2002 Ford F-150 recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford F-150 has 2 safety recalls and 821 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
821
Crashes / fires
51 / 95
Injuries / deaths
60 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford F-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford F-150 recalls

Recall 11V-385: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 29, 2011 · 1,100,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (Gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle.

Risk: As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.

Fix: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. Any repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 11s21

Recall 05V-388: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Sep 7, 2005 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.

Fix: By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (Note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)

2002 Ford F-150 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling197
Electrical System110
Vehicle Speed Control87
Engine66
Fuel System, Gasoline65
Power Train53
Seat Belts50
Structure45
Air Bags37
Service Brakes, Hydraulic29
Visibility28
Steering25

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 78
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 19
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 16
  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 14
  • Visibility › Windshield — 13
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 13
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 12

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 90,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Ford F-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Jul 17, 2026
I had the recall number 05s28 repaired at high desert ford on July sixth as a part of a California safety inspection to register my vehicle. Per ford they are done however they refuse to update the system which holds my vehicle unable to be registered even after the services were rendered and complete. Multiple attempts to trendy have failed any results thus ford is holding my vehicle hostage from legal use in the state
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Apr 8, 2026
Cruise control kicked on and won't go off. Gas fumes come from the AC unit. When driving the truck started speeding up. Now the truck is parked.
Unknown or Other · reported Jul 26, 2024
Driving down [xxx] the straps on my gas tank broke because they rusted thru causing gas tank to drop and spill fuel all over [xxx] in iowa causing so much fuel spilled out they had to close one lane of traffic....the fire dept chief of whiting, iowa, steven snyder, can verify what happened....there is a police report but I didn't have it filing out this report information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(B)(6)
Engine · at 108,000 miles · reported May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made a loud sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that cylinder #3 spark plug had blown out, but no repair was recommended at the time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Wheels · at 100,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. The contact stated while at a tire shop to have the tires rotated, the mechanic was unable to remove the tires due to the lug nuts being swollen. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and suggested to the contact to call the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Other Ford F-150 years

Compare all Ford F-150 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-150: 11V-385 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V-388 (vehicle speed control). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford F-150?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (197 reports), followed by electrical system (110). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 90,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.