Three problems related to transmission noise have been reported for the 2004 Ford F-150. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford F-150 based on all problems reported for the 2004 F-150.
Bought 2004 f150 brand new, never off road, all scheduled maintenance completed: son driving on interstate at 65mph, heard loud breaking noise, severe rattling, shaking, no power, coasted down ramp and to side road. Towed to mechanic--rod through the oil pan. Mechanic verified that oil was pumped properly through motor. . Same mechanic has worked on this car since we have had it. We have had to have all 4 door window motors replaced (twice-second time, we fixed front door windows and had back door windows wired up) , the back glass replaced for leaking, the 4 wheel drive sensors replaced, the transmission rebuilt, the overhead cam system replaced and now this.
My F-150 supercrew has developed a problem with the drivetrain, primarily a loud grinding noise can be heard underneath the truck. The first time it occurred I thought my vehicle had run over some type of metallic object on the roadway. The noise went away after I merged onto a highway. Four days later I was operating on a city street when the same type noise occurred. The vehicle will not accelerate when the gas is depressed and the noise does not decrease when the gas is let off. Only after decreasing speed under 15 mph does the noise go away and the transmission feels like it slams out of gear just prior to that. An associate of mine who owns a 2005 F-150 with the exact same transmission experienced the same problem and recently had the transmission replaced under warranty. I contacted this dealer who informed me that they had replaced approximately 30 transmissions on 2004-2005 model years and the issue was a "known one". I would like to see Ford mandated to warranty the drivetrains in these trucks beyond the normal period.
2004 Ford f150 problems with upper ball joint assembly as well as tire wear. 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.