Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SUSPENSION
0591906/07/20050526710017938Front 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. *tt12/07/2005
05050204/01/20050562110017890Front end shudder/vibration when braking - vehicles built before 11/18/2004. *tt12/06/2005
0513101/01/20060611310016794Shudder/vibration on moderate to hard acceleration. *sc10/07/2005
1816109/01/200410011340Vibration 45 mph (72 km/h) and higher. *tt01/18/2005
043301/26/200410007362Vibration at highway speeds. service tips. *tt06/16/2004
SUSPENSION - REAR
05061801/01/20050512610016789Rear axle noise repair. *sc10/07/2005
SUSPENSION - REAR - SPRINGS - LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY
1777705/01/200410008552Rear leaf spring noise. *tt08/04/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SUSPENSION
10/18/2004108631
 I have a 2004 ford f150 that has had a terrible vibration and shaking problem to the point that the windshield wipers jump up and down everytime i have said anything to the dealership they say they dont what it is and they haven't heard of anything like this and even the last time i told them it was like something was seizing up we went online and started investigating the problem and found that all kinds of people are having the same problem and alot of them seem to think it is in the emergency brake system there is two metal parts that rust together and wont let it work is there anything i can do about this to get ford to replace it even though it is 5 yrs old because this is very dangerous last winter i was driving in snow and the back end slid around on me and this was caused by the brake trying to seize up. *tr
12/01/20051
 Since purchase the f150 has had terrible shaking in the front at 55-60 mph. repeated attempts to fix have been negative. dealers, repair shops have failed. replaced all four tires, repeated balancing have not helped. *tr
10/12/2005110001011/29/2004
 At least once a week our truck will go in to a violent shaking episode. the majority of the time it rides beautifully. there doesn't seem to be a pattern other than it begins after the truck has been parked and started to be driven again. it feels as if the wheels are falling off literally. it seems to be suspension related but sets off no engine light or warnings. usually if my wife or i stop the truck, place it in park, shut the truck off, the problem will stop. it is such a violent shaking that the vehicle can not be driven and must be pulled off the road. here in amish country not all roads have emergency lanes and this has put us in some dangerous predicament. had the truck in to one dealer who could not replicate the problem. i have an appointment next week at another dealer for the same issue. i normally carry no load and no towing has been done with this truck to date.*jb
06/15/20041
 Every time you reach the speed between 65- 70 mph the vehicle / steering wheel shakes as if the tires are not balanced. i had them balanced 3 times already and it still does the same. rear end of vehicle throws to l/r when going over bumps. i've test driven other makes and there isn't a problem going over the same bumps. *jb
07/20/20055800501/03/2005
 Intermitent shaking of vehicle while driving at any speed and only stops shaking when vehicle is brought to a complete stop. no warning that truck will start shaking. brought truck to dealer three times and dealer could not replicate shaking, says nothing is wrong, refuses to take any action. service bulletin advises addition of rear suspension damper but could not be installed due to interference with dealer installed trailer hitch. dealer is refusing to replace existing trailer hitch with another trailer hitch that would allow installation of damper.
01/01/190170001
 2004 ford f150 developed a problem with vibration when driving at 45 to 60 mph.***no answer required***. *mr the vibration began at about 7000 miles. the truck would vibrate so badly that the consumr was forced to pull to the side of the road. many attempts were amde to repair the problem but they were not successful. *nm
06/05/20054000409/28/2004
 Ford f150 truck - the truck intermittenly exhibits severe vibration that can be felt in the steering wheel as well as in the cab. the whole truck shackes when this occurs. the vibration occurs primarily at speeds of 40-60 mph; but, has occurred at speeds in the 75 mph range too. there is a low level vibration that is present most of the time while driving. this low level vibration turns into the severe vibration periodically. the problem occurs on smooth pavement. it is very scarey when this problem occurs. the drive shaft and engine mounts have been replaced and the dealer tried 4 new tires on the truck too. the problem still exists.....alas it is intermittent and the dealer has not seen it. one interesting fact. when the dealer puts the truck on the lift to check it, the problem goes away for a week or two; but, then returns.
03/03/200515491106/04/2004
 Dt: had to put 4 sets of brakes on vehicle since purchasing the car. the rotors were getting grooved so badly that vehicle pulls off the road. the consumer talked to ford, and they ignored him. he traveled and saw this problem with several other ford cars. ford told him it was cosmetic. *ak while on the first trip with this vehicle, the rear end had gone out, the clutch pack was removed and replaced, the fog lamps were holding moisture and were replaced, the brakes would pulsate and pull from one side, the shifting was harsh when changing from first to second gear, a loud clunk would be present at times when starting from stop then decelerating and the vehicle would crank but would not start at times. sc
03/29/20051003
 The entire truck will vibrate at any speed with cause unknown. the area dealership examined the truck but was unable to determine a cause. while at the dealership the owner was made aware of two similar f150 pickups with the same intermittent vibration. please provide details. *nm
10/19/2004110/18/2004
 10/19/04 puchased a new ford f150 supercrew. i discussed a vibration i felt while test driving the vehicle with the sales person. he said it was flat spots on the tires, and they would take care of it after the purchase. scheduled to take it in the shop 3 days later for repair. i was told that the vibration is a know problem on 2004 some 2004 f150 trucks. i have everything documented in detail i can send. this space limits me to 2000 characters. *ak
07/20/20044107/09/2004
 Steering wheel vibration at 65 to 70 mph. followed tsb 4-25-8 which did not resolve the problem. ford dealers have been unable to fix the vibration issue. experiencing excessive tire wear, ford has extended tire warranty to 36,000 miles. *jb
02/18/200516012/23/2004
 I have a vibration problem with a 2004 ford f-150 supercrew truck i have owned for 2 months. the dealer cannot fix the problem, and says ford motor co claims it is a design problem and cannot be fixed.*ak
10/06/200330001
 The vehicle experienced extreme shaking from the suspension, and sounded like the wheels were falling off. owner had a difficult time controlling the steering wheel when b driving around 50 mph. manufacturer was contacted by consumer.*ak
12/13/20041881
 When driving 50 mph or more the vehicle vibrates heavily. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
10/06/200495001
 While driving 40 mph, the vehicle vibrated heavily. the cause was not determined. please provide more information. *jb
12/02/200460001
 Just like many others bad vibe in steering wheel, gas pedal and bed of truck... have had dealer trry to fix twice... replaced tires, road froced balanced tires and now i am to drive it for 2000 miles to see it that helps... i have seen that ford has a tsb out for this problem and still are not fixing anything. *ak
07/01/20041500106/01/2004
 Excessive vibration at most speeds, most noticable between 40-50. the truck is now starting an unusual shake/rebounce on very smooth roads as well. 4 attempts to fix and nothing has been done to correct this issue. bought at 15 miles, no problems, started around 1500 mi, now at 6200 and it's getting worse!!*ak
11/08/20041
 Vehicle's suspension shook and vehicle vibrated while being driven. taken in for repair, but no problem is found. *nm
11/13/20044000204/17/2004
 2004 f-150 super crew 4x4. vibration in vehicle. steering wheel shackes. dealer states that tsb is aware- manufacturer. is working on it. have seen information about this exact problem in many identical trucks. what is ford going to do? what can i do? help.*ak
03/23/2004701/10/2004
 Vibration in steering wheel. replaced front/rear rotors, rack and pinion, steering gear and balanced all tires. *bf steering vibration at hwy speeds. steering shakes when braking. *tc *jb
09/14/20041900002
 While driving 40-50 mph vehicle vibrated heavily. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
10/09/20041
 2004 ford f-150, vibration problem: truck bed and steering wheel vibrated.*ak
09/02/200419000111/05/2003
 Have a 2004 f150 xl supercab. have experienced several occasions where where truck would begin to shake violently. speed does not seem to be a factor as it has occured when driving 30mph, as well as highway speeds. the violent vibration can last anywhere from 10 seconds to 15 minutes. vibration will then suddenly stop. brought the truck in for service, repair technician could not recreate problem. when the truck was hooked up to the computer no errors appeared. was told sorry nothing we can do, because the problem did not appear when in for service. was told the next time the problem happens drive right into the service dept. problem is i am never anywhere near the dealer, or the service department is closed whenever this problem happens. i am very unhappy, annoyed and frustrated.*ak
09/28/2004158109/28/2004
 Wheel vibration in steering wheel at highway speeds. problem still persist even after ford motor company has installed a dampening kit via drilling through the frame to secure bolts.*ak
08/24/20048408/20/2004
 The front end of my 2004 f150 vibrates when traveling over 55 mph. i have brought it to the dealer 4 times. they have replaced the tires and installed a new steering box. now the have a dampening kit on order. i had the truck for two weeks and the dealer has had it for 7. the ac does not get cold either. i have notified the dealership each time and the have not been able to fix it either. *nm
08/19/20042000107/31/2004
 I have a 2004 f150 and am having the same problem as most others here. i have a bad vibration that was starting at 42 mph and is now happening at all speeds all the time. the dealer has rebalanced the tires, put on a vibration damper and also has replaced all 4 tires and wheels as a set all to no avail. the dealer i bought the truck from has been going out of their way to try to help me, but like me they are getting very frustrated as ford is not doing much if anything to try to fix it. i am now going to be seeing a ford engineer on sept 20th about the problem. so far nothing has been done to fix it. fords engineer says it is a characteristic of the tires and that i should live with it. i don't think so. i have been to my dealer 5 times for this problem.*ak
07/26/200450206/25/2004
 Consumer was concerned that the vehicle would shimmy / shake when driving 55 mph. vehicle has been to the dealer and the problem still recurring. *ak
03/10/200420002002/10/2004
 Intermittently front and rear end of vehicle shuttered and vibrated. the problem became worse when vehicle's speed reached and exceeded 52 mph. dealership installed a dampter kit, but the problem recurred. *ak
05/12/200470005
 While driving vehicle would shimmied. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
01/05/200480001010/27/2003
 Left front end , when i back out of a parking spot after letting the truck sit for over a minute, as i start to drive i can feel and hear a rough noise, i can feel it on the drivers floorboard, it vibrates for a second or two and its also audible, i took it into my dealer had he said he heard nothing but i have let friends drive and they say they hear and feel it too, the sound is like something may be rubbing or setting back into place. my truck is a 2004 f150 and started doing that about 2 months after i bought it. *ak
04/08/200468000110/27/2003
 While driving 30-55 mph the entire vehicle would vibrate/shimmy heavily. sometimes when the vehicle was turned of the vibration would subside, other times it would not. the dealership was notified but the cause could not be determined. *la *nm
04/01/200417300109/13/2003
 While driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel vibrated violently. *ak the entire vehicle would shake. *sc *jb
05/16/2004800205/10/2004
 I have a 2004 ford f-150 fx4 supercab. i am experiencing two primary problems with the vehicle. first, the vibration and steering wheel nibble. the vibration is present at nearly all speeds. it feels like the vehicle is rollong over small bumps in the road. dealer has had vehicle twice and will have it again (3rd time) tomorrow. claim to be able to fix the problem. the steering wheel nibble happens around 75-80mph and did improve slightly with rebalancing the tires. the other problem is with the a/c system. the system is not cooling the cab of the truck when the outside temp is 85 or higher. the condiction is particularly bad when the vehicle is at idle. the dealer says the system is operating at spec. i talked to a friend who has the same vehicle and he says he has the same problem and he is bringing his to the dealer to have it checked. the a/c in my friend's 1997 ranger cools better than my new f-150. *ak
04/15/200460002/02/2004
 Vibration in 2004 f150 ford truck
11/15/20031000411/15/2003
 While driving between 45-60 mph there was severe vibration. dealership serviced vehicle 4 times, but could not locate the cause of the vibration. *ak *la
03/15/20040101/01/2004
 My steering wheel is shaking back and forth at approximately 55 mph since purchasing the vehicle. the balance job, trip to the dealer, and new rims and tires have not fixed the problem. *jb
10005
 While driving at highway speeds steering wheel vibrated. the tires were rotated and aligned, but the problem recurred. dealer informed the consumer that the problem could not be fixed. *ak
02/27/20047102/27/2004
 A vibration is left in the steering as well as the floorboard of the vehicle from 30 to 65 mph. the vibration is worst around 38 and 58 mph. vibration is most prominent but not limited to acceleration.*ak
06/01/200460202/10/2004
 Vehicle bounced and was unstable while driving. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the mechanic installed a dampening on the suspension system. the vehicle was still unstable. any objects loaded in the vehicle bed may fall out because the vehicle bounced . *ak this problem caused sickness if the vehicle was driven for a long period. *sc *jb
03/04/20045112/14/2003
 I have a super crew 4x4 w/ 3.73 ltd slip rear. im having the same problems many of us have experienced with the steering wheel vibration nibble at highway speeds and the rear end shudders from a standstill upon acceleration or while making turns. i brought the truck in this week and the service writer had the service manager take a test drive with me so i could show him what i was talking about. he felt the exact same things i did, acknowledged the vibration and the slipping shuddering rear end feeling. the dealership has been trying different sets of wheels and tires on my truck but problem still exists. as for the rear end problems, they have yet to come up with a solution to fix the problem; no attempt has been made to try to fix it. i am not alone with these problems. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT
09/01/2004109/01/2004
 Dt: the contact owns a 2004 ford f150 super cab. the contact complained about steering problems. took vehicle to the dealership several times, and they have been unable to correct the problem. vehicle will shimmied while going down the road, they replaced the rack and pinion and it helped some. the tires have been changed, realigned, and balanced, and nothing helped. he did know of other people that also had this problem. a friend said that they knew over 500 reports on a website of these problems as well. this problem has been occurring since the vehicle was purchased in september 2004. *ak *nm
08/06/2005111/01/2004
 Dt: contact states at speeds of 65 mph, the steering wheel starts to shimmy back and forth. the vehicle has been to the service dealer 3 times. they replaced one tire and a steering wheel dampener. this did not remedy the problem. the service dealer said they would send an engineer to the dealership next week to inspect the vehicle. the service dealer emphasized that the problem poses no safety danger. *ak
03/24/2005505/04/2004
 Vehicle seems to wander on its own every once in a while...at first i thought it could be the wind but after it first caught my attention i watched closer and it just sort of pulls at times to one side..don't think its the tires cause they were checked at a dealership not long ago..this truck seems to have alot of problems..won't buy another one
10/22/20042
 While driving 40 mph, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that all four times needed to be replaced and replaced it. however, the problem still occurs at this time. please provide further details. *nm
11/02/2004780501/20/2004
 While driving at any speed vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. however, mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle bucked and bounced for 7 miles on asphalt. dealer checked the vehicle 5 times and the problem was not found. *tc
11/09/200368210/09/2003
 I purchased my 2004 ford f-150 lariat oct 2003.the front end and steering wheel vibrates at speeds of 68 to 72 mph. i have taken it back to the dealer on numerous occations, and the problem still exits.i have been told that(1)all trucks vibrate(2)after taking the truck they stated that there was nothing else they could do.*ak
10/07/200420001
 While driving 60 mph vibration came from the front end. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
11/10/20043
 Front end of the vehicle started shook uncontrollably. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection. mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak
04/15/20045000903/31/2004
 The emission light came on. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and consumer was told that fuel pump was defective. the gauge went out of control. after filling the tank, the gauge read empty. *ak the brake light wiring was inoperative, alignment was out, the vehicle had stuck in park, the right passenger door was inoperative, the speedometer read wrong, and the vehicle would die out. *sc
07/10/200416362411/01/2003
 Front suspension vibrates violently enough that the windshield wipers come off the glass. problem occurs at all speeds but is worse at about 40 mph. it last any where from one quarter of a mile to four miles and then stops. it comes and goes with no warning and there is no build up to the violent shakin. it stops as fast as it starts.*ak
06/07/2004105001
 While driving front end vibrated heavily. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
02/10/20041109/09/2003
 Very noticeable steering wheel vibration at 65 mph & very bad steering wheel shimmy when bumps are encountered during every day driving. the tires feel like they lose contact with the road & feel very unstable. *ak
SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT
04/01/200512700304/01/2004
 2004 ford f150 problems with upper ball joint assembly as well as tire wear.*mr the upper joint was the cause of the tire wear on one tire. the consumer stated since he purchased the vehicle it exhibited a rattle noise, the side view mirror had to be replaced because it was vibrating so badly, the hood had to be reinforced so it would not flutter at highway speeds. the vehicle needed a new transmission. *jb
SUSPENSION - FRONT - STABILIZER BAR
02/16/20053300412/16/2004
 I have a new ford f150 super crew that has had three sets of rotors , stabilizer bars, tires, brakes, brake cluster, etc. i now have 18,000 miles on this truck and it is needing another set of rotors now. it is completely unsafe to drive and we have children and are afraid to take them any where in this vehicle. i have other that i can provide info that has had the same problems. i need help with this and i am going to explore every avenue possible to see that no one is injured do to this defect.*jb
SUSPENSION - MULTIPLE AXLE
09/28/2004158109/28/2004
 Wheel vibration in steering wheel at highway speeds. problem still persist even after ford motor company has installed a dampening kit via drilling through the frame to secure bolts.*ak
SUSPENSION - REAR
01/25/200632040504/05/2004
 2004 f150 brakes began to shimmy and shutter 3 months after purchase. rotors and brakes were resurfaced and replaced. *ts ***no answer required*** about three months after the vehicle was purchased the consumer began have problem with the brakes. the dealer has replaced the rotors 3 time, resurfaced them twice, replaced the brake pads three times and replaced the front calipers once. the rear end was replaced on dec 2, 2004 because of vibration and bad bearings.
08/27/2005109/01/2004
 Rear of consumers 2004 ford f150 pulled him off the road. *ts the consumer managed to get the truck back on the road, but immediately went off the road again. when the consumer managed to get the truck on the road a second time, he lost control of the truck and went across four lanes of the street. the consumer traveled up an embankment on the opposite side of the street and hit a tree. the consumer was told by the insurance company of which he was not aware of, that hit another vehicle twice and caused that car to cross all four lanes of the road. *jb *nm
10/03/200524000711/01/2004
 Dt: the contact owns a 2004 ford f150. the rear end failed seven times. the contact took the truck to service dealer on 9-28-05, and the service dealer acknowledged that there was a problem, but stated that the contact could drive the vehicle , and advised him to call customer care because there was going to be a disagreement between customer care and the dealership as to who was going to fix the vehicle. the vehicle was still under warranty. on 10-03-05 the contact drove the vehicle at 45-50 mph and while pulling a work trailer he heard a loud noise. the brakes locked and then the rear end locked up. *sc . *ak
01/01/19014
 2004 ford f150 rear end has been repaired a total of 4 times.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle's engine also made a knocking noise. the dealer replaced the filter and cam but that did not fix the problem. *nm
12/01/20045900101/01/2004
 Upon investigation, finding verified my suspicions that there was a problem in the rear-end. *bf the speedometer also failed. *sc
07/06/200490000106/23/2003
 Accelerating from a stop, the consumer would hear a loud clicking noise coming form the rear end. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. the cause was not determined. *nm *nm
10/24/20047207/15/2004
 Ford f150 supercrew 2004- vehicle vibration at all speeds. *nm
09/01/20041
 Defect in rear-end assemblies of 2004 f-150. rebuilt the rear-end replacing 9 different components. *bf the consumer stated while driving, he heard a loud noise emanating front the rear of the vehicle. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer to have it inspected and it was determined that there was a problem with the rear end of the vehicle. *jb
10/04/20041000110/01/2003
 Truck vibration at 55 mph, ford dealer unable to find or repair. third time in repair. rear end roar beginning at 62 m ph. again, dealer cannot locate. says live with it.*ak
05/11/200415405/11/2004
 Test drove new f-150 super-crew-cab 4x2, at 60 mph experienced a terrilbe shimmy in steering wheel and bad vibration from left rear of truck. returned truck to lot and test drove new f-150 super-crew-cab 4x4, experienced the same problem at 30 mph and 60 mph. bought 4x4, salesman said the truck most likely needed wheel ballancing, or it was out of round. we made an appointment for two days later to address the shimmy/vibration problem.the mechanic had the truck on lift for twenty minutes. result, dealer has to order a part for a service bulletin that requires a vibration dampening device to be installed. this is interesting, ther is a whole lot of new f-150 trucks at this dealership. i drove two and both had same problem. they (ford), have a known service bulletin for this problem and yet as plentiful as this problem is on the lot they have to order the part, again for a know problem documentd by their bulletin that this part is required and they don't have it in stock to fix my truck or the other one i test drove on their lot or the next one and so-on and so-on.....after reading all of these complaints there had better be a fix for this or i will surely deliver my $40,000 worth of inquiries and advertisements. motor trend truck of the year...or not!!! *ak
SUSPENSION - REAR - AXLE - SPINDLE
10/01/20043000101/02/2004
 I purchased a ford f150 new in january of 2004. at approx 4000 miles the vehicle developed a loud whine in the rear axle.differential. the dealer replaced the gears in the differential and the whine disappeared. shortly after, the vehicle developed a vibration that occurred at around 45-55 mph, worse at just over 50. the dealer replaced the entire rear axle assembly but the problem persists. i was told by the service manager that this is a problem with all these trucks and there is no fix. i am very dissatisfied with this truck.*ak