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2004 Ford F-150 engine complaints

Page 7 of 10: complaints 161 to 190 of 257, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Ford F-150 engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 60,300 miles · IN

Plug failure in v8-triton engines they break off in the heads of the engines is one problem causing a 300 dollar tune up to sky rocket all the way up to 2800 dollars this is all triton 3 valve motors ford said the fixed the problem they did not and they still break . The other problem is that some of the plugs blow out the heads causing a sudden power loss and possible accidents when I contacted the dealer all they would do is give me a price quote against broken plugs trying to take them out they said it falls under warranty restrictions and that's not fair because one of the selling points about the truck was no need for a tune up for 100.00 thousand miles you can't hit that number 3 years 3600 miles there are a lot angry people out there because of this me included and I believe it falls under a dangers vehicle problem I no they have fixed other people trucks over the warranty and I had to fix my on truck after it stop running and I couldn't get a attorney I am handicap and don't have the money it took at least week to get the plugs out by my self the new plugs cost a $103.00 and the time crawling around because my legs or bad I figure 100,000 would be fair or may plugs paid and a trade for new tires.

Filed Feb 7, 2010 · Engine · 99,686 miles · MN

Ford spark plugs fail and are unable to be removed without damage, requiring special tool or significant cost. *tw

Filed Dec 11, 2009 · Engine · 48,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. Upon vehicle inspection, a technician from the dealer stated that the spark plugs would fractured soon, if they were not repaired. Shortly after the advisement, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician stated that the sparks plugs would have to be replaced at the owners expense because they have fractured. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The failure and current mileages were 48000.

Filed Dec 3, 2009 · Engine · 108,000 miles · IN

Spark plug was ejected from the engine stripping the threads in the head, and causing the truck to die in the middle of the road. Dealership gave a bulletin reporting that there is a problem, and reports that it happens all the time. Ford refusing to help. According to the dealership repair will cost $2,100. I was picking up my 3 yr. Old daughter, and if this problem would have happened 10 minutes later I would have been crossing a busy intersection with my daughter in the truck. Once I get me truck fixed who is to say that one of the other cylinders won't do the same thing! I feel the truck is unsafe to have my daughter in it. What if this would have happened when pulling onto the interstate. The bulletin says that this has been an issue since 1997, when is someone going to make sure that they are held responsible. How do I even know that this is not a problem that is still ongoing?

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Engine · 100,140 miles · KS

Had tune up on vehicle at 100,140 miles, per manufacture requirements. Incurred additional costs due to two spark plugs exploiting in block. Mechanic said this is a regular problem, see technical bulletin. Ford has a special way or tool for fixing this problem . Q: I am requesting research be done to see if recall should be in place for this issue in the ford f150. Q: how many ford owners have had same repair? Q: what are requirements by this agency for issuing recalls?

Filed Oct 21, 2009 · Engine · 51,777 miles · MO

I have a ford 2004 f150 5.4 l triton engine (3 valve) and it has 51,777 miles on it as of today. I called dave sinclair ford to check on having the spark plugs changed. They informed me that this job is has been a major problem because the spark plugs designed and made for the 2004 model break off because of poor design. This breaking of the spark plugs has been adding on 1000 to 2000 extra dollars because they have to take special measures and use special tools to fix this issue. Ford motor co. Has had the spark plug redesigned as of 2006 and has also issued a tsb special instruction for removing the defective plugs. The tsb 06-15-2 can be found on www.etoolcart.com/06152.pdf . Ford has acknowledged that their is a problem however, they will not offer to cover all of the extra chargers that are added on due to this defective spark plug issue. A recall should have been issued as soon as they changed out the spark plug design, added the tsb bulletin, or when they started having special tools made for the job. Ford needs to take care of its consumers and offer a recall for all of the 5.4 l triton engines that are having this problem. I have contacted mike detwiler, service manager, at dave sinclair ford. I have contacted ford motor corp. And made two complaints and they were sent to engineering. Everybody acknowledges that this is a major problem, however; ford will not cover this issue and I cannot even use my extended warranty that I purchased extra to help cover unjustly expenses.

Filed Sep 6, 2009 · Engine · 140,616 miles · PA

2004 ford f150 with 4.6 engine. 140,616 miles. #2 spark plug blew out of head. Had to have heli-coil insert installed.

Filed Aug 7, 2009 · Engine · LA

Ford dealership broke all 8 of my spark plugs, initially my repair cost was $609 before they broke my plugs and after they are charging me $3200 to fix something that was not caused by me.

Filed Aug 5, 2009 · Engine · MI

2004 f150 5.4 triton 88,000 miles. Fomoco recommends spark plug change at 100,00 dealer changed 8 plugs broke 6.I was charged a plug extraction fee of $85 per plug in addition to the $320 initial quote.internet research and word of mouth shows many,many instances with the same problem.fomoco quoted"we are not assisting customers at this time".definite engineering flaw they deny.fomoco even invented their own extraction tool to aid in removal of plugs.

Filed Jul 1, 2009 · Engine · 64,865 miles · WI · fire

2004 f150 4.6ltr engine. Spark plug blow out #3 cylinder 64865 miles. Original factory parts. Spoke directly to ford motors they act as if this is my fault. The parts have never been changed. Ford told me it is not covered under warrenty because this is a maintanence part. The dealer told me that this has been a big problem for ford. But they wont honor to fix the problem even though it is a mechanical failure due to bad design. It cost 600.00 to fix and I beleive this should be covered by ford due to the number of instences. There were two trucks fixed the same day for the same problem and again the service department said this has been a big issue. I would like this to be resolved. The consumer should not have to worrie about a spark plug blowing out while driving. This is a saftey issue because fuel keeps flowing into the cylinder and when ignights flames fly out through the spark plug hole. Quit acting like th is is not a problem and recall these poor desinged parts before someone does get hurt.

Filed Jun 29, 2009 · Engine · 30,000 miles · CO

There is already a tsb for the problem but ford should really recall the cam phasers on the 2004 and newer f150's. Most people in this economy cannot afford to throw 2 grand into there car to have a factory defect fixed and ford won't step up to the plate. I have owned numerous ford's in the past and will never buy one again because of their lack of being a good company. I'm sure because the problem is on there number one engine they don't have the money to cover it and don't care that they'll loose half those customers.

Filed Jun 16, 2009 · Engine · 70,652 miles · MI

Own 2004 f150 while taking off from stop in traffic herd load pop and power loss.blew out number #3 spark plug. Took to dealership for repair they told me they see this alot installed insert for repair 534.00 told me not to use truck for towing anything anymore. Called ford about problem was told that this was a service problem. Found over 1000 complaints on line for same thing someone is going to get killed if this is not resolved a loss of power like this or fire from fuel blowing out of the cylinder and the federal safety agency calling this not a safety problem. Someone needs to wake up!

Filed Jun 15, 2009 · Engine · 16,235 miles · TX

On a sunday, I was on a side street when the engine went dead. I noticed the wrench light was on. I called the wrecker service as it was still in warranty. The wrecker driver arrived and asked if I had tried to restart it, which I didn't. I started it and drove home. I took it to the dealer on 06/04/08. They could not duplicate the error nor find anything in the computer module. On 03/29/09, the same thing happened. If I had been on a highway or freeway, I might have had a serious accident. I waited a few minutes, then the truck started up again. I took it back to the dealer on 04/01/09. They kept it overnight doing various tests. The computer showed nothing. They finally suggested to replace the throttle body and reprogram the PCM. I agreed even though it was out of warranty and cost me $484 to repair. I was leery of driving on a highway and freeway as if it happens there, I'm sure if I can't pull over I will surely cause an accident. Subsequent checks on the internet found the is a common occurrence. The engine is supposed to go into "limp mode" to allow one to slowly, but safely drive to a safe spot. My truck, and many others, do not go into "limp mode"; they just go dead. I strongly suggest this be investigated before a serious accident occurs due to this default.

Filed Jun 3, 2009 · Engine · 107,000 miles · KY

Ford 2004 supercrew pickup with 5.4l engine. Factory spark plugs break off when trying to do normal factory service and ford wants customer to pay labor charges for the removal of the broken spark plugs. I was quoted $800. Spark plugs should not break off from the factory.

Filed Jun 3, 2009 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MT · fire

2004 ford f150 caught on fire while driving. Burned to a total loss.

Filed Apr 9, 2009 · Engine · 104,000 miles · GA

Ford f150 spark plugs breaking.

Filed Apr 2, 2009 · Engine · 90,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. When the contact inspected the vehicle, he noticed that a spark plug was loose and created a hole on top of the cylinder. The spark plug was defective and caused all the other spark plugs to come out of place. The manufacturer stated that they would not assist with the repair. The vehicle will not be repaired. The current and failure mileages were 90,000.

Filed Mar 30, 2009 · Engine · 76,000 miles · KY

Driving my truck on my lunch break I noticed a pop sound which followed with a bad idle, a check engine light, and a loud mis-fire sound... I pulled into my jobs parking lot and notice that my 2004 ford f150 shot spark plug number 2 out of the cylinder head and shattered the coil boot into many pieces this was with only 76,000 miles. Being in the auto parts business I know that they are known for this and deal with many people daily having this issue yet ford has still not made a recall to help us with this problem... I had to replace one spark plug, and one coil boot.. So far my coil has managed to hold up however from what I have noticed it is just a matter of time before this happens again and I would like to have some sort of info on why or how this happens and what ford plans to do about this issue.

Filed Mar 28, 2009 · Electrical, Engine · 16,115 miles · TX

The vehicle wrench light came on and the engine quit. Had I been on a freeway, a serious accident might have occurred. I called the warranty service for a wrecker as it was still in warranty. About 40 minutes later, the wrecker arrived and the driver asked me if I had tried to restart the engine. I hadn't, tried, and it started. I researched the internet and found some information including a suggestion to disconnect the battery to reset the computer. Unfortunately, I did that and when I took it to the dealer the following tuesday they couldn't tell what caused the problem. It happened again on march 25, 2009. Again, I was glad I was on a side street. I will take the truck to the dealer tuesday even though the warranty has expired as this could be a very serious problem on a highway.

Filed Mar 26, 2009 · Engine · 76,902 miles · MI

On my 2004 ford f150 with a 5.4l 3 valve engine, the spark plugs all broke off when a tune-up was attempted. This is due to a know defect in the head design on the 04/05 models. The dealer charged me $904 dollars to change them. Ford is not reimbursing customers for this outrageous charge even though they know it is a design flaw, and are doing nothing to fix the problem. My understanding is that all of these engines will have this problem.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Engine · 80,000 miles · TX

I have a ford f150 and one of the spark plugs just jumped out. This is the original plug from the factory. The service man at the ford dealer said he had never seen that happen before. Checking the net there are many complaints about the problem. They wanted to replace the head for 4k. I called around and found out about putting a sleeve in for four hundred.

Filed Mar 16, 2009 · Acceleration, Engine · 46,000 miles · MS · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. Approximately thirty minutes after parking the vehicle in the garage, the contact heard a noise and found the vehicle on fire. The fire department arrived, but could not determine the origin of the fire. A report was filed. The flames were located in the rear cab of the vehicle. The insurance company declared the vehicle to be destroyed. There were no injuries. The failure mileage was 46,000. Updated 4/23/09 *cn updated 04/27/09.

Filed Mar 16, 2009 · Engine · 85,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f150. The contact stated that the sparks plugs split into three pieces when removing them from the engine block. He took his vehicle to a repair shop and the spark plugs split into pieces when the mechanic attempted to install new spark plugs. Ford's tsb number 08-7-6 was referenced. The contact will call the ford manufacturer regarding this issue. The failure mileage was 85,000. 4/01/09 *nj updated 04/07/09.

Filed Mar 15, 2009 · Engine · SC

Truck taken into be serviced. Mechanic broke spark plug off into the head. Possibly leading to complete removal of engine and head.

Filed Mar 13, 2009 · Engine · 94,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f150. The contact took the vehicle in for a routine tune-up in 2007. A few months later, he had to replace the motor. On march 9, 2008, the vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. He took the vehicle to a repair shop and the diagnostic indicated that the timing chain slipped and caused the metal clips to fail. The manufacturer stated that because a ford dealer did not replace the motor, they would not assist with the repairs. The vehicle was repaired at the cost of $1,893 at an independent repair shop. The failure mileage was 94,000 and current mileage was 95,000. Updated 0424/09. *lj updated 04/27/09.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Engine · 112,000 miles · VT

Went to change the spark plugs. Ten days and $1000 later I have the truck back. If I had to do it all over again, I would sell the truck well before the 100,000 mile mark. Idiotic design leads to spark plugs breaking. Do not change plugs without discussing with dealer first. They have a special tool for extracting the broken part. It says a lot about the situation that ford had to come out with a tool to fix their poor engineering. Ford needs to recall these vehicles with this defect and make good on it. I will never buy ford again. If you have this problem, speak up and lets get them to fix it.

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Engine, Fuel system · 17,000 miles · TX

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f150. When the contact depressed the brake pedal, the vehicle would stall. The failure also occurred when turning the vehicle at less than 5 MPH. The rpms would drop to zero before the vehicle stalled and jerked as if it were attempting to proceed forward. The dealer could not duplicate the failures. The contact discovered that by placing a higher grade of fuel into the vehicle, the failures would temporarily cease for a few months. The failure mileage was 17,000 and current mileage was 103,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2009 · Engine · 100,000 miles · PA · fire

Went to have spark plugs changed at 100,000 miles in accordance with manufacturer's factory maintenance schedule. Spark plugs are stuck due to factory not seating plugs correctly and not using anti-seize compound during factory installation. It requires a $10,000 machine to negatively polarize the engine so that the plug threads can be decarbonized and hopefully removed. This is an unacceptable factory defect and ford needs to address the issue immediately and re-imbursed the unreasonable costs and burden placed on the consumer. No where in the literature provided by ford was this issue discussed had it been openly discussed or presented in the literature I would not have purchased the vehicle. This is fraud.

Filed Jan 4, 2009 · Engine · 66,000 miles · KY

Changing out spark plug at 65000 because an employee of a ford garage advised me to do so because of them getting stuck at 100,000 miles. I started to change them only to find the shaft below the threads of the spark plugs stuck anyway. I hauled the truck to boyd county ford where the service man stated that this was pretty common and that it would take about 500 dollars to fix. Well 1000.00 dollars later they removed the stuck spark plugs and replaced them with some new ones.

Filed Nov 18, 2008 · Engine · 63,400 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 ford f-150. While driving approximately 60-65 MPH, the contact heard several loud pops. The vehicle began jerking and idling roughly. He shifted into neutral and allowed the vehicle to coast to stop at an intersection. The vehicle was driven back to his residence and then towed to a local repair shop. The mechanic stated that the number 1, 3, and 5 spark plugs detonated and destroyed the heli-coil for the number 5 cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer and manufacturer have not been notified. The current mileage was 63,424 and failure mileage was 63,400. Updated 02-18-09 updated 02/18/09.

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