2001 Ford F-150 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 1%of 1,236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Ford F-150, 1% of the 1,236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 miles.
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.
“We purchased our 2001 f150 supercrew used. I am a mechanic, so the first thing I do when buying a used vehicle is inspect it thoroughly. There were a few minor issues, but one stood out as a major safety hazard. Upon further research, it seems to be extremely common to all 1997-2003 f-150s. Symptoms - this issue mainly affects the rear left and right brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. These lights, particularly brake lights, can cease to function entirely, intermittently and unknown to the driver. Cause - there is a wire harness which connects to the multi - function switch . …”
NHTSA complaint #11406715, filed 2021-04, 164,000 miles“Rear lights, including brake, turn signals, and hazard lights quit working. This issue can be found on many online Ford F-150 forums. The steering column wiring is too short, and breakage in the wire, or connectors can occur with the tilt steering mechanism. The tilt steering mechanism and short wiring has caused the connection to break inside the steering column trim on our vehicle, which caused the lights to stop functioning properly. I inspected the problem, and found the connector can move freely. …”
NHTSA complaint #10473685, filed 2012-09, 138,000 miles“Take a look a my vehicle history, I baby my truck - never used off-road. I have replaced several items that I feel should have been fixed by Ford. I had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. Some parts with defects that were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10114221, filed 2005-03, 35,000 miles“I have 2001 Ford F-150 pickup truck. The problem is with the turn signals. They cancel after you turn them on if you turn the wheel to the left or right. It takes very little movement of the wheel to cancell the turn signal. If it would only cancell if you turned in the direction of the turn it would be okay.”
NHTSA complaint #10065978, filed 2004-04, 200 miles“I was cited by florida highway patrol for improper equipment on these tail lights (factory Ford f150 svt lightning tail lights). I would like to know if the original equipment tail lights for the 2001 f150 lightning have been approved by NHTSA, as the officer said that is the standard they use. In addition, I would like some reference as to where I can obtain this information for my records to deliver to the police department and the court when addressing this ticket.”
NHTSA complaint #747278, filed 2001-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 50 | 26% |
| 2023 | 23 | 6% |
| 2022 | 66 | 11% |
| 2021 | 116 | 11% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 1% |
| 2011 | 30 | 1% |
| 2010 | 28 | 3% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 0% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 1% |
| 2000 | 22 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 34 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 1% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford F-150
234 complaintsVehicle speed control
180 complaintsElectrical system
137 complaintsFuel system
132 complaintsSeats
86 complaintsSeat belts
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsAir bags
66 complaintsBody and structure
65 complaintsTires
52 complaintsEngine
44 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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