'04 owners how's your truck holding up?
 

Just wanted to see how those old '04's are holding up seeing as they're over 3 years old now and a good deal of them are at or approaching 100K and beyond.

In my case after many trips to the dealer for warranty issues my '04 has become a rock solid rig. Major problems have been limited to replacing the front rotors, calipers and pads for a steering vibe, replacing the clutch pack in the diff, and replacing the metal fuel line from the filter to the engine due to a leak.

Less serious issues have been rear axle seals, drivers window switch cluster, cam phasers and the recall to remove the butyl pad. Thankfully no other engine issues and zero tranny trouble.:thumbsup: I tow a 6000lb camper every weekend in the summer and it always gets me to my destination. The 5.4 could use more grunt for pulling, it gets rolling fine but when trying to merge and get up to speed even 50 more ponies would make a difference. Turning OD off and using first and second gear does improve how the F150 moves a load, especially in the hills.

I could go on but I want to hear from the rest of you, this will be the thread to air your feelings about your truck. Both good and bad.:thumbsup:

I love my '04. Really no problems at all, it just keeps going and going. I'll be keeping it a long, long time I think.

:coffee:

Yep, same here. Regardless of the issues I've had it has never failed to get me from point A to B then back again.:thumbsup:

Havn't had too many problems with mine. Replaced a window switch because the light had gone out, one new ABS wheel speed sensor (roadkill strike), the only real pita is that it's on it's 4th stock battery and it's going bad too. But it's out of warranty now and of course they won't replace the 6 month old battery.

Had to have the computer reflashed to solve a no start. However that was 100% my fault.

35,900 miles
absolutly no problems.
have only needed standard maintenance. (oil, air filter, rotation, 30k stuff)

perfect so far - oaw

45K miles, no issues so far beyond the fact that it ate up a set of brake pads REALLY quick...

I had a problem with the transmission slamming into gear every now and then, I took it in for extended warranty service, but they couldn't find the problem, and it hasn't done it since. I think they flashed the ROM...

Oh yeah, the interior fabrics suck. When I can afford to, I am putting a full set of Hatchie Bottom neoprenes in. Probably Shadow Grass..

My truck has held up pretty good. Went in once for rear diff leak, and third brake light leak. They fixed both and she's been good since. I mean she has her occassional squeaks and rattles, but overall a solid vehicle

53k miles and no problems, hearing your list of problems made my mouth drop, the only problem i had at all out of my truck really was the fact that i never use the emergency brake so the truck would shake when i decided to use it, and my radio quit working one day and i tried everything to get it working too, finally we was leaving later that day and my step daughter goes "i wanna listen to the radio" i said it doesnt work.... she said "it does too." then hit it with her hand and turned the power button on and its never had the problem since :confused: i never understood that either because i did the same thing even i guess she just had the special touch :lol:

I'm at 53K miles. My driver's side cam phaser is getting noisier. The driveshaft slip yoke is popping and clunking. Had to replace my starter a few weeks ago. Otherwise, its done okay.

Im at 30K with no issues:thumbsup:

No problems here. My 04 is holding up great. 85,000 miles and counting

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...351-133558.jpg

I have 37k miles and no major issues. Problems that were taken care of were 3RD brake light leak and butyl pad removal recall. Other than that its just been little stuff that I have broken. :rolleyes:

I tow a 6000k camper on the weekends too and with 33" tires I really cant complain about how it does, it could use a little more power but gears would probably help even more. I had the third brake light problem and the tranny replaced under waranty. I am at 45,000 miles and it is doing fine. I really want new interior as well, the fabric really sucks. Other than that it is running as strong now as when I bought it.

All;

'04 Supercab FX4, 6.5 bed. 55,000mi. Overall This has been a great truck. :thumbsup: This is by far my best new truck since I bought a (dare I say it ) toyota in 1981. Had only four warranty issues.

Driveline vibe: traced to bad u-joint, u-joint on long term backorder, new driveshaft cured that one.

Rear slider rattle/squeak: no permanent fix, have to spray it about every 3000 to keep it quiet.

Paint peeling on fender and center hub logo's, new parts fixed it right up.

Butyl pad removal: all fixed as well.

The only thing that really bugs me is the interior cloth, what was FMC thinking on that one?? One more thing - has anyone else had the indicator lamp in the console shift go out?? I have to put a new one in about every three months:(

BJ

Great truck! 39,000 miles only problem was the cam phasers and the butyl pad removal.

55k

Only problem...

Rear Brake Light Seal

I bought mine used about 2 years ago. Now 55k and only a rear brake light leak the day after I left the dealership. Went back and they changed it no charge and no hassle. Fine ever since.

I caused a parasitic drain on the battery that might be floating here in history.

Have only 25k on mine, and loving every mile. No problems really. Cam phasers were noising when i got it last year and the dealership fixed that problem under warranty, no other issues as of yet

I've got 91K on my '04 Screw 4x4 Lariat. She's been an awesome truck to own so far. I have had some repairs needed, but since I bought the 100K mile warranty, it's been covered....less a $100 deductible.

Pre 36K mile warranty:

3rd Brake Light Leak.

36k-current:

4WD Vacuum line went out, stripped the front axle splines. Replaced. Then, next day, same thing. Driving in 2WD down the freeway at 70 mpg and this excrutiating noise starts coming from my front driveshafts. Same repair next day, but his time they get it right.

Limited-Slip went out, They replaced the LS and lubed the slip yoke.

At ~85K miles, I took it in for a oil change at the dealer and they found an oil leak. Said is was the oil drain valve and replaced it. At next oil change @ 90K, they found the same oil leak and determined it was the valve cover gasket, replaced and no leaks as of now....

I just got my 04 Screw Fx4 about 3 months now and love it (had 31K miles on it). They did have to replace the stock brake pads due to excessive squealing that I complained about and that's about it (not to mention someone keyed the truck the day before I got it...but they fixed that as well). So far it's been good to me, but I aggree about the extra horse power. I had a 4 cyl tacoma pulling my boat before this and with the 5.4v8 I thought I would see signifcant increase in acceleration, but it was pretty moderate for what I thought it would be. Sitll looks good and once I'm done with my planned mods it'll look even better!:D

Bought mine new in 04 and so far...Brakes, faulty injector, torn leather seat, belts squeaks, thunk when I put it into gear.

I can't say i am real happy with mine, i mean i love the way the truck looks. I have had the same problems as you, rotors (replaced), rear end rebuilt (twice), throttle body replaced, leaky taillight lens replaced, bad temp sensor (replaced), butyl pad removal, drive shaft spline greased. In Ford's defence they did fix all the issues (it took a call directly to Ford) but now the rear bed leaf springs are creaking and popping worse than a 95 year old grandmother.
Ive got an early build 7/03.

Good stuff everyone, keep it comin'. :thumbsup:

Just got back from a 900 mile family trip. I'm rolling onto 85,000 miles right now. Put a second set of BFG's on it this winter.

Still have the STock Brake Pads!

I love this truck. No serious problems. It's our Family Truckster.

:thumbsup:

Dad's 04
 

Pop has a 2wd XLT scab. Rear brake light leaks. Threw one code about 6 months ago, he cleared it and it never came back. It idles a little rough, but it has run great, been easy on the tires and decent on gas. He has hauled a couple of thousands of lbs in it and it did well.

He really likes his truck. First new pickup in years. Thankfully between my mom and dad any me and my wife, our cars have been pretty damn good.

One common problem I'm reading here is the leak at the third brake light, the one issue I haven't had yet. My warranty is up July 1st hmmmm......:coffee:

'04 Lariat 4x4 Screw 5.4l 5.5'
 

Squeeks and rattles galore, plus major engine whine. And I take VERY good care of my trucks.

I took mine in once for the rear window squeek, they replaced something but it didn't fix the problem, never bothered to bring it back in. Rear passenger has a squeek as well, plus the bed seems to have a squeek and occasional other little squeeks that drive you crazy. But the worst of the worst has to be the horrific engine whine that developed about a year ago now. As long as you are giving the truck gas, no matter how slow or how fast, as long as your foot is on the gas the engine whines like a jet engine. It's absolutely horrible and I cannot wait for the 2009's to come out so I can trade this thing in. Thank gosh I paid it off last year, I'd be PISSED if I was still making monthly payments on a whiner like this. My 1997 and 1998 F-150's all were perfect for the many years I owned them (what GREAT trucks!), but this one seems to gather more squeeks and rattles as the years go by. Oh, and my power rear window only works on rare occasions, when it wants to I guess... better to leave it shut than have it stop when it's open.

2009, PLEASE come quickly!

And if the '09's look like crap, I'll have to go to a Fusion or Edge or something. I wish I knew now what they looked like, because if they are butt ugly like the Titan, Tundra, Ram or Chevy (GMC really only other decent looking 1/2 ton truck) I could just buy a car now and be done with the horrible engine whine and other rattles 'n squeeks. :(

This is her on Day 1, before I knew she had a virtual orchestra of squeeks 'n rattles to come...
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...5845-88198.jpg

2009... 2009... :drool:

48k and standing strong, knock on wood. Did do a break job at 40k though.

New engine: Bought mine used at 42K, now has 68K but at 65K she needed a new (rebuilt) engine. Had rod knock and #1 cylinder was down on compression. Upon disassembly they found the cam lobes on the passenger side showed significant wear too. It took two longblocks before the dealership accepted what the Ford rebuilder sent them and then that engine had a sound from the drivers side head so they ordered another head. Decided to check the passenger side and it suffered from the same problem the drivers side head had so they ordered a new head for that side too. I walked back to the shop and talked to the head mechanic but still nobody would tell me what was wrong w/ the heads so I still don't know.

Other annoyances:
- The AC doesn't blow that cold
- I can't get the brakes to stop "warping" or pulsating (feels like warpage but 6 hard stops and it goes away for 1000 miles).
- I've had the 4wd solenoid replaced
- The steering wheel controls went out
- It blasts the music for an instant when coming to a stop.

Still like the truck though..

Had the 3rd Brake light leak fixed, had the butyl recall fixed, did the PCM reflash, and also had the front end vibe, which was fixed, but they busted a brake line in the process and I was back the next day for that. Also had window light switch burn out as well. I'm at 31,000 miles and gonna get the ashtray rattle fixed and that should be it.

Everything else is fine, and I still love the truck. If it wasn't for this site, I might have lived with most of the problems. But seeing how many people had the same issues as me, it was worth getting them fixed. Thanks Guys!!! :beers:

OUCH!

'04 here with 30k miles, original owner. Replaced butyl pads at recall, dealer flashed PCM to help with hesitation, and just recently had to replace brake pads and machine rotors. I still have the driveline clunk, but I've just been too lazy to take it in to get the yolk lubed up.

Other then those minimal issues, the truck has been great.

Too funny...that is about the only thing i have not had trouble with either:lol:
My warranty was up and the rear end started clunking again, Ford dealership told me "your out of warranty", that's when i called Ford direct. About 2 hours later i got a call from the same dealership all of a sudden treating me like a king. Asking when i could bring it in etc. My truck was about 4-6 weeks out of warranty then.

I have an '04 SC Lariat. I only have 8500 miles on it. I've had it in for butyl pad removal recall, third brake light leak and bad temp. sensor. Dealer took care of it all under warranty. I love my truck. I'd buy another in a heartbeat!

57,000 miles and no real problems. I've had it die on me a couple times, once was because my K &N air filter came off about 6 months after install. (ooops!) The other just needed some throttle bottle cleaner to get her idleing ride. I did have to replace my brakes and have my rotors turned at about 40,000. That seemed a little too soon, but I'm still very pleased!

Just under 50,000 miles on my 04. No major issues. Had the third brake light leak fixed, new front rotors after mine warped at about 5,000 miles, and a power steering pump leak fixed under warranty. Getting ready to put on new brake pads and rotors, new wheels and tires, and new shocks and struts. Last year and half was in England on some pretty crappy roads, too. No squeaks or rattles coming out of mine. Love it and plan to keep it until it dies. I guess I have been extremely lucky not to have a lot of the issues I've ssen in this thread.

Bought my truck, November 03, she has just under 38k on her and so far:

1) Destroyed the valve body in the tranny playing in the mud, $3500 tranny replacement.
2) Switch clusters both driver and passenger side replaced.
3) Idler pully on the front of the engine ate the bearing completely.
4) Driver side window motor pooped out on me 6 months after i got her.
5) None of the lights have leaked... yet.
6) Still the factory brake pads and several thousand miles left on them.

I guess i cant really complain, other than my own doings, the poor ol' girl has held up better than i really expected. I drive her hard and treat her kinda rough, but they advertise, "Built Ford Tough" so im gonna get my moneys worth out of her. Compaired to the people i know that drive Rams and Chevys that baby thier trucks and still have major problems i consider myself exceptionally lucky AND smart for making my last 4 trucks all Fords. I couldnt expect any other brand of truck to take the abuse that i put mine through.

almost 30k miles.

No issues, not one and it takes a beating.

Please don't get me started.

- Rear end replaced 3 times.

- Failed coilpack (fixed)

- Phaser knock (not yet fixed)

- Tranny strange shifting, slips , short shifts (not fixed)

- Condensation is passenger side fog light (not fixed)

- Speedo momentarily "sticks" sometimes (not fixed)

- Rattle on startup (not fixed)

- Rattle in headliner (disappeared by itself)

- Button lights in driver door and sunroof/rear slider buttons burnt out (not fixed)

- Vibe/ Shimmy at 70+ (dealer claimed it was tires, but its not) (not fixed)

- Bed that looks like its having seizures (not fixed, dealers says "no problem")

- Roof brake light leaks (ford couldn't find a problem there either)

- Warps brake rotors routinely. (Ford installed "upgraded" rotors, still happens)


Thats just for starters. :thumbsup:

Built with complete lack of quality by the great people at the Kansas City Plant.

I have almost 60K on mine, i baught it used.

Currently my problems are:

- busted drivers side balljoint

- Bed shakes alot while driving, rattles back window

- throttle or tranny whines/hums at 50-60mph (SOOOO ANNOYING

- Lifters tick pretty bad

- emergency brake broke again (3rd time)

- RUST on bumpers from stones hitting

- drivers side window switch only works when you slam it down