Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · MI
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69 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 80,000. 16 crashes reported.
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Recall number 01V095000 · Recall details
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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The contact's associate owns a 2001 Ford F-150. The contact stated while his associate was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a braking failure. The ABS warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the braking system had failed and the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
We purchased our 2001 f150 supercrew used. I am a mechanic, so the first thing I do when buying a used vehicle is inspect it thoroughly. There were a few minor issues, but one stood out as a major safety hazard. Upon further research, it seems to be extremely common to all 1997-2003 f-150s. Symptoms - this issue mainly affects the rear left and right brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. These lights, particularly brake lights, can cease to function entirely, intermittently and unknown to the driver. Cause - there is a wire harness which connects to the "multi - function switch". This wire harness is pulled when the steering wheel is tilted down. As a result, the connector or individual terminals can become loose or disconnected. This problem is most prevalent with the steering wheel in the down position, but once loose can happen at any position and any driving situation. Solution - repair or replace with motorcraft part# wpt607, and ensure the harness has enough slack to allow steering wheel tilt without tension on the harness. In our case, I replaced the connector and pulled the wires enough to allow slack for steering wheel tilt. There are numerous reports of this issue online, and it is well documented by f150 owners. I have pictures but the file sizes are over 5mb.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford f-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle revved up and stalled. Additionally, while driving, the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle was slow to stop. The contact stated that the throttle cable was exposed and installed additional bolts. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 211,000.
Tl* the contact's boyfriend owns a 2001 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she could hear an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle, without warning. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that one of the brake brackets had loosened and damaged the rear driver's side tire. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the brake pads were replaced however, the failure recurred soon after the repair. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic where the failure was linked to the federal safety agency campaign number: 01v095000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and informed her to contact the manufacturer. The contact took the vehicle to mac haik ford (10333 katy fwy, houston, tx 77024) and was informed that the vehicle was not under recall, and provided the contact with an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Brakes completely failed. No brake pedal. Cruise control release on master cylinder broke open. Luckily it was in a parking lot, not on the highway. Vehicle had no brakes whatso ever.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford f-150. While driving 48 MPH, while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. As a result, the vehicle crashed into an 18-wheeler. The air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. A police report was filed and the contact was informed that the rear brakes appeared to have failed. The contact sustained a laceration on the left arm, neck and back pain, and a bruise on the chest. The contact denied medical attention, but later went to the hospital. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.
Brake switch caught on fire, burn master cylinder reservoir and wires
Brakes lines are rusting away.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford f-150. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact added brake fluid to the vehicle. After driving ten miles, the brake fluid leaked out. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Owners have filed 69 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Ford F-150, 6% of all its complaints.
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 80,000 miles.
Yes, 1 recall: 01V095000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
The Ford F-150 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2013 (363 complaints), 2014 (346 complaints) and 2016 (341 complaints).
Engine 278Acceleration 180Electrical 137Fuel system 132Seats 86Seat belts 78Transmission 74Airbags 66Body 65Tires 52Suspension 35Steering 33Visibility 25Wheels 14Lights 13Locks 11Driver assistance 1
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