Engine
5.4L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 2,019 of 2,029 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 1,675 of 2,029 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Glass & wipers
872 complaint records7 crash reports
"ROLLED DOWN MY DRIVER'S WINDOW, STARTED ROLLING IT BACK UP HEARD A LOUD POP, WINDOW FELL DOWN & WOULDN'T ROLL BACK UP. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
262 complaint records14 fire reports5 crash reports
"FORD F-150 2004 ENGINE FREEZE AFTER WARNING LIGHT. SPUTTERED AND CHOKED AND LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT DRIVE DOWN THE HWY...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Power train
245 complaint records1 fire report10 crash reports
"TRANSMISSION OVERDRIVE FAILURE RESULTING IN A TOTAL REBUILD CAUSED BY AN $18.40 SNAP RING BREAKING ON THE OVERDRIVE SERVO. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11006 opened May 2011 | closed Aug 2011 | Fuel System, Other | Fuel Tank Strap Failure Due to Corrosion - led to recall 11V385000 One or both of the steel straps holding up the fuel tank and attaching it to the truck frame can corrode and fail (break or separate).If one strap fails, the tank may tilt and drop and possibly contact the road surface.If both straps break, the entire tank... |
| EA10001 opened Jan 2010 | closed Apr 2011 | Air Bags | Inadvertent airbag deployment - led to recall 11V107000 ODI opened this investigation based on reports of inadvertent airbag deployment.Data provided by Ford indicated that the airbag clockspring jumper wire, which is situated inside the steering wheel assembly, was installed in a manner that would allow it to rub... |
| PE08063 opened Oct 2008 | closed Feb 2009 | Fuel System, Other | CNG REGULATOR LEAK THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, DISCUSSIONS WITH COMPLAINANTS AND FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE 1/2 TON PICKUP TRUCKS AND ARE NATURAL GAS VEHICLES (NGV) THAT ARE FUELED BY... |
| DP05005 opened Sep 2005 | closed Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11V385000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 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. | Normally free |
| 11V107000 | Air Bags | FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 F-150 PICK UP TRUCKS AS WELL AS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006 LINCOLN MARK LT VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 07V336000 | Vehicle Speed Control | ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN. | Normally free |
| 04V443000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 4.2L, 4.6L AND 5.4L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL TANK MAY HAVE A DEPRESSION AT THE SEAM BETWEEN THE TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. | Normally free |
| 04V200000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY HAVE A FUEL TANK WITH LOCALIZED DEPRESSIONS IN THE FUEL TANK WALL AT THE SEAM BETWEEN TOP AND BOTTOM HALVES OF THE TANK. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019420 2019-08-21 | Other | 5,327 | Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. |
| 2011281 2011-08-01 | Fuel System | 166,282 | On certain 1997-2003 F-150, 2004 F-150 Heritage, 1997-1999 F-250, and 2002-2003 Lincoln Blackwood vehicles that were originally sold in or are currently operated in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New... |
| 2011073 2011-02-21 | Airbag | 8,780 | On certain vehicles, the airbag clockspring jumper wire may be oriented in a way that allows contact with the lower horn mounting plate. |
| 2004317 2004-09-10 | Fuel System | 16 | Certain vehicles may have a fuel tank with a depression at the seam between top and bottom halves of the tank (not visible from outside the fuel tank). |
| 2004141 2004-04-22 | Fuel System | 20 | On certain vehicles, localized depressions in the fuel tank wall at the seam between the top and bottom halves of the tank may allow fuel to permeate resulting in a fuel odour, and/or a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 51536 Apr 2023 | Structure | For 2000-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, swapping a module from a vehicle for diagnosis purposes is likely to cause errors and is not recommended. It is also not recommended to order a replacement module using a vehicle identification number (VIN) from a different vehicle. | |
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. | |
| DOR-N3Z7B-03 Feb 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick. | |
| SSM 48157 Sep 2019 | Electrical System | Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSM 47331 Jun 2018 | Equipment | Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine | The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. | |
| TSB16-0108 Aug 2016 | Power Train | SOME 2004-2014 F-150 AND 2006-2008 MARK LT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) MAY EXHIBIT NOISY OR ENGAGED FRONT HUBS WHEN OPERATING IN TWO-WHEEL DRIVE (2WD) MODE. FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE STEPS TO CORRECT THE CONDITION. | |
| TSB160073 Apr 2016 | Fuel System | Safety recall 11S21 - Fuel tank strap fracture - requests for recall service action | |
| TSB-14-0164 Sep 2014 | Fuel System | FORD/LINCOLN: SAFETY RECALL REGARDING HIGH CORROSION AREAS FOR OPERATING, FOR AN EXTENDED TIME, VEHICLES WHERE BOTH OR ONE STRAP OF FUEL TANK CAN FRACTURE, AFTER CONTACTING GROUND. MODEL 1997-99 F250 LD, 1997-03 F150, 2004 F150 HERITAGE, 2002-03 BLACKWOOD. *PE | |
| TSB-14-0114 May 2014 | Engine | LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PE | |
| TSB-12-7-4 Jul 2012 | Engine | FORD/LINCOLN/MERCURY: IF BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR DEAD, VEHICLES/TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE HARD STARTS AND ENGINE IDLE RPM FLUCTUATION AND EXHIBIT DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0505, P0506, P2111 AND P2112. *PE | |
| AS-21732 Feb 2011 | Air Bags | FORD: THERE MAY BE CHAFFING ON A WIRE HARNESS BETWEEN THE CLOCKSPRING AND DRIVER AIRBAG WHICH CAUSE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON. *RM | |
| CSP-092408CS-01 Aug 2009 | Power Train | FORD TRUCK SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. IN THE CASE OF THE ROUSHCHARGER FOR THE F-150, THE TRUCKS CALIBRATION ENHANCEMENTS HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN PREMIUM FUEL QUALITY. | |
| TSB-08-18-2 Jun 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | FORD/MERCURY/LINCOLN: VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS: DRIVE AWAY HESITATION, LOSS OF RPM ON DECELERATION, DIFFICULTY STARTING, AND/OR IDLE RPM LESS THAN DESIRED. THE F53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS IS INCLUDED. *PE | |
| 20228 Apr 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ | |
| 08-5-13 Mar 2008 | Power Train | 4.6L/5.4L--MIL P0506 AND/OR P0505--HESITATION/LOSS OF RPM/DIFFICULTY STARTING/LOW IDLE RPM. *NJ | |
| 08-14-18 Mar 2008 | Parking Brake | INTERMITTENT VEHICLE VIBRATION--PARKING BRAKE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERNS. *NJ | |
| 08-2-9 Feb 2008 | Fuel System | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE OPERATION - MIL ON --DTCS P040/P0463 OR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MODULE DTC B1201--VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 12/3/2007. *NJ | |
| 07213 Oct 2007 | Steering | HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE SEEPAGE-COLD CLIMATES ONLY (EXCLUDING HERITAGE F-150). *NJ | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 03208 Jan 2006 | Steering | STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY/NIBBLE AT 100 KM/H (60 MPH) AND GREATER SPEEDS ON VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 8/20/2003. *TT | |
| 06216 Jan 2006 | Power Train | LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 04257 Jan 2006 | Steering | VEHICLE/STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION AT 50 MPH (80 KM/H) OR HIGHER - STEERING WHEEL NIBBLE AT 65 MPH (105 KM/H) OR HIGHER. *TT | |
| 04258 Jan 2006 | Power Train | 1ST ORDER VIBRATION FROM THE DRIVELINE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 05131 Jan 2006 | Suspension | SHUDDER/VIBRATION ON MODERATE TO HARD ACCELERATION. *SC | |
| 05252 Jan 2006 | Trailer Hitches | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY -- SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 19010 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | VSM PROGRAMMING - SERVICE PROCEDURE UPDATE. *TT | |
| 052317 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0340/P0344/P0345/P0349 - 4.6L 3V AND 5.4L 3V. *TT | |
| 05255 Jan 2006 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 5.4L 3V WITH P030X AND/OR P0316 ACCOMPANIED BY SPARK KNOCK. *TT | |
| 052220 Jan 2006 | Tires | ALTERNATE TIRES APPROVED FOR OFF ROAD USE. *TT | |
| 0645 Jan 2006 | Power Train | NEUTRAL TOW CAPABILITY - SERVICE KIT REQUIREMENTS. *TT | |
| 061112 Jan 2006 | Power Train | 4X4 FRONT DIFFERENTIAL BRACKET REPAIR. *TT | |
| 04B23 Dec 2005 | Structure | AN ALUMINUM-BACKED BUTYL PAD MAY HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE INSIDE SURFACE OF THE RIGHT HAND SIDE BOX OUTER PANEL IN FRONT OF THE TAIL LAMP. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B23. BUTYL PAD REMOVAL. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *TT | |
| 05173 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1131 AND/OR P1151 - 4.2L ENGINE. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 05215 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BUCK/JERK OR SURGE - 6.0L VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 8/22/2005. *TT | |
| 052118 Oct 2005 | Power Train | SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF COLUMN SHIFT CABLE. *TT | |
| 050621 Oct 2005 | Service Brakes | FRONT BRAKE ROUGHNESS - SHUDDER WHILE BRAKING. *TT | |
| 051713 Oct 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT DEGAS BOTTLE OVERFLOW. *TT | |
| 05192 Oct 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | ROUGH IDLE-5.4L 3V 4X2 SUPERCAB AND SUPERCREW. *TT | |
| 18734 Jul 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0488 SET AFTER REFLASH. *TT | |
| 04219 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) LAMPS ON WITH BOTH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2106 AND P2135. *TT | |
| 04221 Jun 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH MISFIRE DTC'S SPARK KNOCK PISTON SCUFFING. *EH VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 4/25/2005 - 5.4L 3V ENGINE. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 05919 Jun 2005 | Suspension | FRONT TIRE WEAR ON INSIDE AND/OR OUTSIDE EDGE. *TT RAPID FEATHERING WEAR OF FRONT TIRES. *TT RAPID SHOULDER (TOE) WEAR ON INSIDE EDGE OF FRONT TIRES. *TT | |
| 06012005 Jun 2005 | Equipment | LABEL PROGRAM 04L24-SUPPLEMENT#1-TIRE WARRANTY COVERAGE CHANGE. *SC | |
| 18678 Jun 2005 | Service Brakes | REPEAT BRAKE SHUDDER/VIBRATION FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WHEN BRAKING. *TT | |
| 04147 Jun 2005 | Electrical System | SERVICE WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES - SERVICE TIPS. *TT | |
| 050502 Apr 2005 | Suspension | FRONT END SHUDDER/VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/18/2004. *TT | |
| 05618 Apr 2005 | Power Train | REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042001 Apr 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | SPEED CONTROL INOPERATIVE/INTERMITTENT OPERATION - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5/17/2004. *TT | |
| 020503 Mar 2005 | Fuel System | GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 042611 Mar 2005 | Service Brakes | FRONT END SHUDDER/VIBRATION WHEN BRAKING - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 11/18/2004. *TT | |
| 0554 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | USE OF STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST STUDS IN SERVICE FOR 5.4L 2V ENGINE. *TT | |
| 0555 Mar 2005 | Equipment | KEYLESS ENTRY KEYPAD INOPERATIVE. *TT | |
| 05515 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ROUGH IDLE - 5.4L AND 4.6L ENGINES. *TT | |
| 0543 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLING FAN CLUTCH NOISE - VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO 10/1/2004 - 5.4L AND 4.6L ENGINES. *TT | |
| 05417 Mar 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INTERMITTENT ROUGH IDLE - NON-COMMANDED EGR (EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE) FLOW. *TT | |
| 18466 Mar 2005 | Power Train | AXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH |
Showing 60 of 148 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford F-150 →