Total Complaints
282 filings
FORD F-250 SD · model year
282 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2002FORDF-250 SD carries 282 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 13 crashes, 21 fires, 13 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 F-250 SD is engine and engine cooling with 39 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:engine (23) and engine and engine cooling:engine:diesel (22). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle, the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2002 F-250 SD, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page, a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
282 filings
Crashes Reported
13 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 39 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 23 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | 22 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 21 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 12 |
| TIRES | 12 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 9 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 8 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 8 |
| STEERING | 8 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 8 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 5 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 4 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO M
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 TH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
MY SPEED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING IN 2012. IT IS A FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 89,745
MY SPEED CONTROL STOPPED WORKING IN 2012. IT IS A FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 89,745
THE SEAT BELTS COME UNBUCKLED WHEN DRIVING. THIS HAPPENS TO THE DRIVE'S SIDE MORE OFTEN THAN PASSENGER SIDE. THE BELT COME UNDONE ON HIGHWAY, IN TOWN, JUST STARTING OUT OR AFTER AN HOUR THERE ISN'T A WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS.THE SPEED OF THE TRUCK ALSO DOESN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BUT IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENT NOW. IT STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO BUT IT IS GETTING WORST.
Mileage: 167,261
TRUCK DIES WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAN-NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND FORD WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE. *TR
Mileage: 120,000
AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 30 MILES AND RETURNING HOME, THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY - ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. BY THE TIME SMOKE WAS SEEN, FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS BURNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT THE TRUCK WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO AN ADJACENT VEHICLE AND IT TOO WAS DESTROYED.
Mileage: 65,000
AT 102000 MILES ENGINE EJECTED #8 SPARK PLUG WHILE DRIVING, TAKING THREADS WITH IT. LOCAL MECHANIC REPAIRED USING INSERT. AT 125000 MILES ENGINE EJECTED #3 SPARK PLUG IN SAME MANNER. SAME MECHANIC INSPECTED #8 WHILE REPAIRING #3 AND FOUND INSERT NOT HOLDING, PLUS TWO OTHER PLUGS BACKING OUT.
Mileage: 102,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD EXPLODED OUT OF THE CYLINDER HEAD. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Mileage: 84,000
ALL INCIDENTS INVOLVING BIG O AT TRUCK TIRES: 6/11/12 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 12/31/12 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 3/12/14 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 4/11/14 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 7/29/14 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 3/26/15 TREAD SEPARATION. NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE OR CRASH. 5/29/15 TREAD SEPARATION. HEAVY DAMAGE TO QUARTER PANEL OF VEHICLE.
Mileage: 269,580
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD EQUIPPED WITH GOODRICH LONG TRAIL T/A TIRES, SIZE: P265/75/R15 (NA). WHILE TOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL VIBRATION POPPING NOISE FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR TIRE POPPED AND NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION ON THE TIRE. THE TIRE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,900 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,000.
Mileage: 134,900
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT WOULD NOT ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,243. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 137,243
HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF BFGOODRICH 285/75/16 122R D TIRES THAT HAVE FAILED WITH SEPARATION PROBLEMS. THE FIRST SET THAT FAILED 05/11, WE HAD BLOWOUT ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE CAUSING OVER $3000 DAMAGE TO DRIVER FRONT. LUCKILY NO PERSONAL INJURIES BF GOODRICH REPLACED THE TIRES AT 100%, SAME TIRES. THE SECOND SET HAVE SAME SEPARATION PROBLEMS AS OF 03/15, AT APPROX. 30000 MILES ON 60000 MILE TIRES. THE TIRE KINGDOM STORE ADVISED UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SAID THESE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED AT SAME TIME THE RECALLS WERE. HE CALLED THE RECALL# AND WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE AT 100% SO WE REPLACED THEM WITH THE MICHELIN 285'S. NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THE BF GOODRICH RECALL OFFICE WILL ONLY PAY 70% ON THE NEW TIRES. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR THIS SERIOUS DEFECT IN THESE TIRES. IT DOES APPEAR THE WARRANTY DOESN'T REALLY ADDRESS MANUFACTURER DEFECTS.THIS DEFECT IS NOT DUE TO WEAR, TEAR OR CONSUMER FAULT. HAD THE DEFECT NOT BEEN IN THE TIRE, THE TIRES WOULD STILL BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER WITHOUT DANGER OF FAILURE
Mileage: 121,301
HAVE HAD 2 SETS OF BFGOODRICH 285/75/16 122R D TIRES THAT HAVE FAILED WITH SEPARATION PROBLEMS. THE FIRST SET THAT FAILED 05/11, WE HAD BLOWOUT ACCIDENT ON INTERSTATE CAUSING OVER $3000 DAMAGE TO DRIVER FRONT. LUCKILY NO PERSONAL INJURIES BF GOODRICH REPLACED THE TIRES AT 100%, SAME TIRES. THE SECOND SET HAVE SAME SEPARATION PROBLEMS AS OF 03/15, AT APPROX. 30000 MILES ON 60000 MILE TIRES. THE TIRE KINGDOM STORE ADVISED UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND SAID THESE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED AT SAME TIME THE RECALLS WERE. HE CALLED THE RECALL# AND WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE AT 100% SO WE REPLACED THEM WITH THE MICHELIN 285'S. NOW WE ARE BEING TOLD THE BF GOODRICH RECALL OFFICE WILL ONLY PAY 70% ON THE NEW TIRES. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR THIS SERIOUS DEFECT IN THESE TIRES. IT DOES APPEAR THE WARRANTY DOESN'T REALLY ADDRESS MANUFACTURER DEFECTS.THIS DEFECT IS NOT DUE TO WEAR, TEAR OR CONSUMER FAULT. HAD THE DEFECT NOT BEEN IN THE TIRE, THE TIRES WOULD STILL BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER WITHOUT DANGER OF FAILURE T
Mileage: 151,000
ON MY FORD F-250 CREW CAB, ALL FOUR BRAKES AND ROTORS WENT BAD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 10-08-2009 WITH 81,125 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. ON 11-10-2009 (ONE MONTH LATER) I HAD TO REPLACE A CALIPER ON THE LEFT REAR AXLE. ON 5-16-2013 WITH 100030 MILES (18,905 MILES LATER) I HAD TO INSTALL ANOTHER NEW CALIPER AND ROTOR ON LEFT REAR AXLE AND REPLACE BOTH BRAKE PADS. ON 8-1-14 WITH 106,861 MILES, (AGAIN WITH ONLY 25,736 MILES SINCE LAST BEING REPLACED) BOTH FRONT CALIPERS FROZE AND RUINED THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR THAT WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS USED WERE GENUINE FORD PARTS. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WHEN IT HAD APPROXIMATELY 54,000 MILES SO I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES THE BRAKES WERE REPAIRED PRIOR TO ME BUYING IT. FROM THE INTERNET I SEE THAT MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THESE BRAKE PARTS ARE UNSATISFACTORY. NOT ONLY IS IT UNSAFE WHEN THEY FREEZE FROM VIBRATION, BUT IT IS EXTREMELY COSTLY. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE. THANK YOU.
Mileage: 81,125
THE VSM (VEHICLE SECURITY MODULE) FAILED. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: POWER DOOR LOCKS DO NOT WORK, KEY FOB DOES NOT WORK, AUTO HEADLIGHTS DO NOT WORK, RADIO DOESN'T TURN OFF WHEN KEY IS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND DOOR OPENS, NO AUDIBLE INDICATOR FOR KEY IN THE IGNITION, NO AUDIBLE INDICATOR FOR HEADLIGHTS ON WITH DOOR OPEN, DOME LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD WITH THIS MODEL YEAR AND THERE ARE MANY REPORTS ON FORUMS AROUND THE INTERNET. FORD HAS ALSO STOPPED MAKING THE ORIGINAL PART AND REPLACED ITS MANUFACTURE WITH A NEW PART WHICH SUPPOSEDLY DOES NOT EXHIBIT THE SAME RANDOM FAILURE RATE. HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING IS A MAJOR LIFE SAFETY ISSUE. I DROVE WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS ON FOR SOME TIME (AS THE AUTO HEADLIGHTS DID NOT COME ON) AND DID NOT NOTICE IT UNTIL I WAS ON AN UNLIT STREET. ALL OF THE OLD VSMS SHOULD BE CHANGED TO THE NEW MODEL FREE OF CHARGE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING. *TR
Mileage: 110,500
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD EQUIPPED WITH NITTO DURAGRAPPLER TIRES, SIZE 265/75/16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE A SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE CENTER AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS SEVERE TIRE SEPARATION ON THE REMAINING THREE TIRES. THE FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,539.
Mileage: 108,539
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD POP. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. *TR
Mileage: 66,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO ACTIVATE UPON ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 11V352000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,746. UPDATED 8/5/13 *CN
Mileage: 102,746
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE FRAME EXHIBITED CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Mileage: 74,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED RAPIDLY TO FLOOR UPON ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL AFTER REPEATED PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED RAPIDLY TO FLOOR UPON ENGAGING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN UNTIL AFTER REPEATED PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE ENTIRE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Mileage: 60,000
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.