Does the 2002 Ford F-250 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-250, the most recent reported on July 13, 2011 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-250?

Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (23 complaints), followed by tires (22).

How many 2002 Ford F-250 complaints mention a crash or fire?

12 of 156 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Ford F-250 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 156 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford F-250.

recalls

156

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Ford F-250 recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights · Exterior lighting: tail lights

NHTSA campaign 11V352000 · reported July 13, 2011 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 26,715 vehicles potentially affected

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

Vehicle speed control

NHTSA campaign 06V286000 · reported August 1, 2006 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 1,200,000 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
The risk: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.
The 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)

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling23
Tires22
Electrical system14
Service brakes, hydraulic14
Engine12
Power train12
Vehicle speed control12
Steering10
Suspension10
Seat belts8

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jun 2, 2025 · Engine · 109,000 miles
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…

Apr 22, 2025 · Engine · 138,683 miles
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…

Nov 26, 2024 · Fuel system, gasoline · 108,000 miles
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…

Nov 20, 2023 · Service brakes · 319,536 miles
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.

Sep 27, 2023 · Seat belts
Both front driver and passenger seat belts will pop out of buckle while driving. This happens at any speed.

F-250 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	5	326	33	14
2001	4	220	16	24
2002	2	156	12	9
2003	2	116	6	8
2004	2	154	8	4
2005	3	144	3	3

Across all years, the 2000 F-250 has the most complaints (326). All Ford F-250 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-250 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-250, the most recent reported on July 13, 2011 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, Exterior lighting: tail lights). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-250?: Owners have filed 156 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (23 complaints), followed by tires (22).
How many 2002 Ford F-250 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 12 of 156 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received June 2, 2025.