2004 Ford F-250
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 11 |
| 1990 | 4 |
| 1991 | 107 |
| 1992 | 119 |
| 1993 | 130 |
| 1994 | 123 |
| 1995 | 184 |
| 1996 | 176 |
| 1997 | 304 |
| 1998 | 56 |
| 1999 | 581 |
| 2000 | 326 |
| 2001 | 220 |
| 2002 | 156 |
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 221 |
| 2007 | 60 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 54 |
| 2010 | 73 |
| 2011 | 248 |
| 2012 | 266 |
| 2013 | 95 |
| 2014 | 142 |
| 2015 | 273 |
| 2016 | 275 |
| 2017 | 1082 |
| 2018 | 382 |
| 2019 | 1151 |
| 2020 | 253 |
| 2021 | 158 |
| 2022 | 116 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRE15% of complaints: electrical system — 23 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 19 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FAULTY EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAK OFF AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE NOISE, EXHAUST ENTERS THE DRIVERS CABIN, VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND IS EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. I HAVE 4 FORD VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171114
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK CAUSING US TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. AS THE TRUCK INCREASED IN SPEED MY HUSBAND STOMPED ON THE BREAK AND THE TRUCK WAS ONLY GAINING SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170724
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 PASSENGE
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 M
Campaign 04V229000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE STALLING
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
CERTAIN EAGLE EYES HEADLAMPS, P/NOS. FR208-B101R, FR208-B101L, FR208-B001R, AND FR208-B001L, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CON
Remedy: SABRY LEE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER FULL CREDIT FOR ANY NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMP. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON JUNE 14, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABRY LEE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT 1-866-467-2279.
Campaign 06E052000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE N
Remedy: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 TRAILE
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
Campaign 07E066000 — check if this car was fixed
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Campaign 09E025000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 11V352000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Ford F-250 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V229000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E052000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E025000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V352000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Ford F-250 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford F-250 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford F-250?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-250 have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.