9.4
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $5,840
- Average Mileage:
- 104,850 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 32 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace engine (30 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
2004 Ford F150 - When I start it, it reves high, drops, revs high, drops and stalls. I can be driving it and it stalls in the middle of the road at which point I cant steer or brake and it has almost caused an accident. Shared it with mechanic a number of times and they say it is healthy.
I am freaking out cause I do not want to break down and nobody seems to be able to help.
- hoodster65, Huntington Beach, CA, US
My engine just blew up after 90,000 mi.!!!! I maintained it perfectly!!! Ford you just lost a 3rd generation fan. My truck body is perfect and now I have no motor. My coworker had the same truck and his motor blew at 90,000 mi. too!!! I sense a problem.
- mclaughlinav, Avalon, NJ, US
Looks like everyone here ha had the same problem.
Bad engine not worth fixing or replace.
- Felipe P., San Diego, Afghanistan
I owned my 2004 Ford F150 about 3 years in 2008 when driving to work one day the engine made a loud bang and immediately lost power and started running very rough. I drove it to Friendly Ford in Las Vegas Nevada and put it in the service department, not knowing about the history of this engine "Spitting Park Plugs" out.
Needless to say they never told me about it either, their lie was it would be about $3000 to remove and tear apart the engine to see why it lost compression in the number three cylinder. I decided to drive the truck home and when I lifted the hood, I began to pull on the # 3 wire and the plug lifted out of the engine. It looked like a blow torch was used on it and it was totally melted and deformed.
I took it to a local mechanic and he informed me that this "Spitting Spark Plugs" and all other spark plug issues with these engines had been going on since the 1990s when Ford created this engine. He said that it usually happens at about warranty expire time or right after. He advised me to find a low mileage engine out of a wrecking yard, "which I did from a 2008 Expedition with 21,000 miles for $2500" and he would swap it for $900 labor.
So after all is said and done, instead of paying Those Dbags at Friendly Ford in Vegas $3000 to just look at their P.O.S engine that they already knew the answer too, I just took in the shorts and had it pulled. The motor I have in it now is getting close to the same mileage as the original one and so far no issues.
- jeffnv, Las Vegas, NV, US
Just plain B.S. motor is junk . Pay that kind of money for a thought to be nice truck and the motor can't even make it to 200,000 miles. Had a 1996 F 150 that made it to 243,600 miles with no problem. I think that ford is having lots of motor problems because they are changing motor sizes every couple years. they need to go back to the 5.8 liter motor.
- Carl S., Brooklyn, MI, US
I have owned numerous Ford autos/trucks. I bought this one new. It was no problem until March 19, 2012. With 165,000 miles the check engine light goes on, it starts clacking, chugging and I'm forced to make an illegal lane change, and the engine dies. I'm catching my breath and I restart the truck. It starts but it is misfiring and shakin' up a storm. Engine light is on so I shut it off. I'm on my way to work and I don't have any idea what is up. Call AAA they take me to the dealer I bought it from. A day later they tell me they need to change the oil to check if a sensor is bad. Next day, YOU NEED A NEW MOTOR, $8100 PLEASE!!!! So I had it towed back to my house where it is sitting while I contemplate what the F^!K I'm gonna do!!! I'm reading WAY to many same situations for this to be random.
- vn91b20, El Cajon, CA, US
They say the third time is a charm. Called dealership and demanded refund for all repairs made to truck in Dec and Jan. I was told to bring the vehicle in and was given a rental due to previous issues. Had a meeting with service manager, Tec, and Vp. Called the next day was told that bearings were chard, wear in camshaft and holders? (rail) Also noticed sludge( I'm figuring cooked oil due to cam phasers not working properly).
Again, all service work and repairs were done at original dealer, no idea why this wasn't noticed the first two trips and two months time. Ford Motor Company will not recall or replace defective motor, even though design was changed one year later. Dealership accepted no responsibility for mus-diagnossis and Ford Motors won't help in any way with engine replacement.
Looking For Any Info on A Class Action Suit.......
- jeepoutlaw, Harrisburg, PA, US
2004 Ford F-150 5.4L V8 I took excellent care of this truck and on a road trip to Reno, NV it started rattling on the way home no prior signs then engine light started flashing. I checked the spark plugs and connectors as I was able to (web diagnose it) stopped at a Mom & Pop place that assured me it was fixable with a set of plug wires and plugs. Well $600 later I got hosed and took it to the Ford dealer that fleeced me for about the same $600 to say the number 6 cylinder was shot and was caused to a faulty guide chain ($8800) for a new engine. This was the last straw I took it to a shop in Reno, NV that was very helpful as they gave me an option of a rebuild or used engine. So I was given the choice of a 115K mile engine for $4700 or a new rebuild for $5600 with a 3 year 36 month warranty. I went with the warranty as the truck has been paid for a while. I drove it from Reno to San Diego with no issues.
- ddawg262, Yuma, AZ, US
Kind of a follow up. Finally took to Ford Dealer to have timing chain replaced and was quoted 2k. Within a short time I get a call about all the issues and the price tag is now 2700. I give approval, very unhappily, and after the weekend I get another call. The heads are shot and really the engine is shot. Now 8700. Refused to have fixed and spent 950 for absolutely nothing. All of this and they tell me my strut springs are broke?? This truck was never off road and treated like a baby. They tell me the after market oil filters is what caused the issue with the engine. This is bull I never bought anything but the best. I have had all work done on my truck at a professional garage that I trust. I did the oil changes. They wouldn't touch this engine when my issues started. Done with Ford, after 5 vehicles. They put cheap parts on their vehicles give you crap warranties and rape you when you bring it in. 2004 Ford Truck 5.4, 9 years 108,000 miles=3sets of brakes, rear axle bearings, 3 sets of tires,1 computer, 4 sensors, 1 window motor and now 1 engine, strut springs something about a small oil leak whats next?? I am in this truck $55,000 that's a cost of $6105 per year not including gas and it sucks gas and never got the rated mileage. Never off road, never in an accident, never used for snowplowing, hand waxed 2 times a year and kept clean (box still rusted) oil changes done every 4k at the most. The 5.4 Triton motor is junk from 2004 to 2008(?) and Ford is well aware of it. This should be a recall because it is a safety issue when your vehicle dies in an intersection or at a stop light. I wouldn't put my grandson in this vehicle due to this. Now I know how stubborn I've been on autos not made in the USA guess I was wrong I can get a better vehicle with a better warranty on anything not built in Detroit.
- djdridefree, Greenfield, WI, US
this is my 10th truck that i buy ... I like it its a sport truck and a great look I am used always to by GMC trucks
First of all I had an issue ... that i find common here with lots of people .. my Svt lightning oil pressure gauge went down to zero and a sign came on ... and the gauge started to go up and down. when the gauge goes down .. the was lifters sound which means i am losing oil pressure so i continued .... until i blew the engine.
this week i rebuilt the whole engine including a new pump .... it ran very well until today ... when i wanted to try it after training it for a week .... so the same Sh*t happens again and the oil pressure goes down and the sign came up and the engine started ticking :) WHICH MEANS WHAT ? so i turned it off and f*ck ur sh*tty car :) i am selling it and buying A GMC f#ck FORD
- wahab, Kuwait, Kuwait, Kuwait
-purchased the vehicle September 30, 2006. Kilometers on vehicle 60,723. Took it for test drive on September 29 there was a bit of noise on acceleration. They removed the driveshaft and lubricated slip yoke and it tested ok by them. (looking back now I should have walked away). -It came with a tonneau cover but when they went to install it, it was missing parts so they would have to order a new one. Never did get it. Have receipts for all complaints. -Took it back to dealership April 9, 2007 at 70,300km as it felt like slipping when starting from stopped position. They tested it and informed me that was normal and not equipped with limited slip rear end. -Took it back to different dealership on August 9, 2007 at 77,959 kms in different province as I had moved because there was a loud intermittent grinding noise in front end. They tried to tell me that it was my brakes but I know that it was not brakes. They also informed me that my rear seals needed to be replaced and along with oil/filter it cost $515. -On January 29, 2009 at 97,390 kms I had it towed to mechanic as would not start and was advised there was metal filings in oil. $157.26. Had it towed to dealership after I was advised over the phone it would be covered by Ford. I was then told I would need to replace the motor and it would not be covered. $5291.00. I asked about the grinding noise I had previously complained about and was advised it was my 4x4 trying to engage in which they changed the integrated wheel end. I filed a complaint with the dealership where I bought the vehicle, ford head office in Canada and the Better Business Bureau. No help. Sold the truck after I had it repaired.
- nuke ford, Martensville, Saskatchewan, canada
I changed oil regularly with Motorcraft synthetic blend oil and at 135,000 miles the engine goes out on my Ford F150 XLT super crew cab 4x4 with a 5.4L V8. It gave no warning. It just died and would not crank. I had it towed to a shop and they said it was probably the fuel pump. After checking it out they told me that there was no compression on bank 1. They said I needed a new engine at about $6000.00. I have heard since then that the 5.4L engine is a bad engine and that Ford has had problems with it. I am sick over it. I bought the truck new and paid good money for this truck and thought it would last me for over 200,000 miles. Boy was I ever wrong!!! I told the shop that I would pay them for the diagnosis, but was not going to put money into the truck. I traded the carcass for a Toyota. I will not be burned again by Ford. Besides that I had to replace three window regulators in the truck over the 8 years that I owned it.
- J C C., Spring Hill, TN, US
Some 150 miles from home my F-150 left me stranded. The Low Oil Pressure light came on as the gauge dropped to zero, As I pulled off the road the truck stalled and would not start, sounded like a dead battery. I towed it home at a cost of $435.00 and called a local parts store to ask what to check. He said sounds like either vapor lock or a frozen engine. To check it, he said, drain the oil and look for metal shavings. I did that and found metal, tried to turn the engine over by hand (with an 18mm socket and breaker bar on crank shaft) its was stuck and will not turn over. Now I need a new engine installed at a cost of $6500.00 Must be the F in the F-150, it will F you at the dealership (Truck cost $36,000.00 new in 2004) and F you in the end ($6500.00 in repairs). Thanks for the F'n Ford.........
- Dave K., Grand Haven, MI, US
I change the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and add locus oil treatment every 3rd oil change, my motor never even made the ticking sound like all the other ford trucks do. I spent $1,000 to fix the F'ed up spark plug design 20,000 miles ago. I do not drive like a bad ass and never get in the mud. But yesterday I had to got to city hall (2 blocks over) and my truck started smoking and missing. They tell me I will need a new motor. My brother just replaced his transmission in his 04 ford. and his 4 wheel drive never works. and I know of at least two other similar cases with some fiends I have who own fords. I will never own another ford. Ford tough my a**...
- pcbrocato, Leland, MS, US
I BOUGHT MY 2004 F150 THREE YEARS AGO WITH 32K ON IT. Ive always done the basic maintenance on my truck i don't haul heavy loads or drive crazy. Since ive had my truck ive had the tranny rebuilt twice , power steering , rear diff seal , left tie rod , idler pulley , and now the whole engine. WTF! what happened to ford? i'm just a ave guy with 2 kids and a wife i can afford to put all this money into a truck whom creators say it's their the best. built ford tough. and the worst thing about it is its christmas. IF ANYONE HEARS ABOUT ANY CLASS ACTION LAW SUITES PLEASE EMAIL ME....bucknut002@gmail.com....im going to try to come up with the money to replace the engine (dont know how i will) then im trading this fing truck in on a new Toyota truck. i hope all life long ford owners have this problem and they turn their back on ford like ford has turned their back on us! this is bs. i see why ford didnt get a bail out they must of let anyone design this fing 5.4. then they must of use the cheapest material to put this pile of sh!t together. thanks ford for screwing my new year up! hope someone burns your plants down. ANY CLASS ACTION SUITS PLEASE EMAIL ALL OF US
- rhillohio, Delaware, OH, US
I was driving down the road, when I had a low oil pressure problem. Oil level was fine, drove a little further and check engine light came on with the low oil pressure, I decided not to chance it so I had truck towed in. The dealership said it could be several things, but to be on the safe side, better to replace the engine.
I changed oil every 3-5k miles, regular tune ups etc. Just can't believe it only has a 125k miles on it and I have to replace. Fyi I did have the loud clicking sound with my truck, and I had to change the window parts on 4 of my windows. I did not think to check if this was a common problem. Again like everyone else will not be buying ford anymore.
- Neil W., Knoxville, TN, US
My truck made it to around 141,000 miles last week. No warnings or changes with truck but this year gas mileage was not as good as previous years. Driving home from Menard's I drove 1 mile to hwy 20 that has 65mph speed limit drove around 2 miles when going to pass a semi but pickup started losing power so slowed down and turned behind semi. I noticed my engine light was flashing so pulled over to shoulder and shut pickup off. I started engine for other guy with me to check for what problem was where I had to give gas to keep running. He thought it might be with timing chain. I tried to start truck again but no luck. Had to haul my truck away on flatbed trailer to later find out that my engine is beyond reasonable repair from reasons you mentioned(7/02/2011). Never had problems before and always up-to-date on service. Reason for this?!?
- mfranzen, Nashua, IA, US
I bought my f150 used with 40,000 miles. all was fine. change oil regularly with reccomended oil. Just recently i noticed a ticking seemingly coming from the rt. side valve cover area. one week later it was noticeably worse. I decided to try an oil change although it was not due to see if it would help. Returning home from the auto parts store, as i pulled up into my driveway I got a really low idle, the engine shut down with and low oil pressure in the info area. It restarted with no problem. I proceeded with the oil change, started the engine and monitored the oil pressure. All seemed fine but the ticking still existed. Drove to work with no incidents, just ticking. The next night on my way to work everything was normal (aside from the ticking) when i noticed a sudden decrease in eng power and my a flashing check eng light. I detoured straight to the ford dealership, put it in park and it shut down again with low oil pressure indication. When I talked to ford the next day, they informed me that i had low compression in 3 cylinders which they could not explain and that throubleshooting would be lenghty & costly & considering the " high mileage 116000" I needed a new eng @ a whopping $7000. There's something really wrong here. 116000 is not high mileage today, I should not be replacing an eng with i consider low mileage in an otherwise perfectly good vehicle. Who's to say I wont be doing it again @ 80000 judging from some of the other complaints.
- donaldga, acworth, GA, US
I have had Ford vehicles all my life, an Escort, Ranger, Explorer and an F150. I bought my F150 new and had 65K when the engine failed. I am flabbergasted! I changed the oil, using synthetic oil from Mobile 1 or Syntec, ever 5000 miles. I had the standard 6 year 60K warranty and it expired in July 2010. Of course the engine would fail after the warranty expired. During the warranty period I had to send my POS in for a 4x4 gear box problem, transmission service, an unexpected falling passenger front window that cost me $400 to replace because it wasn't covered under the warranty and failing ignition coil. After the warranty expired another ignition coil failed. At 65K my truck developed a severe valve tick. Maybe the Ford engineers didn't do enough empirical or stress testing on their 2004 engines. Maybe Ford doesn't give a sh*t and just put a POS truck out on the market knowing that people would buy their product because of their reputation of Built Ford Tough "BULLSHIT". Maybe Ford bought materials or parts from sub standard sources just make more profit. All I know now is that I regret buying this hunk of sh*t and that I am forced to pay $6000 for an engine that should have lasted 3 times longer. Of all the times for a vehicle to experience catastrophic failure, "CHRISTMAS EVE" I broke down on the highway and barely got the truck out off the road. All I heard were the sounds from top part of my engine disintegrating. I plan to follow up and make additional complaints to the appropriate federal, state agencies and consumer advocacy groups. Someone suggested on another engine failure complaint that a class action suit should be filed. I'm game!!! This problem needs to be addressed before some gets hurt or killed when engines seizes up in heavy traffic or during bad road conditions.
- Ed L., La Plata, MD, US
I'll never buy another car without checking this site out first. Will not buy another Ford.
- Rk P., Lehigh Acres, FL, US