2002 Ford F-550 SD
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 72 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 23 |
| 2008 | 26 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
2002 FORD F550 FLATBED TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED, TO THE POINT THEY COULD NOT BE RE-TREADED. THE REAR BRAKES AND WHEEL SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120517
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
2002 FORD F550 FLATBED TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF THE TIRES WERE DRY ROTTED, TO THE POINT THEY COULD NOT BE RE-TREADED. THE REAR BRAKES AND WHEEL SEALS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120517
2 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
2002 FORD F550 ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TS *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20051228
2 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONNECTOR #270B MELTED AT CENTRAL JUNCTION CONNECTOR. VEHICLE WAS BOTH IN MOTION AND PARKED
NHTSA ODI report, 20200122
1 of 22 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE STALLING
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
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-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) 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-550 SD reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-550 SD?
The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford F-550 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.