2004 Ford F-250 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 6%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 135,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Ford F-250, 6% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 135,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The consumer stated when depressing the brake pedal the vehicle lost all steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealership. The dealership ran diagnostics test on the vehicle; the problem was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was driven for two months and the consumer was still experiencing the same problems with the steering. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership a second time, again the vehicle under went a diagnostics test. At this time the ball joints were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147960, filed 2006-01, 40,000 miles“The tie rod broke while the vehicle was in motion. This caused the vehicle to lose control and crash into another vehicle, causing damage to both vehicles. There was no warning and no sign of any issues. Vehicle has been very well maintained, in fact, it has been in the shop at least once per month for the past year due to a number of mechanical issues unrelated to the tie rod.”
NHTSA complaint #11638173, filed 2025-01“My 2004 F250 has developed the Death Wobble that is normally associated with newer models, but the shudder at or around 40-45mph is identical to the described problems of the newer models in the class action lawsuit and tech bulletins published by Ford. Older models need to be considered in the tech bulletins, customer satisfaction programs, and fixed by ford despite being 1 year older than the current guidelines.”
NHTSA complaint #11673871, filed 2025-07“The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the fuel lines were severely corroded and were leaking. As a result, the transmission failed while driving at 40 MPH, causing the contact to use excessive force in order to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the power steering fuel line, one brake line, and one transmission fuel line. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000. Update 01/13/16 ma”
NHTSA complaint #10779797, filed 2015-10, 180,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Ford F-250 equipped with a diesel engine. The contact was driving at approximately 65 MPH, when the vehicle suddenly shut off completely with no power steering. He was able to get the vehicle safely to the side of the road and had it towed to a repair shop. The mechanic at the repair shop replaced the wiring harness and one of the fuel injectors. However, the wiring harness shorted out again and a fuel injector in another area blew. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealership where he was informed that the wiring harness and the fuel injection module had failed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10322680, filed 2010-03, 170,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013407Nov 29, 2004Steering gear noise - 6.0l diesel engine.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 74 | 52% |
| 2013 | 37 | 39% |
| 2012 | 112 | 42% |
| 2011 | 102 | 41% |
| 2010 | 30 | 41% |
| 2009 | 32 | 59% |
| 2008 | 80 | 41% |
| 2007 | 23 | 38% |
| 2006 | 78 | 35% |
| 2005 | 39 | 27% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 48 | 15% |
| 1999 | 49 | 8% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 8% |
| 1996 | 17 | 10% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 7 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2004 Ford F-250
44 complaintsElectrical system
36 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTires
10 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Ford F-250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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