VehicleVerdict

2002 Ford F Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.3 times the median F Series year — the 2002 model ranks #5 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (40% of the total).

43

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other F Series years?

F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted55 complaints1971: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 20 complaints1996: 17 complaints1997: 55 complaints1998: 32 complaints1999: 44 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 43 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 1 complaints
F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Ford F Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1740%
Fuel System819%
Transmission49%
Electrical System49%
Speed Control37%
Other25%
Brakes25%
Steering25%
Body & Structure12%

Does the 2002 Ford F Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WOKE UP LAST WEEK TO THE SOUND OF A CAR ALARM. I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND THE FRONT OF MY FORD F 150 WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS SO HOT THE TIRES MELTED INTO THE DRIVEWAY. WE HAD NOT DRIVEN THE TRUCK IN SEVERAL DAYS. IT APPEARS THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE AS THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 25, 2007 · fire

“FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN THE TANK DROPPING. THE FRONT OF THE TANK CONTACTED THE ROAD SURFACE RESULTING IN A LEAK AND SPILLING OF APPROXIMATELY 21 GALS OF FUEL ON THE ROAD. NO FIRE RESULTED BUT THE HAZMAT TEAM WAS REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP THE SPILLED FUEL. THE 2002 F 150 WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 30, 2011

“FAILURE OF THE ABS MODULE HAS LED TO A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT THAT WAS AVOIDED VIA STEERING AROUND THE OBSTRUCTION INSTEAD OF BRAKING. THE OBDII MODULE IS THROWING CODE C1185 AS A PART OF THE FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROLLER.. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 18, 2014

“DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IN THE FORD 5.4 ENGINE MY 2002 HARLEY F-150 BLEW A SPARK PLUG LAST WEEKEND (2/15/04). FORD IS ONLY WILLING TO REPLACE THE ONE HEAD WITH THE NEWLY DESIGNED HEAD (AND THAT IS COSTING ME $500 BECAUSE MY TRUCK HAS 40,000 MILES). IT'S A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW AND HAS HAPPENED TO MANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 15, 2004

“CRUISE CONTROL WAS ON AS WE PROCEEDED UP A HILL. WHEN DRIVER TRIED TO DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL IT WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. ENGINE CONTINUED TO EXCEL, GOING FASTER. IT REACHED SPEEDS OF ALMOST 80 MPH. HITTING BRAKES WOULD NOT STOP CRUISE CONTROL, NOR SLOW THE VEHICLE. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 20, 2003 · crash

2002 Ford F Series — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford F Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2002 model at #5 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 F Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (17 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 Ford F Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Ford F Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Ford F Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.