2002 Ford F-350 Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Ford F-350.

20012003
Complaints
285
Crashes
32
Fires
19
Injuries
22
Fatalities
2
Recalls
1

Worst 2002 Ford F-350 Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#127 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Avg mileage:71,681 mi
Fires:1
#226 complaints

Tire Defects

Avg mileage:72,646 mi
Crash-related:1
#321 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:132,838 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:3
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2002 Ford F-350.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel
27
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
71,681
Tire Defects
26
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
72,646
Electrical Faults
21
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
3
Avg Miles
132,838
Tires:Tread/Belt
14
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
49,228
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
13
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
67,145
Engine & Cooling
12
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Avg Miles
93,381
Steering Defects
11
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
155,618
Unintended Acceleration
11
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Avg Miles
100,039
Diesel Fuel System
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
123,398
Seat Belt Issues
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
103,500
Body Structure
7
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Avg Miles
65,251
Engine Problems
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
116,833
Hydraulic Brakes
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
54,665
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
5
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
21,243
Suspension:Front
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
50,000
Tires:Sidewall
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
30,525
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
135,051
Automatic Transmission
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle)
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Starter Assembly
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Headlight/Taillight Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Ignition
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Other Equipment
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Diesel:Storage:Tank Assembly
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Ford F-350. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2002 Ford F-350

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~26,715 vehicles.

11V352000Exterior Lighting:brake Lights · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
~26,715 affected

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 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

Other Ford F-350 Years

2002 Ford F-350 — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2002 Ford F-350 reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2002 Ford F-350 has 285 NHTSA complaints, 32 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel with 27 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2002 Ford F-350?
Top reported problems: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel (27 complaints, avg 71,681 mi); Tire Defects (26 complaints, avg 72,646 mi); Electrical Faults (21 complaints, avg 132,838 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Ford F-350?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 87,423 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2002 Ford F-350?
NHTSA complaints for the 2002 Ford F-350 include 32 crash-related reports, 19 fire reports, 22 injuries, and 2 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2002 Ford F-350 have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 26,715 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2002 Ford F-350?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Ford F-350 reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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