2004 Ford F-150 Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2004 Ford F-150?
The 2004 Ford F-150 can be a workhorse if you select the right engine and perform diligent maintenance, but it carries a moderate risk of costly repairs, primarily due to the infamous 5.4L Triton V8. A well-maintained 4.6L V8 variant offers a significantly safer long-term ownership prospect, making it a truck to proceed with caution.
Biggest Strengths
- Robust chassis and towing capabilities
- Wide availability of parts and aftermarket support
- Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2004 Ford F-150. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
16 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
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.
What breaks on the 2004 Ford F-150?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Ford F-150 by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Ford F-150. Click any year for its full report.
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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.
Relevant Products for Your 2004 Ford F-150
Parts and accessories matched to your 2004 Ford F-150
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Frequently Asked Questions
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