VehicleVerdict

2001 Ford F-350 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 188 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median F-350 Sd year — the 2001 model ranks #3 of 34 F-350 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (41), tires & wheels (34), and transmission (29), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

188

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

8

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other F-350 Sd years?

F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted269 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 169 complaints2000: 188 complaints2001: 188 complaints2002: 145 complaints2003: 164 complaints2004: 159 complaints2005: 269 complaints2006: 192 complaints2007: 35 complaints2008: 146 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 63 complaints2012: 50 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 26 complaints2016: 26 complaints2017: 118 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 158 complaints2023: 54 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 12 complaints
F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Ford F-350 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4122%
Tires & Wheels3418%
Transmission2915%
Electrical System2011%
Steering126%
Brakes105%
Fuel System95%
Suspension95%
Seat Belts84%
Other63%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Speed Control21%
Airbags21%
Body & Structure11%
Lighting11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2001 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V399000Speed ControlOctober 13, 2009 · 4,500,000 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS THAT DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS IN LINE WITH THE SCDS. ON 1999-2003 WINDSTAR VEHICLES WITH A LEAKING SCDS, DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR AND REPAIR AS NECESSARY. REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

07V553000EngineDecember 5, 2007 · 1,176,000 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2001 FORD F-350 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. AUTHORITIES CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COME EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE PREVIOUSLY HAD SOME WIRING REPAIRS MADE TO THE FUSE BOX GOING TO THE REAR LIGHTS, BECAUSE THE WIRING HAD MELTED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0110-50)*JB SENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 21, 2008 · fire

“DRIVING WEST BOUND ON I-40 IN A 01 FORD F350 DUALLY DIESEL PULLING AN ENCLOSED CAR TRAILER W/55 CHEVY BELAIRE. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF WHICH CAUSED US TO GO INTO MEDIAN AND THE TRUCK JACKKNIFED AGAINST THE CAR TRAILER AND WAS TITLED OFF THE GROUND ABOUT 3 FEET. TRUCK WAS A TOTAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 27, 2007 · crash

“TRANSMISSION WEARS OUT PREMATURELY. THE TORQUE CONVERTER SHUTTER IS FAULTY WHICH CAUSES FAULTY SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS. CONSUMER WILL HEAR A CLANKING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. FORD WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. CONSUMER WAS TOLD YOU WOULD BE LUCKY IF YOU GET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2004

“2001 FORD F-350 CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. AUTHORITIES CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COME EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED HE PREVIOUSLY HAD SOME WIRING REPAIRS MADE TO THE FUSE BOX GOING TO THE REAR LIGHTS, BECAUSE THE WIRING HAD MELTED. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0110-50)*JB SENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 21, 2008 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH ON UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THE CONTACT'S WIFE APPROACHED A CHANGE IN THE PAVEMENT AND STRUCK A BUMP IN THE ROAD. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING SHAFT DISABLED AND CAUSED HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 26, 2008 · crash

2001 Ford F-350 Sd — common questions

Is the 2001 Ford F-350 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 188 complaints put the 2001 model at #3 of 34 F-350 Sd years. It is one of the F-350 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 F-350 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), tires & wheels (34 complaints), transmission (29 complaints).

Does the 2001 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Ford F-350 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Ford F-350 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 8 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-350 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2017, 2010, 2011, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among F-350 Sd years belongs to 1996.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.