2001 Ford E-250 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 56%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,338miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford E-250, 56% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,338 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was driving my 2001 Ford e250 vortec v8 at approx. 30 MPH when a spark plug blew out of the engine. An hour and a half away from home , in a not so good area of town. I was left stranded. 120,000 miles on odometer.”
NHTSA complaint #10328354, filed 2010-05, 120,000 miles“I started to hear exhaust noise on my 2001 Ford f250 super duty with a v10 engine with only 53,000 miles. In checking, I found that the bolts that were hold the exhaust manifold to the engine were breaking off at the cylinder head. 6 out off 10 cylinders had broken bolts and the other 4 were near breaking. There is a danger of fire in the engine due to the hot exhaust gases. The repair is very expensive due to having to remove the bolt studs still in the engine head without doing any damage .”
NHTSA complaint #10223421, filed 2008-04, 53,240 miles“While driving under normal conditions, the #2 spark plug blew out of the head and stripped out the threads making it impossible to reinstall the spark plug without having major engine work done. This is the second occurrence in this engine. I have since been informed that this is a common occurrence and should have been fixed before the heads were put into production. The Ford dealership wants approximately $3000.00 to replace the heads. I have used an aftermarket repair kit approved by, but not used by Ford. Removed part is available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10328608, filed 2010-05, 150,854 miles“I own a 2001 Ford e250 van. This van has been a reliable vehicle and maintenance has been easy and predictable. However today the third spark plug on the passenger side blew out of the cylinder head. Though it was a exhaust leak at first because of the sound. I pulled of the freeway and opened the engine cover. At this point I restarted the engine to find the exhaust leak. A large flame immediately began bursting out of the open spark plug hole. Although I was able to turn the engine off quickly this scared me considerably as I know their are fuel lines that run right by the spark plug. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272715, filed 2009-06, 137,000 miles“While driving 40 MPH driver heard a loud popping noise coming from the front. Suddenly the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart the vehicle, and drove it to a dealer for inspection. Ford only replaced the passenger side cylinder head which left the drivers side cylinder head at risk.”
NHTSA complaint #10111269, filed 2005-03, 103,338 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018741Nov 14, 2005Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble code p1131 and/or p1151 - 4.2l engine.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 13% |
| 2007 | 1 | 17% |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% |
| 2005 | 1 | 9% |
| 2002 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 10 | 56% |
| 2000 | 2 | 11% |
| 1999 | 8 | 26% |
| 1998 | 4 | 25% |
| 1997 | 6 | 25% |
| 1996 | 4 | 20% |
| 1994 | 1 | 9% |
| 1993 | 2 | 29% |
| 1992 | 2 | 14% |
| 1989 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford E-250
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford E-250
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology