2002 Ford F Series (light) Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 46%of 13 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 150,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Ford F Series (light), 46% of the 13 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles.
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.
“Truck started making noise every time there was a bump. Handling felt loose. Discovered that the radiator core support had rusted completely away on the passenger side. The mechanic referred to the condition as rot . This supports the radiator, A/C and provides an attachment for the front fenders. I bought 4 vehicles the same year. Checked the other 3 and they have the same issue. I will be filing reports on them too.”
NHTSA complaint #10458426, filed 2012-05, 120,000 miles“Driving on highway.. Hear a large noise fromn the engine bay. Truck breaks down and I have it towed. 2002 Ford f-150 ligthning. 3rd time its been to the dealership for the same problem.. Blowing a spark plug in the engine bay.. This time... Worse then ever... Read it was a very bad problem with other truck made this year etc.. Online so I'am putting a complaint in..”
NHTSA complaint #10122026, filed 2005-05, 28,000 miles“Checked the condition of this trucks radiator core support after another truck bought the same year had one that rotted away and failed. This part supports the radiator, A/C and provides an attachment for the front fenders. This vehicle's radiator core support is rusted completely through in spots and large flakes of rust fall off when it is disturbed. It will need repaired and 3 others bought the same year have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10458438, filed 2012-05, 180,000 miles“Checked the condition of this trucks radiator core support after another truck bought the same year had one that rotted away and failed. This part supports the radiator, A/C and provides an attachment for the front fenders. This vehicle's radiator core support is rusted completely through in spots and large flakes of rust fall off when it is disturbed. It will need to be repaired and 3 others bought the same year have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10458434, filed 2012-05, 210,000 miles“Checked the condition of this trucks radiator core support after another truck bought the same year had one that rotted away and failed. This part supports the radiator, A/C and provides an attachment for the front fenders. This vehicle's radiator core support is rusted completely through in spots and large flakes of rust fall off when it is disturbed. It will need to be repaired and 3 others bought the same year have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10458436, filed 2012-05, 181,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 Ford F Series (light)
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Ford F Series (light)
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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