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-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have several complaints with my truck....all of which were potential safety risk. First was the transmission failure mine and my dad's ,both failed at similar times at identical trucks. -after Ford gave us the run around we took the trucks to a repair shop and had transmissions fixed.....note that the failure of the coast clutch in transmissions prevented the trucks from engine breaking. This was particularly serious when towing, which was what this truck was made for. My dad found out the transmission failed on his way down a mountain pass in colorado pulling a 11,000 pound fifth wheel. The next complaint was regarding the cam position sensor, which failed faster than can replaced. The next complaint was about the brake system. I have dealt with dealerships time and time again to try to resolve the problem, and they couldn't do it, so I fixed it myself! …
I was driving my 2001 Ford f350 to work. Just as I turned off the highway my truck lurched and the rear wheels began to skid. I put my truck into neutral and the rear wheels began to roll again. I coasted to a stop on the shoulder of the road. I tested the brakes and they where fine. I tried reverse and forward and everything seemed fine. I was close to work and the road shoulder was very narrow so I decided to see if I could get to work. The truck started out fine. However when it shifted to 3rd gear it lurched again and the rear wheels began to skid. I manually shifted back to second gear and the truck resumed normal operation for that gear. After talking to a number of transmission mechanics the consensus was clear. The 'mechanical diode' on the direct drum was seized. This problem is well documented. It is common on 2001 fords trucks with the 4r100 transmission. …
My Ford f-350 superduty pickup truck (37,000 mi) was in gear and in motion when I stepped on the clutch pedal, prior to attempting to stop. The clutch pedal remained depressed to the firewall; and the clutch failed to disengage. I was unable to pull the transmission out of gear, and was forced to apply both feet to the brake pedal to get the truck to lurch to a stop. This was at idle speed. If this had happened on the highway at 70mph the results would have been disatrous. Ford has issued a technical service bulletin (01-24-1) on this condition. This should be a safety recall item. The inability to disengage the clutch and safely bring the vehicle safely to a stop will result in serious bodily injury or death. The failure of the manufacturer to label this as a safety recall item is negligent. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f350 super duty. The clutch pedal failed to engage when it was depressed. The contact had to apply tremendous force to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. As a last resort, he had to cut the vehicle completely off to prevent it from dramatically jerking forward. The dealer replaced the master slave cylinder assemblies. There had been no further occurrences. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer, but they did not assist because there was no recall. Speed was not a relevant factor with his failures. The failure mileage was 34,244 and current mileage was 39,960. Updated 03-19-08 updated 03/19/08
Vehicle had 38,000 miles on it when transmission went out on 2001 crewcab psd. Ford said "too bad, warranty expired now". Ended up spending $5000 on a new transmission, not from Ford, but from a diesel expert who said this is common to this vehicle, and specifically this year - he also has the same vehicle and had the exact same problem. We have owned Ford vehicles for over 25 years, but never again will we buy a Ford because we now feel they do not stand behind their vehicles. Especially after finding out that this appears to be a pretty common problem, Ford does know about it, yet refuses to do anything about it.
2001 f-350 super crew, the screws that connect the column shifter tube to the plate that the shifter cable connects to, backed out of their holes. This action caused an improper reading, and selection of transmission gear. The vehicle was put into park, and did not make it past reverse. The truck was equipped with an aftermarket back up alarm, which alerted the driver, and avoided a dangerous situation. The vehicle was brought to me (the company mechanic) for repair. I dropped the steering column, threaded longer bolts in the factory holes with loctite, tightened bolts then added a nyloc nut on the back side.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f350 super duty. During the summer months when the temperature is 75 degrees and above, the vehicle leaks transmission fluid. While under warranty, the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they added dye to the fluid. They stated that the pump seal was leaking. During the winter months, there was hardly any leakage. The contact stated that the overflow hose was not large enough for the fluid to run through it, and that it was a design defect. The vehicle currently has two transmission coolers. The current mileage was 125,000 and failure mileage was 81,000.
(1) no events leading up to failure. (2) transmission decided that it no longer wanted to shift. I was running empty pulling nothing. I was pulling off at my exit coasting as I came up to the light. As the truck shifted down I heard a clunk. Now I get a clickingl/grind/clunk where the truck tries to shift. The truck has 79K miles on it. Most of the miles are highway miles. I occassinally pull a 6500 lb travel trailer. I took the truck to my dealer who has a diesel/heavy duty truck shop. They say I need a new transmission and that it is out of warranty.(3) new transmission was installed.
Ford 2001 f350 super heavy duty 7.3l, auto with overdrive, 2 wheel drive, crew cab. Just purchased in February 2002 from ted britt Ford in virginia. Truck has 40,000 miles and transmission is failing! Hearing from various auto mechanics this is extremely typical with this vehicle and no unnormal to have to replace 3 to 4 transmissions a week for same type of vehicle and problem. There must be a recall or service bulletin for this problem. $1,800.00 is a hefty amount of money to have to put into a relatively new truck with 40,000 miles. Ford should have to pay for this defect.
Engine failure in December of 2003 Ford covered motor under warranty.transmission failure in feb of 2004. My truck has 37,700 miles on it and Ford offered to pay for parts but not labor. I was told I should have bought the extended warranty, which tells me Ford only stands behind their vehicles for 36,000 miles. I am very dissapointed.I have found many other Ford vehicles same make, model and year with transmission failure. I do not feel I should have to pay for any of the repairs. My vehicle is is stilll under the 3 years and just over the mileage.
Transmission complaints in other F-350 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Ford F-350 SD?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Ford F-350 SD, 18% of the model year's 158 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-350 SD transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Ford F-350 SD, though it has 2 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-350 SD transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 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.