2004 Ford F-450 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, diesel (39% of complaints); the 2002 and 2003 model years look more trouble-free.
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 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-450 sd. The contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was found that the fuel tank lining had failed. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 05v270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2013
“10/17/13 I was driving on the interstate with a load of cattle running fine and just lost power going on the interstate going from 65 to 10 miles an hour. Traffic zipping by. I thought it was the fuel filters but it done the same after I changed them. I took it to a garage and he said he the tank liner was coming apart now it messed up my injectors, and I think ford should have a recall on something like that before someone gets killed or severly hurt!!!! It is in the shop now and I think ford should pay something on this. *tr”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 2013
“Truck fails to maintain speed (acts fuel starved) and is at risk of stalling in traffic. Vehicle has been maintain completely at ford dealership and has had no aftermarket adjustments. After taking this truck to the ford dealer (parr ford in bremerton, wa) we have been notified that the fuel tank is delaminating and causing particles to clog the fuel system. As we haul a large trailer with this vehicle (as I'm sure other consumers do as well) this can result in a catastrophic outcome as stalling results in lack of steering abilities and can leave vehicle vulnerable in traffic. Ford needs to recognize this issue immediately and correct vehicles currently on the road at their cost. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2012
Show 7 more owner reports
“At appx. 80,000 miles on our 2004 f450 sd fuel tank delaminated causing fuel system failure which resulted in sudden loss of power. We have always purchased high quality diesel from reputatable gas stations (chevron, shell). Vehicle repaired at ford and had contacted ford motor company regarding reimbursement of cost and was declined. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jan 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 f-450 sd. While driving, the contact stated that the vehicle would loose power and would stall intermittently. The dealer diagnosed that there was delamination found in the fuel tank lining, which was flaking off and causing a leak in the fuel filter and fuel pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable and the current mileage was 34,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jul 2011
“2004 ford f450 ambulance. Consumer states defective of the fuel tank *tgw the consumer stated as a result of a serious structural defect of the fuel tank, the vehicle stalled during several emergency calls. The coating in the interior diesel fuel tank corroded and collected as sediment, which extracted into the fuel system. The fuel line became clogged and damaged the fuel pump and valves. *jb updated 03/01/12 *bf updated 03/16/12 updated 04/18/12”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-450. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 55 mph. The check engine light illuminated after the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the dealer performed a diagnostic that located the failure as the fuel liner delaminating. The dealer replaced the fuel tank and the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 200,000. Updated 01/11/12”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Mar 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-450. She stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where it was diagnosed for injector control pressure, sensor connector failure. The contact believed the failure was associated with NHTSA recall campaign id number: 05v270000 (electrical system: wiring). The manufacturer advised that the information she had found was a technical service bulletin and not a recall. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 41,498.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2010
“Fuel tank delamination. Trucks started running bad, would eventually stop. Has left me and my employees stranded several times, sometimes in unsafe traffic areas. New fuel tanks installed, fuel pumps injectors put in new. Entire fuel system cleaned. Just under $5000.00 each time. Ford says biofuel is the cause. Never have used biofuel in anything. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Mar 2010
“Ltr fwd fm (va) re defect fuel injection and air induction system for a 2004 ford f-450 medium duty truck. *tgw the consumer stated a few months after purchasing the truck, he began having a recurring problem with the truck loosing power. The consumer believed the problem was associated with the fuel injection and air induction system for the turbo charger. On 4 occasions, while driving up a mountain, he experienced a sudden loss of power that was caused by the truck going from 65 mph to less than 10 mph in a matter of seconds. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - 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 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.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-450 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-450 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Ford F-450 SD. The most complained-about area is fuel system, diesel (39% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Ford F-450 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 53,551 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Ford F-450 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.