VehicleVerdict

2001 Ford F Series problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 54 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 18.0 times the median F Series year — the 2001 model ranks #2 of 35 F Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (33% of the total).

54

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other F Series years?

F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted55 complaints1971: 1 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 0 complaints1986: 0 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 6 complaints1989: 3 complaints1990: 2 complaints1991: 7 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 7 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 20 complaints1996: 17 complaints1997: 55 complaints1998: 32 complaints1999: 44 complaints2000: 53 complaints2001: 54 complaints2002: 43 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 12 complaints2006: 7 complaints2007: 5 complaints2008: 1 complaints
F Series NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F Series years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Ford F Series problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1833%
Electrical System815%
Speed Control611%
Tires & Wheels36%
Seat Belts36%
Seats36%
Body & Structure36%
Fuel System24%
Suspension24%
Other24%
Lighting12%
Steering12%
Brakes12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2001 Ford F Series have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2001 FORD F150 CAUGHT FIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. VEHICLE HAD NOT CRANKED IN OVER 24 HRS., AND NO KEYS WERE IN THE IGNITION. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 16, 2009 · fire

“INSD WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE, IT STARTED TO CUT OUT SO HE PULLED OVER AND CALLED FOR SOMEONE TO PICK IT UP. WHEN HE RETURNED THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETLY BURNED. FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS NOT ARSON, FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE FIREWALL.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 6, 2005 · fire

“I WAS WOKEN UP BY SOMEONE KNOCKING ON MY APARTMENT DOOR TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. I ATTEMPTED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT BY FILLING COOKING PANS WITH WATER AND DOUSING THE FLAMES BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE FIRE DEPT ALONG WITH THE POLICE SHOWED UP AND THE FRONT PART OF THE TRUCK IS ALL BURNED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 13, 2008 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION, THE VEHICLE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND NOTICED A DAMAGE TO THE FENDER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. GENERAL GRABER P25570R60 FORD SPORT TRACK. *LA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 21, 2004

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 20, 2015

2001 Ford F Series — common questions

Is the 2001 Ford F Series reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 54 complaints put the 2001 model at #2 of 35 F Series years. It is one of the F Series years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 F Series problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (18 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), speed control (6 complaints).

Does the 2001 Ford F Series have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 Ford F Series. 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 Series under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F Series years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F Series years to avoid are 1997, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2002, 1998. The cleanest record among F Series years belongs to 1986.

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.