2001 Ford E-350 Super Duty
Here’s a breakdown of common issues reported for the 2001 Ford E-350 Super Duty, categorized by system and engine/transmission option. The 2001 Ford E-350 Super Duty is a popular choice for commercial use and families needing a large van. It offered a range of engine options, including the 5.4L Triton V8 (255 hp, 350 lb-ft torque), the 6.8L Triton V10 (310 hp, 425 lb-ft torque), and the 7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8 (275 hp, 525 lb-ft torque). All engines were typically paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the E-350 for its spaciousness, towing capacity, and robust build. However, common complaints include fuel economy (especially with the V10), age-related maintenance issues, and the van’s overall size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Engine
5.4L Triton V8
- Spark Plug Ejection
- Description/Symptoms: Spark plugs can eject from the cylinder head, damaging the threads. This is more prevalent on engines with aluminum cylinder heads. Symptoms include a loud popping noise, misfire, and loss of power.
- Solution: Repairing the cylinder head threads using a thread repair kit (e.g., Time-Sert) or replacing the cylinder head.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ (depending on the severity and repair method)
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Cracks
- Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold can crack, leading to vacuum leaks. Symptoms include rough idling, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the intake manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
6.8L Triton V10
- Spark Plug Ejection
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.4L V8, the 6.8L V10 can experience spark plug ejection due to weak cylinder head threads.
- Solution: Repairing the cylinder head threads or replacing the cylinder head.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Exhaust Manifold Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Exhaust manifold bolts can break, leading to exhaust leaks. Symptoms include a ticking noise, especially when the engine is cold, and reduced fuel economy.
- Solution: Replacing the exhaust manifold and broken bolts. This can be difficult due to corrosion.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
7.3L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8
- Cam Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The Cam Position Sensor can fail causing the engine to not start, stall, or run poorly.
- Solution: Replacing the Cam Position Sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
- Glow Plug Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Glow plugs can fail, making the engine hard to start in cold weather.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty glow plugs and potentially the glow plug relay.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on how many glow plugs need replacing)
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Injectors can fail or become clogged.
- Solution: Replace faulty injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$800 per injector.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4R100 4-Speed Automatic
- Loss of Reverse
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of reverse gear is a common issue.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1800 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission Slipping between gears.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1800 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts roughly.
- Solution: Replacement of Valve Body, or Transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The rear leaf springs can sag over time, reducing ride height and load-carrying capacity.
- Solution: Replacing the leaf springs or adding helper springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Front ball joints wear out, leading to loose steering and noise.
- Solution: Replacing the ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Alternator failure leading to a dead battery and electrical system malfunction.
- Solution: Replacing the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking electronically.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per door
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Body Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust along the rocker panels, wheel wells, and roof seams.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing rusted panels.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per panel
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Hinge Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging doors due to worn door hinges.
- Solution: Replacing door hinges and pins.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per door
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner material can detach from the backing board and sag.
- Solution: Replacing the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Window Regulator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power window regulators can fail, preventing the window from moving up or down.
- Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2001 Ford E-350 Super Duty, while a capable and versatile vehicle, does have some common problem areas. Engine issues like spark plug ejection and exhaust manifold leaks on the gas engines, and glow plug/injector issues on the diesel, can be costly to repair. Transmission problems, especially loss of reverse, can also lead to expensive repairs. Suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior issues are typical for a vehicle of this age and mileage. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering purchasing a 2001 E-350 Super Duty. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly depending on the vehicle’s condition and maintenance history.