2002 Ford F-550 SD Problems
- Complaints
- 22filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Ford F-550 SD (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford F-550 SD. The part named most often is fuel system, with 10 complaints (45% of the total), followed by engine cooling (4) and brakes (3). 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 59,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 17 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the diesel and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system10 45%
- Engine cooling4 18%
- Brakes3 14%
- Electrical system3 14%
- Steering2 9.1%
- Suspension2 9.1%
- Tires2 9.1%
- Engine1 4.5%
- Exterior lighting1 4.5%
- Body and structure1 4.5%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “My 2002 for f 550 was driving and lost power in traffic eventually losing power and stalling in traffic on a very busy road. The truck was towed to a local dealer and I was informed that the inside of the gas tank was delaminating which caused a failure in the gas tank, failure in the sending unit,the failure in the fuel pump,and the failure of the filters. Ford has also advised me of possible destroyed fuel injectors. Ford takes no responsibility for the defect in the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10255096, filed 2009-01, 36,000 milesEngine cooling: “The vehicles engine had a hole in it. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who indicated that the oil looked bad. The consumer indicated that coolant had been leaking into the crankcase. The mechanic stated that he would void the remainder of the consumer's warranty. He then called the manufacture and they stated that they would support their dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10015558, filed 2003-04, 59,000 milesBrakes: “2002 Ford f550 has problems with oil leaks, steering, electrical shorts, brake and wheels fell off. The vehicle also consumed excessive amounts of oil.”
NHTSA complaint #10117314, filed 2005-03, 60 milesElectrical system: “Myself and 3 other businesses in my area own Ford f350s and f 550s all of us had alternators go bad on them at 40,000 and below miles. Seems like a big coincidence. Calling all parts stores and Ford dealers we were told they were out of stock and they were getting all kinds of calls for them.”
NHTSA complaint #10107902, filed 2005-01, 39,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 39,000 and 108,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V352000Jul 13, 2011Exterior lighting › Brake lightsCovers: Ford F-550 SD 2002–2007, Ranger 2004–2011, F-350 2002–2007 +5 more
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…
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1993–1997, 1999–2003, E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +12 more
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…
- 07V553000Dec 5, 2007Engine and engine cooling › Engine › DieselCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1997–2003, F-450 SD 1997–2003, E Series 1997–2003 +3 more
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.
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-550 SD 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-350 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
Recall details for the 2002 Ford F-550 SD → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 17 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10171326Jan 13, 2020Equipment. 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…
- 10171325Jan 13, 2020Equipment. 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…
- 10165713Sep 2, 2019Electrical system. 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…
- 10055648Feb 1, 2014Equipment. 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)…
- 10023653Nov 1, 2007Transmission and drivetrain. 1999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10018067Oct 7, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Vacuum pump inoperative or runs continuously - climate control defaults to defrost mode.
- 10018054Oct 7, 2005Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Service kit available for wiper motor wiring.
- 10013402Oct 7, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. Drive away shudder or vibration.
- 10017865Jul 1, 2005Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10014138Jun 7, 2005Seat belts. Safety belt retraction speed.
Other model years of the Ford F-550 SD
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 85,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 12 | 148,000 | 9 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 11 | 22,350 | 3 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 9 | 33,006 | 6 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 6 | 40,500 | 10 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 26 | 33,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 23 | 32,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2006 | 44 | 43,982 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 32 | 47,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 49 | 36,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 33 | 60,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 22 | 59,000 | 4 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2001 | 29 | 130,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 72 | 51,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Ford F-550 SD model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Ford F-550 SD have?
NHTSA recorded 22 consumer complaints for the 2002 Ford F-550 SD as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Ford F-550 SD is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 10 complaints (45% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 4.
Has the 2002 Ford F-550 SD been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Ford F-550 SD reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 59,000 miles and the middle half falls between 39,000 and 108,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.