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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,296 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Ford F-150 engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #29

Dec 102006

F-150 8-cyl

  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine makes a tapping noise at head covers.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #28

Apr 102008

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles
Engine stalls when turning corners. Unless I have it towed to a repair shop this vehicle is not safe to be driven.

- New Bern, NC, USA

problem #27

Nov 142007

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
2 spark plugs fowled up, seizing in block and breaking inside.

- Bel Air, MD, USA

problem #26

Feb 062008

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact noticed that the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The power began decreasing simultaneously and prevented the vehicle from traveling above 35 mph. The dealer replaced the coil pack and spark plugs in the number five cylinder. The contact heard a knocking noise when he started the vehicle and the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the spark plugs blew out of the aluminum head. They also stated that there were only five threads holding the plugs to the aluminum head, and, even if they made the repair, the vehicle could still fail. The manufacturer would not assume any liability. The failure and current mileages were 44,000. Updated 03/25/08.

- Coshocton, OH, USA

problem #25

Feb 062008

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,640 miles
Out of the blue the truck just starts shaking, never know when or where. I have to pull off road and shut it off, wait a bit, then start and leave and seems to be ok till next time. It has 37,800 miles. Last time on I-94 at 65mph it scared me to death it started shaking so bad. I also had a 2005 F150 that did this. Its not the tires, or engine but I think the drivetrain. Very bad safety issue as I am finding I am not alone with this problem. Someone needs to make Ford admit what this is and fix these trucks.

- Jackson, MI, USA

problem #24

Dec 152004

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Motor would begin to surge and then the check engine light would come on. Took to dealer and they changed spark plugs after only 5,706 miles. We have since changed the spark plugs 7 more times with in 80,000 miles. Some thing occurs each time.

- Lyman, WY, USA

problem #23

Nov 232007

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine has had a ticking noise in engine since day I bought the truck. Talked to dealership and they said normal noise from 04 F-150 trition they have since closed. Went to another dealership was told same thing. Broke down went to hometown mechanic replaced cam gears after another dealership asked if it sounded like a diesel. Also pulled valve cover off to find valve spring and rocker arm on cam. Total discounted cost from friend was $2400 not counting machining heads.

- Tarkio , MO, USA

problem #22

Sep 282007

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,401 miles
2004 Ford F-150 ejecting spark plugs. Consumer states the engine started missing. Dealer told him they were having problems with the engine shooting spark plugs out. The dealer found error codes for cylinders 2 and 4 which were soaked with oil.

- Cottonwood, AZ, USA

problem #21

Jul 252007

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles
2004 Ford F-150 with 5.4L gas engine. Manual says change spark plugs at 100K miles. Dealer broke all 8 plugs off in heads. The heads had to be removed. Bill is $2,000, just to change spark plugs.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #20

Feb 122004

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,646 miles
On June 11th 2007, I drove my 2004 Ford F150 pickup truck 12 miles to drop my dad off at his house. I came straight home. I parked the truck in front of my home at 5:00pm that evening. It stayed parked for the night. At 3:20 am on June 12, 2007 my 2004 Ford F150 full size pickup truck burst into flames. It burned so hot that the firemen had a hard time putting it out. The police checked a camera that points down my street and it did not show anybody doing anything to the truck. It just spontaneous combustion. There were no modifications made to the truck, and all maintenance was performed in a timely fashion. I also have pictures of the truck if needed.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #19

Mar 172007

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F150. When driving 35 mph the vehicle stalled and was driving hard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the spark plugs were replaced. The dealer stated that the spark plug in cylinder five was broken in half. The current mileage was 53504 and the failure mileage 53500. The engine size, and power-train were unknown. The consumer stated that he didn't understand how this defect could happen. He contacted the dealer about repairs but was informed by the dealer not perform the repairs himself because he would not be able to do it. The consumer stated while trying to perform the repairs on the truck spark plug #5 was broken and the more he tried to fix the truck the more trouble he had. The consumer stated he had to take the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired and that a price was agreed upon. The consumer stated that his confidence had been shaken with Ford and an investigation should be done. The consumer provided the repair invoice. Updated 07/23/07

- Redfield, AR, USA

problem #18

Apr 102007

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Started with engine noise. Ford diagnosed it as cam shaft. Cost $1700, my cost would be $800. Local dealer is now out of business. I have talked to 3 other people with the same problem. There must be a lot more.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #17

Mar 242007

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,068 miles
Ford F-150 - 2004 V8 Triton spark plug blew out. 68,086 miles. Ruptured fuel injector spray bar. $3,186 in damages.

- Lovettsville, VA, USA

problem #16

Mar 162007

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles
Engine surges without touching gas pedal while in gear

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #15

Jun 242006

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,500 miles
1) unknown events leading to failure, normal driving, events happened when I first turned on vehicle and during backing up.2) the engine raced out of control and lurched until ignition key was removed (it grabs the gas pedal from the driver like cruise control does) if someone or something is in vehicle's path it or they will be crashed into. Then the vehicle and 8 cylinder runs like its on 4 cyl and the air conditioner doesn't work. 3) taken to Ford dealer coastal Ford in mobile al, they rebooted computer but would not replace computer board, they said just bring it back for reboot if it happens again, diagnostic did not reveal reason for racing engine they were not concerned that if the events happened again an accident could not be prevented or the truck being destroyed which means it could not be taken back for reboot or how to prevent this event.I wanted them to replace the supposedly defective computer board (in my opinion that's the problem) old part still in vehicle.no damages yet but since I professionally bass fish, I could be run over, the truck might race into the water, or someone else and their equipment could be run over and if backing into the garage with a boat the house and boat could be damaged or if the boat trailer has to be dealt with the person behind the truck could be run over. 2004 F150 extended cab V8 engine truck is the vehicle. 6 events over the last 4 months (it just came out of some of its warranties, Ford dealer said the computer was warranted for 8 more years)

- Gautier, MS, USA

problem #14

Apr 012006

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,500 miles
2004 Ford F-150 FX4 stalls while driving; it is as if the gas pedal no longer works. Had vehicle towed to dealership. They have had the vehicle for four days and state that they cannot find anything wrong with it. They state that the computer shows that it was run on "lean fuel", however it had a full tank of gas. Runs okay during test driving by dealership. However, stalling presents a safety concern. 8jb

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #13

Jun 062005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,362 miles
The consumer bought a used 2004 Ford F150 and has been experiencing a problem with the engine dying when applying brake pressure. This occurs in high traffic areas and at slower speeds in stop and go traffic. Took to a dealer and they performed eec diagnostic quick test and pinpoint test diagnostic ignition tests as well. As a result of those tests they replaced a mass airflow sensor assembly and reprogrammed the PCM. Has been to dealer on 4 occasions for this problem and dealer claims they can not find anything wrong with it. Contacted Ford manufacturer they had "joystick"or test stick installed in vehicle for 5 days in which consumer was unable to duplicate the problem at that time. This has happened 1 time since. Also on the dash there is a 4X4 high/lo light that illuminates on the dash when this occurs but the vehicle does not have 4 wheel drive. Dealer said they were unable to reset the PCM to correct this particular problem. This is still a problem, no recent repairs. Dealer can not duplicate the problem at this time.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #12

Jun 222005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
2004 Ford F-150 2wd reg cab long bed: 1 - shifting vehicle with automatic transmission during a complete stop from reverse to drive 2 - once drive engaged, the throttle engaged at full power without driver's initiation of gas pedal. Tried to stop vehicle by applying brake first with one foot, then with two, with no effect. The vehicle finally stopped once shifted to neutral and then to park. Damage to vehicle caused by running through a chainlink fence which resulted in approx $2500 in repairs. 3 - Ford roadside assistance towed vehicle to dealer. Service technicians could not locate problem. Damaged fixed in dealer body shop via driver's insurance policy. Once body work completed, the body shop technician put in a request to the service technician to check the vehicle again as the throttle was not responding properly. Vehicle is currently still in service shop for further mechanical investigation.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 032005

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,549 miles
Had to put 4 sets of brakes on vehicle since purchasing the car. The rotors were getting grooved so badly that vehicle pulls off the road. The consumer talked to Ford, and they ignored him. He traveled and saw this problem with several other Ford cars. Ford told him it was cosmetic. While on the first trip with this vehicle, the rear end had gone out, the clutch pack was removed and replaced, the fog lamps were holding moisture and were replaced, the brakes would pulsate and pull from one side, the shifting was harsh when changing from first to second gear, a loud clunk would be present at times when starting from stop then decelerating and the vehicle would crank but would not start at times.

- Batavia, OH, USA

problem #10

May 292005

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
I own a 2004 Ford F150 super cab truck.while exiting the expressway iwas coasting down the ramp and when I approached the traffic light I applied the brakes and the vehicle started accellerating when I figured out what I put it in neutral and slid into the intersection.the vehicle operated normal after I got it stopped.the following day I took it to the Ford dealership.they said there where no faults stored in the computer and it test drove normal could not duplicate problem. It has the 5.4 V/8 engine

- Riverdale, GA, USA

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