2002 Ford Ford Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 27.0 times the median Ford Truck year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 37 Ford Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (32% of the total).
54
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Ford Truck years?
What are the most common 2002 Ford Ford Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 17 | 31% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 8 | 15% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Engine | 3 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 3 | 6% | — flat |
| Steering | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH MY 2 CHILDREN 2 AND 10 YEAR. DROPPING THE 2 YEAR OLD OFF TO SCHOOL. STOP THE VEHICLE GO TO PUT THE SHIFT GEAR INTO PARK, BREAKS RIGHT OFF IN HAND, IF THE RUBBER WASN'T AROUND IT, I COULD HAVE WALKED OUT OF THE CAR WITH IT. I WAS STUCK THERE KEEPING MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES…”
“WHILE GOING AROUND A HAIRPIN TURN THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE FELL OFF ROTOR AND ALL, THIS INCIDENT CAUSED THE 2002 FORD LIGHTNING TRUCK TO SLIDE INTO THE CURB CAUSING THE TRUCK TO ROLL COMPLETELY OVER LANDING BACK ON IT'S 3 TIRES THAT WERE LEFT. FROM THE LOOK OF IT THE AXLE BOLT FELL OFF CAUSING…”
“THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED, THE PAINT WAS DEFECTIVE, AND THE RUNNING BOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS DAMAGED. THE BACK BED ON TRUNK NEEDED TO BE REALIGNED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DID NOT CLOSE PROPERLY EVEN AFTER REPAIR.*PH *JB”
“TIRE TREAD PEALED OFF MY TIRE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGES TO MY SIDE STEP, THE METAL AROUND MY TIRE WHEEL GOT BENT UP INTO MY DOOR AND TORE OFF ALL MY WHEEL WELL PLASTIC. ALMOST CAUSED MY FRONT BUMPER TO COME OFF IT IS NOW TORN ON THAT SIDE AND A PLASTIC PIECE UNDER THE BUMPER IS BARELY HANGING IN…”
“PURCHASED A 2002 FORD EXPLORER NEW. WITH LESS THAN 45,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILT. CAR NOW HAS LESS THAN 65000 MILES AND THE ENGINE HAS TO BE REPLACE. FORD WILL NOT OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. RAPHAEL”
2002 Ford Ford Truck — common questions
Is the 2002 Ford Ford Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 37 Ford Truck years. It is one of the Ford Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Ford Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (17 complaints), suspension (8 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints).
Does the 2002 Ford Ford Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford Ford Truck.
Which Ford Ford Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ford Truck years to avoid are 2002, 1997, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Ford Truck years belongs to 1982.
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.