Total Complaints
331 filings
FORD F-250 SD · model year
331 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2001FORDF-250 SD carries 331 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 26 fires, 13 injuries, and 3 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 SD is engine and engine cooling:engine with 29 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (29) and power train:automatic transmission (27). 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 4 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 SD, 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.
Total Complaints
331 filings
Crashes Reported
12 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume, review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 29 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 29 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 27 |
| TIRES:TREAD/BELT | 25 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 24 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | 19 |
| TIRES | 12 |
| STEERING | 12 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 8 |
| ENGINE | 8 |
| SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY | 7 |
| SEAT BELTS | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL | 6 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 6 |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO M
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
REAR PASSENGER DOORS OF EXTENDED CAB(BOTH) WILL NOT RELEASE TO OPEN. CAUSING DANGER IN DIFFICULTY OF PASSENGERS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 180,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (TOMBALL FORD, 22702 TOMBALL PKWY, TOMBALL, TX 77375, (281) 378-3160) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CONTACT TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH VOLUME OIL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Mileage: 157,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER (TOMBALL FORD, 22702 TOMBALL PKWY, TOMBALL, TX 77375, (281) 378-3160) WAS CONTACTED, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CONTACT TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH VOLUME OIL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
Mileage: 157,000
PARKED MY TRUCK AT THE POST OFFICE TO RETRIEVE MAIL, GOT OUT AND SHUT DOOR, AND OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE I SAW WHAT I THOUGHT AS MOVEMENT OF MY TRUCK, SO I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY TRUCK STARTING TO ROLL BACKWARDS , I YELLED WTF, AND STARTED TO CHASE MY TRUCK THROUGH THE PARKING AREA, TRIED TO JUMP IN WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR AND I WAS TO OLD AND FAT TO DO THAT, TRIED PUSH BACK , BUT TRUCK WAS TO HEAVY TO DO THAT, SO I WENT FOR THE PARKING BRAKE PRESSED IT HARD AND FAST AS I COULD, AND THAT WORKED MY TRUCK WAS IN PARK, AS I HAD MY KEYS IN MY HAND. THE PARK LOCK ON THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN SOME WAY ,ALLOWING TO ROLL LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL
Mileage: 130,000
PARKED MY TRUCK AT THE POST OFFICE TO RETRIEVE MAIL, GOT OUT AND SHUT DOOR, AND OUT OF THE CORNER OF MY EYE I SAW WHAT I THOUGHT AS MOVEMENT OF MY TRUCK, SO I TURNED AROUND TO SEE MY TRUCK STARTING TO ROLL BACKWARDS , I YELLED WTF, AND STARTED TO CHASE MY TRUCK THROUGH THE PARKING AREA, TRIED TO JUMP IN WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR AND I WAS TO OLD AND FAT TO DO THAT, TRIED PUSH BACK , BUT TRUCK WAS TO HEAVY TO DO THAT, SO I WENT FOR THE PARKING BRAKE PRESSED IT HARD AND FAST AS I COULD, AND THAT WORKED MY TRUCK WAS IN PARK, AS I HAD MY KEYS IN MY HAND. THE PARK LOCK ON THE TRANSMISSION FAILED IN SOME WAY ,ALLOWING TO ROLL LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL
Mileage: 130,000
THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT COMES UNBUCKLED WITHOUT THE LATCH BEING TOUCHED WHILE DRIVING. THIS RESULTS IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION WHERE THE SEAT BELT ISN'T PROVIDING ANY SAFETY AND IT ALSO REQUIRES TWO HANDS TO RE-BUCKLE IT TAKING MY HANDS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING IN MY DRIVEWAY, ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAYS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN HAPPENING SOON AFTER I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2004.
DRIVING OUT OF STATE FOR WORK AND SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT OF MY ENGINE. AND FROM THAT RESULTS IT COST ME QUIET A BIT OF EXTRA MONEY THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO SPEND AND MISSED A DAYS TRYING TO GET THAT PROBLEM FIXED. AND IT RUIN MY FATHERS DAY WEEKEND I WANTED TO SPEND WITH MY KID.
Mileage: 135,686
5.4 MOTOR SPARK PLUGS KEEP BLOWING OUT. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THE OLDER ONES AND NEWER ONES AS WELL FORD SHOULD MAKE IT RIGHT WITH THE CONSUMERS
Mileage: 85,000
ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, A KUMHO ROAD VENTURE AT TIRE, SIZE LT235/85R16, DOT K2ORYD4A3508 (MANUFACTURED AT KUMHO?S BINH DUONG PLANT IN VIETNAM IN THE 35TH WEEK OF 2008) SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC TREAD SEPARATION, RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURIES TO THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER OF THE FORD F-250 AND THE DEATH OF HER SON, WHO WAS 32 WEEKS OLD AND STILL IN UTERO. A LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST KUMHO TIRE CO., INC. AND KUMHO TIRE U.S.A., INC. IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF KANSAS (CASE NO. 2:13-CV-02393-JTM-TJJ). DURING THE DISCOVERY STAGE OF THE CASE, THE PASSENGER RETAINED TROY COTTLES, A RENOWNED TIRE FAILURE EXPERT. AFTER INSPECTING THE SUBJECT TIRE, MR. COTTLES FOUND THE FOLLOWING DEFECTS IN THE SUBJECT TIRE: (1) INADEQUATE BONDING BETWEEN BELTS (TRAPPED AIR/STEAM BLISTER IMPRESSIONS); (2) PREMATURE OXIDATION OF THE BELT SKIMS; (3) BELTING DEFECTS (COINCIDENTAL BELT ENDINGS, IRREGULAR BELT WIRE SPACING, GAPPED BELT SPLICES, DOG-EARED SPLICES, SNAKING, AND SPRE
Mileage: 42,498
WE HAD TRAVELED APROXIMATELY 450 MILES AND ON THE LAST LEG OF A TRIP IN THE MOUNTAINS. THE DRIVER NOTICED ON THE LAST 150 MILES OF THE TRIP THE STEERING WHEEL HAD CHANGED POSITION WHERE THE CENTER OF THE WHEEL NORMALLY WAS HORIZONTAL, WAS NOW 45 DEGREES OFF AND VERTICAL. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON ARRIVAL TO DESTINATION. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE MOVED AND UNLOADED WHEN THIS WAS ATTEMPTED THE STEERING WHEEL JUST TURNED WITH NOT CONTROL OF THE WHEELS. SO WE WERE UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. AFTER AN INITIAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS PLACED ON A FLOOR JACK TO RAISE THE FRONT END TO LOOK FOR PROBLEMS UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER TURNING THE WHEELS MANUALLY IT WAS NOTICED THE ARM THAT COMES FROM THE STEERING BOX WAS LOOSE AT THE ELBOW. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ENTIRE SHAFT WAS SHEERED OFF AT THE STEERING BOX. WE WERE LUCK IT FAILED WHEN WE WERE NOT ON THE ROAD. IT MUST DID THE FINAL FAILURE WHEN WE DROVE INTO OUR DRIVE WAY AND PARKED. THIS MIGHT HAVE B
Mileage: 122,375
FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS, MY SON HAS BEEN DRIVING THE 2001 F250 SD UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY INSTANCES WHERE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT HAS UNLATCHED ON ITS OWN. IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN BACK TO FORD DEALERSHIP ON 3/7/03 UNDER RECALL 01S21 SEATBELT. "BUCKLES WERE INSPECTED, OK AS PER 01S21, NO REPAIRS NEEDED." WE WERE CHARGED $27.16 FOR THE INSPECTION. TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO DEALERSHIP TODAY (5.27.15). THEY HAVE NO ADVICE FOR US. THERE ARE MANY OPEN COMPLAINTS FOR THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. I'VE SEEN THE REPORTS OF MANY INJURIES ALREADY.
Mileage: 149,000
REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE HAS BROKEN LATCHING MECHANISM WITHIN FEMALE BUCKLE. THIS ITEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. SEAT BELT NOT AVAILABLE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ON A 14 YEAR OLD VEHICLE ? *TR
Mileage: 192,000
DRIVER SEAT BELT COMES UNLATCHED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THESE SEAT BELTS, BUT MY VIN WAS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. *TR
Mileage: 200,000
THE 2001 F250 I OWN HAS ALWAYS STALLED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. FORD RECALLED THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, I HAD ALREADY CHANGED IT JUST BEFORE RECALL THEN THEY DID AGAIN. THAT NEVER STOPPED IT FROM STALLING, IT ALSO DOESN'T READ WHEN YOU SOMETIMES GO TO TAKE OFF. I'VE CHANGED (THROTTLE SWITCH) THAT DID NOTHING. ALL OF ITS MISHAPS HAS CASED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR. ALWAYS BROKE DOWN AND CAN'T MAKE MONEY WHEN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE TRUCK TIME AFTER TIME. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS, WHEN I LOSE POWERSTEERING AND ALMOST HAVE CRASHED INTO CARS. I FIGURED OUT THE FUEL TANK FLAKING OFF INSIDE THE TANK COULD BE THE CAUSE. THE TRUCK GETS TERRIBLE FUEL MILEAGE WHEN THIS HAPPENS COSTING A FORTUNE IN WASTED DIESEL FUMES. THAT HAVE BEEN KNOW TO CAUSE BRAIN CANCER, ALSO THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION FROM NOT RUNNING PROPER. I AM NO FAN OF FORD'S REPAIR SHOP WHEN THEY TELL YOU IN 1983 TO MY FATHER THAT HIS ALMOST BRAND NEW DIESEL NEEDS NEW (SPARK PLUGS) WHEN DIESEL DO NOT EVEN HAVE THEM.
Mileage: 23,000
THE 2001 F250 I OWN HAS ALWAYS STALLED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. FORD RECALLED THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, I HAD ALREADY CHANGED IT JUST BEFORE RECALL THEN THEY DID AGAIN. THAT NEVER STOPPED IT FROM STALLING, IT ALSO DOESN'T READ WHEN YOU SOMETIMES GO TO TAKE OFF. I'VE CHANGED (THROTTLE SWITCH) THAT DID NOTHING. ALL OF ITS MISHAPS HAS CASED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR. ALWAYS BROKE DOWN AND CAN'T MAKE MONEY WHEN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE TRUCK TIME AFTER TIME. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS, WHEN I LOSE POWERSTEERING AND ALMOST HAVE CRASHED INTO CARS. I FIGURED OUT THE FUEL TANK FLAKING OFF INSIDE THE TANK COULD BE THE CAUSE. THE TRUCK GETS TERRIBLE FUEL MILEAGE WHEN THIS HAPPENS COSTING A FORTUNE IN WASTED DIESEL FUMES. THAT HAVE BEEN KNOW TO CAUSE BRAIN CANCER, ALSO THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION FROM NOT RUNNING PROPER. I AM NO FAN OF FORD'S REPAIR SHOP WHEN THEY TELL YOU IN 1983 TO MY FATHER THAT HIS ALMOST BRAND NEW DIESEL NEEDS NEW (SPARK PLUGS) WHEN DIESEL DO NOT EVEN HAVE THEM.
Mileage: 23,000
THE 2001 F250 I OWN HAS ALWAYS STALLED AT ANY GIVEN TIME. FORD RECALLED THE CAM POSITION SENSOR, I HAD ALREADY CHANGED IT JUST BEFORE RECALL THEN THEY DID AGAIN. THAT NEVER STOPPED IT FROM STALLING, IT ALSO DOESN'T READ WHEN YOU SOMETIMES GO TO TAKE OFF. I'VE CHANGED (THROTTLE SWITCH) THAT DID NOTHING. ALL OF ITS MISHAPS HAS CASED THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIR. ALWAYS BROKE DOWN AND CAN'T MAKE MONEY WHEN IT'S IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE TRUCK TIME AFTER TIME. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL CLOSE CALL ACCIDENTS, WHEN I LOSE POWERSTEERING AND ALMOST HAVE CRASHED INTO CARS. I FIGURED OUT THE FUEL TANK FLAKING OFF INSIDE THE TANK COULD BE THE CAUSE. THE TRUCK GETS TERRIBLE FUEL MILEAGE WHEN THIS HAPPENS COSTING A FORTUNE IN WASTED DIESEL FUMES. THAT HAVE BEEN KNOW TO CAUSE BRAIN CANCER, ALSO THE AMOUNT OF POLLUTION FROM NOT RUNNING PROPER. I AM NO FAN OF FORD'S REPAIR SHOP WHEN THEY TELL YOU IN 1983 TO MY FATHER THAT HIS ALMOST BRAND NEW DIESEL NEEDS NEW (SPARK PLUGS) WHEN DIESEL DO NOT EVEN HAVE THEM.
Mileage: 23,000
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN WOLF ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE 2001 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK BECAUSE OF STEERING MALFUNCTION (ATTN: JOHN CZERWINSKI). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN, EVEN WITH BOTH HANDS. WHEN SOME OF THE PRESSURE WAS RELEASED FROM THE BRAKE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN FREELY. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE STEERING PUMP WAS BAD. HOWEVER, THE STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED FIVE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *JB UPDATED 03/25/15. *JB
I WAS MAKING A SHARP LEFT TURN, FROM A STOP, WHEN I HEARD A SNAPPING NOISE, THEN I NOTICED MY STEERING WHEEL TURNING FREELY, I JUST CONTINUED FORWARD WITH NO STEERING SINCE I WAS KIND OF CROSSED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND HAD CARS COMING AT ME AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, I WAS ABLE TO GO OVER ONTO THE SIDE WALK CROSSED, I STOPPED THE TRUCK AND WHEN I LOOKED SAW THE SHAFT AT THE STEERING BOX HAD SHEERED IN HALF. I AM A RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND CONSIDER THIS A VERY DELICATE MATTER, HAVE I BEING TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED THIS COULD HAVE BEING A SITUATION WITH VERY TRAGIC RESULTS. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE THANKS *TR
Mileage: 169,450
TIRE BLOWOUT WITH COMPLETE TREAD SEPARATION WHILE TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE PULLING A HORSE TRAILER. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL TO SHOULDER & CHANGE TIRE FOR SPARE. TREAD DAMAGED TRUCK PANEL, TAILPIPE & BENT FRONT AXLE OF TRAILER. TIRES WERE WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD BEEN CHECKED BEFORE DEPARTURE. TIRES WERE NITTO TERRA GRAPPLER LT 285/75R16 126/123Q LOAD RANGE E. *TR
HITTING BRAKE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. STEEL LINE COMING OUT ABS RUPTURED WHERE THE FLEX SECTION ENDS RIGHT ABOVE FRAME RAIL. WHERE I LIVE, STEEP HILLS AND SHARP TURNS, THIS WAS VERY LIFE THREATENING IF OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING! I'M NOT A HAPPY CAMPER! *TR
Mileage: 72,745
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.