2001 Ford F-350 Problems
- Complaints
- 160filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles, 57 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Ford F-350 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about tires, steering and brake problems, and several of those complaints describe failures at relatively low mileage, sometimes with sudden loss of tread or stopping ability. Transmission and engine-related reports, including spark plugs blowing out of the cylinder head and broken exhaust manifold bolts, show up across a wide mileage span. Several complaints also describe vehicle fires in trucks parked with the ignition off.
- Tires
Tire tread separation, sidewall bubbles and blowouts
- 25 complaints (16%)
- median 31,660 mi at 3.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2008
Owners describe vibration or a bulge at highway speed followed by tread peeling away from the tire down to the belt, and in some cases a sudden blowout. Complaints mention the original equipment tires by name and reference an earlier tire campaign. Dealers replaced individual tires but in several cases could not or would not state the cause, and the tire maker declined assistance. Commonly reported in the first 30,000 miles, often while driving at 55-70 mph.
What to check: Check the date codes and brand on any tires still fitted, and look for bulges, weather cracking or uneven belt edges. Ask when the tires were last replaced and whether the spare and valve stems were done at the same time.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At interstate speed valve stem came out of lf tire, followed shortly there after by all the air. The vehicle was safely stopped and there was no further damage to the vehicle or wheel. There was no obvious damage at an earlier time to the valve stem. Upon replacement of tire and stem, the back piece of the stem was inside the tire. Next week the 5 remaining valve stems on the Ford f350 dually will be replaced, because it was a peculiar failure to say the least. I hope anyone else who has this experience is as lucky as we were. …”
NHTSA complaint #751009, filed 2001-08“While driving 60 MPH vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front tire needed to be replaced due to tread separation. The tire manufacturer refused to provide any assistance.”
NHTSA complaint #10097544, filed 2004-12, 25,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal to the floor, pulling, and seized calipers
- 16 complaints (10%)
- median 34,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2022
Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor with longer stopping distance, or the truck pulling to one side and vibrating under braking. Some complaints describe repeated dealer brake work with the problem returning, and one describes a caliper piston grinding into the rotor and leaking fluid. Mostly reported between roughly 22,000 and 34,000 miles, with some reports at higher mileage.
What to check: Ask for brake service records, check pedal feel and fluid level, and look at rotor and pad condition. Also test the parking brake on a slope, since one complaint describes the cable breaking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving down the rd came to stop light and I had nothing for breaks. I quickly pumped brake and got it to slowdown and made the turn. Went to pull into hospital and had no breaks even tried pumping it again and still had no breaks.”
NHTSA complaint #11480883, filed 2022-08“When the consumer attempted to apply the brakes, they did not perform as designed, as a result the brakes seized up and the vehicle came to a halt and the brake piston shattered causing brake fluid to leak. Brake pads were the root cause the pads from the bracking plate and the calipers resulting in the caliper pistons to grind into the rotor.”
NHTSA complaint #10087784, filed 2004-09, 30,300 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Automatic transmission failure and sprag gear cracking
- 10 complaints (6%)
- median 64,913 mi at 2.9 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2002–2005
Complaints describe the transmission locking up in traffic, refusing to shift above second gear, or losing third gear entirely from internal damage. Owners report full transmission replacement, and in one case the manufacturer declined assistance because maintenance had not been done at a dealer. Service bulletins in the input cover a cold-weather reverse engagement stall and a rear axle popping noise on dual rear wheel trucks. Reported from about 42,000 to 75,000 miles in most sampled complaints.
What to check: Check transmission fluid condition and color, and drive the truck from cold to see whether reverse engages cleanly. Ask for service history and whether any clutch or transmission work has already been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission failed on our 2001 F-350 at 66,463 miles. Vehicle was out of warranty and transmission had to be replaced at a cost of $3000. Transmission was replaced at a Ford dealership. Ford offered no assistance because regular maintenance on the vehicle had not been performed at a Ford dealership. They denied any defects in the transmission. They stated we should have purchased an extended warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10128405, filed 2005-07, 66,463 miles“Automatic transmission sprag gear cracking items. Sprag gear lock-up. Also, repairs or overhaul were made on the power train system (I.e., automatic transmission system).”
NHTSA complaint #10082051, filed 2004-07, 63,826 miles - Steering
Steering wheel shakes or locks; tie rod and axle bracket
- 11 complaints (7%)
- median 70,700 mi at 13.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2021
Complaints describe the steering wheel shaking violently or moving side to side on its own at highway speed, and in other cases the wheel losing power assist or seizing while turning. Owners report the dealer replacing the power steering pump, steering gear box, tie rod or stabilizer bar, with the symptom returning in some cases. One owner reports the front axle bracket rusted through so the leaf spring u-bolts pulled free. Reported from about 37,000 miles upward, with several cases in the 60,000-80,000 mile range.
What to check: On a test drive, feel for vibration or wander at highway speed and check for play in the tie rods and drag link. Have a shop inspect the front axle and spring brackets for rust-through, especially on vehicles from wet or salted regions.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The bracket on the passenger side that is welded to the bottom of the front axle is rusted completely through to the point that the u-bolts that secure the leaf springs to the axle have pulled through the bracket. It appears to be a significant safety issue due to the fact the front axle is no longer secured to the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11443341, filed 2021-12“The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while parked with the ignition on, he turned the steering wheel and the wheels did not turn. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the front tie rod would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10446981, filed 2012-02, 190,000 miles
Buying note. Tire age and condition, front-end steering play, and brake feel are the three things worth checking most closely on this model year, since those complaints cluster at low mileage. Ask for service records covering brakes, transmission and any cylinder head repair, and inspect the front axle and brackets for rust.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 160 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford F-350. 57 of the complaints include a mileage, and 32% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,000 miles. Of all complaints, 21 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 12 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins for this model year.
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.
- Tires31 19%
- Steering28 18%
- Brakes25 16%
- Engine cooling12 7.5%
- Electrical system10 6.3%
- Air bags9 5.6%
- Seat belts8 5.0%
- Vehicle speed control8 5.0%
- Engine5 3.1%
Also reported: Fuel system (5), Wheels (5), Suspension (3), Equipment (2), Other or unknown (2), Body and structure (2), Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Tires: “The truck continuously pulled to the right while driving at any speed. Upon putting the truck on a lift, the mechanic noticed that the front tire had split and the steel belt was hanging out. The cause of the tire splitting had not been determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10048363, filed 2004-01, 34,000 milesSteering: “With brakes applied steering can not be turned. Can not parellel park,make a u-turn,back up boat or camper easily,I am afraid that if I was driving and had to slam on the brakes I would be unable to steer the vehicle due to not being able to turn the steering wheel.Ford has told me they know about it but there is nothing they can do to fix it. Also steering seems very sloppy and loose. Steering wheel moves when going over bumps ( left to right).”
NHTSA complaint #754532, filed 2001-11Brakes: “When applying the brakes vehicle pulled to the left and vibrated. Consumer contacted the dealer, and vehicle had work done on the brakes on 9 occasions, but problem recurred. Dealership was saying that they will do nothing else. Vehicle was still under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10092669, filed 2004-09, 73,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Automatic transmission sprag gear cracking. Sprag gear lock-up. Also, repairs or overhaul were made on the power train system (I.e., automatic transmission system).”
NHTSA complaint #10082061, filed 2004-07, 61,028 milesMileage when problems were reported
32% of the 57 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 42,596 and 143,505 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V286000Aug 1, 2006Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford F-350 1994–2002, F-250 1994–2002, F-450 SD 1994–2002 +10 more
On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.
- 01V258000Aug 8, 2001Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Ford F-350 2000–2001, F-250 2000–2001, Focus 2000–2001 +12 more
Vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. A switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper…
- 01V227001Jul 16, 2001Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Ford F-350 2001, F-150 2001, Excursion 2001 +10 more
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria…
- 01V106000Mar 27, 2001Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Ford F-350 2001, F Super Duty 2001
Vehicle description: f-super duty crew cab pickup trucks (f-350 short wheelbase trucks equipped with a 6 3/4' pickup box and dual rear wheels) were built after a change was implemented to delete a clamp, and later a bracket that provided a ground for the…
- 01V082000Mar 12, 2001Air bags › FrontalCovers: Ford F-350 2001, F-150 2001, Excursion 2001 +3 more
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles. The inflator canister in the driver air bag module may have an inadequate weld near the igniter.
Recall details for the 2001 Ford F-350 → · 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.
- 10012965Feb 1, 2005Body and structure. Service tips before arc welding on the frame or body of a unit.
- 10013316Jan 1, 2005Transmission and drivetrain. A cold weather reverse engagement stall.
- 10014083Dec 13, 2004Vehicle speed control. Memontary return to idle during aggressive acceleration - diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0123.
- 10013413Nov 29, 2004Suspension. Vehicle lean sag when observed from rear of vehicle.
- 10011164Aug 23, 2004Transmission and drivetrain. Rear axle popping/chatter noise - dana 80 model dual rear wheel (drw).
Other model years of the Ford F-350
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 91 | 73,000 | 0 | — | — | 9 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 76 | 79,000 | 1 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 149 | 90,000 | 4 | — | — | 71 · More | Stable |
| 2011 | 136 | 60,000 | 4 | — | — | 92 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 28 | 104,000 | 2 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 131 | 67,532 | 9 | — | — | 90 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 36 | 54,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 145 | 60,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 114 | 81,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 50,047 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 90 | 42,044 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 116 | 65,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2001 | 160 | 72,000 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 304 | 81,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 413 | 106,925 | 12 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 12 | 75,158 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1997 | 155 | 110,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 130 | 103,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 134 | 130,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 95 | 145,900 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1993 | 101 | 111,330 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 52 | 87,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 31 | 89,450 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 44,470 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 42 | 116,250 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 29 | 150,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 8 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 14 | 106,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-350 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford F-350?
Owners of this model year most often write about tires, steering and brake problems, and several of those complaints describe failures at relatively low mileage, sometimes with sudden loss of tread or stopping ability. The issues reported most often: Tire tread separation, sidewall bubbles and blowouts; Brake pedal to the floor, pulling, and seized calipers; Automatic transmission failure and sprag gear cracking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Ford F-350 have?
NHTSA recorded 160 consumer complaints for the 2001 Ford F-350 as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Ford F-350 is reported most often?
Tires is named most often, in 31 complaints (19% of the total), followed by steering with 28.
Has the 2001 Ford F-350 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Ford F-350 reported?
Among the 57 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,000 miles and the middle half falls between 42,596 and 143,505 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 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
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.