VehicleVerdict

2004 Ford E-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 36 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median E-150 year — the 2004 model ranks #13 of 43 E-150 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 10 reports (28% of the total).

36

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other E-150 years?

See all E-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Ford E-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1028%
Transmission411%
Speed Control411%
Visibility & Wipers38%
Engine38%
Tires & Wheels26%
Seat Belts26%
Latches & Locks26%
Suspension13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%
Electrical System13%
Seats13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2004 Ford E-150 have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11E047000Fuel SystemNovember 8, 2011 · 17 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL TANKS THAT COULD BE INSTALLED INTO MODEL YEAR 2004 THROUGH 2008 E-150, E-250, AND E-350 VANS AND WAGONS. THE AFFECTED FUEL TANKS HAVE AN EXTRA OBDII SENSOR HOLE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK THAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SEALED AND MAY LEAK FUEL.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 28, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-800-232-5952.

09V100000OtherMarch 27, 2009 · 52 units

Defect

VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 52 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES," THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.

09V102000OtherMarch 27, 2009 · 74 units

Defect

VAN CONVERSIONS IS RECALLING 74 MY 2004-2007 FORD E-150, E-250 E-350 AND MY 2006 GM SAVANNA 3500 VANS BUILT ON FORD AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

VAN CONVERSIONS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR VAN CONVERSIONS AT 610-837-0707.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

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.

04V562000OtherNovember 26, 2004 · 1,660 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.

04V444000Electrical SystemSeptember 13, 2004 · 214,849 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.

Consequence

THE ELECTRICAL SHORT MAY CAUSE AN ABS MALFUNCTION THAT WOULD ILLUMINATE THE ABS WARNING LIGHT, OR THE MODULE MAY OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A BURNING ODOR, SMOKE, AND/OR FIRE. THIS CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN OR UNATTENDED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUSE IN THE ABS CIRCUIT AND INSTALL A HEAT SHIELD OVER THE ABS MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

04V445000EngineSeptember 13, 2004 · 253,076 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN. THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.

Consequence

THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WE PURCHASED OUR 2004 FORD EXPEDITION IN JULY, TOOK IT TO FLORIDA ON VACATION AND WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IT STARTED SHUDDERING. WHEN WE FINALLY GOT IT STOPPED (THE BRAKES JUST WOULDN'T WORK) WE CHECKED FOR A FLAT TIRE - NOTHING. THE NEXT OCCURANCE WAS THE FIRST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER, WE TOOK…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 16, 2005 · crash

ON JULY 25, 2005 AT @ 10:00AM [XXX] WAS OPERATING MY 2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT (4 DOOR) VIN NO.: [XXX]. SHE WAS INTENDING TO BACK OUT OF THE STONE DRIVEWAY OF HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT [XXX].DUE TO IT BEING A STONE DRIVEWAY, IT IS HER PRACTICE TO INTIALLY PROCEED 1-2 FEET FORWARD, THEN PUT THE CAR IN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 25, 2005 · crash

AT THE POINT I REACH 40 MPH TRUCK SHIFTS TO NEUTRAL, HAVE TO PULL OVER SAFELY AND TAKE TRUCK OUT OF OVERDRIVE TO GET HOME. VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRAVELING AT THAT RATE OF SPEED. DID SOME OF MY OWN INVESTIGATING AND FOUND MANY WEBSITE HAVE ANGRY PEOPLE WHO ALSO OWN SAME VEHICLES WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 3, 2015

MY 2004 F-150 HAS A WINDOW REGULATOR GO OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME THIS IS A REAL ISSUE IT IS A HAZARD TO MY CHILDREN AND A REAL BIG COST TO ME BEING 300 DOLLAR BOTH TIMES I HAD TO REPLACE IT NEED TO BE RECALLED WHAT A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT CAN YOU HELP ME IN THIS MATTER THANK YOU. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 15, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD E-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A PRIVATE MECHANIC ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE SPARK PLUGS BUT THEY WERE FUSED TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2013

2004 Ford E-150 — common questions

Is the 2004 Ford E-150 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 36 complaints put the 2004 model at #13 of 43 E-150 years. It is one of the E-150 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 E-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), speed control (4 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2004 Ford E-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford E-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Ford E-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford E-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the E-150 years to avoid are 1994, 1997, 1999, 1995, 1993, 1992, 1998, 1996, 2000, 2001, 1989, 2002, 2004, 2003, 2011. The cleanest record among E-150 years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.