Is the 2004 Ford F-350 SD reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford F-350 SD?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-350 SD have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Ford F-350 SD

● Typical for this model

2004 Ford F-350 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:56:03.735Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 130
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Engine and engine cooling

Complaints per year

2004: 130 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1993	0
1994	0
1995	2
1996	0
1997	3
1998	3
1999	142
2000	157
2001	158
2002	124
2003	132
2004	130
2005	217
2006	127
2007	25
2008	101
2009	19
2010	50
2011	43
2012	29
2013	9
2014	7
2015	18
2016	22
2017	94
2018	11
2019	14
2020	5
2021	8
2022	112
2023	41
2024	44
2025	14
2026	8

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-350. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated as the vehicle stalled. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-20

Electrical system

24% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and front underhood.

Tires

13% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Fuel system, diesel

8% · 11 reports

Engine

5% · 7 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
2005-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-02 Engine stalling
R

2005-07-22Electrical system05V270000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-09-22Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-04 Spark plug ejection from cylinder head
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2011-08-15Exterior lighting11V352000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Ford F-350 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 43 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 31 reports on file for this year.
Tires: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V270000 · Electrical system
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2004 Ford F-350 SD reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford F-350 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford F-350 SD?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-350 SD have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.