Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 car will randomly go forward while shifted in reverse I smashed into my boat trying to back up and when foward
My vehicle has an automatic transmission. I pulled out of my driveway and shifted into drive and the gear shifter went "floppy," became excessively loose and would not shift into any other gear position. I had to shut the engine off and set the emergency brake to keep the vehicle in place right there in the middle of the street. It turns out two 27mm torx bolts had come loose on the steering column shifter assembly inside the dashboard (a nut holding one of the bolts had actually broken into two pieces). See attached pictures. As I researched this problem, I learned that hundreds, perhaps thousands had reported the same issue (that and bushings breaking or slipping out on the steering column causing a similar issue), on f-150's, f-250's, f-350's, windstar vans, and other Ford vehicles. This had the potential to be a tragic problem. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. When the contact placed the vehicle into park and exited, the vehicle rolled backwards as if the gear was placed into reverse. Shortly after, the vehicle appeared to gain speed and did not stop until it crashed into a tree. The vehicle was unoccupied at the time of the crash, but the air bags failed to deploy and the emergency brake was not engaged. There was a lot of damage to the landscaping as well as a fence. The vehicle appears to have a lot of damage also, but it has not yet been inspected. A police report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-150. While attempting to stop the vehicle at a traffic light, the gear failed to remain in drive. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electric dial in the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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. …
I own a 2001 Ford f150 it has 36,000 miles on it. I've taken great care of the truck, but as of last week after taking it to the dealer because of the truck not starting. I was informed the computer needed replaced and two coil packs. And quote" does have a transmission concern." after waiting 13 days to get my truck I didn't want them to do anymore and I would pick the truck up. I didn't get two blocks and there was an obvious problem with the transmission. I took it to a independent transmission repair shop and asked them to change the fluid and filter and if they saw any problems to give me a call. A few hours later they called and said they found ball bearings and debris in the transmission pan, informed me that it should be rebuilt. I informed them to go ahead rebuild and to save all parts. They first test drove the truck to see if any computer codes would show up. …
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. …
Purchased 2001 Ford f150 larietsuper crew cab pu on 4/01/2000, 26 miles on odometer, at time of purchase also purchased roadside assistance pkg and extended warranty, ESP, from Ford , have had serious braking problems with vehicle, vehicle was repeatedly serviced at Ford dealership for these repairs, none of which were covered, in May 2002 entire engine failed and had to be rep[laced, was informed by dealership that the problem was that one of the eleectronic brains that control /operate this component failed, on dec 27, 2002 the transmission gave out entirely, luckily the vehicle was not on the freeway at the time, was towed to dealership where it still sits, have called, e-mailed and mailed info to Ford customer care without any results other then from phone rep saying that there is nothing that Ford will do...this vehicle has been very costly to maintain and for a Ford is definatly …
I just wanted to inform you of a problem that I had with my 2001 fl50 supercrew. My truck was equipped with a 4x4, 5.4 liter, automatic transmission, towing package, and it was an xlt lariat. All the bells and whistles! My reported concern is that the suspension is not strong enough for the rated towing capacity. I was traveling on the interstate at about 60 MPH. A car cut in front of me and I moved to the left lane to avoid running into the car in front of me. My trailer's empty weight was 5000 lbs and I estimate that I had another 1000-1500 lbs inside. The truck was equipped with weight distribution bars and an anti-sway bar(reese mfg.). When I changed lanes the truck swayed/leaned hard to the left, then swayed hard to the right. The truck then rolled over several times and landed on the driver's side door sliding down the edge of the interstate. …
Vehicle is 2001 f150 supercrew 4x4 purchased new in 2001. Vehicle has 81,500 miles and has never been used for towing or hauling heavy loads. Automatic transmission will not engage right away in forward gears. There is a delay of several seconds before engagement. Works alright in reverse and once vehicle starts moving. Seems to be similar to problem noted in TSB 01-11-7. Brought to stateline Ford in phillipsburg, nj to investigate. Was told that there was internal problem with transmission and that replacement is recommended. Asked if this was normal for this transmission to fail at 81,000 miles and I was told it was not. Called Ford customer relations center to explain problem and see if Ford would participate in part of cost for replacement. Was told they would not. Called dealer to see if this could be discussed with field rep and was told they couldn't.
Transmission complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford F-150, 6% of the model year's 1,236 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (35 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-150 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.