2004 Ford E-150: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (21% of complaints); the 2005 and 2006 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There are tons of drivers on public roads using off road led light bars and using amplified hid headlights. They are so bright I have to block the light with my hands when they drive by. I know this is illegal. It is terribly unsafe. Why are there not laws being enforced to prevent their use on the street?”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2015
“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. I saw the range of miles between 44,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Please refer to www.carcomplaints.com just to start with, there are many other websites for this model you can see. Please help. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. The contact stated that the lower ball joints were causing premature wearing of the tires. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front end springs were completely fractured. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that there were no active recalls regarding the failure and declined to provide a remedy to resolve the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000. Updated 05/05/14*jb”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. The contact stated the front passenger's side window independently opened. The failure recurred several months later on the rear passenger window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that both window regulator assemblies would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Oct 2013
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2013
“During the winter months our 2004, ford, e150, van has had occasional yet complete brake failure several times. Typically, it has happened when it was very cold -10f and typically slower speeds 10-15mph but today it was 30 f and speeds were 45-50 mph as we were coming down a mountain pass in colorado. We almost rear ended a semi and almost took another car head on but they had moved into the far lane. Before reaching the brake failure run off we were able to down shift and eventually the brakes came back to complete working order. The van has been brought in several times to ford dealership and each time same answer, we can't reproduce the problem so they haven't done anything. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford e-150. While driving 20 mph the contact noticed that the rear passenger door had suddenly opened without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the door hinges needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 130000.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2010
“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”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford e150. The vehicle speed control switch was disconnected approximately 6-8 months ago. The contact spoke with ford a couple of weeks ago and was informed that the part for the repair would not be available for another four months. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 106,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2008
“For the last 3 months, my seat belt warning beep has been on whether I have my seat belt on or off. The dealer ship where I bought this van, which is bill collins ford, has not been able to help with this problem. Also my dvd player stopped working and the 3 row seat belt strap has broke off. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Oct 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
ON CERTAIN VANS, A DIODE IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE MAY EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2004 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact E-150 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford E-150 reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Ford E-150. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Ford E-150 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Ford E-150 have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:wiring. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.