Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
There has been no incident as yet but the frame of this vehicle has such extreme corrosion that certified mechanics are reluctant to work on this vehicle since they are concerned about a failure occurring at connection point where the steering and suspension connects to the frame of the vehicle. Their concern is a loss of control of the vehicle if any of the steering or suspension connection points fail due to the severely corroded frame. This is not surface corrosion, the metal is flaked and separated and it is the entire frame of the vehicle. I had just spent $4,000 to replace the entire exhaust system from the exhaust manifold back to the tail pipe and the mechanic is warning me about the safety of the suspension and steering components because of the extreme corrosion. The vehicle only has 77, 000 original miles and has never been in severe weather conditions.
Gas tank fell out of vehicle,tearing filler hose. Tank straps and supporting structures rust thru, failure. Drivers' side rear shock dropped from vehicle because metal bracket it was attached to rotted thru. Bed rails completely rusted thru. Frame has rusted thru holes. Complete rust failure. Vehicle has only 90K miles always maintained, washed underneath weekly in winter. Vehicle in motion when parts fell on rte 58 and the shock on town street..$900 to repair gas tank. Shock incident happened today 11/26/2017, gas tank 9/12/2016
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. …
There aren't any real events leading to the failure. I took my truck into the local dealership (gary crossley Ford) to have the speed control recall work done. While there I asked to have a state inspection done as well. I was told by the service advisor that the lower ball joint were somewhat loose and would need replacing - so I had them do that as well as flush the transmission as well (this truck only had 62,000 miles on it). Following that it passed inspections - all was well. Not even one month later (possibly only 3 weeks) I tried backing from my parking spot at work and heard a *thunk* from the rear end. Not sure what it was I backed up more and heard it again. Put the truck in drive and there was a rubbing noise from underneath. I parked it and called a tow rig to take it back to the dealer. …
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 owned my truck for 15 months, and recently I have a severe vibration at speeds of 40-45 MPH. I brought into the shop 4 times, the last time being towed in, because it shook so bad, I was scared to drive it. I replaced all four tires and that didn't even help. I have called Ford on many atempts, to inform them of this problem, along with many others I have had. Their response was, oh well. I just learned today, that the severe vibration is common in these trucks. If I would have known this, I would have never purchased this vehicle. It it extremely unsafe to drive. I was also told there is a weight or something that can be installed to help the vibration. If this is true, I would like to know what it is and how I can get it.
I have a 2001, Ford f-150, 2 x 4, 4.6l v-8, 64K miles. Nstalled new tires on vehicle. Was informed that wheel alignement could not be guaranteed due to bad lower driver side ball joint. Took vehicle to Ford dealer for second 'expert opinion" was advised both lower ball joints need replacement. This truck has all highway miles, no off road or construction type heavy load use. All joint failure should not occur at this mileage with this type of use. My opinion inferior design, workmanship, or procurement practice by Ford. Seems to be common thread occurence from my research.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud bang. Two days later, he noticed that the vehicle was sitting lower than usual. When he inspected, he noticed that the leaf spring from the rear suspension broke and pierced the floorboard. He also saw that the entire frame and suspension system were rusted. The vehicle was driven home and parked. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired by a mechanic. The current and failure mileages were approximately 182,000.
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.
Dt*: the contact stated while pulling out of a parking lot going 5 MPH a loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle. At this time the front suspension dropped down causing an abrupt stop. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, upon inspection the problem was the passenger's front lower ball joint had snapped off. Repairs have been made, the manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 3/22/2006 -
Suspension complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2001 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Ford F-150, 3% of the model year's 1,236 complaints. The component named most often is front › control arm › lower ball joint (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-150 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to suspension 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.