2004 Ford F-550 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 |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 72 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 23 |
| 2008 | 26 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
43% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.
33% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and engine.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ON JULY 7 2006 AT 8:00AM I WAS NOTIFIED BY OUR BRANCH MANAGER IN THE HARTFORD CT AREA THAT ONE OF OUR TRUCKS WAS TOTALED DUE TO FIRE THAT BURNED DOWN THE TRUCK OVERNIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060817
TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR OVERHEATING PROBLEM. ON THE FIRST TRIP OUT WITH THE TRUCK AFTER BEING PICKED UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP, THE TRUCK OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051027
THE LOSS VEHICLE IS A 2004 FORD F-550 CHASSIS WITH A TOW BODY, WHITE IN COLOR. A 7.3 LITER POWER STROKE TURBO DIESEL ENGINE POWERS THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ID NUMBER IS [XXX]. MACK TOWING OWNS THE TRUCK IN MIAMI, FLORIDA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20051006
18% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring.
FIRE14% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
6% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel injection system.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 F550 TRUCKS HAVE THE INSIDE GAS TANKS PAIN OR LINEN, PEELING OR DELAMINATING. THIS CAUSE THE MOTOR TO STALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120409
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 FORD F550 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK LINING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED TWICE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120409
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-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 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-550 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Ford F-550 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Ford F-550 SD?
The most-reported component is fuel system, diesel, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F-550 SD have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.