2004 Ford F-150 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 139about this part
- Share
- 7%of 2,029 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 139 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Ford F-150, 7% of the 2,029 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving, I tried to stop and brake pedal went to floor and I had no brakes.I had to use parking brake to stop and avoid an accident. Ford dealer tech. Said the brake fluid was removed from master cyl.to brake booster due to faulty seal.”
NHTSA complaint #10839920, filed 2016-03, 7,000 miles“Parking brake is not disengaging properly causing intermittent rubbing/clicking sounds coming from rear wheels while driving. All parking brake cables, parking brake shoes and liners were replaced on 8/28/09. Now again on 12/12/09, I'm having the same problem and my truck must go in shop for diagnosis/repair again on 12/14/09.”
NHTSA complaint #10295632, filed 2009-12, 63,098 miles“I own a 2004 F-150. When the brake pedal is depressed it travels nearly to the floor on the first pump. The problem is remedied by pumping the brake once or twice to regain a solid pedal feel. This problem has been addressed to my dealer and to numerous brake shops to no avail. I have replaced all the major components of my brake system and the problem persists to this day.”
NHTSA complaint #10223285, filed 2008-04, 30,000 miles“I noticed my brakes pulsating when applied. The dealers service tech told me the front brakes were not releasing fully and had warped the rotors beyond repair. The caliper pistons had cocked in their housings, destroying the front calipers. The repair cost over $1,400. The risk is that the brakes would bind, fail to disengage when applied, and cause a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10210881, filed 2007-12, 27,278 miles“I have discovered what may be a factory defect in the 2004 Ford f150 truck in relation to design and application. I just spent $500 in putting on new front rotors on my truck, however there was plenty of life left on the front pads. So if the rotors have to be replaced after 40,000 miles when the front pads are still good, then there is a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10162974, filed 2006-07, 40,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10024843Mar 1, 2008Intermittent vehicle vibration--parking brake disengagement concerns.
- 10017808Oct 31, 2005Front brake roughness - shudder while braking.
- 10017872Jun 1, 2005Repeat brake shudder/vibration from the front brakes when braking.
- 10014683Mar 21, 2005Front end shudder/vibration when braking - vehicles built before 11/18/2004.
- 10012773Mar 15, 2005Ford motor company has made a design change to the front brake line(s) on all f-150's build 11/29/04 and later. Rancho product advisory bulletin.
- 10014280Dec 31, 2004Front end shudder/vibration when braking - vehicles built before 11/18/2004.
- 10011147Aug 9, 2004Front end shudder/vibration when braking.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 33% |
| 2025 | 20 | 18% |
| 2024 | 14 | 7% |
| 2023 | 52 | 12% |
| 2022 | 41 | 7% |
| 2021 | 77 | 7% |
| 2020 | 23 | 3% |
| 2019 | 23 | 2% |
| 2018 | 92 | 4% |
| 2017 | 116 | 8% |
| 2016 | 340 | 16% |
| 2015 | 317 | 18% |
| 2014 | 346 | 22% |
| 2013 | 363 | 12% |
| 2012 | 137 | 8% |
| 2011 | 184 | 8% |
| 2010 | 58 | 7% |
| 2009 | 39 | 12% |
| 2008 | 39 | 11% |
| 2007 | 44 | 9% |
| 2006 | 94 | 16% |
| 2005 | 120 | 11% |
| 2004 | 139 | 7% |
| 2003 | 28 | 7% |
| 2002 | 42 | 5% |
| 2001 | 69 | 6% |
| 2000 | 80 | 7% |
| 1999 | 107 | 10% |
| 1998 | 114 | 8% |
| 1997 | 233 | 8% |
| 1996 | 34 | 10% |
| 1995 | 145 | 23% |
| 1994 | 148 | 22% |
| 1993 | 90 | 15% |
| 1992 | 51 | 11% |
| 1991 | 26 | 9% |
| 1990 | 18 | 7% |
| 1989 | 16 | 7% |
| 1988 | 8 | 6% |
| 1987 | 3 | 3% |
| 1986 | 5 | 8% |
| 1985 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford F-150
863 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
232 complaintsEngine cooling
167 complaintsSuspension
118 complaintsBody and structure
104 complaintsElectrical system
99 complaintsEngine
92 complaintsOther or unknown
86 complaintsAir bags
85 complaintsSteering
75 complaintsFuel system
74 complaintsVehicle speed control
70 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology