VehicleVerdict

2004 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 216 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median F-350 year — the 2004 model ranks #10 of 53 F-350 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 40% of all reports (87 of 216), far ahead of fuel system at 26.

216

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

24

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other F-350 years?

F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted729 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 2 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 2 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 17 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 34 complaints1989: 55 complaints1990: 63 complaints1991: 34 complaints1992: 74 complaints1993: 129 complaints1994: 126 complaints1995: 191 complaints1996: 167 complaints1997: 188 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 531 complaints2000: 367 complaints2001: 181 complaints2002: 140 complaints2003: 100 complaints2004: 216 complaints2005: 170 complaints2006: 206 complaints2007: 56 complaints2008: 176 complaints2009: 55 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 204 complaints2012: 252 complaints2013: 110 complaints2014: 150 complaints2015: 289 complaints2016: 290 complaints2017: 729 complaints2018: 304 complaints2019: 721 complaints2020: 234 complaints2021: 119 complaints
F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Ford F-350 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8740%
Fuel System2612%
Electrical System209%
Transmission188%
Tires & Wheels136%
Speed Control136%
Brakes115%
Steering94%
Body & Structure63%
Suspension42%
Other31%
Airbags21%
Lighting21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2004 Ford F-350 have recalls?

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

11V352000LightingJuly 13, 2011 · 26,715 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.

Consequence

NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.

07E066000Electrical SystemAugust 28, 2007 · 175 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy

ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

04V229000Tires & WheelsMay 17, 2004 · 6,415 units

Defect

CERTAIN LARIAT AND KING RANCH MODEL PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." SOME TRUCKS WERE INADVERTENTLY EQUIPPED WITH AN INCORRECT LOAD RANGE TIRE. THIS WOULD RESULT IN INCORRECT TIRE LOAD RATINGS FOR THE STATED VEHICLE AXLE GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING. ALSO, THE TIRE MAY BE INFLATED ABOVE THE DOT LISTED INFLATION PRESSURE.

Consequence

IF A TIRE WAS OPERATED IN AN OVER-LOADED OR OVER-INFLATED CONDITION, THE TIRE MAY RUPTURE RESULTING IN A RAPID AIR LOSS, WHICH CAN CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE ANY INCORRECT LOAD RANGE TIRES. ADDITIONALLY, IF ANY TIRE REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE BE CHECKED WITHIN 500 MILES AFTER ANY TIRE REPLACEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT. FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INJECTOR CONTROL WIRING MODULE AND THE OWNER WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $2200. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE MISS FIRED, BLACK SMOKE WAS IN THE ENGINE AREA AND THEIR WAS TRODDLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 25, 2005 · fire

“TAKATA INFLATORS; MY VEHICLE STARTED ALL TYPES OF PROBLEMS INTERMITTENT ONES THAT COST ME SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS NEVER FIXING THE PROBLEM THIS IS WERE IT ALL BEGAN,,.MY VEHICLE DIED GOING UP FAIRLY STEEP HILL TO GRAVE YARD, IT IMMEDIATELY ROLLED BACK SHOVING A FAMILY MEMBERS VEHICLE DOWN HILL A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 14, 2019 · crash

“2004 F-350 BEGAN HAVING STALLING PROBLEMS AT <2000 MILES. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE VEHICLE, WE ASKED FOR A REPLACEMENT. WHILE WAITING ON ACTION FROM FORD, WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON APRIL 15,2005 AFTER THE TRUCK FAILED WHILE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 15, 2005 · crash

“I RECENTLY ATTENDED A FUNERAL FOR MY NEPHEW IN OMAHA, NE. HE HAD DIED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2006 IN BELLEVUE, NE HE WAS IN A CAR WASH AND (ACCORDING TO SOME WITNESSES), THE FORD F350 SUPER DUTY DIESEL TRUCK (I BELIEVE IT WAS A 2004) SUDDENLY WENT INTO REVERSE AT A HIGH SPEED AND BACKED OUT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 2, 2006 · crash · fire

“ ON 6-13-09 I HAD A TIRE EXPLODE ON MY 2004 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY PICKUP TRUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE NORTHEAST EXTENSION OF THE PA TURNPIKE. WE WERE PULLING A 5TH WHEEL TRAILER LOADED WITH ATV'S AND MY HUSBAND AND I HAD OUR 11 YEAR OLD NIECE AND 12 YEAR OLD NEPHEW WITH US. WE STRUCK A MINIVAN. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · June 13, 2009 · crash

2004 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2004 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 216 complaints put the 2004 model at #10 of 53 F-350 years. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (87 complaints), fuel system (26 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2004 Ford F-350 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Ford F-350 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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.