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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 56
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,740 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Ford F-150 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2001 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #100

Aug 172021

F-150

  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway flames were suddenly present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The contact indicated that prior to the fire the vehicle had not been driven or turned on for two days. The failure mileage was 89,000.

- Sedalia, MO, USA

problem #99

Apr 042021

F-150

  • 164,000 miles
We purchased our 2001 F150 supercrew used. I am a mechanic, so the first thing I do when buying a used vehicle is inspect it thoroughly. There were a few minor issues, but one stood out as a major safety hazard. Upon further research, it seems to be extremely common to all 1997-2003 F-150S. Symptoms - this issue mainly affects the rear left and right brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. These lights, particularly brake lights, can cease to function entirely, intermittently and unknown to the driver. Cause - there is a wire harness which connects to the "multi - function switch". this wire harness is pulled when the steering wheel is tilted down. As a result, the connector or individual terminals can become loose or disconnected. This problem is most prevalent with the steering wheel in the down position, but once loose can happen at any position and any driving situation. Solution - repair or replace with motorcraft part# wpt607, and ensure the harness has enough slack to allow steering wheel tilt without tension on the harness. In our case, I replaced the connector and pulled the wires enough to allow slack for steering wheel tilt. There are numerous reports of this issue online, and it is well documented by F150 owners. I have pictures but the file sizes are over 5mb.

- Hesperia, CA, USA

problem #98

Jun 242010

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles
Caught on fire under the hood driver side wire wall area. Consumer stated original components and parts were melted and damaged.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #97

May 092019

F-150

  • 275,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. While operating the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed extensive red smoke and fire under the front end of the vehicle. The fire spread to another vehicle. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire inspection report was provided. Two vehicles had been impacted due to the fire. The insurance company had not yet inspected the vehicle. The contact was not aware or notified of a speed control system modification from January 27, 2005 and NHTSA campaign number: 11V385000 (fuel system, gasoline) as of July 29, 2011. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 275,000.

- Shannon, MS, USA

problem #96

Apr 072015

F-150

  • 133,750 miles
The truck was parked out front of my house on the street and it caught fire.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #95

Aug 112015

F-150

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. While reversing, the vehicle crashed into a telephone pole when shifting the gear into drive. The vehicle accelerated to approximately 70-80 mph. The brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle crashed into a garage. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

- Marion, IN, USA

problem #94

Sep 202015

F-150

  • 286,457 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

All I know is I was at a neighbors for around 1 1/2 hours and we hear a loud boom. We ran out side and my truck hood was on fire, it burned everything visible on top of the motor and toward the driver firewall. It busted the driver side tire and completely burned everything visible under the hood. The dash components as far as the eye can see are not bad, unknown of internal damage.I'm not sure what caused the problem. I did go to the recall site to see if there may have been something I did find this control switch for speed recall and not sure if it applies to mine.even though it brought it up when I entered my VIN #. I did receive a recall on the gas tank straps but did not replace them they were in great shape. But I did not receive on on this. I do have pictures if you need them. Thanks

- Blaine, KY, USA

problem #93

Jun 132015

F-150

  • miles
Turn signal are now sporadic. Upon investigating I found that when the tilt is engaged and lowered the turn signals would not work. Raise steering wheel back up it would work. Start to drive down the road they would turn off or not work at all or wok sometimes. Raise the steering wheel they work. Lower it they don't. this indicates from further research on line in Ford F150 forums this is a problem with the wiring being to short and the wires get pulled out of the switch. It is a very common occurrence in F!%) from 98 up to 2004 and are now being reported in newer models as well. This is a severe safety hazard for drivers and passengers and drivers behind the vehicles.and should be remedied by Ford at no expense to the owners.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #92

May 202015

F-150

  • miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the auto theft sensor illuminated several times and continued to illuminate randomly. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the key, but the failure recurred. The contact continued to have extreme difficulty with turning the key to start the ignition and the auto theft warning lamp continued to illuminate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Kykotsmovi Village , AZ, USA

problem #91

Jul 172014

F-150 8-cyl

  • 200,014 miles
I parked, walked inside...moments later the truck was on fire..

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #90

Oct 222014

F-150

  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that she never received a recall notice for the vehicle nor were any warning lights illuminated. The VIN associated with the vehicle is listed in NHTSA campaign number: 05V017000 (vehicle speed control). The contact drove the vehicle on Saturday. On Wednesday, the vehicle caught fire. The vehicle was not towed to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.

- Appomattox, VA, USA

problem #89

Aug 182014

F-150 8-cyl

  • miles
The truck was parked in my driveway for at least 24 hours without being used or turned on. The front of the truck suddenly went on fire. The fire department came and put it out. The fire burned only the front up to the windshield leaving the cab partially melted and my daughters car seat unsafe. Now this mess sits in my driveway as I wait for inspector. As it falls apart more and more each day as my family and neighbors smell the burnt rubble and are reminded of that frightening afternoon.

- West Babylon, NY, USA

problem #88

Jun 222013

F-150 8-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Vehicle was not in use- parked and not on smoke and fire came from under hood the wiring melted causing the hood to melt underneath where it can not be opened. Contacted Ford on Monday June 24 waited few weeks for paper work- promptly filled it out and never heard back frome them- made several calls received a letter from legal department indicating they need the part to review we wanted Ford to come to look at truck and retireve the part they are not willing and are closing the case there is a recall on this and my family was in the truck that morning- we re lucky no one was killed

- Pine Bush, NY, USA

problem #87

May 302013

F-150

  • 58,500 miles
2001 F150 XLT 4.2 V6 electronical control module (ECM) shorted out causing malfunction to my lights windows and alarm and my locks as well which is a theft concern and fire hazard as well. I feel in my opinion that this issue should be addressed and should be under recall and fixed under Ford I spoke with a tech at a Ford dealership nearest me and he told me that Ford has not stepped up and said anything. I feel this needs to be addressed and is a big concern for me and im sure its a concern for others as well. So Ford if you want business and you love your customers this will be fixed.

- Iron Station, NC, USA

problem #86

Apr 112013

F-150 8-cyl

  • 250,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parked and occupied, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire and police department reported to the scene and filed a report. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The cause of the fire was undetermined. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.

- Rosenberg, TX, USA

problem #85

Feb 052013

F-150

  • 327,000 miles
I keep having major issues with my truck ejecting spark plugs from the engine which is breaking not only my spark plugs but my coil pack as well. This is rediculious. The first time I was at a light at a dead stop when I hear a loud banging noise like something exploded then my truck started running rough and had to get it towed. It stranded us 45 minutes from home. The second time was two days ago on March 18 I was driving through a drive thru again at a dead stop and heard a loud noise and had the same issue. Again my spark plug was ejected and coil pack broken. The first time was in cylinder 1 and was repaired then one month later the next time cylinder 2 ejected. 5 minutes after it was repaired and had new plug and coil pack it again ejected. Im upset because I can no longer drive my truck. If Ford doesnt fix this I willnever purchase another Ford. Now it is useless sitting in my garage takin up space.

- Godely, TX, USA

problem #84

Jan 302013

F-150

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The police and fire department reported to the scene and a report was filed. The cause of the fire was not determined. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #83

Nov 042012

F-150 8-cyl

  • 125,000 miles
2001 Ford F150 was sitting out in driveway of owner's home. He had been home approx 1/2 hours when owners vehicle was on fire coming from the engine compartment. No fire damage to the inside cab of owners vehicle.

- Santa Clarita, CA, USA

problem #82

Sep 212012

F-150 8-cyl

  • 163,000 miles
Car was sitting in driveway for around 30 -45 minutes then just set fire.

- Willingboro, NJ, USA

problem #81

Sep 032012

F-150

  • 138,000 miles
Rear lights, including brake, turn signals, and hazard lights quit working. This issue can be found on many online Ford F-150 forums. The steering column wiring is too short, and breakage in the wire, or connectors can occur with the tilt steering mechanism. The tilt steering mechanism and short wiring has caused the connection to break inside the steering column trim on our vehicle, which caused the lights to stop functioning properly. I inspected the problem, and found the connector can move freely. I feel this is an issue since I am able to locate many others that have had the same issue from 1997 up to 2001 Ford F-150S.

- Dillon, MT, USA

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