2004 Ford F-550 SD

● Typical for this model
2004 Ford F-550 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:01.330Z

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
49
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Fuel system, diesel

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 2000: 72 complaints 2001: 29 complaints 2002: 22 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 49 complaints 2004 49 2005: 32 complaints 2006: 44 complaints 2007: 23 complaints 2008: 26 complaints 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 1 complaint 2011: 3 complaints 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 2 complaints 2013 2014: 9 complaints 2015: 11 complaints 2016: 3 complaints 2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 0 complaints 2019: 4 complaints 2020: 4 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 9 complaints 2023: 1 complaint 2024: 2 complaints 2025: 1 complaint 2025 2026: 1 complaint
1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 72 complaints 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 22 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 49 complaints 2004 49 2005: 32 complaints 2006: 44 complaints 2007: 23 complaints 2007 2008: 26 complaints 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 1 complaint 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 2 complaints 2013 2014: 9 complaints 2015: 11 complaints 2015 2016: 3 complaints 2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 0 complaints 2019: 4 complaints 2019 2020: 4 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 9 complaints 2023: 1 complaint 2023 2024: 2 complaints 2025: 1 complaint 2025 2026: 1 complaint
1997: 2 complaints 1997 1998: 0 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 72 complaints 2001: 29 complaints 2001 2002: 22 complaints 2003: 33 complaints 2004: 49 complaints 2004 49 2005: 32 complaints 2006: 44 complaints 2007: 23 complaints 2007 2008: 26 complaints 2009: 1 complaint 2009 2010: 1 complaint 2011: 3 complaints 2011 2012: 6 complaints 2013: 2 complaints 2013 2014: 9 complaints 2015: 11 complaints 2015 2016: 3 complaints 2017: 2 complaints 2017 2018: 0 complaints 2019: 4 complaints 2019 2020: 4 complaints 2021: 13 complaints 2021 2022: 9 complaints 2023: 1 complaint 2023 2024: 2 complaints 2025: 1 complaint 2025 2026: 1 complaint

2004: 49 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19930
19940
19950
19960
19972
19980
199961
200072
200129
200222
200333
200449
200532
200644
200723
200826
20091
20101
20113
20126
20132
20149
201511
20163
20172
20180
20194
20204
202113
20229
20231
20242
20251
20261

Known problem areas

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

Fuel system, diesel

43% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly.

Engine and engine cooling

33% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing diesel and engine.

FIRE
Show 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, 2006-08-17

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, 2005-10-27

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, 2005-10-06

Electrical system

18% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing wiring.

FIRE

Power train

14% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Fuel system, gasoline

6% · 3 reports

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, 2012-04-09

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, 2012-04-09

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2005-02-15Engineering analysisClosed 2005-11-02 Engine stalling
  2. 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…

  3. R
    2007-09-05Equipment07E066000 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…

    Remedy: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.

  4. 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.

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Ford F-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Fuel system, diesel: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 16 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V270000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07E066000 · Equipment
  • Recall 11V352000 · Exterior lighting

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years2 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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.