2002 Ford F-550 SD recalls and problems

The 2002 Ford F-550 SD has 4 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
22
Crashes / fires
0 / 3
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Ford F-550 SD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Ford F-550 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.

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-550 SD problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel System, Diesel8
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Electrical System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Tires2
Steering2
Suspension2
Structure1
Wheels1
Fuel System, Other1
Power Train1
Fuel System, Gasoline1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 1
  • Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air Suspension System — 1
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage — 1
  • Fuel System, Diesel › Storage › Tank Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 59,000 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-550 SD complaints

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

Engine · at 212,000 miles · reported May 14, 2014
The contact owns a 2002 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, thick white smoke was seen from underneath the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered flames coming from under the hood and front of the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The fire department extinguished the flames. During the incident the contact sustained injuries to the back and shoulder while attempting to extinguish the fire. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 212,000.
Fuel System, Diesel · reported May 17, 2012
2002 ford f550 flatbed truck. Consumer states vehicle is unsafe to drive the consumer stated all of the tires were dry rotted, to the point they could not be re-treaded. The rear brakes and wheel seals needed to be replaced. The fuel sending assembly failed, and had to be replaced at a cost of $ 1251.46. The upper shocks were rusted, the headlight assembly and marker assembly were broken. The consumer stated the vehicle should not have passed DOT inspection.
Fuel System, Gasoline · reported Dec 2, 2011
Driving vehicle, vehicle lost power. Driver just made it off the road. Had the vehicle towed to a service station. Being told that the fuel tank is de-laminating. They have to replace the whole fuel system. Total cost $3,500.00. Called ford, they are saying there is no known problem. When I do a google search several complaints are posted on different sites about the same problem. It seems as though several years are affected.
Fuel System, Diesel · at 142,000 miles · reported Jun 15, 2010
Ford f550 truck has fuel tank problem. Fuel lines, pump, filter & injectors getting clogged due to flaking on the inside of the tank. Issue blamed on poor diesel fuel, but have researched several other cases all reporting the exact same issues. Ford is taking no responsibility. Truck will lose power and stall while driving.
Fuel System, Diesel · at 60,507 miles · reported Nov 20, 2009
Vehicle had loss of power and ran rough. Finally vehicle stopped working. The culprit was the ford fuel tank that had delaminated. The tank had to be replaced. The cost: $1600.00. Additionally, there was a loss of revenue as this vehicle is used for production purposes. Ford denied responsibility for any defects of their fuel tanks. With no other choice, we had to pay for the repairs out of pocket. This is a safety issue, as these vehicles are used for commercial usage daily. This is also a financial burden that has been forced onto us unfairly. They need to take responsibility and recall…

Other Ford F-550 SD years

Compare all Ford F-550 SD years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-550 SD have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-550 SD: 11V-352 (exterior lighting), 09V-399 (vehicle speed control), 07V-553 (engine and engine cooling), 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-550 SD?

Owners report fuel system, diesel problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 59,000 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.