2004 Ford E-150 recalls and problems

The 2004 Ford E-150 has 4 safety recalls and 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
33
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Ford E-150 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Ford E-150 recalls

Recall 09V-100: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Mar 27, 2009 · 52 vehicles affected · VAN CONVERSIONS OF LEHIGH VALLEY INC.

Problem: Van conversions is recalling 52 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 GM savanna 3500 vans built on ford and GM chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles," the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.

Fix: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.

Recall 09V-102: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Mar 27, 2009 · 74 vehicles affected · VAN CONVERSIONS OF LEHIGH VALLEY INC.

Problem: Van conversions is recalling 74 my 2004-2007 ford e-150, e-250 e-350 and my 2006 GM savanna 3500 vans built on ford and GM chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Van conversions is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or van conversions at 610-837-0707.

Recall 04V-445: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Sep 13, 2004 · 253,076 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain vans, the air filter element material process resulted in an air filter paper element that can smolder or burn. This change in filter paper composition combined with the configuration of the air induction system, may allow hot carbon particles to contact the air filter element during certain driving conditions that create hot particles.

Risk: These hot particles may ignite the air filter element with the potential for air induction system damage or underhood fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the air filter element. The recall began september 27, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (For a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.

Recall 04V-444: Electrical System

Reported Sep 13, 2004 · 214,849 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: On certain vans, a diode in the anti-lock braking system (Abs) module may experience an electrical short.

Risk: The electrical short may cause an ABS malfunction that would illuminate the ABS warning light, or the module may overheat resulting in a burning odor, smoke, and/or fire. This condition may occur while the vehicle is being driven or unattended.

Fix: Dealers will install a new fuse in the ABS circuit and install a heat shield over the ABS module. The recall began on october 15, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also ford is extending the limited warranty (For a one time replacement) of the ABS module for a total of 10 years or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date, whichever occurs first. If your vehicle has already accumulated more than 150,000 miles, this coverage will last until september 30, 2005.

2004 Ford E-150 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Vehicle Speed Control4
Power Train4
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Wheels2
Seat Belts2
Visibility2
Engine2
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Electrical System1
Service Brakes, Air1

Most reported parts

  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 2
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 2
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Ford E-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 74,000 miles · reported Jul 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parked when the vehicle suddenly rolled backwards downhill the contact's son attempted to get into the vehicle to make it stop. The trailer's jackknife stopped the vehicle from going onto the road. The contact manually moved the vehicle back into their garage. The contact stated their son did receive injuries to their head, left or right leg (the contact was unsure of the exact leg), and their left or right arm (the contact was unsure of the exact arm). Medical attention was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer…
Exterior Lighting · at 50,000 miles · reported Jun 8, 2015
There are tons of drivers on public roads using off road LED light bars and using amplified HID headlights. They are so bright I have to block the light with my hands when they drive by. I know this is illegal. It is terribly unsafe. Why are there not laws being enforced to prevent their use on the street?
Power Train · at 131,876 miles · reported Apr 26, 2015
At the point I reach 40 MPH truck shifts to neutral, have to pull over safely and take truck out of overdrive to get home. Very dangerous when traveling at that rate of speed. Did some of my own investigating and found many website have angry people who also own same vehicles with very low mileage. I saw the range of miles between 44,000 miles to 150,000 miles. Please refer to www.carcomplaints.com just to start with, there are many other websites for this model you can see. Please help.
Suspension · at 93,000 miles · reported Apr 14, 2014
The contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. The contact stated that the lower ball joints were causing premature wearing of the tires. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the front end springs were completely fractured. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The manufacturer stated that there were no active recalls regarding the failure and declined to provide a remedy to resolve the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000. Updated 05/05/14
Visibility/Wiper · at 60,000 miles · reported Mar 5, 2014
The contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. The contact stated the front passenger's side window independently opened. The failure recurred several months later on the rear passenger window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that both window regulator assemblies would need to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

Other Ford E-150 years

Compare all Ford E-150 years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Ford E-150 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Ford E-150: 09V-100 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-102 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 04V-445 (engine and engine cooling), 04V-444 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford E-150?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (9 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.