2002 Ford F Series: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 47 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“We purchased a car from nab autos in fredericksburg, va. After the 7th day of driving it, the motor blew up. Wrong spark plugs were installed by dealer. Also the truck had been raced with nitrous which we were unaware of until we tried to find out what happened to motor. I have documentation from the repair shop. My 18 year old son drives this vehicle which began losing power and shaking before he was able to pull off to the side of the highway.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2018
“Driving on the freeway a spark plug came out of the engine causing the vehicle to shake and loose power. The dealer and a shop I took the vehicle to stated that this is a frequent problem with this engine. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2014
“While backing into my truck started making a load noise, it was obvious it was in the front end. Trying to turn the steering wheel, it was stuck. Stopped the truck, looked under the front of truck at steering, I noticed that there was a hole in the frame, it was then that I saw the steering link, against the right cv axle. The idler arm had some how ripped off the frame, leaving na hole where the idler arm was, the frame of the truck had weakened, causing the metal to weaken and separate, thank again ford. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Aug 2014
“Gas petal sticks and when pushed on truck accelerates rapidly, this happens when starting out from a stop and during all driving. *js”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2014
“Was driving down the road at 35 mph and heard a pop then the engine started to run rough. Took to the mechanic said that I had a blown spark plug. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
“Spark plug failure as accelerating from a stop light, and engine problem resulting from 7 cylinder operation. Got it to a mechanic and he was able to sleeve the spark plug thread and install a new plug. Now the same is starting again. I am taking the vehicle to the mechanic to make permanent repairs for all the spark plug. This may end up with the engine heads being removed in order to make complete repairs, and the cost for that will be thousands of dollars. This is a ford engine design problem that ford has been aware of, yet they continue to deny any responsibility. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2014
“Throttle body linkage "plastic cover clamshell" cracked in half at plastic hinge (oxidized plastic) . Loose plastic cover wedged open throttle fully causing "dangerous life threatening" driving stuck at full throttle. I have the cover and photos if you want me to send them. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2014
“A spark plug ejected from the right side head of the engine head while running down the hwy at 60 mph. The head might be damaged. I haven't had a chance to get it fixed. Been a ford truck guy all my life & I can't believe ford hasn't accepted any responsibility of any portion or kind for this. My estimated expense to repair this is $1,000 to $3,000 depending on any damage to the head etc.. I paid $4200 for the truck in april of 2013...it is in very good condition & to good to junk in my opinion. Besides I can't afford to buy another truck so I have to try to fix it. This is beyond disappointing, it is a major blow to the budget etc. Etc. Etc...... *tr”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2014
“Spark plug ejected while driving on high way. This is the second time a plug has ejected. The first time the truck had 39000 miles, original factory torqued spark plugs. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA has 47 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Ford F Series. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (36% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Ford F Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 104,795 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Ford F Series have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.