RoadVitals

2004 Ford F-450 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Jan 6, 2014
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jul 13, 2011
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Ford F-450 Sd, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 128 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine819.0%
  • Powertrain (other)37.1%
  • Electrical37.1%
  • Other / unspecified24.8%
  • Brakes24.8%
  • Tires & wheels12.4%
  • Driver assistance12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Jul 13, 2011
26,715 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
The risk: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The 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.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 11C18View on NHTSA.gov

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Aug 28, 2007
175 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
The risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
The remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Jun 10, 2005
180,104 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
The 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 ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 05S34View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA05003ClosedEngineering Analysis

ENGINE STALLING

Opened Feb 15, 2005
Closed Nov 2, 2005

IN A JUNE 7, 2005 LETTER, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WOULD BE CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 180,000 FORD F-SUPER DUTY, EXCURSION AND E-SERIES VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES TO CORRECT TWO WIRING RELATED CONDITIONS THAT COULD RESULT IN ENGINE STALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 05V-270, FORD NO. 05S34).THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 29, 2003 AND MAY 31, 2004.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES WITH THE CONDITIONS MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.FORD WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS OF VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL INJECTOR CONTROL MODULE WIRE HARNESS UPGRADED OR REPLACED AND OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED.DURING A MAY 2005 PRESENTATION TO ODI, FORD IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF POTENTIAL FAILURE MECHANISMS THAT COULD AFFECT ENGINE PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION, INCLUDING THE WIRING CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY 05V-270.THE WIRING CONDITIONS, WHICH BOTH AFFECT ENGINE FUELING, WERE THE MOST LIKELY CONDITIONS TO RESULT IN ENGINE STALL.THE RECALLED VEHICLES COMPRISE APPROXIMATELY 43% OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION AND ACCOUNT FOR 75 OF THE 113 ODI REPORTS THAT HAVE A VALID VIN (66%).THE VOQ COMPLAINT RATE FOR THE RECALL POPULATION IS 45/100K WHILE THE RATE FOR VEHICLES OUTSIDE THE RECALL POPULATION IS 17/100K AND THEIR TREND (BY DATE OF RECEIPT) IS DECLINING.BASED ON THE ANALYSIS, ODI BELIEVES FORD?S ACTIONS ARE SUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS THE CURRENT SAFETY RISKS AND THE INVESTIGATION IS THUS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF WARRANTED BY FUTURE CIRCUMSTANCES.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOODLed to recall 05V270000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 6, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK LINING HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.

NHTSA ID
10558711
Incident
Dec 23, 2013
Mileage
71,000 mi
Fuel systemOther / unspecified
Filed Nov 3, 2013

10/17/13 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH A LOAD OF CATTLE RUNNING FINE AND JUST LOST POWER GOING ON THE INTERSTATE GOING FROM 65 TO 10 MILES AN HOUR. TRAFFIC ZIPPING BY. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE FUEL FILTERS BUT IT DONE THE SAME AFTER I CHANGED THEM. I TOOK IT TO A GARAGE AND HE SAID HE THE TANK LINER WAS COMING APART NOW IT MESSED UP MY INJECTORS, AND I THINK FORD SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ON SOMETHING LIKE THAT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED OR SEVERLY HURT!!!! IT IS IN THE SHOP NOW AND I THINK FORD SHOULD PAY SOMETHING ON THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10550664
Incident
Oct 17, 2013
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2012

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 DIESEL FUEL FLOW TO MOTOR WHEN HIGH DEMAND FOR DUEL OCCURS. NEAR COLLISION AT FREEWAY SPEEDS AND WAS VERY DANGEROUS TO PULL OVER WHEN THERE WAS NO SHOULDER. FORD DEALER STATES THE COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $3,500.00 AND OPEN ENDED DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE FUEL TANK COATING ENTERED THE MOTOR OR INJECTORS. THEY WANT TO START BY REPLACING THE HARNESS, FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP AND GO FROM THERE. FORD REFUSES TO HONOR THIS CLEAR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10483254
Incident
Nov 1, 2012
Mileage
59,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 21, 2012

AT APPX. 80,000 MILES ON OUR 2004 F450 SD FUEL TANK DELAMINATED CAUSING FUEL SYSTEM FAILURE WHICH RESULTED IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. WE HAVE ALWAYS PURCHASED HIGH QUALITY DIESEL FROM REPUTATABLE GAS STATIONS (CHEVRON, SHELL). VEHICLE REPAIRED AT FORD AND HAD CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT OF COST AND WAS DECLINED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10448794
Incident
Jan 16, 2012
Mileage
80,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 25, 2012

TRUCK FAILS TO MAINTAIN SPEED (ACTS FUEL STARVED) AND IS AT RISK OF STALLING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAIN COMPLETELY AT FORD DEALERSHIP AND HAS HAD NO AFTERMARKET ADJUSTMENTS. AFTER TAKING THIS TRUCK TO THE FORD DEALER (PARR FORD IN BREMERTON, WA) WE HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE FUEL TANK IS DELAMINATING AND CAUSING PARTICLES TO CLOG THE FUEL SYSTEM. AS WE HAUL A LARGE TRAILER WITH THIS VEHICLE (AS I'M SURE OTHER CONSUMERS DO AS WELL) THIS CAN RESULT IN A CATASTROPHIC OUTCOME AS STALLING RESULTS IN LACK OF STEERING ABILITIES AND CAN LEAVE VEHICLE VULNERABLE IN TRAFFIC. FORD NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS ISSUE IMMEDIATELY AND CORRECT VEHICLES CURRENTLY ON THE ROAD AT THEIR COST. *TR

NHTSA ID
10445180
Incident
Jan 17, 2012
Mileage
80,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 28, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AS THE FUEL LINER DELAMINATING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 01/11/12

NHTSA ID
10437565
Incident
Mar 23, 2011
Mileage
200,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 15, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD LOOSE POWER AND WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS DELAMINATION FOUND IN THE FUEL TANK LINING, WHICH WAS FLAKING OFF AND CAUSING A LEAK IN THE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA ID
10412436
Incident
Jul 1, 2011
Fuel system
Filed May 24, 2011

2004 FORD F450 AMBULANCE. CONSUMER STATES DEFECTIVE OF THE FUEL TANK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AS A RESULT OF A SERIOUS STRUCTURAL DEFECT OF THE FUEL TANK, THE VEHICLE STALLED DURING SEVERAL EMERGENCY CALLS. THE COATING IN THE INTERIOR DIESEL FUEL TANK CORRODED AND COLLECTED AS SEDIMENT, WHICH EXTRACTED INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE FUEL LINE BECAME CLOGGED AND DAMAGED THE FUEL PUMP AND VALVES. *JB UPDATED 03/01/12 *BF UPDATED 03/16/12 UPDATED 04/18/12

NHTSA ID
10403298
Incident
May 2, 2011

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 51909

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

RFI20210210_624-

POWER TRAIN

This SKU is a Transmission Line. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the connector. The transmission line connector may have an incorrect thread size, which will prevent it from being installed.

DOR-C2C6H-02

EQUIPMENT

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

DOR-U2J7Y-02

EQUIPMENT

This SKU is a Spare Tire Hoist. Test results identified that the pull force parameter was not within specification, as a precautionary measure unsold inventory was requested to be returned for testing and containment. We don't have evidence that these test results have contributed to a product failure.

SSM 48157

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go back to the system utilities page. Navigate to the toolbox tab and run the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) on the VSM. The procedure will prompt you to manually enter the as-built into the VSM. Obtain the as-built data from PTS > OASIS > As-Built.

ASI-44534

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FORD: WHEN SHIFTING BETWEEN PARK, REVERSE AND/OR DURING 2-3 SHIFT, AN INTERMITTENT CLUNK OCCURS WITH A TORQSHIFT TRANSMISSION. MODEL 2003-2014 F-SUPER DUTY, E SERIES, EXCURSION, F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS, LOW CAB FORWARD. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford F-450 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120
2025240
2024730
20235130
20222414057.7
20211712262.6
20200103
2019393
2018073
20171113
2016131
2015142
2014141
2013281
2012371
2011681
2010360
2009350
2008683046.3
2007162040.0
2006352045.5
2005405043.8
2004Viewing333150.5
2003166349.1
2002146350.1
2001239764.3
2000437562.1
19996611562.6
1998122
1997441
1996221
1995221
1994332
1993542
1992322
1991611

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.