2004 Ford F-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 2,029 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility › power window devices and controls. It has been recalled 16 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,745 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles; the median is 61,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls594
302
Visibility199
405
Engine and Engine Cooling97
160
Engine79
121
Power Train70
000
Suspension66
000
Unknown or Other61
312
Power Train › Automatic Transmission56
100
Electrical System55
070
Structure › Body46
002

16 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Mounting11V385000
Filed Jul 29, 20111,100,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.

Risk. AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module11V107000
Filed Feb 23, 20111,325,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. IF THE CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG LOWER HORN PLATE, THE WIRE INSULATION MAY BECOME CHAFED, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT. IF THIS OCCURS THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE INDICATING THAT SERVICE IS REQUIRED.

Risk. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IF OCCURRING WHILE IN MOTION.

Remedy. FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER TO HAVE A NEW CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE INSTALLED THAT INCORPORATES A PROTECTIVE MESH COVER. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SOME VEHICLES IN MARCH 2011. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THE EXPANDED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E089000
Filed Oct 25, 2007238 vehiclesSpyder, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN SPYDER HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT ASSEMBLIES SOLD FOR USE ON 2004 THROUGH 2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.

Remedy. SPYDER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SPYDER AT 866-558-4264.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E080000
Filed Sep 25, 2007700 vehiclesSonar Auto Parts Co., Ltd.

Defect. CERTAIN HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES IMPORTED AND SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT BY SONAR AUTO PARTS FOR USE ON 2004-2007 FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCKS. DURING PRODUCTION, THE HEADLAMPS WERE INTERNALLY MISALIGNED AND THEY FAIL THE PHOTOMETRY REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.

Remedy. SONAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 14, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT SONAR AT 866-558-4264.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights07E075000
Filed Sep 14, 20072,388 vehiclesEagle Eyes Traffic Industrial Co. Ltd

Defect. CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. FR390-B001L AND FR390-B001R, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THICKNESS IS UNSTABLE INHIBITING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BEAMS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. EAGLE EYES WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER REIMBURSEMENT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLIGHTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT EAGLE EYES AT 1-800-568-1098.

Equipment › Electrical07E066000
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products

Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Exterior Lighting06E064000
Filed Jul 17, 20064,029 vehiclesTradesonic

Defect. CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Showing 10 of 16 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 16, 2026WA

Vehicle was in an accident with major front and damage and none of the airbags deployed

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 9, 202649,800 milesPA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the seatbelt pretensioners for all seats failed, and the frontal airbags for the driver seat and front passenger seat were inoperable. The seatbelt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with faulty seatbelt pretensioners. A dealer was contacted and informed that parts were unavailable for the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,800.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 9, 2026WI

Rear-end. The rear drivers side tire fell off while driving on a side street. With no noise or wobble or evidence of a problem. 2 days earlier my family and I were going 70 on an express way. Upon shops inspection the bearing was no longer working but wheel kept rolling, it egged out the housing of the axle shaft and heated up that point of axle and snapped the shaft at that spot. The picture will show this point.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 21, 2025ID

There is a recall on this vehicle

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 1, 2025VA

My Teenage daughter was in a car accident and the airbags did not deploy and her seatbelt did not lock , and smashed into her steering wheel.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 24, 2025TX

Electrical malfunction with fuses , problems with brake light, engine light and air bag light . Some fuses blown out after brake light fuse popped wipers don't work at all air bog turns on and off every day not sure why

Seat BeltsCrash1 killed
Filed May 7, 2025MO

The vehicle rolled and killed the occupant because the roof caved in. The shoulder portion of the seat belt did not hold the occupant (only the lap portion) and the occupant was partially ejected out of the rear of the cab. The vehicle was inspected and purchased by State Farm insurance since the vehicle was totaled. The 2000's Ford F-150s have roofs that are too weak to support the weight of the vehicle, thereby putting the occupants in danger of injury or death. This is well documented. There were no warnings.

Engine
Filed Mar 10, 2025100,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact scanned the vehicle with a scanner and retrieved an unknown camshaft phaser error code. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 20, 2025OH

Frame on 2004 new body style ford f-150 rusted to the point no longer safe to drive according to 2 licensed repair shops. There is no recall on vin number [XXX] However I have been told there are other recalls on frame rust on this same model from 2004-2008. Please know I bought this truck brand new and only have operated on roadway no off roading. This is my primary vehicle. Please advice what can be done. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Dec 11, 2024145,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the engine began revving: however, the vehicle to accelerate properly. The transmission fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was inspected by independent mechanic at the residence, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 23, 2024WA

I have a suspect that keeps adding air in brake lines of this vehicle. Police gave me permanent case number, but the guy is still breathing. Idk what to do, as he has done it on all our cars and on this F150 about 4 different times. The name of suspect is [XXX] , [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System › Ignition › Coil › Spark Plugs
Filed May 9, 2024364,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound and then lost motive power. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the spark plug had blown out of the cylinder and determined that the spark plug needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 364,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 18, 2024PA

I get a warning message which indicates the the Crash Sensor is not working on my Ford truck - this component inflates the Air Bag in the event of a crash. The part number for the Crash Sensor is Motorcraft 6L3Z-14B004-AA. I attempted to purchase a replacement Crash Sensor from a local Ford dealer. I was told that Ford no longer makes this part. The parts manager suggested that I check with local aftermarket parts stores; Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Fisher and NAPA. Nobody makes an aftermarket Crash Sensor for my vehicle. I also searched Amazon without success. I am therefore driving a vehicle with Air Bags which will not deploy - possibly causing a fatality. It seems like the manufacturer, Ford, should be required to sell replacement Crash Sensors until they become available as an Aftermarket Product.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 7, 202493,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact was also informed that the repair could not be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V107000 (Air Bags) because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

FirerelatedFire
Filed Jan 30, 2024FL

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle caught on fire inside the cab. The contact stated that she attempted to put the fire out with a water hose. The fire department was called and was able to put out the fire. No injuries were reported. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage is unknown.

Suspension
Filed Sep 14, 2023OH

THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME, AND THE SHACKLES ARE READY TO FALL OFF. SUSPENSION IS FALLING APART. BRAKES ARE NOT SAFE FOR STOPPING POWER FOR THE VEHICLE. MASTERTECH AT ZIEGLER TIRE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 1, 2023TX

N/a

Engine
Filed Aug 3, 2023150,000 milesIN

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact observed the spark plug being ejected from the fuel compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Jul 17, 2023160,472 milesVA

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear driver's side door failed to open. The contact removed the door and replaced the plastic ends with new metal ends. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 160,472.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 7, 2023MI

The underbody frame is 95% rusted out, this vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I could have been fatally injured, not knowing the under frame was gone, until vehicle was taken in for new tires. The vehicle was inspected by Firestone tire and Gene Butman Ford. There were no warning messages and the problem was first noticed in 2019 and was told the vehicle was unsafe to drive, a hazard and should not be driven.

20 of 2,029 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
20268500Routine
20251021320Routine
20241871130Routine
20234071340Above average
20225902370Above average
20211,0092940Do not drive
20207241130Above average
20191,322970Above average
20182,30019333Fatalities reported
20171,43718210High concern
20162,04514250High concern
20151,70714133Fatalities reported
20141,5318161Do not drive
20132,9803354Fatalities reported
20121,7804142Fatalities reported
20112,1886180Above average
20108421350High concern
2009324280Above average
20083691122Fatalities reported
20074887131Fatalities reported
200658514181Fatalities reported
20051,11214292Fatalities reported
2004 — this page2,02916406Fatalities reported
200342311371Fatalities reported
200282110950High concern
20011,236192487Fatalities reported
20001,074173431Fatalities reported
19991,044186911Fatalities reported
19981,38118911Fatalities reported
19972,7582626214Fatalities reported
19963247752Fatalities reported
199562671142Fatalities reported
1994676131010High concern
199358613211Fatalities reported
19924709395Fatalities reported
19913046410High concern
19902755320High concern

Compare every F-150 year →

Reading this record

6 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 29, 2011. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.