2004 Ford F-350 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 130 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2011
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 130 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When going around curves, hitting small bumps, or stopping, the front end starts to shake violently. Slowing down or stopping is the only way to stop the shaking. The truck has been taken to several repair shops with no avail. They can't find anything wrong. This problem is very dangerous. I'm getting scared to drive it.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2017
“While driving on the highway at around 55mph, the truck stopped running with no prior warning or any prior issue. After it shut off the truck would crank but not start. Incident was very unsafe as the vehicle shut off at highway speeds.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350 sd. While driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the oil pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 161,000.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2015
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“The truck started to stall on several occasions as I was attempting to get up to road speed of 55 mph. The truck was losing speed, jerking and black smoke coming out of the exhaust. There were no indications of engine failure to warn me of any problems, ie. Engine light. This occurred on more than once, causing potential traffic hazard. The cam sensor and fuel injection control module needed to be replaced. The repair costs involved were high thank goodness there were no injuries or accidents due to the stalling. Thank you,”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2014
“Tl- the contact called pertaining to a 2004 ford f-350 super duty company truck. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space the vehicle stalled. The contact had to wait a brief moment and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact also indicated that the failure recurred a second time and the vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the business due to the failure. An independent mechanic was to inspect and diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 05v270000 (electrical). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was not available. Dyd”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“Driver was leaving base yard with 2004 ford f350 sd. While driving on a side street at approximately 15 mph, there was a total loss of steering control the vehicle crashed into a chain link fence as the driver was trying to brake to a stop. The steering sector shaft sheared off right at the pitman arm.”Owner report · Steering · May 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350 sd equipped with michelin ltx ms ii tires size lt235/85 r16. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the sidewalls were cracked. The tires were taken to a private mechanic where the failure could not be diagnosed. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 131,956 and the dot was unavailable.”Owner report · Tires · Apr 2014
“Truck with 6.0l diesel engine experiences stalling without warning while driving and may or may not restart this has happened on several occasions. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Oct 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350 sd. The contact stated that while traveling various speeds, white smoke emitted from the tail pipe at an alarming rate and acceleration power was lost. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's recall. The failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-350 sd. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle began to emit heavy amounts of smoke. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was informed that two fuel injectors, two oil coolers, and the egr valve would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 157,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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.
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.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-350 SD 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 F-350 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 130 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Ford F-350 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Ford F-350 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Ford F-350 SD have open recalls?
3 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.