complaints 1994 1995: 134 complaints 1996: 130 complaints 1996 1997: 155 complaints 1998: 12 complaints 1998 1999: 413 complaints 2000: 304 complaints 2000 2001: 160 complaints 2002: 116 complaints 2002 116 2003: 90 complaints 2004: 159 complaints 2004 2005: 114 complaints 2006: 145 complaints 2006 2007: 36 complaints 2008: 131 complaints 2008 2009: 28 complaints 2010: 0 complaints 2010 2011: 136 complaints 2012: 149 complaints 2012 2013: 76 complaints 2014: 91 complaints 2014 2015: 190 complaints 2016: 187 complaints 2016 2017: 480 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 452 complaints 2020: 182 complaints 2020 2021: 88 complaints

2002: 116 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19892
199131
199252
1993101
199496
1995134
1996130
1997155
199812
1999413
2000304
2001160
2002116
200390
2004159
2005114
2006145
200736
2008131
200928
20100
2011136
2012149
201376
201491
2015190
2016187
2017480
2018194
2019452
2020182
202188

Known problem areas

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

Tires

17% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt and temporary/emergency spare tire.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

16% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing engine and diesel.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Catalytic converter caught on fire and burned the entire right side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-16

Engine began failing at 1200 miles and has gotten progressively worse. When the engine fails all power options are lost as well and has caused several close calls. Failure occurs without warning placing my life in danger.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-10-18

Steering

14% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

13% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing starter assembly and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford F-350. The contact stated the starter engaged without the key being inserted into the ignition.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-02

My husband was driving about 25 MPH on his way to take the Ford F350 which was purchased on 2-11-02 to the Ford dealership to have it looked at because it wasn't running right.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-01

The digital compass and temperature display in the upper console breaks. I rely on the display to prevent from crashing on icy roads. I have looked and thousands of people have same issues, a wire coming loose.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-11-06

Service brakes

9% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
  2. I
    2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
  3. R
    2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2007-09-05Equipment07E066000 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…

    Remedy: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Ford F-350 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
  • Recall 07E066000 · Equipment
  • Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Ford F-350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford F-350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-350?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford F-350 have?
3 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.