Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. While driving 48 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle crashed into an 18-wheeler. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A police report was filed and the contact was informed that the rear brakes appeared to have failed. The contact sustained a laceration on the left arm, neck and back pain, and a bruise on the chest. The contact denied medical attention, but later went to the hospital. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Tl* 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.
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. …
While driving in stop and go traffic in southern cal. The truck in front of me stopped suddenly. When I pushed on my brake pedal it went all the way to the floor. The only thing that stopped me was the truck in front of me. This break pedal thing happened once before but without an accident. During the time of the accident my speed was about 20mph in dry conditions. I have a 2001 Ford f-150, 4.2 v-6 , super cab, 4x2, and auto, with 50K miles. I have replaced my master cylinder hoping this will correct the problem. I saved the old cylinder and would be happy to send it to you all for inspection. I took it apart myself and found four small scratches on the housing.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle revved up and stalled. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to stop. The contact stated that the throttle cable was exposed and installed additional bolts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle. After driving ten miles, the brake fluid leaked out. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
While driving 55 MPH brakes failed, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. The consumer rear ended another vehicle. The insurance company totaled the vehicle. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Our insured, mr mohssin, performed an evasive manuever at highway speed applying the brakes to the maximum while turning. His 2001 f150 harley edition is equipped with ABS as well as 20" rims which are 40lbs heavier than stock. In the last several weeks, we have gathered sufficient evidence to suggest that the lf and rf brake caliper brackets snapped during this loss causing both tire/wheel/hub assys to shear off the spindle nuts and become separated from the vehicle. There was no impact with any other vehicle prior to this and all components on this vehicle are OEM. It is the opinion of our indpendent reconstructionist engineer that there is ample reason for Ford to be concerned and review the evidence for themselves. To date, we have had no luck getting any response or interest in reviewing our findings. Many avenues have been pursued to seek some response. …
Take a look a my vehicle history, I baby my truck - never used off-road. I have replaced several items that I feel should have been fixed by Ford. I had to buy a warranty that cover most of the stuff. Some parts with defects that were replaced. Most replaced at 40,000-80,000 miles 1.) transmission completely replaced 2.) rearend replaced 3.) I'm on my third set of all 4 ball joints 4.) tie rods, tie rod ends (replaced twice now) 5.) coil 6.) headlight housing (3-4 times) 7.) brakes, numerous things worked on and replaced dealership was never able to stop the thumping noise that is still there, said it was normal (not) 8.) idler arm (replaced twice) 9.) sunroof switch replaced twice, reported loud bang when opening. A&b Kia said it was normal - no, now it is completely broke and will barely open and have to force closed. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The left front brake hose was damaged during final assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new left front brake hose assembly. Owner notification began March 20, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…
Brake complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 69 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Ford F-150, 6% of the model year's 1,236 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-150 brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 01V-095 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings, Mar 23, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford F-150 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 15 crashes, 6 fires and 9 injuries and 1 death to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.