2002 Ford F-350 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2002 Ford F-350?
The 2002 Ford F-350, particularly with the 7.3L Power Stroke diesel, is a capable and highly sought-after heavy-duty truck, but its age and the specific known weaknesses of its powertrain demand a cautious approach. While robust for its intended purpose, potential owners must be prepared for significant maintenance and repair expenditures to keep this workhorse running reliably.
Biggest Strengths
- Exceptional towing and hauling capabilities
- Durable frame and body structure (excluding rust zones)
- Vast aftermarket support and parts availability for the 7.3L Power Stroke
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2002 Ford F-350. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
What breaks on the 2002 Ford F-350?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford F-350 by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Ford F-350. Click any year for its full report.
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