VehicleVerdict

2001 Ford F-Super Duty problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median F-Super Duty year — the 2001 model ranks #6 of 20 F-Super Duty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), transmission (8), and tires & wheels (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

38

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

7

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other F-Super Duty years?

F-Super Duty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted115 complaints1981: 1 complaints1987: 1 complaints1989: 2 complaints1990: 1 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 10 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 27 complaints1995: 13 complaints1996: 12 complaints1997: 28 complaints1998: 20 complaints1999: 115 complaints2000: 78 complaints2001: 38 complaints2002: 50 complaints2003: 33 complaints2004: 23 complaints2005: 49 complaints2008: 46 complaints
F-Super Duty NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-Super Duty years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Ford F-Super Duty problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine924%
Transmission821%
Tires & Wheels513%
Seats411%
Seat Belts38%
Speed Control25%
Steering25%
Fuel System25%
Suspension13%
Electrical System13%
Brakes13%

Does the 2001 Ford F-Super Duty have recalls?

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

01V106000Fuel SystemMarch 27, 2001 · 185 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: F-SUPER DUTY CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS (F-350 SHORT WHEELBASE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6 3/4' PICKUP BOX AND DUAL REAR WHEELS) WERE BUILT AFTER A CHANGE WAS IMPLEMENTED TO DELETE A CLAMP, AND LATER A BRACKET THAT PROVIDED A GROUND FOR THE FUEL FILLER PIPE. THE PICKUP BOX MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY GROUNDED.

Consequence

WITHOUT PROPER GROUNDING, AN ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE COULD RESULT DURING FUEL FILL UP, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUEL FILLER PIPE GROUND. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 26, 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2002 CLASS A MOTORHOME SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT THE ENGINE HEAD UPON START UP. *MR THE CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE #1 SPARK PLUG HAD EXITED THE ENGINE HEAD AND WAS LODGED IN THE FRONT AXLE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT. *SC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2005

“PROBLEM WITH CLUTCH FAILUE DUE TO LOSS OF FLUID.*AKTHE PINS HOLD THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER AND THE SLAVE CYLINDER CAME OUT CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK AND RESULTING IN THE CLUTCH FAILING, THIS FAILURE OCCURED TWICE AND WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY THE FIRST TIME. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 25, 2001

“HAD BEEN TRAVELING FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH WHEN RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPLODED. AFTER SAFELY GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND EXAMINING THE TIRE, I COULD SEE THAT THE ENTIRE SIDEWALL HAD BLOWN OUT. WILL E-MAIL PHOTO TO WWW. NHTSA.DOT.GOV (DOT NUMBER: VNW8XL4500 TIRESIZE: 265/75R16)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 25, 2001

“LACK OF REAR SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS IN EARLY 2001 MODELS IS A SAFETY HAZZARD. FORD MODIFIED LATER 2001 MODELS, DEALER WON'T REPLACE SEATS. FULL RECALL/SEAT REPLACEMENT NEEDED ASAP -ANOTHER LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats

“FRITTS FORD SOLD ME THE TRUCK WITHOUT CHECKING WHEN I BROUGHT IN FOR SERVICE - A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS INJURED WHEN THE SEAT BELT FAILED. I HAVE REPLACED THE BELT.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 18, 2001 · crash

2001 Ford F-Super Duty — common questions

Is the 2001 Ford F-Super Duty reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2001 model at #6 of 20 F-Super Duty years. It is one of the F-Super Duty years to avoid.

What are the most common 2001 F-Super Duty problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 2001 Ford F-Super Duty have recalls?

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

NHTSA opened 7 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-Super Duty years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-Super Duty years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among F-Super Duty years belongs to 1991.

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.