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: power train
233 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jan 17, 2008
BOUGHT A USED VEHICLE 2004 FORD F150 HAS A SHUDDER/VIBRATION IN THE REAR AXLE. TOOK IT TO A FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THEY WILL FIX IT TO "LESSEN THE CONCERN," NOT COMPLETELY GET RID OF IT. MY AFTERMARKET WARRANTY WILL COVER IT AFTER DEDUCTIBLE AND TAXES. BUT I DON'T LIKE THE SOUND OF LESSEN THE CONCERN. AND IT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Power train, Nov 19, 2007
I HAD A CLUNKING SOUND UNDER MY 2004 F150 4X4. PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND FOUND OUT THAT THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING ON MY DRIVE SHAFT HAD WORN OUT. LUCKILY I FOUND OUT BEFORE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A LONG TRIP OR THE SHAFT WOULD HAVE EVENTUALLY EATEN THROUGH AND CAUSED MAJOR HARM TO THE TRUCK AND POSSIBLY OURSELVES AND ANY OTHERS INVOLVED FROM AN ACCIDENT. I CANNOT FIND ANY PARTS TO REPLACE THE CENTER SUPPORT BEARING (CSB). ALL AFTER MARKET PARTS SUPPLIERS CANNOT FIND A REPLACEMENT PART THAT IS EVEN MADE. THE FORD DEALERSHIP WANTS TO SELL ME THE ENTIRE DRIVE SHAFT FOR $700 WHEN THE CSB IS ONLY A $20-30 PART - IF FORD WOULD SUPPLY/MAKE THE PART. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PART I HAVE HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME FINDING FOR THIS TRUCK! *TR
Power train, Oct 16, 2007
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW IN JUNE OF 2004. SINCE I'VE HAD THE TRUCK WHEN TURNING RIGHT, ESPECIALLY FROM A DEAD STOP, I GET A SEVERE VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVE TRAIN. I'VE HAD THE TRUCK IN MANY TIMES FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT GOT SO BAD FORD REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT AND SEEMED TO HELP FOR A WHILE. WITH ONLY 17000 ACTUAL MILES ON THE TRUCK YOU WOULD EXPECT BETTER QUALITY FOR A STICKER PRICE OF $ 42,000.00. *JB
Power train, Jun 27, 2007
2004 FORD F-150 SUPERCREW 4X4 HAS DRIVE TRAIN PROBLEMS. UPON ACCELERATING FROM STOP, TRANSAXLE DOES NOT SEEM TO ENGAGE CORRECTLY, CASUING A NOISE, AND FEELING AS IF TRCUKS DRIVE SAHFT IS COMING OUT OF TRANSAXLE. POSSIBLY COVERED UNDER NHTSA ITEM NUMBERS: 10020175 AND 10018951. THIS HAS BEEN A REOCCURING ISSUE WITH THIS TRUCK SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT, WITH DOCUMENTATION.
Power train, Jun 7, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR (DPS) HAS MELTED AND BURNED UP ON HER ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LOSING SPEED, MAKING A HISSING NOISE, AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND SHE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING NORMALLY WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT, BUT THE ENGINE FAILED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE UPHILL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 86,226.
Power train, May 21, 2007
I BOUGHT THE 2004 FX4 F-150 SUPER CAB IN LATE 2005 WITH 25000 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED A $1400 EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM AN INDEPENDENT COMPANY THROUGH THE FORD DEALERSHIP. AFTER THE FIRST FEW MONTHS I NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND UNDER THE TRUCK THAT SOUNDED LIKE A FEW BALL BEARINGS ROLLING AROUND QUICKLY IN A METAL BOWL. IT WOULD LAST ABOUT 5-10 SECONDS AND THEN I WOULD NOT HEAR AGAIN FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER ABOUT THE 5TH TIME THIS HAPPENED I TOOK VEHICLE TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO NOTHING WAS DONE. THE NEXT TIME THIS NOISE WAS HEARD I QUICKLY TURNED ON THE 4X4 HIGH VIA THE SWITCH ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE NOISE WENT AWAY IMMEDIATELY. I COULD DO THIS EVERY TIME AFTER. THIS WAS TELLING ME IT WAS SOMEWHERE IN THE TRANSFER CASE. SO, LAST WEEK AROUND 60000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED GRINDING IN TRAFFIC, SLIPPING, AND GIVING ME A TRANSMISSION FAIL INDICATION WHERE THE ODOMETER WAS LOCATED , AND A FLASHING OVERDRIVE OFF. THIS HAPPENED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES UNTIL I COULD GET OFF THE EXPRESSWAY, AND EXIT INTO A GAS STATION PARKING LOT. I THOUGHT FOR SURE THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING TO BLOW OUT AT ANY MOMENT. I TURNED OFF THE TRUCK, WHICH RESET THE TRANSMISSION FAIL ALARM, PUT THE TRUCK IN REVERSE, WHICH MADE A LOUD SLAMMING NOISE. I THEN PUT IT IN DRIVE AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME WITH ONLY GRINDING NOISE IN FIRST GEAR. I WAITED 2 DAYS ,AND THEN DROVE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP 40 MINUTES AWAY WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS . AFTER A DAY IN THE S REPAIR SHOP THEY PULLED THE PAN AND IT HAD METAL SHAVINGS EVERYWHERE. THEY CALLED AND TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. THEY FOUND SOME BAD SEALS AND A VACUUM PUMP/SOLENOID IN THE TRANSFER CASE, THE TRANSMISSION WAS GONE AND WAS COMPLETELY REPLACED. ALL THE SOFTWARE HAS BEEN UPDATED, WHICH I HAVE HEARD CAN CAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE PROBLEMS. IT WOULD HAVE COST ME AROUND $6000 IF I DIDN'T PURCHASE THE COMPLETE WARRANTY.*AK
Service brakes, Air, Power train, Visibility, Apr 6, 2007
2004 F-150 SUPERCREW 2WD AUTOMATIC. TRANSMISSION REQUIRES REBUILD AT 54000. BOUGHT NEW ALL SEALS REPLACED WITHIN 2-3 MONTHS DUE TO FLUID LEAKS. SLIPPING BEGAN LESS THAN 40,000. FLUID FLUSH ALLEVIATED THE ISSUE, BUT SLIPPING RETURNED. AT 60 MPH TRASMISSION SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL MOMENTARILY AT RANDOM TIMES. POWER REAR SLIDING WINDOW DOES NOT WORK; FAILED WITHIN FIRST 2-3 MONTHS; NO COMPUTER CODE TO DETAIL THE ISSUE SO FORD WILL NOT FIX REGARDLESS OF CONFIRMED FAILURE AND WARRANTY COVERAGE. ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED ON FIRST BREAK MAINTENANCE.*AK
Power train, Feb 22, 2007, crash
TL*- WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH THE RIGHT REAR AXLE ON THE 2004 FORD F-150 CRACKED. THERE WAS NO INDICATION, ANY TYPE OF VIBRATION, OR WARNING BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THE HUB STAYED ATTACHED TO THE WHEEL AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE RIGHT REAR AXLE CRACKED WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE NO STEERING. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED EVERY 3,000 MILES, AS WELL AS RECENTLY GETTING 4 NEW TIRES. THE CONTACT COULD PROVIDE ANY INVOICE AND AND AN ACCIDENT REPORT. *AK
Power train, Jan 28, 2007
MY F-150 SUPERCREW HAS DEVELOPED A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVETRAIN, PRIMARILY A LOUD GRINDING NOISE CAN BE HEARD UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE HAD RUN OVER SOME TYPE OF METALLIC OBJECT ON THE ROADWAY. THE NOISE WENT AWAY AFTER I MERGED ONTO A HIGHWAY. FOUR DAYS LATER I WAS OPERATING ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE SAME TYPE NOISE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS IS DEPRESSED AND THE NOISE DOES NOT DECREASE WHEN THE GAS IS LET OFF. ONLY AFTER DECREASING SPEED UNDER 15 MPH DOES THE NOISE GO AWAY AND THE TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE IT SLAMS OUT OF GEAR JUST PRIOR TO THAT. AN ASSOCIATE OF MINE WHO OWNS A 2005 F-150 WITH THE EXACT SAME TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND RECENTLY HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I CONTACTED THIS DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT THEY HAD REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 30 TRANSMISSIONS ON 2004-2005 MODEL YEARS AND THE ISSUE WAS A "KNOWN ONE". I WOULD LIKE TO SEE FORD MANDATED TO WARRANTY THE DRIVETRAINS IN THESE TRUCKS BEYOND THE NORMAL PERIOD. *NM
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE IN THE IDLE POSITION FOR 30 OR MORE SECONDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO REVERSE WHEN THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FROM IDLE POSITION. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING NORMALLY. HOWEVER, THE CENTRAL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 12/12/2006 - *NM
Power train, Aug 8, 2006
THIS TRUCK HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN THE DRIVE TRAIN AND THE DEALER IS NOW REFUSING TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM ANY LONGER, CLAIMING THAT IT IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE TRUCK." THE PROBLEM CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A VIOLENT LURCHING OF THE WHOLE TRUCK ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD, METALLIC "CLUNK" SOUND IN THE DRIVE TRAIN. THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY DURING NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS BUT ESPECIALLY WHEN ACCELERATING UP A HILL, OUT OF A TURN, OR UP OUT OF A DIP IN THE ROAD. THE PROBLEM HAS EXISTED IN THE TRUCK SINCE I PURCHASED IT NEW IN MAY 2005. I'VE HAD THE DEALER ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AT 3,000, 6,000, 12,000, 18,000, AND AT 22,000. THEY'VE ATTEMPTED VARIOUS REPAIRS, BUT NOTHING HAS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. AT ONE POINT THEY TOLD ME THAT THE WRONG SIZE DRIVESHAFT WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY. THEY REPLACED IT WITH A SHORTER ONE, BUT THIS DID NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AT FIRST I THOUGHT I WAS JUST FACING A PROBLEM THAT WAS DIFFICULT TO SOLVE, BUT AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I KNOW NOW THAT THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE MANUFACTURER HAS INSTRUCTED ALL DEALERSHIPS TO NOT EVEN ATTEMPT REPAIR. (THE SERVICE MANAGER ACTUALLY SHOWED ME THIS IN WRITING.) *NM
Power train, Jun 17, 2006
MY 2004 FORD 150 WITH 4 WHEEL DRIVE , WILL NOT ALWAYS SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, WITHOUT A GREAT GRINDING OF THE TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT SHIFT WITHOUT BRINGING THE TRUCK TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN RESTARTING. I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW BUT SINCE IT WILL NOT FAIL ON COMMAND THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN DO NOTHING TILL IT TOTALLY FAILS. *JB
Power train, Jun 9, 2006
EXPERIENCE CONSISTENT SIGNIFICANT JERK/CLUNK/SLAM AFTER COASTING IN 3RD GEAR AND ACCELERATE DOWN SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR. SERVICE BULLETIN SAYS NORMAL AND TO NOT REPAIR, YET MY ISSUE IS NOT INTERMITTENT AND IS A SIGNIFICANTLY NOTICEABLE AND UNCOMFORTABLE JERK IN THE DRIVELINE THAT IS DEFINITELY NOT NORMAL PERFORMANCE FROM ANY TRANSMISSION AWARE OF WITHOUT A VERY AGGRESSIVE SHIFT KIT INSTALLED AND A PLETHORA OF HORSEPOWER. TOOK TO DEALER AND SERVICE TECH HANDED ME SERVICE BULLETINS AND DIDN'T EVEN LOG INTO COMPUTER THAT VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE ISSUE. MADE NOTES AND SENT TO SHOP FOREMAN AS COMMUNICATION OF MY CONCERN ABOUT THE LACK OF PAPERWORK AND RECORD, AND THE LACK OF SERVICE. TECHNICIAN DROVE TRUCK AND SAID THIS WAS NORMAL...WOULD NEVER BUY A VEHICLE KNOWING THAT IT WOULD END UP SHIFTING LIKE THIS AS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. *JB
Power train, Jun 9, 2006
AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER ABOUT SERIOUS VIBRATION PROBLEMS IN MY VEHICLE, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT. THIS CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. OTHERS HAVE HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM. MY CONCERN IS THAT VEHICLES WHICH CONTINUE TO BE DRIVEN WITHOUT REPLACED DRIVE SHAFTS MAY BE SUBJECT DRIVE SHAFT FATIGUE AND FAILURE IN THE FUTURE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, May 23, 2006
THE BRAKES BEGAN TO SHIMMY AND SHUTTER AND THERE WAS VIBRATION FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING. *NM THE PROBLEM STARTED THREE MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND RECURRED EVERY THREE, FOUR OR FIVE MONTHS. FOUR REPAIRS DID NOT ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM SO A FIFTH REPAIR WAS REQUIRED ON JAN 25, 2006 WITH 32040 MILES. DURING THE FIVE REPAIR THE ROTORS WERE RESURFACED TWICE AND REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE REPLACED ONCE. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 17, 2006
THE BRAKES BEGAN TO SHIMMY AND SHUTTER AND THERE WAS VIBRATION FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING. *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Apr 16, 2006
THE BRAKES BEGAN TO SHIMMY AND SHUTTER AND THERE WAS VIBRATION FROM THE REAR WHEN DRIVING. *NM
Power train, Apr 13, 2006
WHILE TRAVELING A SMOOTH STRETCH OF HIGHWAY THE TRUCK STARTED TO VIBRATE. THIS VIBRATION INTENSIFIED UNTIL THE WHOLE TRUCK WAS SHAKING. AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SHUDDERING CONTINUED UNTIL I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED AROUND IN A PARKING LOT TO GO BACK TO A NEARBY FORD DEALER. AT THIS POINT IT DID NOT SHAKE AGAIN. THE FORD DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED THE WHOLE TRUCK OVER THE NEXT DAY AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING LOOSE OR DAMAGED. THE SHUDDERING FELT LIKE A UNIVERSAL JOINT GONE BAD. THERE HAS BEEN NO REPEAT OF THIS SINCE THE TRUCK WAS NEW. THERE HAS BEEN AN ONGOING SHUDDER WHILE MAKING TURNS FROM A STANDSTILL. MY LOCAL MECHANIC PUT AN ADDITIVE IN THE DIFFERENTIAL AND THIS SEEMS TO HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. I DON'T KNOW IF THIS MAY BE RELATED TO THE ORIGINAL VIBRATION. *NM
Power train, Apr 11, 2006
DRIVE TRAIN ISSUES WITH THE 2004 AND 2005 FORD F-150 MODEL TRUCKS. *JB
Power train, Mar 30, 2006
I HAVE OWNED A 2004 FORD F-150 FX4 WITH ONLY 14,000 MILES ON IT FOR 3 WEEKS AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP AT FORD FOR 4 DAYS NOW AND THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. TRUCK MAKES A RATTLING NOISE FROM UNDER FRONT END WHEN PULLING A HILL OR WHEN YOU REACH 50 MPH. IT ALSO SEEMS TO LOSE POWER OR "BOG DOWN" MOMENTARILY WHEN IT SHIFTS FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. MECHANIC SAYS IT IS A "NIGHTMARE" BECAUSE THEY CAN HEAR THE NOISE AND FEEL THE GEAR SHIFTING PROBLEM, BUT CAN'T FIND WHAT'S WRONG AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. WE HAVE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THIS TRUCK WAS A FORD BUY BACK AND WE ARE THE 3RD, POSSIBLY 4TH, OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE, (STILL INVESTIGATING). WE ARE WONDERING WHY THIS TRUCK HAS CHANGED HANDS SO MANY TIMES WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. WE WILL BE RETURNING THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AND GETTING OUR 2003 EXPEDITION BACK, WHICH HAS HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, AND WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT AGAIN, CAUSING US TO TRADE IT IN...WE'LL BE BACK TO SQUARE ONE!!! THANKS FORD! BY THE WAY, THESE ARE NOT THE ONLY 2 INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE WITH FORD PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICE. I WROTE A DETAILED LETTER TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY CONCERNING ANOTHER VEHICLE I HAD PURCHASED FROM THEM SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I STATED THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE AND ALSO ABOUT THE POOR SERVICE I RECEIVED FROM THEIR COMPANY...OF COURSE I NEVER GOT A RESPONSE. I COULD GO ON FOREVER. SIX YEARS AND 7 FORD PRODUCTS LATER, I MAY HAVE FINALLY LEARNED MY LESSON. SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING SWITCHING TO THE "OTHER GUYS" FOR A VEHICLE. *JB
Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 28, 2006
I HONESTLY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY 2004 F150 FX4. MY TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT BOTH LINCOLN/MERCURY AND FORD DEALERS HERE IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA. PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS SO I'M NOT MAKING THIS STUFF UP AND THE DEALERSHIPS KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG, BUT DOES NOT WANT TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR DOES NOT HAVE QUALIFIED/TRAINED MECHANICS. THIS WILL BE MY ONE AND ONLY FORD. *JB
Power train, Feb 17, 2006
2004 FORD F150 SUPERCAB 4X. INTERMITTENT VIOLENT VIBRATION IN DRIVELINE. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED REAR END, DRIVESHAFT,CHECKED FRONT END,TIRES,ETC. USUALLY SMALL VIBRATION BECOMES VIOLENT AT TIMES. CAN NOT DUPLICATE AT WILL. DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS NOTHING WRONG. WHEN VIOLENT SHAKE OCCURS MUST STOP VEHICLE TO STOP SHAKE. I FEEL THAT IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAS SHAKEN VIOLENTLY 6 TIMES IN ABOUT 6000 MILES. *NM
Power train, Feb 7, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN NORMAL CONDITIONS AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR ABOVE THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 2/28/2006 - *NM
Power train, Feb 1, 2006
2004 FORD F150 STX 4X4 4.6L ENGINE, MILEAGE: 19,800 MILES: INTERMITTENT VIOLENT DRIVETRAIN SHAKE IN REAREND OF TRUCK AT 40 TO 65 MPH. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED ON JANUARY 1, 2006. PROBLEM FEELS LIKE THE TRUCK HAS A FLAT TIRE, BUT I DON'T. MY WIFE WILL NO LONGER DRIVE DOES NOT CONSIDER IT SAFE. I WILL NOT LET MY CHILD DRIVE IN TRUCK. DEALER REPLACED DRIVESHAFT U-JOINT AND LEAKING REAR AXLE SEAL. AS SOON AS I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, I NOTICED THE EXACT SAME VIBRATION. I RETURNED IT TO THE FORD DEALER. THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO FIX TO THIS PROBLEM. WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE? *NM
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Dec 22, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD AN ONGOING FAILURE OF THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP NINE TIMES. THE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED SIX TIMES. A MANUFACTURER'S ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. HE MADE SEVERAL SUGGESTIONS TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP IMPLEMENTED THESE SUGGESTIONS ALTHOUGH THE AFOREMENTIONED PROBLEMS RECURRED. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING. IT WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER, AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK