Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2004 Ford F-150: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford F-150, most recently filed July 2011. Owners have filed 2,029 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the visibility.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 5campaigns 3 fuel system · 1 air bag · 1 vehicle speed control Source: NHTSA Complaints 2,029filed Owner reports, 2000–2009 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 16mpg combined $4,082/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4.2 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic 15 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2004 Ford F-150. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2004 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V385000 Filed Jul 29, 2011

FUEL TANK STRAP CORROSION

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · mounting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Consequence
AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
Repair progress not yet reported1,100,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V385000
Listed for 2004 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 11V107000 Filed Feb 23, 2011

INADVERTENT DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

Air bags · frontal · driver side · inflator module
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. IF THE CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG LOWER HORN PLATE, THE WIRE INSULATION MAY BECOME CHAFED, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT. IF THIS OCCURS THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE INDICATING THAT SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
Consequence
THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IF OCCURRING WHILE IN MOTION.
Remedy
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER TO HAVE A NEW CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE INSTALLED THAT INCORPORATES A PROTECTIVE MESH COVER. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SOME VEHICLES IN MARCH 2011. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THE EXPANDED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Repair progress not yet reported1,325,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 11V107000
Listed for 2004 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 07V336000 Filed Aug 3, 2007

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH

Vehicle speed control
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Repair progress not yet reported3,600,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 07V336000
Listed for 2004 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V443000 Filed Sep 13, 2004

FORD/FUEL TANK

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · mounting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L, 4.6L AND 5.4L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A DEPRESSION AT THE SEAM BETWEEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, ILLUMINATION, OF THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT, OR A FUEL LEAK.
Consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 17, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Repair progress not yet reported1,689 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V443000
Listed for 2004 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 04V200000 Filed Apr 26, 2004

FORD/FUEL TANK LEAK

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK WITH LOCALIZED DEPRESSIONS IN THE FUEL TANK WALL AT THE SEAM BETWEEN TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. IF A DEPRESSION IS LARGE ENOUGH, FUEL MAY PERMEATE THE FUEL TANK WALL RESULTING IN A FUEL ODOR, OR THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAY ILLUMINATE.
Consequence
IF LEFT UNCORRECTED, A FUEL LEAK COULD EVENTUALLY DEVELOP.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-248-0186.
Repair progress not yet reported371 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V200000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which F-150 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford F-150All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (2,029)

2,029 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The visibility is mentioned most often.

75involved a crash
40involved a fire
74injuries reported
6deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Ford F-150, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,029.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2004 compares with other F-150 years

Best and worst F-150 years →
1,075 1,236 821 423 2,029 1,112 585 488 369 324
2000200120022003200420052006200720082009
This year (2004)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 16 mpg combined

16
mpg combined
14
city
18
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,200
CO₂ tailpipe
555 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$4,082per year
$340per month
938gallons a year

Miles ÷ 16 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2004 Ford F-150 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16$4,200555
4.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manualRear-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 16$4,200555
4.6 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15$4,450593
4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 17 / 15$4,450593
4.2 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manual4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
4.6 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive11 / 15 / 13$6,300684
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive11 / 15 / 13$5,150684
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive11 / 15 / 13$3,550541
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive11 / 14 / 12$5,600741
5.4 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive11 / 14 / 12$5,600741

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2004 F-150 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-150 years

Where to next

Which F-150 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2005 Ford F-150 report1,112 complaints · 3 campaigns →2003 Ford F-150 report423 complaints · 4 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2004 Ford F-150 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 11V385000 (fuel system), 11V107000 (air bag), 07V336000 (vehicle speed control), 04V443000 (fuel system), 04V200000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

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

Owners filed 2,029 complaints with NHTSA. Visibility (841), Power train (232), Engine and engine cooling (167) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2004 Ford F-150 get?

EPA rates the 4.2 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 14 city, 18 highway and 16 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2004 F-150 compare with other years?

Among the 2000–2009 Ford F-150 model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (324) and the 2004 the most (2,029). The 2004 drew 2,029. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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