Is the 2001 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Ford F-350 SD is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford F-350 SD?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Ford F-350 SD have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2001 Ford F-350 SD

◆ Worse than typical

2001 Ford F-350 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:55:32.031Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 158
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 8
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2001: 158 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	0
1994	0
1995	2
1996	0
1997	3
1998	3
1999	142
2000	157
2001	158
2002	124
2003	132
2004	130
2005	217
2006	127
2007	25
2008	101
2009	19
2010	50
2011	43
2012	29
2013	9
2014	7
2015	18
2016	22
2017	94
2018	11
2019	14
2020	5
2021	8
2022	112
2023	41
2024	44
2025	14
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

26% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE

Tires

22% · 34 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On September 17 one our crew vehicles experienced a tread separation of the right front tire at highway speeds resulting in one severe injury, two much less severe injury's and a total loss of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-09-30

Firestone steetext tires on F350 Ford pick-up. 02-04-2004 left front tire ruptured, causing accident . Vehicle was total. No injuries. Florida highway patrol acc. #FHPC04OFF0115584. Crash report #70818961. Statefarm ins. Claim #59Y649922.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-27

Power train

18% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

Electrical system

13% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Electronic problem, causing the vehicle to stall, it stall on the freeway causing a collison betweeen my vehicle and a semi, semi sideswiped my vehicle tearing off the driver's side mirror.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-07-14

Steering

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing connection and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 8 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2001Complaint volume 158 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2001-03-02Engineering analysisClosed 2003-08-19 Sector shaft fractures
I
2004-02-23Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-10 Accelerator pedal sensor (Etc)
I
2004-10-22Recall queryClosed 2005-02-17 Front seat belt buckle assembly
I
2005-02-17Engineering analysisClosed 2005-07-06 Front seat belt buckle assembly
I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
I
2006-02-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-06-23 Engine stalling
I
2006-06-22Engineering analysisClosed 2007-12-07 Engine stalling
R

2007-12-29Engine and engine cooling07V553000 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.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sensor and replace it with an improved camshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on December 29, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Ford F-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 41 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 34 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 07V553000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Ford F-350 SD reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Ford F-350 SD is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Ford F-350 SD?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford F-350 SD have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.