2001 Ford F-350 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2001 Ford F-350, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Tires & wheels3117.7%
- Steering2816.0%
- Brakes2514.3%
- Engine179.7%
- Transmission169.1%
- Driver assistance105.7%
- Airbags95.1%
- Electrical95.1%
- Seat belts84.6%
- Other / unspecified74.0%
- Fuel system52.9%
- Interior & seats31.7%
- Suspension31.7%
- Body & structure21.1%
- Powertrain (other)10.6%
- Visibility10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F350. THE VEHICLE HAS FIRESTONE STEELTEX A/T TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TREAD DETACHED FROM THE TIRE DOWN TO THE BELT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04T003000 (TIRES). THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN AND TIRE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,660. UPDATED 11/6/08 *CN THE COSNUMER STATED THERE WAS A SLIGHT VIBRATION BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE TIRE DID NOT DEFLATE UNTIL DAYS LATER. UPDATED 11/07/08. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F350. THE VEHICLE HAS BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE STEELTEX RADIAL A/T, SIZE LT265/75R16 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. AFTER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS FLAT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE, HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY ONE YEAR LATER, HE NOTICED THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE HAD A BUBBLE ON THE TREAD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TIRE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY FIVE MONTHS LATER, THE TREAD SEPARATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE. AS OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2007, THE DEALER HAD NOT INSPECTED THE TIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,252 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,252. UPDATED 10/04/07 *TR
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving down the rd came to stop light and I had nothing for breaks. I quickly pumped brake and got it to slowdown and made the turn. Went to pull into hospital and had no breaks even tried pumping it again and still had no breaks.
The bracket on the passenger side that is welded to the bottom of the front axle is rusted completely through to the point that the u-bolts that secure the leaf springs to the axle have pulled through the bracket. It appears to be a significant safety issue due to the fact the front axle is no longer secured to the vehicle.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving down the rd came to stop light and I had nothing for breaks. I quickly pumped brake and got it to slowdown and made the turn. Went to pull into hospital and had no breaks even tried pumping it again and still had no breaks.
STEERING GETS HARD AND FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS WHEN YOU STEP ON THE BRAKES. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-350. The contact stated after having parked his vehicle after a short drive, the contact noticed a large cloud of smoke issuing from under the hood from the driver's side towards the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that he opened the hood, disconnected the battery, and blew the smoke out of the engine compartment with an air compressor he had on hand. The contact called a local dealer who refused to diagnose the vehicle unless the contact called the manufacturer to have the manufacturer authorize service from the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired; however, the vehicle was still drivable. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD F-350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A COWORKER INFORMED HIM THAT THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BUT WAS UNABLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. STATE FARM WAS CONTACTED TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE FIRE HE NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AS A CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AS VIN WAS INCLUDED AND RECALL WAS NOT SERVICED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE CLUTCH PIN BROKE COMPLETELY OFF. THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR, AND THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO FORD AND THEY SAID THAT THE CONSUMER WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THERE WAS NO WAY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE EXCEPT TOWING IT. THE CONSUMER HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS TWO OTHER TIMES. THE FIRST TWO TIMES THE BUSHING WAS OVER THE PIN. WHOM EVER WELDED THE PIN, MADE IT HARD IN THE BACK AND AS A RESULT IT FRACTURED AND BROKE COMPLETELY OFF. THE PIN WAS WELDED IN CROOKED WHEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED. THIS IS WHAT CAUSED THE FIRST TWO BUSHINGS TO GO. THESE PROBLEMS STARTED ON AUGUST 15, 2005. *AK (11/09/05) *SC
TRANSMISSION FAILED ON OUR 2001 F-350 AT 66,463 MILES. VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3000. TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. FORD OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE BECAUSE REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN PERFORMED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP. THEY DENIED ANY DEFECTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. THEY STATED WE SHOULD HAVE PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was driving down the rd came to stop light and I had nothing for breaks. I quickly pumped brake and got it to slowdown and made the turn. Went to pull into hospital and had no breaks even tried pumping it again and still had no breaks.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 FORD F-350. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A COWORKER INFORMED HIM THAT THE FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BUT WAS UNABLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. STATE FARM WAS CONTACTED TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND BRAKE FLUID WAS ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT PRIOR TO THE FIRE HE NOTICED THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V399000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AS A CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AS VIN WAS INCLUDED AND RECALL WAS NOT SERVICED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I SLID ON BLACK ICE COASTING DOWN A SMALL HILL ON THE ROADWAY DOING 35 MPH IN A 45 MPH ZONE. THE MOMENTUM & WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE MADE THE VEHICLE VEER OFF THE ROAD INTO A PINE TREE. DESPITE MY BEST EFFORTS TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS & STEER IN THE DIRECTION WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS SLIDING (AS WE WERE ALWAYS TAUGHT TO DO), I HAD NO CONTROL OVER WHERE MY VEHICLE WAS GOING. I HIT A PINE TREE RATHER HARD. MY FRIEND WAS TRAVELING BEHIND ME & WATCHED IT HAPPEN. I HIT (BRUISED) MY ARM & KNEE BUT DIDN'T REQUIRE AN AMBULANCE. THE FRAME, FENDER, HOOD & HEADLIGHT ALL GOT CRUMPLED. LUCKILY THE STEEL FRAME, HEAVY LARGE TOW HOOK IN FRONT & STEEL BUMPER TOOK MOST OF THE FORCE CAUSING THOSE PARTS & THE STEEL COMPLETE FRAME (INCLUDING THE LEAF SPRINGS UNDERNEATH) TO CRUMPLE UNDER IMPACT. THE PINE TREE WOUND UP EMBEDDED IN & ALL AROUND THAT HOOK & GRILL. HOWEVER, THE FORCE OF SUCH A CRASH SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED THE 2 FRONT AIRBAGS. NEITHER ONE DID DEPLOY! MY QUESTION IS, WHY DIDN'T IT?! THE IMPACT SURELY WAS ONE THAT SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AN AIRBAG! ARE THEY DEFECTIVE?! LUCKILY I DIDN'T SUSTAIN GREAT INJURIES OR GET KILLED. HOW ARE WE TO TRUST THE SAFETY OF VEHICLES WHEN THE VERY PARTS THAT ARE INSTALLED DON'T PERFORM THEIR JOB? WE TRUST THE VEHICLES TO BE RELIABLE & PROTECT US. THAT'S WHY WE CHOOSE CERTAIN VEHICLES & PAY BIG BUCKS TO HAVE THE SAFETY FEATURES WE WANT IN THEM & TO PROTECT US. IRONICALLY, THIS WASN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. A FAMILY MEMBER'S FORD PICKUP'S AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED EITHER WHEN THEY HAD A FRONTAL CRASH. WHAT IS FORD DOING ABOUT ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES' AIRBAGS NOT FUNCTIONING?! IN ORDER TO SAVE LIVES A VEHICLE MUST BE SAFE BY BEING IN GOOD WORKING ORDER! WE PAY FOR SAFETY & EVERYTHING TO BE WORKING PROPERLY YET ARE FINDING OUT FORD VEHICLES AREN'T BUILT AS FORD TOUGH AS THEY CLAIM! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE CONTACT HAD A SEIZURE AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WENT OFF ROAD AND CRASH INTO TWO PARKED VEHICLES. HOWEVER THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUFFERED CONCUSSION AND ABRASIONS OVER HIS EYE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,100.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle just stated honking the horn , no key was in the ignition and no one was driving truck
WINDOWS ,WIPERS AND RADIO COME ON ABOUT A MINUTE LATTER AFTER STARTING THE TRUCK.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
FRONT SEAT BELT UNBUCKLES ITSELF. HAPPENS MOSTLY IN MOTION. TRUCK DOES NOT SHOW RECALLS OPEN.
SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AND IS FAULTY SET FEELS LOOSE FROM CAB.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY SPARE TIRE FELL OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. UPON INSPECTION THE CABLE THAT HELD THE TIRE UNDER THE TRUCK WAS FRAYED AND BROKE.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A VIBRATION COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. HE INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CRACK ON THE RIM. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 143,505. *UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF. UPDATED 12/12/07
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE LINING INSIDE THE FUEL TANK HAD BEGAN TO DISINTEGRATE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED BUT NEITHER OFFERED ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 165,000. UPDATED 2/25/13 *CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE FUEL TANK AND DISCOVERED THAT THE LINER OF THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATING AND CLOGGING THE TANK. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND RECOMMENDED THE CONTACT OBTAIN A FIBERGLASS TANK. THE CONTACT EMAILED THE MANUFACTURER BUT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT AND IS FAULTY SET FEELS LOOSE FROM CAB.
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER HIT THE GUARD RAIL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. DRIVER NOTICED THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL SHEARED OFF. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY V NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK STEERING FELT JERKY AT TIMES. ABS LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH BOARD. THE CONSUMER HEARD METAL TO METAL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE DETATCHED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. DRIVER HIT THE GUARD RAIL. NO INJURIES REPORTED. DRIVER NOTICED THE RIGHT SIDE WHEEL SHEARED OFF. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL AND HUB ASSEMBLY V NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK STEERING FELT JERKY AT TIMES. ABS LIGHT CAME ON IN THE DASH BOARD. THE CONSUMER HEARD METAL TO METAL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT TO SEE THE FRONT LEFT TIRE DETATCHED FROM THE VEHICLE. *TC
THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WOBBLED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER STATED THE BEARINGS ON THE SPINDLE WERE DEFECTIVE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRUCK WAS PARKED FOR 2 DAYS SINCE LAST DRIVEN IN MY DRIVEWAY 5FT FROM HOUSE. WENT TO WORK AT NIGHT IN MY OTHER VEHICLE, CAME HOME AND STARTED TO GET MY KIDS READY FOR SCHOOL. NO VISIBLE SIGNS AS I PASSED IT ON MY WAY INTO MY RESIDENTS. ABOUT AN HOUR LATER NEXT THING I KNOW A PASSING OFF DUTY FIRE FIGHTER IS BANGING ON MY FRONT DOOR, AS I GO TO MEET HIM I SEE MY TRUCK ENGULFED IN FLAMES. TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS WITH FIRE PROTRUDING FROM HOOD AND FENDERS REACHING INTO THE CAB. FIRE DEPARTMENT FINALLY PUT FLAMES OUT AFTER MINOR DAMAGE TO OTHER NEAR BYE VEHICLES. LOOKS AS FIRE STARTED UNDER HOOD NEAR MASTER CYLINDER. TRUCK WAS REPAIRED BY FORD FOR RECALL IN 06 DUE TO CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. IT APPEARS THE SAME PROBLEM PERSISTS IN NEW SWITCHES OR REPAIR WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. JUST CONTACTED FORD TODAY ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS IT JUST HAPPENED FEB,2 2016. IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING VEHICLE SERVICE RECORDS AS I HAVE A FRIEND WHO WORKS FOR FORD. CLEARLY THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE SAME AREA AS EARLIER RECALLS. 2001 FORD F-350 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL NHTSA CAMPAIGN #06V286000. I HAVE PICTURES AND VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT BUT CANNOT UPLOAD DUE TO FILE FORMAT.
ROTORS WARP AFTER ONE THOUSAND MILES, HAVE TO CONTINUOUSLY REPLACE THEM. MORE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE LESS STOPPING POWER CONSUMER HAD. ALSO, DOORS MAKE A RATTLING SOUND. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN PULLING INTO GARAGE AREA AT 5 MPH DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET PLATE BROKE. THIS CAUSED STEERING TO LOCK IN A HARD LEFT TURNS. OWNER WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL EITHER DIRECTION. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS INDEPENDENTLY FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIPER MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LITHIA FORD (2833 WASHBURN WAY, KLAMATH FALLS, OR 97601, PHONE: (541) 205-4501), BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V258000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .