VehicleVerdict

2002 Ford F53 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2002 Ford F53 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other F53 years?

F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted30 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 3 complaints1991: 2 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 18 complaints2000: 3 complaints2001: 6 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 4 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 5 complaints2020: 30 complaints2021: 7 complaints
F53 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F53 years to avoid →

Does the 2002 Ford F53 have recalls?

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

07V336000Speed ControlAugust 3, 2007 · 3,600,000 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

2002 Ford F53 — common questions

Is the 2002 Ford F53 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Ford F53 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Ford F53. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F53 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F53 years to avoid are 2020. The cleanest record among F53 years belongs to 2002.

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.