2004 Ford F-150
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility is the leading concern among 2,036 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 F-150 model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 75 involved a crash and 40 involved a fire. 74 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingJul 29, 2011
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.
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.
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
Campaign 11V385000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleFeb 23, 2011
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.
THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IF OCCURRING WHILE IN MOTION.
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.
Campaign 11V107000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMay 11, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E025000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsOct 25, 2007
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.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.
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.
Campaign 07E089000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 25, 2007
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.
THE PURPOSE OF THIS STANDARD IS TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CRASHES AND DEATHS AND INJURIES BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE ILLUMINATION OF THE ROADWAY.
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.
Campaign 07E080000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsSep 14, 2007
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.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 07E075000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalAug 28, 2007
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.
IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007
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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
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.
Campaign 07V336000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006
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.
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Campaign 06E064000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingJun 29, 2006
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST 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."
LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
Campaign 06E060000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineJun 13, 2006
CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsJun 12, 2006
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Campaign 06E052000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsMar 13, 2006
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
Campaign 06E023000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assembly, mountingSep 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L, 4.6L AND 5.4L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A DEPRESSION AT THE SEAM BETWEEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, ILLUMINATION, OF THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT, OR A FUEL LEAK.
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 04V443000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, storage, tank assemblyApr 26, 2004
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK WITH LOCALIZED DEPRESSIONS IN THE FUEL TANK WALL AT THE SEAM BETWEEN TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, OR THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAY ILLUMINATE.
IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, A FUEL LEAK COULD EVENTUALLY DEVELOP.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-248-0186.
Campaign 04V200000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine and engine cooling
169 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Mar 10, 2025
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 28, 2014
I WENT TO START THE TRUCK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SO I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AND IT PULLED A CYLINDER 6 MISFIRE CODE ,TURNS OUT THAT THE SPARK PLUGS THAT WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE CHANGED FOR ANOTHER 20000MI NEEDED TO BE CHANGED AND I WAS INFORMED AT THE FORD DEALER THAT LABOR WOULD BE $85.PER HR X 6 HRS PROVIDING THE PLUGS DID NOT BREAK AT THIS TIME HE TOLD ME I COULD COUNT ON AT LEAST HALF OF THEM BREAKING AS THEY ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS ALSO I WAS INFORMED THAT THE NEW PLUGS WERE $19.50 EA. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 17, 2013
REPLACED FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE (FPDM) MOUNTED ON A SUPPORT ABOVE THE SPARE TIRE ON A 04 FORD F150.FIRST ENGINE CODE WAS P0191 FOR THE FUEL RAIL PRESSURE SENSOR, ENGINE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. RAN SCAN TOOL AND FOUND CODE P1237 FOR THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER MODULE. THE CAST HOUSING OF THE FPDM IS CORRODED AND CRACKED ALMOST SPLITTING IT IN TWO PIECES. HAD TO GRIND OFF FPDM AND THE MOUNTING BOLTS AND DRILL AND TAP NEW MOUNTING HOLES. AFTER REPLACING FPDM, TRUCK STARTS AND NO LONGER HAS A ROUGH IDLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 24, 2012
THE TRUCK JUST STOPPED GOT IT GOING LASTED 3 WEEKS NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT IS IN THE SHOP AND THE CAN NOT FIGURE IT OUT THE ENGINE IS A LEMON I CAN NOT AFFORD TO SPEND ALOT OF MONEY I DON'T HAVE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Aug 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE WHEN STARTED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BEING WARPED AND LEAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 73,000. UPDATED 09/11/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED EXHAUST GASES WAS LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE AREA AND COULD ENTER INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. UPDATED 09/13/2012 *JS
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 17, 2012, fire
VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN EARLIER THAT MORNING. WHILE PARKED IN THE REAR OF THE HOME THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE MOTOR AREA. IT STARTED ABOUT 20 MIN AFTER BEING PARKED. THERE WAS ALSO DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. NOT SURE THE CAUSE AND THANKFUL FOR NO INJURIES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 27, 2012
SINCE APPROXIMATELY 120,000 MILES, THIS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED SPARK PLUG FAILURE AT A RATE OF ABOUT TWO EACH 5,000 MILES. PRIOR TO THIS PERIOD, THE VEHICLE HAD NO HISTORY OF SPARK PLUG FAILURE. THE PLUGS WERE CHANGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED SERVICE SCHEDULE AROUND 101,000 MILES. BETWEEN 120,000 AND 142,000 MILES, EIGHT SPARK PLUGS AND TWO COILS FAILED DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. AN ADDITIONAL TUNEUP AND COMPLETE SPARK PLUG REPLACEMENT WAS PERFORMED AT 142,000 MILES AFTER TWO FAILED DURING NORMAL FREEWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. ANOTHER SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT AND WAS REPLACED AT 148,000 MILES. IN ADDITION TO SPARK PLUG FAILURE, SEVERAL OF THESE PLUGS HAVE BROKEN WHILE BEING EXTRACTED, CAUSING NEEDLESSLY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A LOUD CLICKING NOISE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND COULD BE HEARD WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE NOISE WOULD INCREASE AS THE SPEED WAS INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 20, 2012
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 86,782 MILES. I WAS NOT TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE SPARKPLUGS OR THAT THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE SPARKPLUGS BREAKING. I ASSUMED THAT IF THERE WAS ANY ISSUE OF THIS NATURE THE DEALERSHIP WOULD HAVE TO DISCLOSE THIS PROBLEM ON THE PURCHASING AGREEMENT. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP LAST WEEK DUE TO THE WINDOW MOTOR SEIZING/BREAKING. I PAID FOR THE SERVICE TO REPAIR THAT ISSUE, WHICH IS ANOTHER PROBLEM AS WELL. DURING THAT VISIT I WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE SPARK PLUG PROBLEM, WHICH FORD HAS ISSUED A TSB REPORT ABOUT. THE PLUGS BECOME FUSED TO THE ENGINE BLOCK AT 100,000 MILES, AND I AM NOW AT 105,000 AND JUST FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS! THE PROBLEM THAT I AM EXPERIENCING IS THAT THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE AN ABSORBENT AMOUNT OF MONEY TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS, AND IF ANY BREAK, ITS AN EXTRA $100 TO REMOVE EACH BROKEN PLUG. THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE AN ADDITIONAL $800 EXTRA TO CHANGE THE SPARK PLUGS. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY LUDICROUS FOR FORD TO CHARGE AN OWNER FOR SUCH A TASK! ALSO IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE TRUCK FROM OBVIOUSLY KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND NEGLECTED TO INFORM ME IN ANY FASHION. I AM CONSIDERING TAKING LEGAL ACTION AS I BELIEVE THE DEALER SHOULD BE LIABLE TO COVER THE COST OF THIS TASK, AS THEY DID NOT DISCLOSE THESE PROBLEMS THAT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER HAD TO BE ADDRESSED WITHIN 10,000 ADDITIONAL MILES. THAT IS A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF MILES TO DRIVE FOR SUCH A MAJOR EXPENDITURE. I DO BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY A TYPICAL FEE FOR PARTS AND SERVICE TO REPLACE THE SPARKPLUGS AS THEY ARE A MAINTENANCE ITEM. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THAT IF THE DEALER HAS ANY PROBLEM CHANGING THE SPARKPLUGS, IT SHOULD REST ON THEIR SHOULDERS TO COVER THOSE COSTS. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE OF ACCELERATION TO 80 MPH FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE VEHICLE THEN RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED WITH A RAPID INCREASE IN RPMS, FOLLOWED BY AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN SPEED. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIFTEEN TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000. ..UPDATED 04/16/12 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WERE TIMES WHEN HE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE RACED AT HIGH RPM'S AND IT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE CHOKE IN COOL OR COLD WEATHER. ALSO IN RELATION TO INCREASED RPM'S ABOVE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PAR, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RACE AT 5,000 RPM'S.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 19, 2012
2 1/2 YEARS AGO MY HUSBAND PURCHASED A USED 2004 F-150 FX4 WITH THE 5.4 TRITAN ENGINE (WITH A 5 FOR THE 8TH DIGIT IN THE VIN) ALONG WITH A 2 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY (THAT COVERED THE ENGINE AMONG OTHER THINGS), FROM A FORD DEALERSHIP. IT HAD JUST UNDER 50,000 MILES. OVER TIME, WE HAD THE SUGGESTED OIL CHANGES, PUT NEW TIRES ON, NEW BATTERY AND HAD THE SPARK PLUGS CHANGED. THE PROBLEM I AM MOST UPSET ABOUT IS THE ??TICKING?? SOUND I HEARD THE DAY MY HUSBAND BROUGHT THE TRUCK HOME. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT IT HE SAID HE ALREADY ASKED THE DEALERSHIP WHAT THE SOUND WAS AND THEY SAID IT WAS JUST HOW ??THIS ENGINE SOUNDS??. IT WAS SUCH A STRANGE SOUND, WE ASKED TWO OTHER FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE SAME THING, BUT THEY NEVER LOOKED INTO IT. ONE MORNING IN OCTOBER, MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING SEVERELY. IT WAS SO BAD HE HAD DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE. IF IT WASN'T ON A BACK ROAD, WE KNOW HE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. WE TOOK IT TO COURT STREET FORD AND THEY SAID THEY HAD TO RUN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT. THEY RECEIVED A CODE OF 340, BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE FORD DEALERSHIP BROUGHT FORD ENGINEERS IN TO HELP IDENTIFY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. PER THE ENGINEERS?? SUGGESTION, THE MECHANIC WOULD ASK FOR PERMISSION TO RUN A TEST. EACH TIME, WE WERE TOLD, THIS TEST WILL TELL US IF IT IS THIS REPAIR OR THAT. AFTER 2 WEEKS AND ALMOST $700 IN TESTS, IMAGINE OUR SURPRISE AT THE FINAL DIAGNOSIS "CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO CLOGGED OIL PASSAGES. NOW WE FIND THAT THIS PARTICULAR SOUND IS A SYMPTOM FOR THIS ENGINE THAT HAS NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS AND EVEN HAS A TSB FOR IT (06-19-08). THIS TSB REPLACES PARTS THAT WOULD PREVENT THIS PROBLEM, BUT WAS NEVER PART OF A RECALL. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE NOTICED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE WHILE ACCELERATING AND A HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE SPARK PLUGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE SPARK PLUGS BUT ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS WAS STUCK IN THE HEAD GASKET AND COULD NOT BE REMOVED; HOWEVER, THE HEAD GASKET WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Feb 2, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT THE SPEEDS OF 45 MPH, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT A SPARK PLUG AND COIL PACK DETACHED FROM THEIR CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUG AND COIL PACK, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,266.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 12, 2012
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND HAD JUST PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHEN THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THE SUDDEN SMELL OF GAS INSIDE THE CAB OF THE TRUCK. WHEN I GOT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE SPARK PLUG HAD BLOWN OUT OF THE HEAD AND THE COIL PACK WAS DAMAGED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HEAD THAT FORD DECIDED TO USE ONLY HAD THREE THREADS TO HOLD THE SPARK PLUG IN PLACE AND THAT THE PLUGS SEEMED TO BLOW OUT OF 1997-2004 MODELS. THEY COULD USE A HELICOIL TO REPAIR THE THREADS BUT THEY COULDN'T MAKE ANY GUARANTEES ABOUT THE REPAIR. AFTER I HAD IT REPAIRED I DISCOVERED THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE OF SPARK PLUGS BEING BLOWN OUT OF THE HEADS AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVING TO REPLACE THE HEADS ON THEIR VEHICLES. I SPOKE TO A BUDDY OF MINE IN TOPEKA WHO TOLD ME OF HIS NEIGHBOR WHO JUST BOUGHT A USED 2004 MODEL FORD TRUCK AND HAD AN ENGINE FIRE BECAUSE OF THIS SAME ISSUE. I GOT LUCKY WITH THE COST OF THIS REPAIR BUT BECAUSE OF THE POOR CONSTRUCTION DESIGN OF THIS HEAD, THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY OF COURTESY COVERAGE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY LOOKED AT AS A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL OF A FIRE HAZARD AND A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IF SOMEONE IS LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD WHEN THIS OCCURS, THEY CAN BE SERIOUSLY HURT BY FLYING DEBRIS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 30, 2011
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY F150 WITH A 5.4 TRITON MOTOR. THE TRUCK HAS SOME VALVE TRAIN NOISE THAT I FEAR WILL GET WORSE AND CAUSE THE ENGINE TO FAIL. I FOUND THAT FORD ISSUED TWO DIFFERENT TSB'S RELATED TO THIS VERY PROBLEM WHICH ADVISED THEIR TECHNICIANS OF THE PROBLEM AND HOW TO FIX IT DOWN TO THE PARTS REQUIRED. IT WAS SUCH A PROBLEM THAT FORD UPDATED THE PARTS TO BE REPLACED IN MAY 2005 ACCORDING TO THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE TSB ISSUED BY FORD. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS KIND OF VALVE TRAIN NOISE AT 75000 MILES. I FEEL FORD ONLY TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM FOR THOSE THAT COMPLAINED UNDER WARRANTY AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX AN ENGINE PROBLEM THEY KNEW HAD FAULTY PARTS AND IS EVIDENT BY THEIR TSB RELEASES. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD, BUT MY COMPLAINT HAS FALLEN ON DEAF EARS. THEY WANT ME TO SINK $1500-$2000 INTO A FIX THAT I FEEL THEY KNEW ABOUT BUT CHOSE TO IGNORE. FORD SHOULD, INSTEAD, RECALL THE TRUCKS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS ENGINE. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME. *KB
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND A TUNE-UP. SIX OF THE EIGHT SPARK PLUGS THAT WERE BEING REPLACED FRACTURED DURING THE REPAIR. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON IN THE PARTICULAR MODEL BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED THAT THE SPARKS PLUG BE REPLACED EVERY 100,000 MILES BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT SPARK PLUGS SHOULD NEVER BE IN A VEHICLE FOR THAT LONG OF A PERIOD BEFORE BEING REPLACED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 01/25//12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED BY AN AUTO MECHANIC, NOT THE DEALER, BECAUSE THEIR PRICE WAS EXCESSIVE.UPDATED 04/18/12
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 1, 2011
I JUST HAD TO PAY MY FORD DEALERSHIP $1,270.00 TO REPLACE THE "SPARK PLUGS" ON MY 2004 F-150,THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATES THAT THEY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH THE SPARK PLUGS IN THEIR TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 08-7-6 IN FORD F-150 TRUCKS, FORD MUSTANGS, FORD EXPLORERS, FORD EXPEDITIONS, LINCOLN NAVIGATOR,LINCOLN MARK LTS, AND MERCURY MOUNTAINEERS MODEL YEARS 2004-2008. THE PLUGS WILL BREAK OR SNAP DURING THE REMOVAL PROCESS IN TURN THE OWNER IS EXPECTED TO EAT THE COST OF THEIR LABOR AND MATERIAL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE OWNERS MANUALS STATE THAT THE PLUGS WILL LAST FOR 100,000 MILES BEFORE REPLACEMENT, I SPOKE TO THE RELATIONS DEPARTMENT WITH THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THEY STATE THAT THEY KNOW THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS BUT THAT IS ALL THEY WILL SAY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 10, 2011
ON THE HIGHWAY, AS I HIT 40 MPH, THE ENGINE DIDN'T UPSHIFT AND DISENGAGED WITH THE DRIVETRAIN. WHEN I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE REVVED, BUT THERE WAS NO POWER TO THE WHEELS. AFTER A COUPLE OF FAILED ATTEMPTS OF SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE (WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY), I TURNED THE OVERDRIVE FUNCTION OFF AND THE ENGINE ENGAGED WITH THE DRIVETRAIN AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME SAFELY. TODAY, THE SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND THEY CAN'T GET ME INTO THE SHOP FOR A WEEK DUE TO A HIGH VOLUME (THEIR WORDS TO ME) OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB INDICATING THE SAME PROBLEM BY OTHER OWNERS. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE FILING A COMPLAINT, BUT IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A LARGER ISSUE POTENTIALLY DUE TO POOR QUALITY PARTS IN THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 2, 2011
WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 FORD F150 ON SATURDAY 10/29/2011 I STARTED SMELLING GAS AND THEN THE NUMBER 6 SPARK PLUG BLEW OUT. AFTER FINDING THE PROBLEM BACK HOME THERE WERE 3 OTHER PLUGS LOOSE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 29, 2011
TRUCK BLEW OUT PLUGS FROM # 3 AT 50 MPH TRUCK SHUT OFF,I GOT A H COIL GOT IT PUT IN,IT BLEW IT OUT I DONE THAT 4 MORE TIMES,THEN GOT REPAIR KIT FROM FORD PUT IN IT DIDN'T STAY IN 1300 MILES AND BLEW OUT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHILE IN MOTION. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM-PHASERS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 29, 2011
THE ENGINE HAS EJECTED A SPARK PLUG TWICE IN TWO MONTHS. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 8, 2011
FAILURE OF BOTH CAM PHASERS RESULTING IN ENGINE PROBLEMS AND DECREASED GAS MILEAGE ALONG WITH EMISSION FAILURE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 2, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN FOUR OUT OF EIGHT SPARK PLUGS FRACTURED WHILE THE TECHNICIAN ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THEM TO TUNE UP THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 09/29/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE COST TO REPLACED EIGHT SPARK PLUGS WAS % 916.12. UPDATED 10/05/11
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 31, 2011
SPARK PLUGS FAILING. FORD SAY THEY SHOULD BE CHANGED EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE RATED FOR 100,000 MILES. COST STARTS AT $300 AND CAN GO UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. THE FAULT IS THAT FORD INSTALLED SPARK PLUGS THAT CAN GAUL OR REACT WITH THE AL BLOCK. THIS MEANS THE PLUGS MIGHT BREAK ON REMOVAL LEAVING PARK OF THE SPARK PLUG IN THE BLOCK. THE BLOCK WOULD THEN NEED TO BE DRILLED OUT TO REMOVE THE REMAINING PART OF THE SPARK PLUG. IT IS ALSO A KNOWN FACT THAT SOME OF THE SPARK PLUGS ARE BLOWING OUT OF THE BLOCK ON THEIR OWN.