Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving vehicle shook uncontrollably. Driver hit the guard rail. No injuries reported. Driver noticed the right side wheel sheared off. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the wheel and hub assembly v needed to be replaced. Steering felt jerky at times. ABS light came on in the dash board. The consumer heard metal to metal while driving. The consumer stopped the vehicle and got out to see the front left tire detatched from the vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f350. The vehicle has Bridgestone/Firestone steeltex radial a/t, size lt265/75r16 tires. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate. After inspection, he noticed that the driver side front tire was flat. The dealer replaced the tire, however, they did not state the cause of the failure. Approximately one year later, he noticed the driver side rear tire had a bubble on the tread. The dealer replaced the tire, but was unable to determine the cause of failure. Approximately five months later, the tread separated on the driver side rear tire. As of September 12, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the tire. The failure mileage was 85,252 and current mileage was 85,252. Updated 10/04/07
Two Firestone steeltex tread separation on the same vehicle. The consumer stated while driving, he heard a very subtle, unusual sound what seemed to be coming from the front of the vehicle, but before the consumer could clarify what the sound was, it seemed that the left front tire had exploded, all but a foot of the tread separated which caused the tread to loudly bang inside and outside of the wheel well. During this incident the brake line likely broke and the consumer was unable to slow the vehicle down. Consequently the vehicle hit a rail and all three occupants were injured. Prior to the accident the right front tire developed a bubble.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f350. The vehicle has Firestone steeltex a/t tires. While driving 70 MPH, the front passenger side tread detached from the tire down to the belt. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number 04t003000 (tires). The failure has not been repaired. The VIN and tire size were unknown. The contact has pictures available. The current mileage was 32,000 and failure mileage was 31,660. Updated 11/6/08 the cosnumer stated there was a slight vibration before the failure. The tire did not deflate until days later. Updated 11/07/08.
This super swamper tire is the second one that has exploded while driving on the highway, both were front mounted tires. I am getting the tire replaced with another manufacturer's tires, but I felt that these tires and their manufacturer should be checked for problems. My f350 is a fairly heavy vehicle and I was pulling a trailer when this tire explosion occured. At the very least these tires should have a warning that they do not dissipate heat sufficiently at highway speeds.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Ford f350. While driving 65 MPH, the contact felt a vibration coming from the front end of the vehicle. He inspected the vehicle and noticed a crack on the rim. The dealer was not notified and no repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 143,505. *updated 12/12/07 updated 12/12/07
While driving 60 MPH vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that front tire needed to be replaced due to tread separation. The tire manufacturer refused to provide any assistance.
The truck continuously pulled to the right while driving at any speed. Upon putting the truck on a lift, the mechanic noticed that the front tire had split and the steel belt was hanging out. The cause of the tire splitting had not been determined.
Consumer states that while driving and with no warning, the front left tire blew out. Dealer notified. The stem leaked at the recommended pressure from 45 to 50 psi which caused the blow out.
Dt: 2001 Ford f350. Had tow blow outs with treads falling off pathfinder radial atr tires that were on vehicle when the consumer purchased it. Contacted the dealership, and they said they were not responsible for the tires. Had not contacted manufacturer yet. I have not had any accidents only property damage. When the tread separated from the tires it dented both ofrear fenders, busted tail lights, and put a hole in fuel tank. M manufacturer recommends 65 psi. Check tire pressure and rotated the tires. Vehicle has only 15000 miles onit, and I noticed .vibration on one of the tires before the blow out occurred. The blow outs occurred on two separate occasions. Idid not notice any abnormal bulging in the tires.
NHTSA investigations
Rapid tire deflation
This investigation was opened on certain Ford pickup trucks and vans to evaluate the effects of a valve stem ejection (with rapid air loss) and a slow leaking valve stem on vehicle handing.during the investigation, odi evaluated over 1,100 complaints and warranty claims, conducted vehicle dynamic testing on a subject vehicle with the failure mode replicated, interviewed owners, and examined complaint vehicles in the…
Wheel & Tire complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2001 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2001 Ford F-350, 23% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-350 wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2001 Ford F-350, though it has 5 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to wheels & tires 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.