2001 Ford F-150 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 132about this part
- Share
- 11%of 1,236 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,498miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 132 complaints about the fuel system of the 2001 Ford F-150, 11% of the 1,236 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,498 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 9 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When filling my gas tank a week ago, I noticed a strong fuel smell. I looked under my truck and saw fuel dripping from the seem of the gas tank. Now that I've lost half the fuel it no longer smells or leaks. Im certain this was a direct cause of salt chemicals used in ice removal, here in northern mn. The straps and frame cross member bars holding the cargo bed in place have also disappeared from rust corrosion.”
NHTSA complaint #11020621, filed 2017-08, 161,500 miles“I was driving northbound on I-95 when the driver of an adjacent vehicle alerted me that there was fire shooting out from the area of the fuel filler door. I immediately pulled over onto the highway median and jumped out. The truck was engulfed in flames, and the cab was on fire. I burned myself on the melting steering wheel and was singed by melting plastic.”
NHTSA complaint #10557709, filed 2013-12, 103,000 miles“Replacement of corroded gas tank assembly required following safety inspection in 2012. I subsequently learned of a recall [NHTSA campaign number 11v385000. Ford recall number 11s21]. I cannot determine if my vehicle (bought used) had the recall repairs performed on it. The subsequent repairs to the fuel system cost $1472.84. If I was sold this used vehicle, I want to have the dealership that sold me the truck compensate me for the repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10945094, filed 2017-01, 96,310 miles“I was driving south on hwy 41 in milwaukee, wi. When I heard a dragging sound under truck. I pulled off hwy and discovered my gas tank was dragging for approx. 2 miles. Why it didn't blow up I am not sure. Two straps snapped. I had just filled the tank w/ $75.00 in gas and had truck towed and approx. Cost of getting truck fixed is $700.00 plus the tow.”
NHTSA complaint #10410610, filed 2011-07, 236,000 miles“Apparently the straps holding the gas tank on to my 2001 Ford F-150 pick up rusted. Today the tank fell off while I was driving when one of the straps let go. Fortunately there was no fire, however I spilled a full tank of gas when the tank split. The mileage is 101,000. Ford says it's no longer in warranty even though this seems to be a growing problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10411973, filed 2011-07, 101,000 milesRelated recalls
- 11V385000Jul 29, 2011Ford is recalling certain 1997 through 2003 model year ford f-150, 2004 model year ford f-150 heritage, 1997 through 1999 model year f-250 less than 8,500…Covers: Ford F-150 1997–2004, F-250 1997–1999, Lincoln Blackwood 2002–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10205038Apr 21, 2016Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action
- 10183774Apr 21, 2016For 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250 Light Duty, or 2002-2003 Blackwood vehicles Safety Recall 11S21 has been issued for vehicles that are operated in high…
- 10058101Sep 9, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall regarding high corrosion areas for operating, for an extended time, vehicles where both or one strap of fuel tank can fracture, after contacting…
- 10056624Aug 11, 2014Ford/lincoln: safety recall issued due to one or both fuel tank straps fracturing due to being in high corrosion areas for an extended period and dislodging fuel tank. Model…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 6 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 2% |
| 2022 | 91 | 15% |
| 2021 | 93 | 9% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 24 | 2% |
| 2018 | 64 | 3% |
| 2017 | 28 | 2% |
| 2016 | 95 | 5% |
| 2015 | 81 | 5% |
| 2014 | 72 | 5% |
| 2013 | 159 | 5% |
| 2012 | 119 | 7% |
| 2011 | 117 | 5% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 22 | 7% |
| 2008 | 27 | 7% |
| 2007 | 54 | 11% |
| 2006 | 59 | 10% |
| 2005 | 82 | 7% |
| 2004 | 74 | 4% |
| 2003 | 46 | 11% |
| 2002 | 86 | 10% |
| 2001 | 132 | 11% |
| 2000 | 152 | 14% |
| 1999 | 132 | 13% |
| 1998 | 201 | 15% |
| 1997 | 246 | 9% |
| 1996 | 53 | 16% |
| 1995 | 65 | 10% |
| 1994 | 113 | 17% |
| 1993 | 288 | 49% |
| 1992 | 245 | 52% |
| 1991 | 154 | 51% |
| 1990 | 146 | 53% |
| 1989 | 95 | 42% |
| 1988 | 28 | 20% |
| 1987 | 23 | 25% |
| 1986 | 10 | 16% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford F-150
234 complaintsVehicle speed control
180 complaintsElectrical system
137 complaintsSeats
86 complaintsSeat belts
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
74 complaintsBrakes
69 complaintsAir bags
66 complaintsBody and structure
65 complaintsTires
52 complaintsEngine
44 complaintsOther or unknown
40 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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