2002 Ford F-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 3%of 821 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford F-150, 3% of the 821 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,800 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was told during a routine oil change that my truck needed tie rod ends and ball joints (not just some of them but all of them) I checked the internet and it seems there have been multiple complaints about these. Is there any investigation going on or a possible recall for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10205141, filed 2007-10, 83,718 miles“While pulling out of my driveway I was turning the steering wheel when I heard something snap in the steering column and then I had no control of the steering. The steering wheel would turn completely around and there was no control of the front wheels. After taking the truck to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle they replaced the upper steering gear assembly, the steering shaft, and replaced the clock spring under the steering wheel. This cost a total of $810.16. I was on my way out of town that day and was heading for the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145033, filed 2005-12, 63,878 miles“(1) truck's bed spreading apart and ignition/wiring shortage (2) the bed of my truck has spread apart for no reason at all. I cannot even shut my tailgate. My truck's battery continues to run down. When I turn on my truck, the starter doesn't want to stop. A light displays, door opened! The windshield wipers stopped working. The music goes on and off. (3) I took my truck to the dealer to get the bed fixed. They set me an appointment. I made another trip over an hour one way to get fixed and then they didn't fix. My warranty has just recently ran out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10105819, filed 2005-01, 20,000 miles“Engine quits running and wont restart, so you have no power steering or brakes. Problem indicators are 1. Engine wont restart/ or quit running 2. Odometer reads all dashes, no numbers,3. Anti theft activated. This is caused by the power wire in the fuse box under the hood corroding off for the PCM relay and leaving the PCM dead.”
NHTSA complaint #10630914, filed 2014-09, 168,000 miles“One gas tank strap was found to be rusted and the tank at an angle. It was inspected by a local Ford dealer, who found that the gas tank was also rusted and leaking. The gas tank and straps were replaced. Because the model year was not in the date range of the recent recall, we had to pay $793. A power steering pump was also leaking and replaced. The gas tank was the major item of concern.”
NHTSA complaint #10401834, filed 2011-05, 77,061 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 | 17 | 4% |
| 2022 | 10 | 2% |
| 2021 | 43 | 4% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 83 | 4% |
| 2017 | 59 | 4% |
| 2016 | 64 | 3% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 160 | 10% |
| 2013 | 216 | 7% |
| 2012 | 204 | 11% |
| 2011 | 419 | 19% |
| 2010 | 48 | 6% |
| 2009 | 29 | 9% |
| 2008 | 53 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 55 | 9% |
| 2005 | 34 | 3% |
| 2004 | 75 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 4% |
| 2002 | 25 | 3% |
| 2001 | 33 | 3% |
| 2000 | 68 | 6% |
| 1999 | 50 | 5% |
| 1998 | 96 | 7% |
| 1997 | 202 | 7% |
| 1996 | 20 | 6% |
| 1995 | 25 | 4% |
| 1994 | 20 | 3% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 7 | 2% |
| 1990 | 7 | 3% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 5% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford F-150
196 complaintsElectrical system
106 complaintsFuel system
86 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 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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