2002 Ford F-Super Duty problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 50 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median F-Super Duty year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 20 F-Super Duty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (26% of the total).
50
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
4
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other F-Super Duty years?
What are the most common 2002 Ford F-Super Duty problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 6 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 6 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 8% | — flat |
| Steering | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SPARK PLUG EJECTED FROM HEAD, CAME OUT WITH SUCH FORCE AS TO BREAK THE COIL ON THE FUEL RAIL, SHATTER THE SPARK PLUG AND DISINTEGRATED THE SPARK PLUG BOOT. HAD TO TAP LARGER HOLE AND INSTALL THREADED INSERT SO A NEW SPARK PLUG COULD BE THREADED INTO HEAD AND TORQUED TO SPECS. REPLACED THE COIL AND…”
“F-250 SUPERDUTY 7.3 L DIESEL. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, LEFT WHEEL WOBBLES AND SHAKES SEVERLY. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER AND FRONT END REPAIR SHOP, THEY SAY ROTORS ARE WARPED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED ($700.00). WHY AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS HASN'T SOMEONE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS. I HAD A 1988 FORD 350…”
“MY F-250 FORD DIESEL TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL ABS MODULE BURNED AND CRUISED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. WIRING HARNESS WAS BURNED AWAY FROM THE ABS MODULE. *TR”
“THIS ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS REPLACED BY FORD IN A FACTORY RECALL ON APRIL 2011. AT THE TIME THE ORIGINAL PEDAL WORKED FINE BUT IT WAS CHANGED OUR ANYWAY. THE REPLACEMENT PEDAL FAILED ON 12/15/14. DURING FAILURE, THE VEHICLE ENGINE COMPLETELY LOSES POWER AND GOES BACK TO IDLE. DURING CERTAIN…”
“UPON TRYING TO LEAVE PARKING LOT VEHCILE FAILED TO EXCELLERATE. THERE WAS NO REACTION WHEN THE EXCELLERATOR WAS PRESSED. PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTEN AND WE MADE IT HOME. BUT, THE PROBLEM COMES AND GOES WITH OUT NOTICE MAKING IT VERY DANGEROUS TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC”
2002 Ford F-Super Duty — common questions
Is the 2002 Ford F-Super Duty reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 50 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 20 F-Super Duty years. It is one of the F-Super Duty years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 F-Super Duty problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (13 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), brakes (6 complaints).
Does the 2002 Ford F-Super Duty have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford F-Super Duty.
Is the 2002 Ford F-Super Duty under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F-Super Duty years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-Super Duty years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among F-Super Duty years belongs to 1991.
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.