FaultScore

FaultScore report

2002 Ford F-350 problems

Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 2002 Ford F-350 with NHTSA between 2001 and 2025. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 8 of 21 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford F-350.

How this is worked out

The numbers

140

Complaints

19

Crashes reported

11

Fires reported

12

Injuries reported

2 complaints report a death.

65,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

27%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 39 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 46 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 39
Against the median year of the Ford F-350. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 46
27% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2002 compares with every other Ford F-350

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2002 Ford F-350

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 22 15.7%

1 crashes, 2 fires · median 54,700 mi

Tires 20 14.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 61,043 mi

Steering 16 11.4%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 63,000 mi

3 crashes, 3 fires · median 70,500 mi

Brakes 11 7.9%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 65,780 mi

Acceleration & Cruise Control 7 5.0%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 41,651 mi

Suspension 6 4.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 31,500 mi

Body & Structure 6 4.3%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 125,000 mi

Seat Belts 4 2.9%

Median failure at 105,000 miles

Wheels 4 2.9%

Median failure at 150,500 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 2.9%

Median failure at 600 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 4 2.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 97,550 mi

Equipment & Accessories 3 2.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 90,500 mi

Other & Unspecified 2 1.4%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 113,000 mi

Airbags 2 1.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.7%

Median failure at 88,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 0.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Seats 1 0.7%

Median failure at 187,000 miles

Lights 1 0.7%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 176,057 mi

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Engine 6 18.8%
Tread/Belt 5 15.6%
Body 5 15.6%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 4 12.5%
Front 4 12.5%
Diesel 3 9.4%
Starter Assembly 3 9.4%
Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire 2 6.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 2.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 4 4.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 9 11.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 13 15.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 17 20.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 6.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 12 14.6%
150,000+ miles 20 24.4%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2001 peak 6 Sep 2025

NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Ford F-350

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

DP05005 Opened 22 Sep 2005 Closed 4 Jan 2006 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...

EA05005 Opened 22 Mar 2005 Closed 2 Aug 2006 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...

Recalls on the 2002 Ford F-350

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2009292 492,877 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Penitas, TX Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Penitas, TX Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Penitas, TX Fire

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Penitas, TX Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Penitas, TX Fire

STRUCTURE:BODY

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Penitas, TX Fire

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We were just driving when the truck started smoking and the brakes wouldn’t work. After a few minutes the truck completely caught on fire.

NHTSA complaint #11685606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wallingford, PA

STRUCTURE:BODY

The frame at the leaf spring hangars has cracked apart at only 131,000 miles on the truck. This issue is becoming more and more common over the years it seems and comparable age trucks from other manufacturers are having this issue for the same age.

NHTSA complaint #11668667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pleasant View, UT

TIRES

[XXX] tire on driver's rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the second of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11578678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pleasant View, UT

TIRES

[XXX] tire on passenger’s rear began to have significant vibration while towing 16,000 lb. fifth-wheel RV. Stopped and visually/tactilely determined unusual wear pattern so went to commercial tire shop in Pahrump, NV. Their inspection determined tread separation rendering the tire unusable so we replaced it with a different brand. This is the third of three tires installed at the same time that have suffered tread separation failure. The first was in July 2023 and was not reported to NHTSA, but when two more tires failed at the same time, I decided to report. Because this type of failure does not produce TPMS warnings, it could have been a catastrophic failure that might have resulted in damage to our vehicles and/or a crash with significant injury to us or other motorists. With three failures from the same batch of tires on our vehicle, I believe there is a serious problem with this batch of tires and they should be recalled. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11578683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carpinteria, CA

STRUCTURE:BODY

there has been intense rust and corrosion in the roof seams and welds. This has led to water leaks and damage to the interior of the vehicle. The integrity of the roof has been compromised, and I am concerned about the possibility of roof crush should there be an accident. Not to mention the mold, rot and damage to the interior and electrical systems I have already suffered due to the defect. On February 3, 2023, I contacted the Ford Motors helpline and spoke to [XXX] (direct phone # [XXX] ext [XXX]) to discuss the issue.[XXX] created a request for a buyback and assigned a case number of [XXX]. She also requested that I send photos to [XXX] and visit the local Ford dealership so they could assess the vehicle and share the information with her. I was able to make an apt for Feb 6,2023 @ 10:50 with [XXX] @ Envision ford of Oxnard. When I arrived for the assessment, [XXX] did one walk around the vehicle (he did not inspect the roof at all) and then said he couldn’t help me as he this was a Ford issue, and they were a franchise. I contacted [XXX] with follow up from that meeting, as well as photos of the vehicle. About two weeks after this apt. [XXX] said the case was closed. I am extremely disappointed with how this case was handled, especially considering the significant investment I made in purchasing and maintaining it my vehicle. When I made the original investment I was told that the engine would last up to a million miles…but never imagined the body would be worthless at the 300,00 mark. There is so much damage to the roof that I currently keep my vehicle parked instead of using it. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11512975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Carpinteria, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

there has been intense rust and corrosion in the roof seams and welds. This has led to water leaks and damage to the interior of the vehicle. The integrity of the roof has been compromised, and I am concerned about the possibility of roof crush should there be an accident. Not to mention the mold, rot and damage to the interior and electrical systems I have already suffered due to the defect. On February 3, 2023, I contacted the Ford Motors helpline and spoke to [XXX] (direct phone # [XXX] ext [XXX]) to discuss the issue.[XXX] created a request for a buyback and assigned a case number of [XXX]. She also requested that I send photos to [XXX] and visit the local Ford dealership so they could assess the vehicle and share the information with her. I was able to make an apt for Feb 6,2023 @ 10:50 with [XXX] @ Envision ford of Oxnard. When I arrived for the assessment, [XXX] did one walk around the vehicle (he did not inspect the roof at all) and then said he couldn’t help me as he this was a Ford issue, and they were a franchise. I contacted [XXX] with follow up from that meeting, as well as photos of the vehicle. About two weeks after this apt. [XXX] said the case was closed. I am extremely disappointed with how this case was handled, especially considering the significant investment I made in purchasing and maintaining it my vehicle. When I made the original investment I was told that the engine would last up to a million miles…but never imagined the body would be worthless at the 300,00 mark. There is so much damage to the roof that I currently keep my vehicle parked instead of using it. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11512975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 256,000 miles Smithville, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND ON WHEN I MOVE THE TILT STEERING WHEEL, WHEN DRIVING OR SITTING STILL

NHTSA complaint #11287236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Arlington, TX

SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS UNBUCKLE BY THEMSELVES. THIS HAS HAPPENS WITH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS. DRIVER BUCKLE FAILURE IS MOST FREQUENT. ONE DAY IT WON'T HAPPEN THEN THE NEXT DAY IT WILL UNBUCKLE 5 TIMES IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. AFRAID THIS WILL HAPPEN DURING AN ACCIDENT. THE SEATBELT BUCKLE UNBUCKLES STALL SPEEDS UNDER ANY DRIVING CONDITION.

NHTSA complaint #11283085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 230,000 miles Harlowton, MT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE DIGITAL COMPASS AND TEMPERATURE DISPLAY IN THE UPPER CONSOLE BREAKS. I RELY ON THE DISPLAY TO PREVENT FROM CRASHING ON ICY ROADS. I HAVE LOOKED AND THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE SAME ISSUES, A WIRE COMING LOOSE. FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS INSTEAD OF CHARGING UP TO 400.00 FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. IT ALMOST GOT ME KILLED, IM SURPRISED NO ONE HAS BEEN INJURED.

NHTSA complaint #11278496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Williston, ND

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE PAINT ON THE HOOD BEGAN TO SLOWLY PEEL AWAY AN IS NOW IS VERY AWFUL I WAS JUST TOLD THAT FORD RECALLED MANY ON THE BAD PAINT I WAS NEVER AWARE OF THAT TILL LAST WEEK I WAS ADVISED TO WRITE AN FIND ABOUT THIS MATTER AND THAT FORD WOULD STAND BEHIND THAT.

NHTSA complaint #11240256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 176,057 miles Kiln, MS Crash Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON MY WAY TO WORK THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED AND HAZZZARD LIGHTS NO BREAK LITES OR TURN SINGNALS THE FUSE PANEL WAS SMOKING AND COUSED A WRECK AT 60 MILES PER HOUR

NHTSA complaint #11035981 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 187,000 miles Scottsdale, AZ

SEATS

SEATBELT DISCONNECTS INTERMITTENTLY, BUTTON DOESN'T ALWAYS FULLY POP BACK OUT WHEN BUCKLE IS ENGAGED

NHTSA complaint #11030531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 62,086 miles Lewiston, ID

TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DEAN MUD TERRAIN RADIAL SXT TIRES, SIZE: LT285/75R16. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AS IT SLOWED DOWN AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE DID NOT FALL WITHIN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE TIRE. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,086.

NHTSA complaint #11021737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,500 miles Moorpark, CA

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES, SIZE: LT285/75R16 (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A SHUDDER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FELT A BUMP, HEARD AN EXPLODING NOISE, AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CONTACT PLANNED ON GIVING THE TIRE TO THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED. THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE TIRE WAS NOT REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,500 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,500.

NHTSA complaint #10971204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,000 miles Palmetto, FL

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS HEAVILY CORRODED. ALSO, THE FUEL STRAPS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ

NHTSA complaint #10933860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 105,000 miles Southlake, TX

TIRES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350 EQUIPPED WITH NITRO TIRES, TIRE LINE: TERRA GRAPPLE, AND TIRE SIZE: LT285/75/R16. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AS THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE THREAD ON THE TIRE HAD SEPARATED. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE WITH A SPARE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WITH A TOTAL OF FIVE TIRES MOUNTED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 01/27/17*LJ CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED TO FEEL A BUMPING IN THE REAR AREA OF MY TRUCK, THEN A VIOLENT VIBRATION, THEN THE TIRE BLOWOUT OCCURRED/ ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. UPDATED 9/5/18

NHTSA complaint #10924581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Ogden, UT

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEED, THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA complaint #10865673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,000 miles Chelan, WA Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WIFE PARKED THE TRUCK RUNNING AT THE TOP OF A SLOPED DRIVEWAY NEAR OUR FARM HOUSE, LEFT THE TRUCK RUNNING AND IN PARK, GOT OUT TO RETRIEVE A FORGOTTEN ITEM, WALKED DOWNHILL 75 FT., AFTER A SHORT TIME TURNED TO SEE THE TRUCK SPEED BY BACKWARDS NEARLY HITTING HER. THE TRUCK RAMMED THE CARPORT CORNER CONCRETE SUPPORT, JUMPED A TWO FOOT ROCK WALL AND CAME TO REST AGAINST A THREE FOOT DIAMETER BIRCH TREE. TRUCK EVALUATED AS TOTAL LOSS. A MASTER MECHANIC BROUGHT TO HELP GET THE TRUCK STARTED. DAMAGE ONLY TO REAR BUT WOULD NOT START. BATTERY PLATES HAD SHORTED DUE TO THE THREE SEVERE JOLTS. THE MECHANIC ALSO NOTED THE STEERING COLUMN BOLTS AND SCREWS SEEMED QUITE LOOSE. THE TRUCK WAS STARTED BUT MOVED TO THE BODY SHOP BY A TOW TRUCK SINCE THE REAR BREAK LINE WAS SEVERED. AFTER TOTALING THE VEHICLE THE INSURANCE COMPANY SOLD THE TRUCK BACK TO ME FOR $5100. I GOT THE TRUCK REPAIRED. TODAY I TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER TO CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN. THE FORD TECHNICIAN NOTED THE SEVERITY OF THE LOOSE STEERING COLUMN, REPLACED A COUPLE BUSHINGS, TIGHTENED BOLTS AND SCREWS, AND TESTED THE VEHICLE. HE SPECIFICALLY NOTED, IN WRITING, THE TRUCK WOULD NOT RELIABLY STAY IN THE SELECTED GEAR. I PAID FORD $259 FOR THE STEERING COLUMN WORK. THE FORD SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME WHEN I SCHEDULED THE WORK THAT TWO OTHER VEHICLES HAD JUST COME IN THE SAME DAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS TRUCK CAME OUT OF PARK ON ITS OWN AND WHEN ROLLING BACKWARDS BARELY MISSED MY WIFE. SHE COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY KILLED. BEFORE THIS ACCIDENT, IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME TO TAKE THE TRUCK INTO FORD FOR A CHECK OF THE STEERING COLUMN AFTER 13 YEARS BUT I SHOULD HAVE BEEN SMARTER. I BRING THIS UP TO YOU FOR REVIEW BECAUSE THERE COULD BE LOTS MORE OF THESE VEHICLES OUT THERE THAT COULD KILL SOMEONE IF THEY SUDDENLY SLIP OUT OF GEAR AND ROLL. I HAVE A COPY OF THE FORD SERVICE PAPERWORK FROM TODAY.

NHTSA complaint #10791590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Carthage, NC Crash

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AND CRASHED INTO A FENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRACKET THAT SECURED THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS LOOSE WHICH ALLOWED THE LEVER TO GO INTO DIFFERENT GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10733220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Ogden, UT

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS INDEPENDENTLY UNLATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #10722329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Vacaville, CA

WHEELS

MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE 2 FORD F350S THAT CAME WITH GENERAL TIRES OF THE 12 TIRES WE HAVE HAD 5 BLOW OUTS, THE MOST RECENT WAS 4/23/2015 ON I-80, IN WHICH MY TRUCK SUSTAINED OVER 2500.00 DOLLARS IN DAMAGE. JUST WONDERING IF WE ARE LUCKY OR IF GENERAL TIRE COMPANY IS JUST TRYING TO KILL PEOPLE. THE TIRES ARE 235X85X16 LOAD RANGE E AND ALL HAD SUBSTANTIAL TREAD WHEN THEY BLEW. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS.

NHTSA complaint #10713251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.