Model year guide

2002 Ford f-250 sd

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Ford f-250 sd is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2002 Ford f-250 sd — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Ford f-250 sd at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints245

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2002 Ford f-250 sd recalls 5

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights NHTSA Campaign #11V352000 · manufacturer #11C18 · 13/07/2011

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 MOTO…

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 Control NHTSA Campaign #09V399000 · manufacturer #09S09 · 13/10/2009

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.

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 O…

Wheels:hub NHTSA Campaign #07E106000 · 17/12/2007

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 MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Fix: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel NHTSA Campaign #07V553000 · manufacturer #07S57 · 05/12/2007

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.

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.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006

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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2002 Ford f-250 sd common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Tires
Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Dimensions & weight

Length
222.0–256.3 in
Width
79.9 in
Height
76.4–80.7 in
Wheelbase
137.0–172.0 in
Curb weight
5,223–6,409 lb
Front track
68.5 in
Rear track
68.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2002 Ford f-250 sd — ranges cover the 10 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 4

ENGINE STALLING Closed

IN A DECEMBER 3, 2007 LETTER, FORD ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE CAM POSITION SENSOR (CPS) IN APPROXIMATELY 1.2 MILLION SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ADDRESS REPORTS OF ENGINE STALLING. A NEW DESIGN CPS WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY WILL BE INSTALLED AS A REMEDY. OWNER NOTIFICATIONS WILL BEGIN IN DECEMBER 2007. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE DURABLE, FULL-SIZED, MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS COMMO…

NHTSA #EA06012 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Jun 2006 · closed Dec 2007

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD Closed

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES. ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECT…

NHTSA #DP05005 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2005 · closed Jan 2006

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD¿S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS). THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE. FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1…

NHTSA #EA05005 · Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 2005 · closed Aug 2006

ACCELERATOR PEDAL SENSOR (ETC) Closed

FAILURE COUNTS FROM ODI¿S ANALYSIS ARE STATED ABOVE; SEE THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEM EXPERIENCE DISCUSSION IN THE SUMMARY REPORT. FORD DATA CONTAINED DUPLICATIVE REPORTS FOR 4 ODI COMPLAINTS AND 1 CRASH. THREE CRASHES WERE ALLEGEDLY DUE TO INTERMITTENT OPERATION OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) PEDAL, ONE CRASH OCCURRED WHEN AN ETC DISABLED VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER MOTORIST, ONE REPORT CONTAINED NO DETAIL. TH…

NHTSA #EA04006 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Feb 2004 · closed Feb 2005

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 36

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 36.

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test res…

Bulletin DOR-U2J7Y-02 · Equipment · Jan 2020

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test res…

Bulletin DOR-C2C6H-02 · Equipment · Jan 2020

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successf…

Bulletin SSM 48157 · Electrical System · Sep 2019

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible…

Bulletin DOR-B8H4Z-11 · Steering · Oct 2018

FORD: THE RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (RCM) WHEN USING VCM II, WOULD HAVE AN ERROR CODE 35 AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B1035, AND DIFFICULTY ATTEMPTING PROGRAMMABLE MODULE INSTALLATION (PMI). MODEL 2001-2004 F-SUPER DUTY. *PE

Bulletin ASI-44408 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Feb 2014

FORD TRUCKS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS AND OSCILLATIONS AFTER TRAVELING OVER A BUMP OR DIP IN THE ROAD. MODELS 2006 F-250/350 SUPER DUTY 4X4. *PE UPD…

Bulletin LP-09L02 · Steering, Tires · Dec 2013

1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ

Bulletin 20228 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2008

1999-2008 F250-F550 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WITH ELECTRONIC SHIFT TRANSFER CASE NOT ENGAGING 4X4. *NJ

Bulletin 20052 · Power Train · Nov 2007

LACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE - FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB

Bulletin 19728 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2007

LACK OF POWER DUE TO LOW FUEL PRESSURE, FUEL TANK LINER SEPERATION. *KB

Bulletin 19621 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2007

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the F-250 SD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2002 Ford f-250 sd trims & engines on record

Engines
6.8L 10-cyl 305 hp

2002 Ford f-250 sd vehicles on record

Other Ford f-250 sd model years

2002 Ford f-250 sd — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Ford f-250 sd have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2002 Ford f-250 sd. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford f-250 sd?

Across all 245 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, service brakes, electrical system.

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.