2001 Ford F-250 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 10%of 220 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2001 Ford F-250, 10% of the 220 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Spark plug spit from motor smashing coil pack. 5.4 liter triton motor. This has happened three more times. I have lost four plugs to this engineering disaster. At a cost of one dealer repair, and time off work to repair the other three. Once I had to be towed over fifty miles. After what I have read, their should be a remedy to this problem. Why not!”
NHTSA complaint #10450810, filed 2012-03, 105,000 miles“While driving 55 MPH, heard a load bang and then a steady popping sound. After pulling off road to check problem open the hood to see the coil exploded and arching against fuel rail, and spark plug on the valve cover. Got the truck home started researching this issue and I see this is a common problem yet Ford says it isn't. My best educated repair solution is cal van 38900 Ford 5.4l spark plug port repair kit at a cost of 250 . It took a day and a half to do a complete repair. Seems to be working but Ford has a problem and should do something for the owners should it happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10448784, filed 2012-02, 85,000 miles“Faulty engineering on a 2001 Ford expedition. Spark plugs under pressure just pop right out of the head. The Ford barely hit a 100,000 miles. Ford boasts that tune ups are not necessary until a 100,000 miles. Well anyways the spark plug shot out of the head and the end result is that it will cost me $2,000 dollars to replace the entire aluminum head. After talking with other owners and doing some internet homework with on consumer affairs, I noticed at least a hundred other people with the exact same model Ford and that have had the same exact problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10152886, filed 2006-03, 104,000 miles“The Ford f250 truck (2001) was parked outside of heb grocery store for approximately 30 minutes when witnesses saw sparks shooting out from underneath the vehicle seconds before it caught fire. The entire engine compartment burned and began to consume the cab before the fire department put out the fire. The Ford f250 cruise control was used the previous two days and was having intermittent problems during a trip (~900 miles).”
NHTSA complaint #10288980, filed 2009-10, 113,000 miles“While driving at 40 MPH engine sputtered. Consumer pulled over, and opened the hood, and noticed that the spark plugs separated from where it was connected to the engine. The spark plugs were laying on top of the engine. Vehicle was towed to a dealership, and mechanic determined that this occurred because of a failure with the aluminum engine motor head.”
NHTSA complaint #10064703, filed 2004-03, 40,000 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 5% |
| 2011 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 15 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 5% |
| 2006 | 17 | 8% |
| 2005 | 17 | 12% |
| 2004 | 44 | 29% |
| 2003 | 24 | 21% |
| 2002 | 23 | 15% |
| 2001 | 21 | 10% |
| 2000 | 33 | 10% |
| 1999 | 66 | 11% |
| 1998 | 8 | 14% |
| 1997 | 29 | 10% |
| 1996 | 28 | 16% |
| 1995 | 34 | 18% |
| 1994 | 18 | 15% |
| 1993 | 29 | 22% |
| 1992 | 14 | 12% |
| 1991 | 8 | 7% |
| 1990 | 10 | 9% |
| 1989 | 7 | 6% |
| 1988 | 4 | 6% |
| 1987 | 6 | 16% |
| 1986 | 5 | 13% |
| 1985 | 3 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2001 Ford F-250
48 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
28 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsWheels
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford F-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