Im thinking about buying a 2004 f150 (new body style), this would be my first truck. has there been any major problems with the 2004's.

 

Cam phasers will begin to rattle with age. No harm to the engine, just an annoying noise. I think they resolved the problem around '07 or so. Other than that you are good to go.

 

if its 4x4 the vacuum solenoid has issues. If your getting it from the dealer check to see if they changed them already.

Spark plugs replacement are suppose to be a pain as well.

 

Spark plug issue is only with the 5.4 liter models. Chances are they may have been replaced on yours; a big plus. If you're not aware of this issue, do a search on "spark plugs" and read up on the potential spark plug breakage problem, and the costs and/or tools needed to remove them (broken ones). It's a popular topic here on this forum.

Is it being purchased from a dealer? A private indivudual? Try to get any documented service papers; they can be a good thing to have that would show the truck was serviced.

How many miles are on it? If the seller cannot prove any service was performed, you may get to deal down on the price, as around 60 to 75K begins some important fluid changes, such as the transmission (if it's automatic), rear end, radiator flush, etc.

 

Cam phasers huh?...is this the rattling I get when I first start the truck for the day??? It's intermitten and lasts for like only a second. It also seems to do it more on warm days (or so it seems). I had the solenoid problem as well, but that was fixed.


2004 F150 4X4 XLT.

 

It seems this question comes up quite a bit. In Ford's defense, I think it was a communication problem between Marketing and Engineering, so I give you; What the Engineer said and what Marketing heard for the 2004 F150:

1) Spark Plugs:
Engineering said, "It seems our two piece spark plug design is breaking in the heads and it will cost us a lot of money to fix
Marketing heard, "Spark plugs will last 100,000 miles, no need to pull them out during the Warranty period"

2) Window Regulators failing
What Engineering said, "There is a good chance each of the window regulators will fail and the windows will fall down. This will cost alot of money to fix
What Marketing heard, "Auto Express Down for all the windows, Standard in all models"

3) Cam Phasers
What Engineering said, "It seems there is good chance you will get an annoying ticking sound coming from the engine. It will cost a lot of money to replace."
What Marketing heard, "F150's come with diesel power (in sound only)

4) 4x 4 Solenoid
What Engineering said, "It seems we came up with a bad design for the solenoid that will ingest water when raining and cause the 4 wheel system to engage intermittently wearing out hubs. It will cost us a lot of money to fix"
What Marketing heard, "4 wheel system engages automatically in the rain."

5) Windshield Cowl
What Engineering said "The two piece windshield trim was not designed right and will pop apart, no matter how many times you push it back down. It will cost some money to fix.
What Marketing heard, "Auto venting windshield wiper motor housing"

And there you are...

 

lol thats great stuff