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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2001 Ford F-550 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
14%of 29 total for the year
Median mileage
110,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Ford F-550 SD, 14% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 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.

“I have been experiencing power failure, fuel starvation on my 2001 f550 diesel truck. I replaced the filters today at the onset of the incident, but just replaced them about a month ago with my mechanic. It runs fine on level ground, but at an incline it loses power and barely makes it up a hill. I removed the tank pump from the top of the tank and looked in to it with a flashlight. The lining of my tank is peeling off. After investigating online, I find this is a serious issue with Ford. I cannot afford to repair this vehicle again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10241639, filed 2008-09, 110,000 miles

“This being 2nd diesel Ford truck that has had same issue....losing power , blowing smoke. On this 2001 , I have replaced numerous filters, drained tank to clean ,wire harnesses,fuel injectors only to replace motor within a month or so due to contamination to system also transmission was replaced before new motor which I feel could of been due to strain on vehicle....needless to say the truck has started the same problem again.I have sank so much into it I'd never get my money out of it if sold.I feel that Ford should be held responsible for this issue and all the money people have put out to…”

NHTSA complaint #10433919, filed 2011-11

“The f53 motorhome chassis has a severe vibration. Rv has been taken to three different heavy duty truck dealerships attempting to correct the vibration.the rear end has been replaced, 4 rear tires have been replaced, transmission has been shimmed, and tires balance several times. Vibration is still there.hands have a tendancy to tingle from the vibration and am afraid loss of control is possible.”

NHTSA complaint #761214, filed 2002-04

“When driving uphill vehicle was fine. As downgrading started, consumer noticed transmission had gone out without warning. There was no back pressure from lower gears. Vehicle still at dealer at this time.”

NHTSA complaint #889876, filed 2001-06

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202118%
201519%
2014111%
2008519%
200714%
200526%
2004612%
200326%
200215%
2001414%
200057%
19992338%

Other parts of the 2001 Ford F-550 SD

Fuel system
13 complaints
Tires
8 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Hybrid propulsion system
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Ford F-550 SD

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