2001 Ford F Series: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 54 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2003
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Spark plug ejected from the engine block, as vehicle was moving on a highway. Disabled, needed a tow. Repair very expensive. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2016
“Spark plug blown out of head. Spark plug #7 blew out 9 months ago. Now plug #8 blew out. Mechanic says it's due to poor design of aluminum head and insufficient threads. Both times, this happened while coasting at a slow speed (< 30 mph).”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2016
“The sparkplug blew out for the second time. The first time was about 9 months ago. Running fine then about 40 mph the plug blew out”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a 2001 ford f-150 that I purchased brand new in 2001. I have noticed that the entire frame is rusted and I am concerned about the structural integrity of the truck. It has already had the gas tank strap recall fixed. I found several spots that look as if the frame is deteriorating from rust.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2015
“Bought this vehicle from someone and before finding out about the fuel strap recall for this vehicle. Filled fuel tank and had a very noticeable leak of fuel from tank. When investigated, found the fuel straps were severely corroded and had caused corrosion in the seam of fuel tank, causing the fuel to leak from tank. *js”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2014
“While driving, the seatbelt clip will release from the catch, causing the belt to retract and become ineffective while in motion. This has happened several times, and under various driving conditions. I can find no reason for this to happen exterior of the installed equipment. My vehicle had the seatbelt retractor replaced after receiving a recall notice several years ago. This appears to not have anything to do with that recall. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2013
“Vehicle was not in use- parked and not on smoke and fire came from under hood the wiring melted causing the hood to melt underneath where it can not be opened. *tr contacted ford on monday june 24 waited few weeks for paper work- promptly filled it out and never heard back frome them- made several calls received a letter from legal department indicating they need the part to review we wanted ford to come to look at truck and retireve the part they are not willing and are closing the case there is a recall on this and my family was in the truck that morning- we re lucky no one was killed”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2013
“2001 ford f150 was sitting out in driveway of owner's home. He had been home approx 1/2 hours when owners vehicle was on fire coming from the engine compartment. No fire damage to the inside cab of owners vehicle. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2012
“Brought my truck in for the gas tank recall and now my tank leaks gas the are trying to say it was leaking before I brought it in so they sent me down the road with a dripping gas tank and wont replace it I had my truck at my mechanics having something else fixed 2 weeks before this and he told me about my broken strap and my tank wasn't leaking then. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2011
“The plugs blew!! This has happened repeatedly and as of now(7-2-2014) all have been replaced. Im sure that will start again but this is quite an expensive problem. My truck had 8 plugs...thank god they don't all blow at once!! *tr”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
How other years compare
Check your exact F Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Ford F Series reliable?
NHTSA has 54 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Ford F Series. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Ford F Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 102,500 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Ford F Series have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning structure. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.