Most common 2001 Ford Econoline problems
Share of the 28 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford Econoline complaints by model year
Best Econoline years: 2005, 2006, 2007. Years to avoid: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995, 2000. Compare all years →
2001 Ford Econoline recalls (3)
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 Mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 Lincoln town car vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
On certain cutaway chassis cab with the school bus option, two brackets and two outrigger members are missing in the area of the fuel tank.
Remedy: Ford will send technicians to the owner's location to inspect and add the brackets and outriggers as required. Owner notification began on September 3, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Child seat
Vehicle description: certain crew vans failed to comply with the requirements of FMVSS 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." these vehicles, which are designated as trucks, are 5 passenger vehicles with three designated seating positions in the second row seats.
Remedy: Dealers will install the child seat tether anchorages at the center second row seating position, and also replace the vehicle owner guides with new versions providing the required written instructions.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 Ford Econoline:
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…
What 2001 Ford Econoline owners say
Speed control & acceleration
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that he does not want to drive the vehicle because of the speed control recall. He stated that there was no safety warning light regarding a possible fire. The insulation on all of the electrical wires in the undercarriage was improperly fused and the low-weight shocks were incorrect and faulty. He stated that the deactivation switch contained the incorrect insulation. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 97,000. Updated 01/09/08. Updated 12/12/07
A week ago we received a recall notice for our 2001 Econoline truck concerning the fused jumper harness. We also saw it on the news. We called the Ford garage here to get this repaired and they said to call back in April. This vehicle is used every day for work and it is a great concern of ours that we are driving an unsafe vehicle and were told to wait a month! The dealership here in rochester mn. Is rochester Ford. If the parts aren't available, I want this documented that we couldn't get them. Mrs sorensen
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Econoline. The contact was driving 40 MPH when the vehicle exhibited an abnormally loud backfire noise from underneath the hood area. The contact moved the vehicle from the roadway and found a small fire in the engine compartment. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic advised that the failure was caused by a blown spark plug that ejected from its housing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford Econoline. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was a loud bang heard from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated that the number one spark plug and the coil would have to be replaced. The failure recurred six times after the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that an after market part could be inserted on the spark plugs to prevent the failure from recurring. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.
Wheels & tires
Nar 02/10/2003. Ohio police report. Tire blew out. Vehicle skidded off the road struck a guardrail. The rear tire and rim was missing and the studs had broke off. Tire brand, size and dot # unknown.
Sidewall split and blew out on new vehicle w\ 190 miles. Ford dealer replaced tire. We have 6 other vans produced at the same time with razor thin cracks in the sidewalls that run bead to tread on all steeltex tires. (dot number: 8x1l 1x1 tiresize: lt22575r16)
2001 Ford Econoline engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.4L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Ford Econoline a good car?
Based on 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Econoline rates average: 38% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Econoline at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Ford Econoline?
The speed control & acceleration — 8 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cruise control. Next are the engine & cooling (7) and wheels & tires (4).
How many recalls does the 2001 Ford Econoline have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2001 Ford Econoline, the most recent from February 4, 2008 (cruise control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford Econoline?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 2006 and 2007. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1999, 1996, 1995 and 2000. See the full Ford Econoline years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford Econoline problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.