Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2001 Ford E Series — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
7
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 29% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 1 | 14% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 14% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 14% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE BRAKING 50 MPH BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THIS CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. CONSUMER USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK”
“I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXCURSION LIMITED. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BROKE DOWN. I TOWED IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID MY TIE RODS WERE WORN OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. $1075.00 IN PAYMENT. FORD STATED RODS WERE NOT A DEFECT BUT DRIED OUT. REPLACED RODS AND BALL JOINTS. COULD THIS BE TRUE. OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE…”
“I HAVE A 2001 FORD EXCURSION LIMITED. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR BROKE DOWN. I TOWED IT TO FORD AND THEY SAID MY TIE RODS WERE WORN OUT AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. $1075.00 IN PAYMENT. FORD STATED RODS WERE NOT A DEFECT BUT DRIED OUT. REPLACED RODS AND BALL JOINTS. COULD THIS BE TRUE. OTHER FORD OWNERS HAVE…”
“THE TV MOUNTED IN THE RAISED "SKY TOP" OF OUR ELK CONVERSION VAN, BROKE LOOSE AND FELL OUT OF ITS MOUNT . MY WIFE YELLED AS SHE SAW THE TV FALLING, AND I REACHED BACK OVER MY RIGHT SHOULDER TO CATCH THE TV BEFORE IT FELL TO THE FLOOR AND EXPLODED INTO THE PASSENGER AREA WITH MY WIFE AND CHILD. I…”
The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Ford E Series. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.