Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Uncontrollable loss of steering on 2001 Ford f-150 supercrew due to failure of right inner tie-rod end. Ford f-150 skidded across the road (right to left side) and went down into a ditch and struck a tree. Ford f-150 was towed to nearest service station for repair of right inner tie-rod end.
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. …
The fuel tank straps on my 2001 Ford f150 are completely rusted. Other areas have also rusted out such as the radiator supports - radiator and shroud dropped out and are hitting against the engine fan. The pick-up bed of the truck is also rusting out. Updated 08/11/11 the consumer stated when he inspected the straps, he found one of them completely covered in rust, but still in tact. Also, there was unusual rusting all over the underside of the vehicle. The entire lower radiator support was rotted out and the underside of the pick-up bed and other supports have major rust. Updated 08/12/11 the consumer stated when the support gave out the radiator and radiator shroud fell onto the fan that is mounted to the engine. Also, the ball joints and steering were wearing prematurely due to lack of grease fittings. Updated 08/30/11
I have a 2001 Ford f150 regular cab long bed with 75,000 miles. While driving at approximately 40 MPH the right inner tie rod broke causing the vehicle to shudder significantly until I was able to stop the vehicle. This brief shuddering caused the rear fuel tank strap to snap in half primarily due to excessive corrosion of the strap. Loss of the supporting strap caused the rear of the tank to drop almost to ground level which also broke the filler inlet off of the top of the tank, completely disconnecting the filler tube and presenting a large hole for fuel to escape. Both of these failures are not what I would expect from a vehicle with only 75,000 miles on the odometer. Either could have resulted in serious injury or property damage.
Ford f-150 supercrew 2001: right tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket), resulting in violent wheel oscillation, with front tire drag bringing vehicle to a halt; 20 MPH; no warning; regularly inspected, ~110K mileage. Had been driving at 65 MPH with family (5 passengers) day before tie rod broke. What would have happened?? Same vehicle, ~130K mileage, date 8/27/07. Left tie rod broke catastrophically (broken socket). Just pulled into rest area on i95 in connecticut. Tried to back up, wheels angled, towed, tie rod replaced. Minutes before I was traveling 70mph in passing lane on i95. What could have happened?? Vehicle not used for off-road, no snow plow, maintained by service station regularly.
Both steering bearings (located in steering column inside truck cab) completely wore out, steering wheel was very loose. 2001 f150 Ford lariat supercrew. My friend is a mechanic with the wv dept of highways and he had to have both the steering bearings in all the 2000 f150 pickups in his organization replaced. This is how I know what was wrong with mine, it was doing the same thing the states trucks done. Loose steering wheel and hard to steer. Should be a safety recall because if it would have happened when I was driving at a higher rate of speed around a turn an accident May have occured. I bought the two bearings and had them installed. Not sure if mechanic kept the old bearings.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f150. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering column bolt unexpectedly detached. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact was able to locate the bolt on the floor area and continued driving. The gear selector would not shift into park at any given time which required the gear to be shifted into the neutral position and bricks placed behind each tire to avoid the vehicle from rolling away. The dealer was notified of the malfunction and they informed that the repair would be at the expense of the contact. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 200,000.
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.
Dt: problems began on 5/23/05 while turning right in normal driving conditions on dry pavement. Caller believed the passenger's side tie rod popped off the ball joint. No warning lights on in vehicle. It was not pulling or making any noise. Vehicle was going about 10 MPH. Vehicle was in the shop. After stopping the vehicle, driver noticed the passenger wheel was turned to the right, all other wheels were facing forward. It was towed to the dealership and repaired.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became loose as the steering column became separated from the universal joint. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the universal joint would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford F-150, 3% of the model year's 1,236 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Ford F-150, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.