Most common 2004 Ford F Super Duty problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F Super Duty complaints by model year
Best F Super Duty years: 2004, 1996, 1995. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008. Compare all years →
What 2004 Ford F Super Duty owners say
Engine & cooling
Engine,6.0 diesel was loosing water. Took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the head gaskets were blown and that the head bolts were soft and had stretched. This is a known fault with this engine according to the dealer. If it is a known fault, why hasn't there been a recall to fix this. I have never known an engine to have blown head gaskets at 104,551 miles. There are numerous service bulletins on this problem.
EGR cooler and oil cooler failed in a intersection. This is a safety defect . Looked problem up on internet and found thousands of the same defects with other f-250 diesel engines. Ford must recall before someone gets killed. I spoke with my dealership keeter Ford shelby, nc and they said they have replace over one thousand them selves on the f-250 diesel engines and agreed that this should have been a recall on all 2004 f-250 diesels.
Electrical system
As I'm driving, the horn will sometimes just start blowing by itself for no reason. This is an extremely unsafe as when I'm driving and this happens, it's will scare me completely and usually those around me. I have to quickly pull over and bang on the horn to get it to quit blowing. It seems to be in the airbag area. Thank you.
While towing a 13000 pound fifth wheel trailer with my truck (2004 f250 6.0l diesel engine) the engine shut off. I lost power steering and power brakes as a result. I was able to slow down and pull over to shoulder lane. After collecting my breath I tried to restart the vehicle. It started, but the engine light came on. The engine ran very erratic,RPM varied while sitting and as I attempted to drive it. I stopped again. Started again and nursed it home. Checked the code reader when I got home and found the code to be p2285, injection control pressure sensor low voltage.
Brakes
Driving at approx. 30mph. Applied brakes. Very little pressure as pedal went to the floor. Both front brake lines from ABS pump to lf & rf brake hoses were rotted, as was 3rd line from ABS pump to rear union. All 3 required replacement.
Right front wheel bearing and anti-lock system failed, crossed the center line in the town .stepping on the brakes only made matters worse; because now it pulled harder to the left. Crain Ford after replace every part on the right side. Shortly after that it again the truck pulled to left and the brakes had to be replace because of a bent caliper. There was steering joint replaced,u joint, and wheel bearing then after brake pads and a caliper on the right side.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Ford F Super Duty a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 F Super Duty rates better than average: 77% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F Super Duty at the same age. It is one of the best F Super Duty years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Ford F Super Duty?
The engine & cooling — 5 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › gas recirculation valve (egr valve). Next are the electrical system (4) and brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2004 Ford F Super Duty have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Ford F Super Duty. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F Super Duty?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 1996 and 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2008. See the full Ford F Super Duty years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Ford F Super Duty problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.