2002 Ford F-350 SD Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 124 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford F-350 SD, 6% of the 124 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I hit a bump with a 2002 Ford f-350 you could barely keep the truck on the road, darting back and forth, very dangerous had to pull over several times till it straight out this has happen a few times. I have seen many complaint about this Ford should do something before someone gets killed.”
NHTSA complaint #10283049, filed 2009-09, 80,000 miles“Improper protection of the oil pan to elements causes metal pan to rot prematurely gear box for steeering not designed properly for the weight class of truck constantly breaking causing sloppy steering and loss of control 2 leaf springs on front end are only rated to a weight of 1950lbs for a 1 ton truck that weighs almost 9,000 pounds causing springs to break or wear prematurely unless you pay Ford 2,000-5,000 dollars to our grade the suspension”
NHTSA complaint #11156495, filed 2018-12, 250,000 miles“The tie rod end at the pitman arm sheared off suddenly at the point where the ball meets the shaft of the tie rod causing a complete loss of steering control. This is not a wear point and is not something that could have been inspected since it is covered with a rubber boot, the steel looks as if it fatigued over time leading to the sudden failure. Luckily this occurred in a parking lot, had it happened on the highway someone else would have possibly been writing this.”
NHTSA complaint #10606417, filed 2014-06, 198,000 miles“The steering was hard to turn when the brakes were applied. There was play in steering wheel. Can be moved up and down. Dealer found some play in the tilt latch and adjusted the fluid level. However no problem found. Consumer was afraid camper could be knocked off jacks when backing truck up to 3,000 pound camper. Headlamps dim/discolored. Melted connectors and headlamp assembly replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10009439, filed 2003-03, 12,072 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Ford F-350 SD. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH in reverse with a fifth wheel attached to the vehicle. The power steering hose ruptured causing the vehicle to loose power steering and brake failure. The gear selector was shifted into neutral, and then into the park position in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that when the power steering line ruptured, the brakes disengaged. The power steering hoses were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure which there was no resolution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326418, filed 2010-04, 60,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148818Oct 2, 2018This 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…
- 10028404Dec 1, 2013Ford trucks service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Vehicles have experienced severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations and oscillations after…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 16 | 14% |
| 2021 | 4 | 4% |
| 2020 | 35 | 19% |
| 2019 | 266 | 57% |
| 2018 | 102 | 50% |
| 2017 | 292 | 51% |
| 2016 | 76 | 36% |
| 2015 | 67 | 32% |
| 2014 | 2 | 29% |
| 2013 | 2 | 22% |
| 2012 | 9 | 31% |
| 2011 | 14 | 33% |
| 2010 | 17 | 34% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 25 | 25% |
| 2007 | 9 | 36% |
| 2006 | 45 | 35% |
| 2005 | 38 | 18% |
| 2004 | 6 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 12% |
| 1999 | 10 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Ford F-350 SD
41 complaintsTires
27 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford F-350 SD
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