The Used Car Index

2002 Ford F-250 SD problems

NHTSA lists 245 complaints for the 2002 Ford F-250 SD, 12 of them mention a crash and 18 mention a fire. 9 complaints mention an injury, with 11 injuries and 2 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-08.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as FORD F-250 SD.

At a glance

Complaints
245
With crash
12
With fire
18
With injury (complaints)
9
Injuries
11
Deaths
2
Recalls
3
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
4,500,000
Investigations
4
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
36

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10141.2%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2911.8%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC2510.2%
TIRES2510.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL145.7%
POWER TRAIN124.9%
STEERING124.9%
SUSPENSION72.9%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES52.0%
SEAT BELTS52.0%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGENGINE50
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEXHAUST SYSTEM15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFOUNDATION COMPONENTS10
TIRESTREAD/BELT8
SUSPENSIONFRONT5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMWIRING4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDOORS4
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
TIRESSIDEWALL4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLACCELERATOR PEDAL4

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

3 recalls.

11V352000

Date: 2011-07-13. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.

Defect: 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 REQUIREME (excerpt)

Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

09V399000

Date: 2009-10-13. Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Defect: 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 OVERHEA (excerpt)

Consequence: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

07V553000

Date: 2007-12-05. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

4 investigations; 0 open.

EA06012

Opened: 2006-06-22. Closed: 2007-12-07.

ENGINE STALLING

IN A DECEMBER 3, 2007 LETTER, FORD ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR (CPS) IN APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILLION SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ADDRESS REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLING.A NEW DESIGN CPS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY WILL BE INSTALLED AS A REMEDY.OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2007. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DURABLE, FULL-SIZED, MEDIUM

Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Linked campaign numbers: 07V553000.

DP05005

Opened: 2005-09-22. Closed: 2006-01-04.

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CY

Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

EA05005

Opened: 2005-03-22. Closed: 2006-08-02.

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTI

Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Linked campaign numbers: 05V388000, 06V286000, 07V078000, 07V336000, 07V347000, 07V488000, 08V025000.

EA04006

Opened: 2004-02-23. Closed: 2005-02-10.

ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC)

FAILURE COUNTS FROM ODI?S ANALYSIS ARE STATED ABOVE; SEE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION IN THE SUMMARY REPORT.FORD DATA CONTAINED DUPLICATIVE REPORTS FOR 4 ODI COMPLAINTS AND 1 CRASH.THREE CRASHES WERE ALLEGEDLY DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) PEDAL, ONE CRASH OCCURRED WHEN AN ETC DISABLED VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER MOTORIST, ONE REPORT CONTA

Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

Manufacturer communications

36 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
POWER TRAIN8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING3
STEERING3
VISIBILITY3
EQUIPMENT2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2

10171325

Date: 2020-01-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product fai

10171326

Date: 2020-01-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product fai

10165713

Date: 2019-09-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is conf

10148818

Date: 2018-10-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

10055648

Date: 2014-02-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.

FORD: THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) WHEN USING VCM II, WOULD HAVE AN ERROR CODE 35 AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1035, AND DIFFICULTY ATTEMPTING PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION (PMI). MODEL 2001-2004 F-SUPER DUTY. *PE

10028404

Date: 2013-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING, TIRES.

FORD TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS AND OSCILLATIONS AFTER TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD. MODELS 2006 F-250/350 SUPER DUTY 4X4. *PE UPDATED 7/22/09. CSC LETTER WAS

10024865

Date: 2008-04-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ

10023653

Date: 2007-11-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

1999-2008 F250-F550 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE NOT ENGAGING 4X4. *NJ

10022243

Date: 2007-04-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.

LACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE - FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB

10021621

Date: 2007-02-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.

LACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE, FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
F-250 SD245

Same model, other years

All model years | All Ford models

Other Ford models, 2002

Sources

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