Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There was a recall for the cruse control, it was replaced by Ford, because it could cause a fire, the new one worked for about a year and stop working, never work after that. 2nd item is rear window and drivers passanger window leak rain water inside the cab, leaks everytime it rains in motion or stationary.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the rear windshield was leaking water into the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Windshield seal leaked (rain) along roofline causing multiple electrical problems. Vehicle has multiple system warning lights visible on dash. Short circuit sounds coming from behind dashboard. Warning lights, blower motor and head lights operate without key in the ignition causing battery to be drained. Wipers cut off without warning. Door windows stop working without warning. Vehicle shifts into four-wheel drive without warning. Engine races while parked (revs to 4000 RPM and returns to normal). Sales man informed that Ford will not cover the problem because the truck is out of warranty and to bring truck to dealer (5/3/04). Truck would not start until 5/8/04. Seal to windshield separated from vehicle on left side while driving to dealership (5/10/04). The truck now has excessive wind noise. Truck will no longer start (5/11/04). …
Vehicle dash lights would stay on when vehicle off. Door locks would lock and unlock by themselves while driving. And while the truck was off. Vehicle would be completely dead when go to start. After replacing with a new battery, truck would not start. Had a tow truck come and when he tried to start it, it started right up. After he shut off, it was completely dead would not start. Took truck to garage. It took mechanics 5 hours to find the problem. After checking all the relays and fuse boxes, etc. It ended up to be the fusebox under the dash. The fusebox was corroded and deteriorating due to water damage, which was causing the electrical problems. The mechanic said there was some type of leak from the windshield causing water to enter the fusebox. Thus causing the fusebox damage. The mechanics replaced the fusebox and a relay. I do have the old one that was damaged. …
I have had the 02' f150 since December 07' and have had major problems with the windshield leaking. I have found that this is a common problem with in the 97' to 03' f150 models via Ford forums and other internet sites as well as the local Ford dealer repair shop who worked on my truck. This leak shorts out the fuse panel in the cab that causes the loss of power to equipment including the windshield wipers which is a safety issue when driving in inclement weather. The leak also tends to short out the instrument panel causing the computer to be unable to read what gear the truck is in. This causes the truck to not start and even shut down while driving which again is a safety issue while driving in any condition. This leak cost me $1500 dollars in repairs due to damage to the starter, relay, alternator, computer, fuse panel, and having to replacing the windshield. …
I have had the 02' f150 just over one year and have had problems with the windshield leaking into the cab. I have found that this is a common problem in the 97' to 03' f150 model via Ford forums and other internet groups. This leak shorts out the fuse panel causing the loss in power in various equipment including the windshield wipers. This short has also caused the instrument panel to fail causing the computer to not read what gear the truck is in which has caused the truck not to start or stop running while the truck is in operation. The only way the fix the problem is to have the windshield removed and resealed as well as replacing the fuse panel replaced. Others as well as I have had to have other repairs made due to the leak including the instrument panel, starter, relay, alternator, and the ignition sensor. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford f150 which was purchased brand new in 2002. While driving 35 MPH he heard a dinging noise in the vehicle. He assumed that it was his seat belt warning alarm; however, he was utilizing the seat belt. Later that evening, he shut the vehicle off and the heating element continued to operate. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to replace the fuse and the relay. The failure persisted and upon further investigation, he found that the front windshield was leaking on the driver's side onto the fuse panel. The local Ford dealer advised him to have a diagnostic test performed on the vehicle. No repairs were made. The failure and current mileages were under 85,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford f150. The contact stated that the windshield was loose and water was in the vehicle whenever it rained. The water would short out the electrical boxes in the vehicle which had to replaced at his own expense. He took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the seal on the windshield caused the defect to occur. The dealer told him that even if he replaced the seal it would not guarantee that it would stop the leak. The manufacturer didn't offer the contact any assistance with the repair cost. The current mileage was approximately 130,000. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford f150 harley davidson. On January 3, 2008, a spark plug blew out. On May 31, 2008, while at a car wash, the contact heard a loud noise. The vehicle was turned off and towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the same spark plug from the solenoid had blown again, which also blew the engine head. The repair is expected to cost between $2,200, and $5,000. Also, in December of 2007, the sunroof motor shorted and no longer works. She was informed that the repair would cost $1,000, and has not used the sunroof since. The current and failure mileages were 143,000.
I have a 2002 Ford f150 during the last rain we had water leaked in from the front windshield and got into the fuse box and shorted out the battery, fuse box and a module total cost was over $1,000.00. Insurance said they could not cover it because the service manager said this is a common problem with Ford trucks so the adjuster said it sounded like a defect and Ford should correct the problem. I talked to Ford and they said no recall has been issued and no reimburse ment could be made, but if this is a common problem with Ford trucks why hasn't a recall been issued.
Window & Wiper complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Ford F-150, 4% of the model year's 821 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2002 Ford F-150, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Ford F-150 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.