general problems of the 2004 Ford F-250

17 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2004 Ford F-250. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Ford F-250 based on all problems reported for the 2004 F-250.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/23/2025

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.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2024

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.

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2018

At highway speeds, between 70-80, the front right wheel vibrates/shakes violently at first it is minor, but get's worse and worse as it forces the tire out of balance. This problem has been reported to Ford many times. They say they cannot find a problem. The problem first occurred at 30,387 miles. They could not find the problem. Another dealership, at 36999 miles, replaced the steering dampener, but it did not fix the problem. Then, they torqued the pitmen arm and declared the problem fixed. The problem returned but the dealerships continued to state it was a tire balancing problem. After new tires were purchased at 50,252 miles, the problem persisted. At 56,013 miles, the problem was again reported to Ford. They stated they could not balance one of the 'new' tires. I took the vehicle to discount tire, which sold me the tires and uses the same balancing machine as Ford. They replaced the tire and balanced them again. The technician at discount tire told me that had seen the problem before (where he could not maintain balance). The only fix was to install dual steering stabilizers. After researching the internet, it was discovered that this actually was the fix. As it turns out, to install dual stabilizers, the truck must have a 2" leveling kit installed to allow the bracket to fit without hitting the frame when bumps are hit.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2013

Front end shakes violently after hitting a rough spot on pavement at highway speed. Continues until speed is reduced to less than 50 mph. There are several other complaints on your database for the same problem, so why isn't something being done about it? this is a very serious issue. My wife would not have been able to handle this happening to her. This happened once before about a year ago and I had the truck checked, but nothing could be found. Even though it's ten years old, truck only has a little over 24,000 miles.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/22/2012

Traveling at regular motorway speeds (55 - 70) the truck vibrates violently and constantly. It stops once the vehicle slows to below 30mph. I have checked other complaints and will be checking tire pressure and seeing it a steering dampener can be added. This vehicle was unloaded at the time of the incident and had about 1/2 a tank of fuel on board.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/11/2010

Severe problems on 2004 f250 superduty crew cab 4x4. As of 6/11/2010 has only 32,000 miles on vehicle. Steering wheel intermittently locks up at low speed (intersections etc. ) and is now locking up at higher speeds (45mph +). Caused truck to veer into oncoming traffic but accident was avoided. Truck also violently vibrates (intermittently) when going over bumps. Truck is becoming too dangerous to drive. I would like to request the NHTSA to take action because many others are experiencing the same problems and Ford motor company seemingly claims (through others experiences with service departments at Ford dealerships) that no problems exist.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2010

My 2004 Ford F-250 has a steering problem, the truck occasionally pulls hard to the left especially after I make a sharp right turn. I've talked with some other Ford owners and they also have steering problems. It sounds like it may be a problem with the steering box.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/28/2010

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. He was also advised to replace the wiring harness and the module. The current and failure mileages were approximately 170,000.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/27/2009

On 2004 Ford super duty, F-250, the dealer service department stated that the left front ball joints were loose. The vehicle has 58,246 miles on it with no accidents or misuse. This is pre-mature failure of major suspension parts. The dealer service department also stated that Ford knew there was a problem with the ball joints due to the weight of the engine.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/15/2009

Vehicle shimmy and shake, steering wheel oscillation starts at approx. 50 mph after going over slight bump in roadway. Continues until brakes are applied and speed is reduced to under 45 mph.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2008

2004 Ford f250. Gradually over a one year period, then intermittent, power steering gear box shaft locks up at slow speed turns. Power steering fluid continuously contaminates even after repeated changes. Problem is getting worse causing unsafe driving in intersections, etc. Vehicle not drivable at this point.

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2008

Driving at highway speeds I hit a bump and the front end of the vehicle began shaking violently until I slowed down significantly. This has happened twice in the past month. Have done some research and found that this is a common problem in my vehicle type and the reluctance of the manufacturer to find a solution to the problem. Afraid of what potentially may happen if this continues to occur with no dealership/manufacturer intervention.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2008

At about 45 to 55mph truck sometimes develops a light shimmy in the front end. It occasionally becomes very severe feeling like the whole front suspension is about to come apart. It is especially prevalent when there is a slight left pressure on the steering wheel, like when changing lanes. Slowing will eliminate the bounce, but it is difficult to slow quickly when the front end is bouncing and severely vibrating. It causes a near total loss of control.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 09/29/2007

2004 Ford f250sd 78,000 miles, went to drive forward out of a parking spot and there was a loud bang in the front end as if I drove over something. Stopped the truck got out looked underneath and there was nothing there. Got back in to drive out of parking spot, steering wheel would turn, but wheels would not. Had it towed to Ford garage and they said the bolts holding the steering box to the frame just snapped off. The Ford dealer said they have never had that happen to a truck before and they do not know how it happened. I know if I was driving on the highway at 65mph I probably would of been killed if that had broken at that time. Truck is being repaired, but parts have to be ordered because they are special bolts.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/06/2006

When pulling the truck forward after backing up, there is a popping noise coming from the left front steering mechanism as I drive forward. I have taken the truck to Ford service on multiple occasions and they indicated that no problem existed. I called the Ford motor company in dearborn michigan for help, but they indicated the noise was normal and no other complaints had been filed. I would like someone to look into this as I feel it is a steering component issue and a possible safety item. The popping noise is transmitted and manifests through the steering wheel, and as an experienced professional truck driver I understand that this cannot be a normal situation as Ford would like me to believe.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2005

2004 Ford f250 has a defective steering box.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2004

The contact owns a 2004 Ford f250 super duty. While driving approximately 45 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician stated the fuel injection control module needed to be replaced. The contact stated there was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 05v270000 (electrical system:wiring) that may be related to the failure. The dealer informed the contact his the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also stated the steering wheel locked while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and steering control box was replaced twice. The contact continued to experience a failure with the steering. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.



F-250 Service Bulletins
F-250 Safety Recalls
F-250 Defect Investigations