2004 Ford F-450 SD
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 |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 66 |
| 2000 | 43 |
| 2001 | 23 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
36% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 12 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PURCHASED 2004 FORD F-450 DEISEL TRUCK 5/31/04 - FIRST HAD AT DALE JARRETT FORD IN MONROE, NC IN JULY REGARDING PROBLEM WITH TURBO BUT HAVE NO DOCUMENTATION FOR FIRST VISIT - 8/12/04 DALE JARRETT FORD EXAMINED TRUCK FOR LOSS OF POWER AND PROBLEM...
NHTSA ODI report, 20041001
9% of complaints: fuel system, other — 3 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: power train — 2 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
VEHICLE LOOSES POWER, NO ACCELERATION, OCCURS MOST FREQUENTLY UNDER HEAVY LOAD OR HIGH ACCELERATION DEMAND, TOLD BY FORD DEALER THE PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY DE-LAMINATING FUEL TANK RESULTING IN FUEL TANK COATING ENTERING THE FUEL SYSTEM AND OBSTRUCTING...
NHTSA ODI report, 20121103
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE STALLING
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
Campaign 05V270000 — 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
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-450 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, other issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V270000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E066000 (equipment) 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-450 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford F-450 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford F-450 SD?
The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-450 SD have?
3 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.