Owners have filed 1,451 complaints
about the 2001 Ford F-150 with NHTSA between 2000 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 9 of 33 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 51
Against the median year of the Ford F-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
34% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Engine
9724.6%
Head Restraint
7819.8%
Cruise Control
6516.5%
Frontal
4010.2%
Automatic Transmission
358.9%
Body
317.9%
Gasoline
256.3%
Buckle Assembly
235.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
91.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
111.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
374.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
10811.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14215.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16017.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
25227.8%
150,000+ miles
18920.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2000peak 42Jul 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Ford F-150
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA11006Opened 4 May 2011Closed 19 Aug 2011FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to Corrosion
One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and fail (break or separate).If one strap fails, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.If either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.When the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.In some cases...
PE10036Opened 7 Sep 2010Closed 23 May 2011FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Fuel Tank Strap Corrosion/Rust
One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and break.If one strap breaks, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank may drop to the road.If either failure occurs while the vehicle is being driven, contact with the road can abrade the tank and create a hole from which gasoline can spill.When the tank drops, it remains attached to the vehicle only by the fuel filler hose and/or supply lines, or in rare instances, by the skid plate, if present.This raises the possibility that...
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE THE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN A...
EA05005Opened 22 Mar 2005Closed 2 Aug 2006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHIC...
EA05004Opened 17 Feb 2005Closed 6 Jul 2005SEAT BELTS
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO THE RECALL SERVICE ACTION, ODI RECEIVED 15 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A PASSED INSPECTION BUCKLE SUBSEQUENTLY FAILED TO LATCH OR INADVERTENTLY UNLATCHED DURING USE.IN ADDITION, FORD HAS IDENTIFIED 543 OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING BUCKLE FAILURE SUBSEQUENT TO PASSING THE INSPECTION TEST.FORD...
RQ04011Opened 22 Oct 2004Closed 17 Feb 2005SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUCKLE TEST TOOL.FORD REPORTED THAT 829,927 VEHICLES HAD BOTH BUCKLES PASS THE TOOL TEST AND ANOTHER 167,336 VEHICLES HAD ONE BUCKLE PASS.ODI AND FORD RECEIVED COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE SHORTLY AFTER PASSING THE ORIGINAL RECALL INSPECTION SERVICE.COMPLAINANTS ALLEGED THAT THE BUCKLE...
Recalls on the 2001 Ford F-150
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Risk: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
09E025000
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E012000
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
08E050000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E066000
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.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
06E067000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NOS. 331-1129L-ASN AND 331-1129R-ASN, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
06E065000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AJ MOTORSPORT COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2011281166,282 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250, and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the fuel tank straps could corrode and fail. This could allow the fuel tank to contact the ground, which may compromise the tank's integrity and permit fuel leakage. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install fuel tank straps with improved corrosion protection.
Recall 2005028304,417 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.
Recall 2004164305,024 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, Ford has issued a scheduled maintenance guide update which specifies that every 20 000 kms, the steering linkage, which includes tie-rod ends, should be inspected. The vehicle owner is asked to place the tie-rod end inspection procedure supplied with this maintenance guide update in the vehicle's glove box for reference and safekeeping. The vehicle owner is to provide the inspection procedure to their repair facility to help properly identify worn tie-rod ends. Performing the vehicle scheduled maintenance, including maintenance inspections, is the responsibility of the vehicle owner. Failure to replace worn tie-rod ends may eventually result in a tie-rod end separation that could adversely affect steering control. If the inspection reveals that a tie-rod end is worn and must be replaced, the repair will be at the owner's expense unless the vehicle is still covered by the basic vehicle warranty, or has an extended service plan coverage that includes these components.
Recall 200120483,005 units in Canada
Other
Certain 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, complete loss of wiper function, smoke or, potentially, ignition of the plastic cover material. Switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. Loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. Motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced.
Recall 200119478,402 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain 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. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced.
Recall 200106918 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the inflator canister in the driver airbag module may have an inadequate weld near the igniter. In the event of a vehicle crash, the driver airbag may not deploy as intended. This could potentially result in reduced occupant protection, or a burn injury. Correction: Driver airbag modules will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 249,000 milesLindon, UTFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 1996 N/A Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the firewall located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The origin of the fire was not yet determined. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 249,000.
NHTSA complaint #11674308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle on the street in front of the residence, and ten minutes later, the contact heard the horn abruptly sounding. His son looked out the window and discovered the vehicle in flames. No warning light was illuminated. The contact called 911 about the failure. There were no injuries sustained. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire consumed and destroyed the entire vehicle. The origin of the fire was in the engine compartment of the driver's side. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was not towed and remained at the residence. The insurance company was notified of the failure; however, pending an inspection. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), which was associated with the VIN, and upon research, believed that the recall consequence was related to the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11670333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 283,000 milesAmarillo, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that a bystander driving by became aware of the fire underneath the hood of the vehicle and used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that failure was caused by brake fluid leaking onto a faulty brake pressor sensor switch, also called a speed control deactivation switch under the hood, and caused the switch to corrode, causing the fire. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the Fire Department was not notified of the fire. The vehicle remand at the residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 283,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); The contact's husband had left the vehicle unoccupied and parked outside his workplace. The contact's husband was then contacted by his co-workers via walkie-talkie to inform him the vehicle was on fire. When the contact arrived at the scene of the fire, nine other co-workers and himself attempted to extinguish the fire with water and extinguishers however wires were burnt on the front part of the vehicle and they were unsuccessful. The Fire Department was on scene and extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown, but the fire department did state it had to do with something electric. The fire took place at [XXX] . The vehicle was consumed by the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact believes the vehicle is a total loss. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. There were no injuries or property damage. A dealer was called and confirmed that there were 2 open recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesColfax, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the engine compartment had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11609471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesHeathsville, VAFire
FIRERELATED
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off at the residence, the vehicle caught fire, with flames coming from underneath the hood. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,0000.
NHTSA complaint #11543361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 249,000 milesLindon, UTFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 1996 N/A Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the firewall located on the driver's side had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was not provided. The origin of the fire was not yet determined. A Police report was not filed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 249,000.
NHTSA complaint #11674308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesPatricksburg, IN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to open due to a fractured cable. The contact added WD-40 to the doors. The contact stated that the battery was draining while the door was opened. The contact stated that the resonator connecting the engine and muffler was rusted. The contact added putty to the area. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesPatricksburg, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear doors failed to open due to a fractured cable. The contact added WD-40 to the doors. The contact stated that the battery was draining while the door was opened. The contact stated that the resonator connecting the engine and muffler was rusted. The contact added putty to the area. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11673610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle on the street in front of the residence, and ten minutes later, the contact heard the horn abruptly sounding. His son looked out the window and discovered the vehicle in flames. No warning light was illuminated. The contact called 911 about the failure. There were no injuries sustained. The police and fire departments arrived on the scene, and the firefighters extinguished the fire. The fire consumed and destroyed the entire vehicle. The origin of the fire was in the engine compartment of the driver's side. Police and fire department reports were filed. The vehicle was not towed and remained at the residence. The insurance company was notified of the failure; however, pending an inspection. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), which was associated with the VIN, and upon research, believed that the recall consequence was related to the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11670333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 283,000 milesAmarillo, TXFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that a bystander driving by became aware of the fire underneath the hood of the vehicle and used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The contact stated that failure was caused by brake fluid leaking onto a faulty brake pressor sensor switch, also called a speed control deactivation switch under the hood, and caused the switch to corrode, causing the fire. No injuries were sustained. The contact stated that the Fire Department was not notified of the fire. The vehicle remand at the residence. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V388000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 283,000.
NHTSA complaint #11669284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL); The contact's husband had left the vehicle unoccupied and parked outside his workplace. The contact's husband was then contacted by his co-workers via walkie-talkie to inform him the vehicle was on fire. When the contact arrived at the scene of the fire, nine other co-workers and himself attempted to extinguish the fire with water and extinguishers however wires were burnt on the front part of the vehicle and they were unsuccessful. The Fire Department was on scene and extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown, but the fire department did state it had to do with something electric. The fire took place at [XXX] . The vehicle was consumed by the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact believes the vehicle is a total loss. The vehicle was consumed by the fire. There were no injuries or property damage. A dealer was called and confirmed that there were 2 open recalls associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11645428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paw Paw, MI
POWER TRAIN
n/a
NHTSA complaint #11644534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paw Paw, MI
ENGINE
n/a
NHTSA complaint #11644534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paw Paw, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
n/a
NHTSA complaint #11644534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 242,000 milesHarrisburg, TX
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V227001 (Seat Belts); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front passenger’s seat belt loosened independently, and the front driver’s side seat belt occasionally loosened independently. The local dealer informed the contact that parts for recall repairs were not on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 242,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11640386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesBraidwood, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle one day, there was an abnormal fuel odor outside the vehicle. The contact’s husband inspected underneath the vehicle and discovered that the fuel tank had detached from the subframe. The contact stated that prior to becoming aware of the failure, the low fuel warning light was occasionally illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that there were no open recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.
NHTSA complaint #11624022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 154,000 milesColfax, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the engine compartment had caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided; however, the cause for the failure was not yet determined. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11609471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 293,000 milesLockhart, SC
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side seat belt unbuckled independently. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V348000 (Seat Belts) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 293,000.
NHTSA complaint #11554003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesHeathsville, VAFire
FIRERELATED
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and shut off at the residence, the vehicle caught fire, with flames coming from underneath the hood. No injuries were sustained. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a body shop and was not yet deemed totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V385000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,0000.
NHTSA complaint #11543361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesRichmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. After visual inspection, the contact was able to conclude that the sound originated from the passenger’s side exhaust manifold. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a failure with the bolts securing the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11531582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lago Vista, TX
FIRERELATED
2001 Ford F-150 Consumer writing to inform of a the fire that occurred while stopped in traffic. Description of incident and pictures attached.
NHTSA complaint #11522210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesLafayette, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off the vehicle suddenly caught on fire and was destroyed. The fire department was called to the impoundment lot and extinguished the flames which came from the engine compartment. A fire report was taken at the scene. The cause of the fire was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11517817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaaawa, HICrash
POWER TRAIN
The car will randomly go forward while shifted in reverse I smashed into my boat trying to back up and when foward
NHTSA complaint #11509127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattville, AL
SEAT BELTS
The seat belt quit locking in place shortly after I purchased the truck
NHTSA complaint #11472837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGreenwood Springs, MSFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
The contact owned a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that he had noticed that the cruise control had stopped functioning. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked for three hours at his residence driveway with no keys in the ignition and had caught on fire. The contact stated that he had no warning. The vehicle had been engulfed in flames and the fire department had been called and extinguished the fire using water. The contact stated that a fire report was issued. The contact's insurance company declared the vehicle a complete loss. The contact related the failure to an open recall on his vehicle NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.
NHTSA complaint #11469008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesFort Worth, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
The contact's associate owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while his associate was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a braking failure. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the braking system had failed and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11460761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesFort Worth, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact's associate owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while his associate was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a braking failure. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the braking system had failed and the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #11460761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
SEAT BELTS
Whoever tested our seatbelts on this vehicle years ago at the Ford dealership in Florence, Alabama did not do a good test. When me or my husband are driving the driver side seatbelt will release and we have to pull over to fasten it back again. It will do this several times while driving, which is a safety hazard. It has to be a defect in the connection of the seatbelt. The one on the passenger side works and have not had any problems with it coming undone. It is only the one on the driver's side that wants to come undone while driving. We will put it on and tug on it and it stays but when driving it will not stay fastened long. When they did the test at the Ford dealer in Florence, Alabama many years ago, all they did was fasten it without sitting in the seat and tug on it a few times and said it passed. We then moved to Texas in November of 2001 and on the way there it started releasing going down the road. Since the seatbelt was tested back then we were not sure if we could get it tested again for that purpose. Is there anything we can do to get this fixed even though we had it tested already once before?
NHTSA complaint #11453674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesCoxs Creek, KY
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the passenger’s and driver’s side seat belts would unbuckle without warning. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 01V227001 (Seat Belts) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11443792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Radnor, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame is rusting apart.
NHTSA complaint #11435645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.