2002 Ford F-250 recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford F-250 has 2 safety recalls and 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
156
Crashes / fires
12 / 9
Injuries / deaths
12 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford F-250 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford F-250 recalls

Recall 11V-352: Exterior Lighting

Reported Jul 13, 2011 · 26,715 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 06V-286: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Aug 1, 2006 · 1,200,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Risk: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.

Fix: 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 05v017 and 05v388)

2002 Ford F-250 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling24
Tires22
Power Train16
Service Brakes, Hydraulic14
Electrical System14
Vehicle Speed Control12
Engine12
Suspension11
Steering10
Unknown or Other8
Seat Belts8
Air Bags7

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 5
  • Tires › Sidewall — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 89,000 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-250 complaints

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

Engine · at 109,000 miles · reported Jun 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle started after several attempts. The contact stated the vehicle sat for a while before starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was…
Engine · at 138,683 miles · reported Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-250. The contact initially discovered patches of fluid on the garage floor. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer discovered a leak in the engine oil pan due to a faulty silicone gasket. The contact stated that the oil pan was replaced by the same dealer a year prior to the recent failure. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA…
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 108,000 miles · reported Nov 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being lifted onto a tow truck, fuel began to leak from the middle plastic made fuel tank. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank hoses were faulty. The mechanic determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Service Brakes · at 319,536 miles · reported Nov 20, 2023
The vehicle is equipped with adjustable brake and accelerator. The pedals should move up and down together. But the brake pedal is several inches higher causing a safety issue.
Steering · reported Jun 20, 2023
While driving on a fairly rough highway I'm AZ, 180A, traveling about 50 mph over bumps and repaired cracks in the pavement, the steering wobbled and shook which did not seem far out of the ordinary on this particular stretch of highway. Suddenly, without warning, the steering failed causing loss of control of the vehicle, the driver was unable to steer the truck which veered off the road and sent us directly into the embankment of a dry wash. The truck hit the embankment head on 50-55 mph. I was riding as passenger of my vehicle since I was 8 months pregnant and experiencing severe heartburn…

Other Ford F-250 years

Compare all Ford F-250 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-250 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-250: 11V-352 (exterior lighting), 06V-286 (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-250?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (24 reports), followed by tires (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 89,000 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.