The 2004 Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup from United States. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2004 F-150 VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (20%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Buy window: across this model line, the yearly price drop visibly flattens around 11 years of age — the observed point where each extra year of ownership costs the least in depreciation.
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Ford F-150 is America's best-selling vehicle for decades, offering a wide range of engines, capable towing and an aluminum body.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
2004
Make
Ford
Model
F-150
Body
Full-Size Pickup
Country of origin
United States
Available engines (model line)
Engine
3.3L V6
Engine
2.7L EcoBoost V6
Engine
3.5L EcoBoost V6
Engine
5.0L V8
Engine
3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
NHTSA safety ratings
—
Overall
—
Frontal
—
Side
—
Rollover
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Real-world pricing & specs — 2004 Ford F-150
Used-market medians (U.S. listings)
U.S. used-market listings for the 2004 F-150 (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $7,988 at roughly 170,338 miles, based on 147 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$7,988
Median mileage
170,338
Sample: 147 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
Median used price by state — 2004 F-150
States with the most listings for this model year (Craigslist 2020–2021 snapshot; only states with enough listings to quote):
Source: Craigslist used listings (2020–2021 snapshot). Regional variation reflects local supply and demand, not vehicle condition.
NHTSA safety recalls — 2004 Ford F-150
16
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Ford dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Campaign: 11V107000 · Filed: 23/02/2011
Defect description: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. IF THE CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG LOWER HORN PLATE, THE WIRE INSULATION MAY BECOME CHAFED, CREATING A POTENTIAL FOR A SHORT CIRCUIT. IF THIS OCCURS THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE INDICATING THAT SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
Consequence: THE DRIVER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG COULD INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL IF OCCURRING WHILE IN MOTION.
Corrective action: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN/MERCURY DEALER TO HAVE A NEW CLOCKSPRING JUMPER WIRE INSTALLED THAT INCORPORATES A PROTECTIVE MESH COVER. REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THIS SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SOME VEHICLES IN MARCH 2011. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ON THE EXPANDED POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Defect description: FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN 1997 THROUGH 2003 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150, 2004 MODEL YEAR FORD F-150 HERITAGE, 1997 THROUGH 1999 MODEL YEAR F-250 LESS THAN 8,500 LBS. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR), AND 2002 AND 2003 LINCOLN BLACKWOOD VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 20, 1995, THROUGH AUGUST 4, 2004, ORIGINALLY SOLD, OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN, CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO ROAD DEICING CHEMICALS MAY CAUSE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE FUEL TANK STRAPS WHICH SECURE THE TANK TO THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: AS A RESULT OF THE CORROSION, ONE OR BOTH STRAPS MAY FAIL ALLOWING THE FUEL LINES TO SEPARATE FROM THE TANK, OR IN SOME CASES, CAUSING THE TANK TO CONTACT THE GROUND. EITHER SCENARIO MAY RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK PRESENTING A FIRE HAZARD.
Corrective action: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND INSTRUCT THEM TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO A FORD OR LINCOLN DEALER TO HAVE THE FUEL TANK STRAPS REPLACED WITH STRAPS THAT HAVE INCREASED CORROSION PROTECTION. EARLY IN THIS CAMPAIGN, IF REPLACEMENT STRAPS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, DEALERS MAY INSTALL A CABLE SUPPORT UNDER THE STRAP AS AN INTERIM REPAIR OR A STEEL REINFORCEMENT OVER THE EXISTING STRAP AS A PERMANENT REPAIR. ANY REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332. FORD'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 11S21
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 06E060000 · Filed: 29/06/2006
Defect description: CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH
Corrective action: AAI MOTORSPORTS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AAI MOTORSPORTS AT 909-923-9188.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Campaign: 09E012000 · Filed: 07/04/2009
Defect description: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Corrective action: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Campaign: 06E056000 · Filed: 13/06/2006
Defect description: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Corrective action: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
EcoBoost cam-phaser rattle
10-speed transmission harsh shifts
Early-model turbo condensation
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 2004 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 2004 F-150
2036
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
VISIBILITY — 775 reports
POWER TRAIN — 168 reports
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — 139 reports
VISIBILITY — 12/31/2010
POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILURE. PLASTIC PART CRACKS THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE REGULATOR MOTOR WHICH GUIDES THE WINDOW CABLE. RESULTING IN THE WINDOW DROPPING DOWN INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL. FAILURE OCCURS APPROXIMATELY EVERY 6-12 MONTHS. FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IN ALL FOUR DOORS. NEW REPLACEMENT WINDOW REGULATOR IS REQUIRED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *TR
VISIBILITY — 12/31/2009
THIS SAFETY CONCERN IS IN REGARDS TO THE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS FOUND IN MY 2004 FORD F-150. THE FIRST WINDOW REGULATOR (DRIVER'S SIDE) WENT OUT WHILE IN NORTH DAKOTA. THERE WAS NO WARNING JUST A LOUD POP, FOLLOWED BY THE WINDOW FALLING IN THE DOOR. THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR BROKE ONE WEEK LATER TO THE DAY. WHEN BOTH OF THESE BROKE, I WAS LEFT WITH NEAR ZERO VISIBILITY INSIDE THE CAB OF MY TRUCK WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING. IF THERE IS ANY SORT OF PRECIPITATION, YOU ARE NO LONGER PROTECT
TIRES — 12/31/2005
WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE GENERAL AMERITRAC TR P255/70R17 TIRES ON OUR TRUCK. WITHIN THE LAST 3 MONTHS WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 TIRES, THEY ARE VERY EASILY PUNCTURED. WE HAVE NOT DONE OUT OF THE ORDINARY DRIVING. IT IS NORMAL GROUND AND NORMAL DRIVING. WHEN THE TIRES GO FLAT, THE PUNCTURE SITES ARE TOO BIG TO PLUG. OUR MINI VAN TIRES HOLD UP MUCH BETTER THAN THESE TRUCK TIRES. IS ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM? THE TRUCK AND TIRES ARE ONLY A YEAR OLD AND THE TREAD IS STILL GOOD. *NM
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 2004 Ford F-150 owners & buyers
The 2004 F-150 is a Full-Size Pickup. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 2004 F-150?
Yes — 16 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Is the 2004 Ford F-150 reliable?
A capable, widely supported truck; reliability varies by engine and model year.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 2004 F-150?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Ford or any government agency.
