Does the 2002 Ford F-350 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-350, 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-350?

Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (20 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (19).

How many 2002 Ford F-350 complaints mention a crash or fire?

11 of 116 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Ford F-350 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Ford F-350.

recalls

116

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-350 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.

Tires20
Engine and engine cooling19
Steering16
Electrical system14
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic9
Vehicle speed control7
Structure6
Suspension6
Fuel system, gasoline4

What owners report

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

Sep 8, 2025 · Forward collision avoidance · fire reported
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.

Jun 23, 2025 · Structure
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.

Mar 21, 2024 · Tires
[…] 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…

Mar 21, 2024 · Tires
[…] 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…

Mar 21, 2023 · Structure
there has been intense rust and corrosion in the roof seams and welds. This has led to water leaks and damage to the interior of the vehicle. The integrity of the roof has been compromised, and I am concerned about the possibility of roof crush should there be an accident. Not to mention the mold, rot and damage to…

F-350 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	4	304	36	9
2001	5	160	21	11
2002	2	116	11	7
2003	2	90	11	8
2004	2	159	13	5
2005	3	114	4	3

Across all years, the 2000 F-350 has the most complaints (304). All Ford F-350 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Ford F-350 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Ford F-350, 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-350?: Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is tires (20 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (19).
How many 2002 Ford F-350 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 11 of 116 complaints report a crash and 7 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 8, 2025.