Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked and briefly lost motive power before the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 05V270000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
I purchased this truck in January 2023. Drove just fine for 2 months and started having this issue. While driving my 2004 f250 sd 6.0l turbodiesel 4x4, (egr deleted, bulletproofed and studded engine, cold air intake, oil cooler, sct x4 tuner) a "fizzle" noise was heard more on passenger side; acting like fuel wasn't reaching engine; and truck stalled right after noise was heard. Wouldn't restart on a hot engine. Crank-no start. Drained both batteries attempting to restart. Restarted after cold engine but would stalled out and not be able to restart while hot engine. Replaced both fuel filters, fuel pump, some module in front bumper relating to fuel system. A friend that knows diesel engines has been trying to find out why its operating the way it is. I treated the gas tank to (2) SEAFOAM for trucks and had valvoline in Ferndale, WA do an oil change after purchasing it. …
I was driving in nampa around 5pm when my truck lost power my fuel peddle had 0 response tried to pull off the road almost had an accident because truck died losing steering power and brakes was hard to push truck had lost the voltage board in the ficm. Upon going over forums this is a major common issue amongst many ford owners. I also have a ground short from unknown location not sure as to what has caused this but assuming it has to do with the wiring harnesses to the ficm. I feel Ford should be in repair of this due to the large amount of issues across the nation of 6.0 owners but this is a very dangerous situation for owners. Not having steering control in such a large truck is extremely dangers. Previous owner had same issue and replaced the ficm and said it shouldn't ever be an issue I feel there is a wiring issue that needs to be addressed.
Experience stalling without warning while driving and May or May not restart. It will also stall after letting off the throttle when approaching a stop and occasionally while while stopped at a light. RPM's will also drop to 500 and I have no throttle response, if it doesn't stall completely. This May occur 4 or more times a day, then May not occur again for a few days or weeks. There is absolutely no telling when it will occur, it is to random to identify the problem. Now my horn and cruise control have stopped working as well, when I replace the fuse it blows immediately. I have replaced the ficm, ebp sensor and wiring, fuel pump and still have not resolved the problem. My truck is not safe to drive. This has been happening since shortly after buying the truck in 2018, but seems to be getting worse as the temperature warms up. …
Driving the vehicle 20mph lost all power to engine, left without power steering, brakes or control of vehicle. Pulled over and tried to start vehicle, it did not start, but after a few minutes it restarted. This has happened three times in February 2015. I contacted Ford motor company, was assigned a case number. She checked on NHTSA recall 05V270000. She stated that the repairs to this vehicle have already been completed and that I was now on my own in regards to repairs. While doing research, I have found out that people are still having some problems regarding this issue. Ford seems to have washed their hands of this issue of responsibility regarding their vehicles. This is why I am filing a case.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-250. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and it took numerous attempts to restart. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not notified. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle, but was not able to locate the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was similar to what was listed in NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 150,000.* 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).'
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-250. While driving 50 MPH without warning, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The contact was informed that the vehicle was under recall. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000. Updated 1/21/2016
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-250. The contact stated that the fuel lines were severely corroded and were leaking. As a result, the transmission failed while driving at 40 MPH, causing the contact to use excessive force in order to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the power steering fuel line, one brake line, and one transmission fuel line. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Update 01/13/16 ma
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-250. While driving at any speed, the vehicle would stall without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V270000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-250. The contact stated that the gauges on the dashboard became inoperative. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 151,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Ford F-250, 23% of the model year's 154 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford F-250 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Ford F-250, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford F-250 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 124,000 miles, and 30% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.