2002 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 10%of 821 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Ford F-150, 10% of the 821 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Gas tank straps broke, gas tank fell onto pavement. Had my truck towed to my Ford dealer where they replaced the straps for about $200. If this had happened 5 minutes later, I would have been going 60 MPH! Updated 09/14/11 the tank fell to the ground, while the vehicle was sitting. There was no fuel spill. The dealer replaced the straps. Updated 09/21/11”
NHTSA complaint #10407761, filed 2011-06, 118,000 miles“Straps that secure the fuel tank rusted. One strap rusted completely through and was hanging loose-- the other was very close to failure. I was able fortunately to get to a garage --and I had the straps replaced. I just recently saw the notice about other instances of this happening and I decided to file a complaint. My truck is one year newer than what is being looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #10399636, filed 2011-05, 101,250 miles“While driving my vehicle under very normal circumstances, traveling approximately 30mph, my truck began to run very rough and there were loud popping noises coming from the top of the passenger side valve cover. It turned out to be a blown-out spark plug and coil pack.”
NHTSA complaint #10638440, filed 2014-09, 160,000 miles“The rear fuel tank strap on my 2002 Ford f 150 rusted through causing the tank to come loose. The rust was so bad that there was also a small hole in the fuel tank. I have taken the truck in for repairs and after the tank was removed it was discovered that the brake lines above the tank were also rusted with one starting to leak.”
NHTSA complaint #10358140, filed 2010-09, 89,800 miles“The front gas tank support hanger broke due to corrosion. The rear hanger held the tank in place until I was able replace both units. The rear hanger did not break but was severely corroded also. I don't know what would have happen if I would have lost both units together while driving down the road.”
NHTSA complaint #10407830, filed 2011-06, 81,180 milesRelated recalls
- 11V385000Jul 29, 2011Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–2004, F-250 1997–1999, Lincoln Blackwood 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10205038Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action
- 10183774Apr 21, 2016For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high…
- 10058101Sep 9, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall regarding high corrosion areas for operating, for an extended time, vehicles where both or one strap of fuel tank can fracture, after contacting…
- 10056624Aug 11, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall issued due to one or both fuel tank straps fracturing due to being in high corrosion areas for an extended period and dislodging fuel tank. Model…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 91 | 15% |
| 2021 | 93 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 24 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 28 | 2% |
| 2016 | 95 | 5% |
| 2015 | 81 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 5% |
| 2013 | 159 | 5% |
| 2012 | 119 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 5% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 22 | 7% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 54 | 11% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 74 | 4% |
| 2003 | 46 | 11% |
| 2002 | 86 | 10% |
| 2001 | 132 | 11% |
| 2000 | 152 | 14% |
| 1999 | 132 | 13% |
| 1998 | 201 | 15% |
| 1997 | 246 | 9% |
| 1996 | 53 | 16% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 113 | 17% |
| 1993 | 288 | 49% |
| 1992 | 245 | 52% |
| 1991 | 154 | 51% |
| 1990 | 146 | 53% |
| 1989 | 95 | 42% |
| 1988 | 28 | 20% |
| 1987 | 23 | 25% |
| 1986 | 10 | 16% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford F-150
196 complaintsElectrical system
106 complaintsVehicle speed control
86 complaintsEngine
66 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
53 complaintsSeat belts
50 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsBrakes
42 complaintsAir bags
35 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsSteering
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology