KnownCarProblems2001 Ford F-150 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 1,236 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Ford F-150, most often about the engine (23% of complaints, typically around 100,500 miles). It is 11th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints and has 8 recalls.
Most common 2001 Ford F-150 problems
Engine
278 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 100,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
The rear passenger side spark plug blew out of the head at normal operating speed (40mph). This appears to be a common problem among the Ford f150 triton v8 engines (having reviewed several internet web sites). There is a design flaw where the rear passenger side cylinder overheats and causes the sparkplug to blow out…
I own a 2001 Ford f150 4.6 lter and at approximately 105,000 miles #3 spark plug blew out of the head. Ford attempted to replace the plug and again it blew out. I fixed it with a helicoil myself as the expense was $3000 for the dealership to fix. Recently with 121,000 miles it was running rough and when the dealership…
Speed control
180 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 103,000 miles. Parts named most often: cruise control, accelerator pedal, cables, linkages.
Dt: the cruise control quit working 6 months ago. Took vehicle to a local Ford dealer, who never inspected the truck, but said it was probably a module and not what was listed as the component on NHTSA camp id recall 05v017000. There was a current recall involving the cruise control switch but this applied to earlier…
Dt: while vehicle was parked the engine department was completely engulfed with flames. The engine blew up the tires, and blew out the front and back windows. The damage was done to the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The fire did damage to the yard, consumer had to re-sod, reseed, and reconst the…
Electrical
137 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 88,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition, alternator/generator/regulator, starter assembly.
Cruise control light flashing when attempting to engage it on my 2001 f150 triton 4.6l "3dr". Took it to the dealership due to transmission problems(spring broke on 2nd to 3rd gear shifter)inquired about the cc lite. Service tech popped the hood,pulled the plug on the power boosterand we both saw fluid build up on the…
1) 90,000 miles on my 2001 Ford f150 supercrew 5.4l v8. ) two blown spark plugs in about eight weeks time. The second one left me and my family (wife and 3 children age 5 & under) stranded in the desert between san diego and el centro on interstate 8. 3) the plugs stripped out the threads on the head and aftermarket…
Fuel system
132 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 128,500 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery, fuel injection system, carburetor system.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise outside of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the fuel tank partially disengaged. The vehicle had not been towed. The manufacturer nor the dealer were…
On friday, september 17, 2010 the fuel tank on my 2001 Ford F-150 truck broke free of the undercarriage and was dragged approximately 200 meters before I could safely stop the vehicle. At the time of the incident, I was traveling 60 MPH. Upon exiting the vehicle, I smelled strong gasoline fumes and observed gasoline…
Seats
86 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: front assembly, mid/rear assembly.
I recently bought a 2001 Ford f150 super cab truck,and I saw that it doesn't have any head retraints in the back seats,and also found out that there have been about four complaints about this matter and nothing has been done about it,also had my truck in the dealer shop for four days for a water leak,and was given to…
I own a 2001 Ford f150 lariet off road pick up truck with a supercab. The rear seats in the truck do not have any headrests. My seven year old daughter constantly hits her head on the rear window because there is no headrest. I am very concerned about what could happen to her if my vehicle was struck from the rear…
Seat belts
78 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
Driver side belt buckle; belt latch will not engage buckle. Buckle was checked or replaced during recall. Ford response, less than 5 years 50,000 mile to replace buckle. Buckle $48.00 dollars and $85.00 to install at dealership. Install buckle myself, less than 5 minutes to remove and replace. I have 2 more 2001 Ford…
: the contact stated the driver side seat belt released intermittently. There was a recall, #01v227001, regarding the buckle assembly received in july 2001. The vehicle was taken in for the recall repair, upon inspection; the dealership determined the repair did not need to be done. The contact called the dealership…
Transmission
74 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, clutch assembly, manual transmission.
There aren't any real events leading to the failure. I took my truck into the local dealership (gary crossley Ford) to have the speed control recall work done. While there I asked to have a state inspection done as well. I was told by the service advisor that the lower ball joint were somewhat loose and would need…
Automatic overdrive transmission failure with 65877 highway miles. Could not be rebuilt,had to buy new trans.vehicle under 3 years old and factory would only help with $700.00 of $3000.00 plus bill.
Brakes
69 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, pedals and linkages, conventional.
Purchased 2001 Ford f150 larietsuper crew cab pu on 4/01/2000, 26 miles on odometer, at time of purchase also purchased roadside assistance pkg and extended warranty, esp, from Ford , have had serious braking problems with vehicle, vehicle was repeatedly serviced at Ford dealership for these repairs, none of which…
While driving 55 MPH front brake caliper assembly fell off. As a result, the vehicle came to a screeching halt and had to be towed. Dealer stated that caliper bolts backed out and fell out.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Ford F-150 recalls
Fuel system: mounting
Risk: As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may fail allowing the fuel lines to separate from the tank, or in some cases, causing the tank to contact the ground. Either scenario may result in a fuel leak presenting a fire hazard.
Fix: Ford will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicles to a ford or lincoln dealer to have the fuel tank straps replaced with straps that have increased corrosion protection. Early in this campaign, if replacement straps are not available, dealers may install a cable support under the strap as an interim repair or a steel reinforcement over the existing strap as a permanent repair. Any repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2011. Owners may contact ford motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign num
Full defect summary
Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500 lbs. Gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr), and 2002 and 2003 lincoln blackwood vehicles manufactured from june 20, 1995, through august 4, 2004, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. Prolonged exposure to road deicing chemicals may cause severe corrosion of the fuel tank straps which secure the tank to the vehicle.
Speed control: vehicle speed control
Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.
Fix: By letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. Owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. Owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. Owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significa
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. Owner notification began august 20, 2001. 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 ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. These vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 thro
Seat belts: buckle assembly
Risk: In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 2001. 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 ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford f-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plan
Brakes: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Risk: If the hose is damaged, brake fluid could leak and stopping distances may be increased.
Fix: Dealers will install a new left front brake hose assembly. Owner notification began march 20, 2001. 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 ford at 1-800-248-0186 or 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The left front brake hose was damaged during final assembly.
Air bags: frontal
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the driver air bag may not deploy as intended, potentially resulting in reduced occupant protection, or a burn injury.
Fix: Dealers will install a driver air bag module. Owner notification began march 19, 2001. 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 ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. The inflator canister in the driver air bag module may have an inadequate weld near the igniter.
Equipment: owners/service/other manual
Risk: In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Fix: Owners will be provided with owner guide inserts revised to provide the required information, and instructions for affixing these inserts to their owner guides. Customers will also be advised that if they prefer, their dealer will affix the inserts to their owner guides.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." the affected expedition/navigator owner guides do not identify the locations of seating positions equipped with tether anchorages, and do not provide instructions for securing child seats to these tether anchorages. The f150 sc owner guides do not provide the procedure for securing child seats to the tether anchorages. The taurus/sable owner guides do not identify the center rear seating position as having latch compatible lower anchorages.
Seat belts: retractor
Risk: This could cause slack in the seat belt when worn, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant, in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the driver's side seat belt assembly.
Full defect summary
Vehicle description: regular cab pickup trucks. The driver side seat belt retractor may not fully retract the belt.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Fuel tank strap failure due to corrosion
Summary
One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and fail (break or separate).if one strap fails, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.if both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.if either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.when the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.in some cases the weight of the tank sufficiently strained the hoses and fittings and caused separation and subseq
Fuel tank strap corrosion/rust
Summary
One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and break.if one strap breaks, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.if both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.if either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.when the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.this raises the possibility that the weight of the dropped tank could sufficiently strain the hoses and fittings to cause separation
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
Summary
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 any of the 10,319,810 subject vehicles.in addition, odi is aware of only two incidents where the vehi
Engine compartment fires
Summary
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 vehicles exhibiting the factors causing scds failure described in this report correlate well with the obs
Front seat belt buckle assembly
Summary
During the initial recall campaign in 2001, the subject vehicles were inspected by ford dealerships using a test tool that would detect a defective front seat outboard seat belt buckle assembly.approximately one million vehicles passed the inspection test for one or both front buckles.subsequent to the recall service action, odi received 15 consumer reports alleging that a passed inspection buckle subsequently failed to latch or inadvertently unlatched during use.in addition, ford has identified 543 owner and field reports alleging buckle failure subsequent to passing the inspection test.ford tested and examined over 100 warranty-returned buckles and found that 44% of the buckles had no prob
Front seat belt buckle assembly
Summary
Under recall campaign (01v227), ford recalled approximately 1.3 million vehicles to inspect and if necessary replace the front driver and/or passenger seat belt buckle.approximately 1.1 million owners responded by taking their vehicles to a dealer for inspection of the buckle using a specialized buckle test tool.ford reported that 829,927 vehicles had both buckles pass the tool test and another 167,336 vehicles had one buckle pass.odi and ford received complaints alleging seat belt buckle failure shortly after passing the original recall inspection service.complainants alleged that the buckle failed by either not latching or false-latching (partial engagement of the latch to the latch plate)
Questions about the 2001 Ford F-150
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford F-150?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (278 complaints, typically around 100,500 miles); speed control (180 complaints, typically around 103,000 miles); electrical (137 complaints, typically around 88,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Ford F-150 have?
- 8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 29, 2011 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Ford F-150?
- It is 11th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints, with 1,236 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.