2001 Ford E-150 Problems
- Complaints
- 37filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles, 19 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.6L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Ford E-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford E-150. The part named most often is brakes, with 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system (7) and engine cooling (5). 19 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes11 30%
- Electrical system7 19%
- Engine cooling5 14%
- Fuel system4 11%
- Steering3 8.1%
- Seat belts2 5.4%
- Suspension2 5.4%
- Tires2 5.4%
- Engine1 2.7%
Also reported: Equipment (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Purchased the vehicle late 2001 and has been in 6 times for new rotors and breaks due to vibration when braking. Ford has covered it so far, and the dealership just tells me that because the van is heavy in the front that it is a common problem. I feel this is a design flaw in the vehicle. Who can afford a $600.00 brake job every 4 to 5 months?”
NHTSA complaint #10045418, filed 2003-11, 3,000 milesElectrical system: “2001 Ford e150 conversion van. Had to replace starter at 8,000 miles. Vibration of vehicle at braking - never fixed by dealer. Starter now clicks and does not start for 2 -4 tries before vehicle turns over - after being off for several hours.”
NHTSA complaint #10041292, filed 2003-10, 8,000 milesEngine cooling: “2001 f-150 Ford 4.6 liter spit # 3 sparkplug out off cylinder destroying coil over plug (cop) and stranding me over 500 miles from home, had it towed back to my hometown Ford dealer shop, they wanted to replace heads at my expense,no recalls by fomoco on this manufacturing/engineering defect. Help NHTSA!”
NHTSA complaint #10318471, filed 2010-03Fuel system: “I purchased a used 2001 Ford pickup on 10/26/06. On january 10,2007 it caught fire while being park over night. I reported the fire to Ford and their response is that the damage was too sever to verify any mfg defect. I received the recall notice the following week. Ford should notify buyer's sooner!”
NHTSA complaint #10180737, filed 2007-01Mileage when problems were reported
32% of the 19 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Ford E-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| E150 Club Wagon RWD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 13 | $5,150 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,800 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| E150 Econoline 2WD | 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 09V399000Oct 13, 2009Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003, E-250 1992–2003 +12 more
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…
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003, E-350 1992–2003 +10 more
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-250 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
- 01V114000Apr 5, 2001Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford E-150 1997–2001, E-350 1997–2001
Vehicle description: on certain vans with ambulance prep packages or other severe-duty applications involving operation at or near the gross vehicle weight with frequent twisting of the vehicle body, such as off-road, rough road or speed bump events, the 35…
Recall details for the 2001 Ford E-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10022675Sep 19, 2007Brakes. Brake booster system may exhibit a brake pedal kickback and/or grabbing condition when applying the brakes.
- 10022232Dec 1, 2006Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment needed.
- 10018741Nov 14, 2005Engine cooling. Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p1131 and/or p1151 - 4.2l engine.
- 10017865Jul 1, 2005Exterior lighting. Headlight adjustment - chassis cab incomplete vehicles.
- 10018941Jan 1, 2005Suspension. Vibration/harshness above 45 mph (72 km/h) after tire balance.
Other model years of the Ford E-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 8 | 6,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 18,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2014 | 6 | 16,738 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 19 | 82,800 | 6 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2012 | 12 | 60,000 | 8 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 23 | 37,500 | 11 | — | 14 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 10 | 42,500 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 7 | 83,000 | 12 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 11 | 66,325 | 17 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 12 | 49,000 | 18 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 17 | 44,373 | 14 | — | 15 | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 16 | 52,879 | 2 | — | 15 | — | Rising |
| 2004 | 33 | 65,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 21 | 16,354 | 5 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 28 | 86,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 37 | 73,000 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 50 | 104,602 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 83 | 96,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 60 | 89,146 | 5 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 102 | 103,000 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 59 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 71 | 95,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 121 | 129,500 | 7 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 71 | 135,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1992 | 64 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 15 | 75,000 | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 17 | 126,000 | 3 | — | 13 | — | Falling |
| 1989 | 31 | 94,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 14 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 17 | 70,000 | 0 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 14 | — | Not enough data |
All Ford E-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Ford E-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 37 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford E-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Ford E-150 is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 11 complaints (30% of the total), followed by electrical system with 7.
Has the 2001 Ford E-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Ford E-150 get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Ford E-150 (E150 Club Wagon, 4.6L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Ford E-150 reported?
Among the 19 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 125,000 miles; 32% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.