2002 Ford F-550 SD Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 22, 2020 · 22 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other F-550 SD years
Far more complaints than other years 10th of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Ford F-550 SD. That ranks 10th out of 32 F-550 SD model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, diesel (8 complaints, 36%), typically at around 65,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 fires, 1 injury. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Ford F-550 SD problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Diesel8 · ~65,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling4 · ~29,530 mi
Electrical System3 · ~25,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3 · ~60 mi
Steering2 · ~60 mi
Suspension2 · ~71,119 mi
Tires2
Engine1 · ~212,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Diesel836%65,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling418%29,530——
Electrical System314%25,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic314%60——
Steering29%60——
Suspension29%71,119——
Tires29%———
Engine15%212,000——
Exterior Lighting15%———
Fuel System, Gasoline15%———
Fuel System, Other15%17,237——
Power Train15%58,469——
Structure15%———
Wheels15%60——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2005, with 4 complaints
2002: 2200222003: 2200322005: 4200542006: 3200632008: 3200832009: 3200932010: 1201012011: 1201112012: 1201212014: 1201412020: 120201

n = 22 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Ford F-550 SD recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:brake lights; exterior lighting:tail lightsJul 13, 2011 · NHTSA campaign 11V352000 · 26,715 vehicles

Problem: 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 through 2007 model year f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the multi-function switch was shipped with a subcomponent (slider) that may experience deformation. A multi-function switch with a deformed slider may malfunction causing the turn signal, tail lights, hazard warning signal flashers and/or brake lights not to activate.

Risk: Non-functioning lights could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the switches free of charge. The safety recall began on august 15, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicle speed controlOct 13, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V399000 · 4,500,000 vehicles

Problem: 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 instruments speed control deactivation switch (scds). The scds may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: A vehicle fire could occur with or without the engine running.

Fix: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the abs control module connector and repair as necessary. Repairs will be completed free of charge. The safety recall began on october 27, 2009. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:dieselDec 5, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V553000 · 1,176,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the event of an engine stall, a crash could result without warning.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 29, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Vehicle speed controlAug 1, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V286000 · 1,200,000 vehicles

Problem: On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Risk: Overheating could result in smoke or burn and an underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on august 7, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 05v388)

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Engine stalling (EA06012) — opened Jun 22, 2006, closed Dec 7, 2007, led to recall 07V553000.
  • Engine compartment fires (EA05005) — opened Mar 22, 2005, closed Aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V388000.
  • Accelerator pedal sensor (etc) (EA04006) — opened Feb 23, 2004, closed Feb 10, 2005.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Connector #270b melted at central junction connector. Vehicle was both in motion and parked

Electrical System · received Jan 22, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11301112

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, thick white smoke was seen from underneath the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered flames coming from under the hood and front of the vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed…

Engine · received May 14, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10588420

2002 ford f550 flatbed truck. Consumer states vehicle is unsafe to drive *tgw the consumer stated all of the tires were dry rotted, to the point they could not be re-treaded. The rear brakes and wheel seals needed to be replaced. The fuel sending assembly failed, and had to be replaced at a cost of…

Fuel System, Diesel · received May 17, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10458366

Driving vehicle, vehicle lost power. Driver just made it off the road. Had the vehicle towed to a service station. Being told that the fuel tank is de-laminating. They have to replace the whole fuel system. Total cost $3,500.00. Called ford, they are saying there is no known problem. When i do a…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Dec 2, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10438085

Ford f550 truck has fuel tank problem. Fuel lines, pump, filter & injectors getting clogged due to flaking on the inside of the tank. Issue blamed on poor diesel fuel, but have researched several other cases all reporting the exact same issues. Ford is taking no responsibility. Truck will lose…

Fuel System, Diesel · received Jun 15, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10336451

Other Ford F-550 SD years

← 2001 F-550 SD · 2003 F-550 SD →

See all Ford F-550 SD problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford F-550 SD?

Owners most often report fuel system, diesel, engine and engine cooling, electrical system problems. The top one, fuel system, diesel, accounts for 8 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Ford F-550 SD?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Ford F-550 SD a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other F-550 SD model years, the 2002 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.