2002 Ford F-350 recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford F-350 has 2 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
116
Crashes / fires
11 / 7
Injuries / deaths
9 / 2

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

2002 Ford F-350 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-350 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Tires20
Engine and Engine Cooling19
Steering16
Electrical System15
Power Train10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Vehicle Speed Control7
Suspension6
Structure6
Visibility4
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Seat Belts4

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 5
  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Suspension › Front — 4
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 3
  • Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 66,000 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 complaints

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

Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 8, 2025
We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.
Structure · reported Jun 23, 2025
The frame at the leaf spring hangars has cracked apart at only 131,000 miles on the truck. This issue is becoming more and more common over the years it seems and comparable age trucks from other manufacturers are having this issue for the same age.
Tires · reported Mar 21, 2024
[XXX] tire on driver's rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the second of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does…
Tires · reported Mar 21, 2024
[XXX] tire on passenger’s rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the third of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure…
Seat Belts · at 200,000 miles · reported Dec 1, 2019
Seat belts unbuckle by themselves. This has happens with the driver and passenger seat belts. Driver buckle failure is most frequent. One day it won't happen then the next day it will unbuckle 5 times in a short period of time. Afraid this will happen during an accident. The seatbelt buckle unbuckles stall speeds under any driving condition.

Other Ford F-350 years

Compare all Ford F-350 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-350 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-350: 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-350?

Owners report tires problems most often (20 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (19). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 66,000 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.