2002 Ford F-350 SD recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford F-350 SD has 3 safety recalls and 124 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
124
Crashes / fires
7 / 8
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford F-350 SD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford F-350 SD 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 09V-399: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Oct 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 mercury mountaineer, 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 ranger, and 1994 f53 vehicles equipped with the texas instruments speed control deactivation switch (Scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

Fix: 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 connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Recall 07V-553: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Dec 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.

Fix: 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.

2002 Ford F-350 SD problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling41
Tires27
Electrical System16
Fuel System, Diesel10
Power Train9
Steering7
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Unknown or Other5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Suspension4
Exterior Lighting3
Structure3

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 24
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 9
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Tires › Sidewall — 5
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2
  • Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 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-350 SD complaints

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

Engine · at 250,000 miles · reported Dec 6, 2018
Improper protection of the oil pan to elements causes metal pan to rot prematurely gear box for steeering not designed properly for the weight class of truck constantly breaking causing sloppy steering and loss of control 2 leaf springs on front end are only rated to a weight of 1950lbs for a 1 ton truck that weighs almost 9,000 pounds causing springs to break or wear prematurely unless you pay ford 2,000-5,000 dollars to our grade the suspension
Electrical System · at 142,000 miles · reported May 11, 2017
Vsm has failed this controls the door ajar and power locks. Power locks fail to function or are hyper active (Locking and unlocking by themselves). Door ajar light flashing and emitting a sound indication a vehicle's door is not secure while driving after vehicle has warmed up.
Vehicle Speed Control · at 134,000 miles · reported Mar 29, 2017
Periodically, when setting the cruise control at different speeds, it won't immediately engage, which means that there is a loss of speed of around 5 MPH. Then it will engage, kick down a gear, and accelerate super quick. Scary if you are not prepared.
Tires · at 119,500 miles · reported Sep 23, 2016
Traveling westbound on interstate 8 just west of ca/az border at 3pm pdt. Weather is sunny with amb temp approx 105 degrees. Without warning an explosion / complete tire failure. 2-3 seconds after explosion tread completely separates from tire. Damage to lr body panel, wheel well and associated parts. Tire replacement along with repair/replacement of damaged body parts done to correct problem.
Tires · at 119,500 miles · reported Sep 23, 2016
After experiencing tire failure / tread separation on lr tire, inspection of remaining tires performed for signs of tread separation. Cracks noted in tire on rr which was purchased at the same time as lr between tread and sidewall.

Other Ford F-350 SD years

Compare all Ford F-350 SD years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-350 SD have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-350 SD: 11V-352 (exterior lighting), 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 07V-553 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Ford F-350 SD?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (41 reports), followed by tires (27). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 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.