Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Ford F-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Have had 2 sets of bfgoodrich 285/75/16 122r d tires that have failed with separation problems. The first set that failed 05/11, we had blowout accident on interstate causing over $3000 damage to driver front. Luckily no personal injuries bf goodrich replaced the tires at 100%, same tires. The second set have same separation problems as of 03/15, at approx. 30000 miles on 60000 mile tires. The tire kingdom store advised unsafe to drive and said these tires were manufactured at same time the recalls were. He called the recall# and was advised to replace at 100% so we replaced them with the Michelin 285's. Now we are being told the bf goodrich recall office will only pay 70% on the new tires. That is unacceptable for this serious defect in these tires. It does appear the warranty doesn't really address manufacturer defects.this defect is not due to wear, tear or consumer fault. …
Have had 2 sets of bfgoodrich 285/75/16 122r d tires that have failed with separation problems. The first set that failed 05/11, we had blowout accident on interstate causing over $3000 damage to driver front. Luckily no personal injuries bf goodrich replaced the tires at 100%, same tires. The second set have same separation problems as of 03/15, at approx. 30000 miles on 60000 mile tires. The tire kingdom store advised unsafe to drive and said these tires were manufactured at same time the recalls were. He called the recall# and was advised to replace at 100% so we replaced them with the Michelin 285's. Now we are being told the bf goodrich recall office will only pay 70% on the new tires. That is unacceptable for this serious defect in these tires. It does appear the warranty doesn't really address manufacturer defects.this defect is not due to wear, tear or consumer fault. …
8 aug 2010 11:25 am; passenger front Firestone steeltex a/t lt265/75r16d on 02 f250 fx4 lariat super duty crew cab; tread separated caused f250 on missouri e.b. I-44 102.6 mile marker to go into ditch hitting 3 rock outcroppings totaling truck. Wife hit windshield had c/t scan at e/r cox south hospital in springfield, mo. Due to brain swelling + other injuries. Driver: roger suffered soft tissue injuries. 13-month "rj" minor injuries. Mo. Hwy patrol report #:08081000600 describes accident. Numerous photos & follow-up adjuster's assessment rated almost new +90% tread at 18/32nds. Vehicle currently at (lien holder's insurance company's control - usaa), insurance impound in springfield at 1155 n eldon [phone]. F250 purchased at kb motors in houston, tx. On 23 July 2010 2-wks earlier. …
Ford f-250 pickup equipped with fireston steeltex radial lt265/75r16 lr e tires, towing 30ft travel trailer at 60mph, heard loud noise and thumping sound from right rear passenger side. While decreasing speed to pull over, the driver's side rear tire also failed causing total loss of control resulting in both trailer and truck spinning 180 degrees on freeway which caused the trailer to overturn, both coming to rest in the dirt highway median. Note: tires/vehicle were inspected by the dealership 3 weeks prior to the accident and tire pressure was checked the morning of the accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford f-250 SD equipped with goodrich long trail t/a tires, size: p265/75/r15 (na). While towing another vehicle, there was an abnormal vibration popping noise from the rear passenger side tire. The contact observed that the rear tire popped and noticed tread separation on the tire. The tire was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 134,900 and the tire failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
All incidents involving big o at truck tires: 6/11/12 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 12/31/12 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 3/12/14 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 4/11/14 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 7/29/14 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 3/26/15 tread separation. No damage to vehicle or crash. 5/29/15 tread separation. Heavy damage to quarter panel of vehicle.
2 yokohama geolander at tires with less than 30,000 miles had tread separation causing $7000 worth of body damage. The separations were separate occasions within 3 weeks of each other. First failure was on a freeway at approx 65 MPH. A sudden severe vibration followed by a tread separation of the right rear tire. A lot of body noise was happening as the not-quite-separated tread flailed around the wheelwell as was slowing and caused significant damage to body and rear bumper. Second occasion was approx 3 weeks later while pulling a 5 horse trailer with 2 horses on board. This occurrence also was on a freeway at approx 60mph. While driving downhill and rounding a right hand turn, the left rear tire tread separated and caused a swerve into the lane to the left before slowing and regaining control of the vehicle. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford f-250 superduty. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact found that the driver side front tires metal was split where the tire beads attach to the wheel. The split extended in both directions of the wheel. The tire and wheel were already bulging. The contact placed the spare tire on the vehicle. He still has the tire, wheel, and pictures. He purchased another premium aluminum wheel. The contact notified Ford and sent them pictures, but has not received a response in six weeks. The current mileage was 55,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 03/05/08. The consumer stated tire and wheel inspected by manager of dealership and the vehicle was never damaged by pothole or accident. Updated 03/04/08
While driving southbound on I-25 in ft. Collins, my left front tire blew out, at freeway speeds, for no reason. I did not hit anything or go off-roading at all. I own a 2002 Ford f250 powerstroke, short bed crew cab 4x4. The tire was a Firestone steeltex. The tire was blown into three pieces: left, right and a complete circular section od tread. My brakes were torn apart, as well as my surrounding plastic trim pieces. My daughter and myself were very scared, but happy that nothing worse happened. Firestone tires were responsible for the mishap. They need to be re-called and their tire manufacturing facilities need to be investigated. Thank you.
Firestone tire failure, tire flew apart like a recap, and separated from the steel belt causeng twenty eight hundred dollars in damage to my 2002 Ford f250 crew cab lariet. The tire had lots of tread left on it, it was about half worn? The tire did not go flat, but the tread seperated and slaped around as I was trying to come to a stop and damage in driver side fender/hood/and runing board. I feel these tire are very dangerous and I am removing them from my truck, two of the back tires on my truck are new and I do not feel safe with them so I will be taking them off.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Ford F-250 SD, 11% of the model year's 245 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford F-250 SD wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2002 Ford F-250 SD, though it has 3 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-250 SD wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires 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.