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
- 22
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2002: 22 complaints
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 | 13 |
| 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.
Fuel system, diesel
8 of 22 total reports mention: fuel system, diesel, most commonly citing tank assembly.
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, 2012-05-17
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 22 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and fan.
Show complaint excerpts
2002 Ford F550 engine caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-28
The fan belt has failed (6) different times at highway speed with a/c on.dealer has thrown there hands up and the can,t repair problem .truck has been there many times and has not been repaired .
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-28
Service brakes
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Electrical system
3 of 22 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Connector #270B melted at central junction connector. Vehicle was both in motion and parked
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-22
Tires
2 of 22 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.
Show complaint excerpts
The front passenger tire experienced tread separation, which caused a tire blow out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-25
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
-
I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
-
I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
-
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…
-
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.
-
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.
-
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…
-
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-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Fuel system, diesel: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
- 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-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 36% 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.