2004 Ford F-150: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Mar 10, 2025 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle shuddered and failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and was able to restart the vehicle. The contact scanned the vehicle with a scanner and retrieved an unknown camshaft phaser error code. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 5, 2017 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · PA

The whole vehicle vibrates and shudders at highway speed with now warning. It now feels as if the rear axle in moving, give an odd sensation when applying the gas pedal or taking your foot off the gas pedal. I am a technician by trade, so I put the truck up on the lift at my shop and have noticed the pinion in the rear differential has significant up and down movement. After researching a bit, it seems the pinion and ring gear gall themselves, I'm not sure if the pinion bearing failed causing this. Or if the ring and pinion failed causing the bearing to fail. At any rate there seems to be a lot of individuals with my experience, a quick search online may provide a scope of the issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 87,600 miles · LA

Experiencing shudders and shakes when accelerating.

Filed Apr 2, 2013 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · NE

Truck vibrated horribly on a straightaway starting at 40 MPH causing me to slow down quickly. Happens irregularly. Transmission shop can't find anything wrong. Previously had ongoing problems with shuddering when turning around corners. Just waiting for something bad to happen when I am on the interstate.

Filed Apr 9, 2011 · Transmission · 36,750 miles · OH

Original owner of truck, 37,000 miles. Terrible vibration/shudder when turning. Now it also does this driving down the road at over 45 MPH. Feels like it is going to freeze up. Was told it is issues with the differential. This is wrong for a vehicle with low miles. Please investigate. I've read lots of other people have had the same issue with this model.

Filed Jan 8, 2011 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · IL

Severe shuddering from rear end during low speed turns.

Filed Feb 19, 2010 · Brakes, Suspension · 35,000 miles · MA

My 2004 ford f 150 fx 4 regular cab flareside pickup which currently has 36,000 miles has a massive vibration / shuddering while under acceleration past forty miles per hour ; I have already taken the vehicle to the dealer where they told me that it was an emergency brake problem after getting fixed the problem occurred less than a week later ; it is going back into the dealer again to get rediagnosed and cost even more money please make ford motor company accountable for this issue !!!

Filed Feb 3, 2009 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · NC

Parking brake activates while driving at highway speed. It causes vehicle to shudder. Local dealership, says this has been a consistent problem.

Filed Mar 18, 2008 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · TN

Front brake shudder before and after dealer supposedly replaced rotors prior to purchase.

Filed Mar 3, 2008 · Brakes · CA

The front brakes have shuddered when applied since purchasing the truck new. As a result of this shudder, the rotors have warped and worn so thin they now have to be replaced. If we had not just bought new tires, we would never had known that the brakes were ready to fail. Ford has known about the shudder problem since 2004 and in fact, made a design change to the front brakes beginning on november 29, 2004. However, they refuse to cover the work under warranty or send out a recall for this defect.

Filed Feb 16, 2008 · Transmission · TX

Rear differential was chattering/shuddering on slow take off turns. Problem is well known and documented by customer complaints. Issue faulty clutch pack in the positraction rear. Vehicle had 39,000 miles so out of warranty. Both dealer and ford gave some on repair. About $400 toward $900 repair. Helps some but still can't get past why a mechanical failure on a part that should last 100,000 miles.

Filed Jan 17, 2008 · Transmission · 35,500 miles · PA

Bought a used vehicle 2004 ford f150 has a shudder/vibration in the rear axle. Took it to a ford dealer for service. It is a known problem and they will fix it to "lessen the concern," not completely get rid of it. My aftermarket warranty will cover it after deductible and taxes. But I don't like the sound of lessen the concern. And it seems to be a recurring problem with this vehicle.