FORD F-250 · model year

2001 FORD F-250

269 NHTSA complaints, 20 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2001FORDF-250 carries 269 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 20 crashes, 32 fires, 29 injuries, and 6 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2001 F-250 is tires with 24 filings, followed by tires:tread/belt (19) and vehicle speed control (15). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2001 F-250, and 8 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

269
Complaints
20
Crashes
32
Fires
29
Injuries
6
Deaths

Total Complaints

269 filings

Crashes Reported

20 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
TIRES24
TIRES:TREAD/BELT19
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL15
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION14
ENGINE13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
STEERING9
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP6
SUSPENSION:FRONT6
SUSPENSION6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL6

Recalls (9)

07E06600028/08/2007

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

06E04900024/05/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

01V22700116/07/2001

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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 BUILT AT ST. THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT FROM

06E05200012/06/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLEC

01V08200012/03/2001

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE INFLATOR CANISTER IN THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY HAVE AN INADEQUATE WELD NEAR THE IGNITER.

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

01V25800008/08/2001

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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 FUNCTION, LOSS OF WIPER PARK FUNCTION, COMPL

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

06V28600001/08/2006

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Recent Complaints

20250329POWER TRAIN

When im in traffic, starting out driving or merging between intersections my truck decides to either hard shift or not shift at all. Several times ive had to lay on my horn in an attempt to warn oncoming vehicles that i have no power and cannot accelerate and several times it has nearly caused an accident. I purchased the truck used and have yet to take it into the dealership to have them inspect the issue though from what i’ve read thus far is that ford calls this problem “normal operation” and has been less than understanding when people attempt to have this obvious defect resolved. There are no warning lights that come on when this happens. I can have my truck inspected by whomever, whenever need be. I will also be returning to the dealer to use my warranty to help deal with this issue. The date this most recently happened causing a near miss was today, though there has been an occasional but recurring situation almost weekly.

20220418TIRES:TREAD/BELT

The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-250 equipped with Toyo tires, Tire Line: HT Open Country, Tire Size: LT265/75/R16, DOT Number: CXLTCAK4815. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and felt like the front tires were bouncing. The contact veered to the side of the road, where he noticed that the tires were deformed. The contact continued to drive. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the tread belt was separating. The front tires were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred with the rear tires. The vehicle was taken to an independent tire mechanic where the rear tires were replaced under an unknown recall. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on the front tires. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The tires were not replaced. The tires were replacement equipment. The tire failure mileage was 30,000. The vehicle fai

Mileage: 230,000

20220124CrashFatalAIR BAGS

Was T-Boned in the passenger side of the truck which changed my direction of travel resulting in hitting a tree head on. Neither frontal air bags deployed. The frontal impact was hard enough to push the tree 18 to 20 inches into the engine compartment bending the frame where the front bumper was attached. The accident resulted in a fatality. I'm just confused why neither air bag deployed. I have had this truck since it was new so I know it's history. There was not any warnings lights on, No air bag warning lights, No modifications were ever done to the truck. All stock. There was never any indication that the air bags were not operating normal. So Why did they malfunction?

20201014WHEELS

TAILPIPE IS CLOSE ENOUGH TO SPARE TIRE TO MELT TIRE. TIRE IS UNUSABLE. LATER VEHICLES HAVE A HEAT SHIELD IN PLACE TO PREVENT THIS. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED EARLIER UNITS.

Mileage: 100,000

20201014UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TAILPIPE IS CLOSE ENOUGH TO SPARE TIRE TO MELT TIRE. TIRE IS UNUSABLE. LATER VEHICLES HAVE A HEAT SHIELD IN PLACE TO PREVENT THIS. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED EARLIER UNITS.

Mileage: 100,000

20200722ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHILE SHOPPING MY F250 TRYED TO BURN DOWN IN PARKING LOT 2ND TIME AT A SCHOOL SOCCER GAME AND 4 THE THIRD TIME RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE AND STILL AFTER THOUSANDS IN REPAIRS STILL SAME ISSUE FORD NEEDS TO MAN UP AN ADDRESS THIS SITUATION..... [XXXX] KEY NEVER IN TRUCK ALL THREE TIMES THIS HAS OCCURED REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Mileage: 120,000

20200412SERVICE BRAKES

SPARK PLUGS KEEP BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE, WHILE ACCELERATING, HAS DONE FIVE TIMES,, WHEN IT DOES VEHICLE STALLED POSSIBLY CARE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK TRYING TO TURN,

Mileage: 333,350

20200412ENGINE

SPARK PLUGS KEEP BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE, WHILE ACCELERATING, HAS DONE FIVE TIMES,, WHEN IT DOES VEHICLE STALLED POSSIBLY CARE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK TRYING TO TURN,

Mileage: 333,350

20200412STEERING

SPARK PLUGS KEEP BLOWING OUT OF THE ENGINE, WHILE ACCELERATING, HAS DONE FIVE TIMES,, WHEN IT DOES VEHICLE STALLED POSSIBLY CARE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, ALMOST GOT HIT BY A TRUCK TRYING TO TURN,

Mileage: 333,350

20200225SERVICE BRAKES

LOCATION MASTER CYLINDER CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SENSOR LEAKING BRAKE FLUID NON FUNCTIONAL BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL.

Mileage: 240,000

20200225VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

LOCATION MASTER CYLINDER CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SENSOR LEAKING BRAKE FLUID NON FUNCTIONAL BRAKES AND CRUISE CONTROL.

Mileage: 240,000

20191003FireVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, OPENED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED FLAMES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH WATER AND NOTICED THAT AN UNKNOWN PLUG RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS MELTED. NO POLICE OR FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EL CAJON FORD (LOCATED AT 1595 E MAIN ST, EL CAJON, CA 92021, (619) 312-4107) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE UNKNOWN PLUG RELATED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20190920FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE SPONTANEOUSLY EMERGED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BATTLEFIELD FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCK CENTER (8980 MATHIS AVE, MANASSAS, VA 20110, (703) 368-3231) WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE WAITING ON AUTHORIZATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,840.

Mileage: 144,840

20190920FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE SPONTANEOUSLY EMERGED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BATTLEFIELD FORD COMMERCIAL TRUCK CENTER (8980 MATHIS AVE, MANASSAS, VA 20110, (703) 368-3231) WHO STATED THAT THEY WERE WAITING ON AUTHORIZATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,840.

Mileage: 144,840

20190426ENGINE

2001 FORD F250. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTOR WOULD BACK FIRE AND BLOW OUT. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE MOTOR, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BLEW IT'S LAST SPARK PLUG. *JS

20190412SEAT BELTS

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WILL DISENGAGE WITH OUT TOUCHING THE RELEASE BUTTON. I HAVE TRIED USING HIGH PRESSURE AIR THINKING IT WOULD DISLODGE SOMETHING. EVEN TRIED A LITTLE WD-40 TO NO AVAIL. REALLY FRUSTRATING TO HEAR ITS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. DEALERSHIPS SURE DON'T ACT LIKE THEY WANT TO FIX IT. HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES.

Mileage: 200,000

20190110STEERING

TWICE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS I HAVE EXPERIENCED TOTAL STEERING LOSS WHILE DRIVING FORD F-250 V10 TRITON PICKUP TRUCK, I AM FORTUNATE TO BE ALIVE, BOTH TIMES THE CONNECTION TO THE STEERING BOX BROKE. THERE HAVE BEEN NO AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS DONE TO THIS TRUCK. VERY SERIOUS ISSUE! TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP NOW FOLLOWING MOST RECENT FAILURE. I FEAR THINKING ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES HAD EITHER OF THESE TWO FAILURES OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED

Mileage: 150,000

20180815FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE WAS DETECTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN OR TOWED TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V170000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20180815FireVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A FIRE WAS DETECTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN OR TOWED TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V170000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

20180521POWER TRAIN

PARKED VEHICLE AT MAIN POST OFFICE , REMOVED KEYS, I KNOW THIS BECAUSE IT HAS MY POBOX KEY ON KEY RING. I HOPPED OUT AND STATED TO WALK OFF, THEN I GLANCED A VIEW TO THE RIGHT, AND NOTICED OR THOUGHT I NOTICED, MY TRUCK ROLLING BACKWARDS. IT WAS !!! I CHASED MY TRUCK AND CAUGHT UP TO IT, AND ATTEMPTED HOP IN AND ENGAGE FOOT BRAKE. I AM TO FAT AND SLOW TO DO THAT, SO I THOUGHT QUICKLY, , AH HA, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE . I REACHED DOWN AND LET THE TRUCK ROLL THE ER BRAKE TO MY HAND, AND ENGAGE IT I CALLED THE FORD DEALER, NO KNOW ISSUES LIKE THIS HAS HAPPENED, SO I WAS TOLD. SO MAYBE THIS WAS AN 1 OFF EVENT,,,, RIGHT WRONG SEVERAL MONTH LATER, SAME THING HAPPEN, DIFFERENT LOCATION. ALTHOUGH I CATCH BEFORE I GOT OUT. THIS TIME I TOOK A VIDEO OF THE ROLL BACK, AND THE SNIFTER IN PARK, AND THE KEYS OUT

Mileage: 130,000

Compare 2001FORDF-250 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 8 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2001 FORD F-250 have?
The 2001 FORD F-250 has 269 NHTSA complaints, 20 crashes, 32 fires, 29 injuries, and 6 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2001 FORD F-250?
Yes, the 2001 FORD F-250 has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 FORD F-250?
The most-complained component for the 2001 FORD F-250 is TIRES with 24 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include TIRES:TREAD/BELT and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Is the 2001 FORD F-250 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.