I am new to the site, and about to be (possibly) a first-time Ford F-150 owner. I have found a 2004 F-150 5.4 Crew Lariat (106,000 miles)that I would like to buy, but have found lots of issues (spark plugs, cam phasers, brake rotors, windows, etc.) that are common with these trucks.

I know you only hear the bad things online, as with any vehicle, so I want to know if anyone has an 04-06 5.4 that has had no issues at all? If so, how many miles does it have now?

The truck does have a shudder in the brakes and has had 2 windows repaired that fell into the door, FYI. Plugs haven't been changed that is known of and cam phasers are quiet to my knowledge. Does the cam phaser noise only start after the engine is hot?

 

05 FX4 5.4 120K miles

Spark Plugs replace at dealer for $285.00, no cost for broken ones.
Battery replaced after 4 years as a precaution.
Driver power window regulator replaced.
Brakes at 75,000 miles

Other than normal maintenance no issues, love the truck

 

hermiehunter - I think every vehicle has its problems. Make sure when you buy it, if you do, make sure that they change the plugs for you, or atleast prove to you that they have been changed(make them pull a plug to show you that it has the new 1 piece design in it).

for the cam phasers, they will not fix these w/out you paying for them, because they are a PITA to change. but as long as you run good 5w20 or even 5w30 full synthetic you should be ok w/ these from what i understand. mine sounds like a deisel but dont seem to have any problems w/ power ect. I will be putting 5w20 in it next month when i get to doing my winter program up and going for me and the lady's autos.

 

2006, 123000k. all regular maintence done. good friend had his problem free till 135000 then the rear end went out

 

[QUOTE=rubbinsracin;610439]hermiehunter - I think every vehicle has its problems. Make sure when you buy it, if you do, make sure that they change the plugs for you, or atleast prove to you that they have been changed(make them pull a plug to show you that it has the new 1 piece design in it).

for the cam phasers, they will not fix these w/out you paying for them, because they are a PITA to change. but as long as you run good 5w20 or even 5w30 full synthetic you should be ok w/ these from what i understand. mine sounds like a deisel but dont seem to have any problems w/ power ect. I will be putting 5w20 in it next month when i get to doing my winter program up and going for me and the lady's autos.]

Winter is coming too soon. Don't forget about the ladies!
I researched the heck out of f150's before I bought mine. Every vehicle has it's issues. Good luck. Just take care of her. Not the #1 seller for 30+ years for no reason!

 

Welcome aboard! Glad to have new members.

This is a popular question that gets asked every couple of months. Search this forum for "first time buyer", or "common problems", or text like this. You'll find some additional concerns to look out for.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am hoping to buy the truck this week, and I hope I don't have any major issues. I am excited to try out Ford...However, I was expecting a few more replies with 100% happy owners

 

Ive had zero issues other than normal wear and tear with my 05. Replaced brakes at about 60k, Im at 85k now and about to replace battery, replaced a blinker light maybe two years ago but nothing major. About to do spark plugs, thats gonna be about 300 maybe more depends on how many break. If you are buying from a dealership I would ask them to replace sparkplugs before I bought to avoid that cost later. For teh most part Ive owned several fords now and amongst me, family and friends Ive never really seen anything major with these vehicles, its all lights, batteries etc, the stuff you know will go out at some point anyhow.

 

Well I am new to the F150 but not to Ford. I have had many years and hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles. I have a '04 SCREW with 190k. It has the cam phaser tick but it is not bad. Truck rides and drives like it has 30k. Maintenance is the key to long trouble free driving. I LOVE my truck!

 

Ah crap...do I really want to jinx ymself...

I have an 04 screw 4x4 with the 5.4 and 65k on the odo, no issues that I wouldn't attribute to normal wear and tear. My parking break stuck on once, that has been my only issue with it. Just keep up with regular maintence and it should be good for many years. Also, keep in mind this isn't a brand new truck. Don't get bent out of shape if you do have a failure or a rattle here and there.

I'd try to negotate a new set of rotors if the truck is shuddering when you put the breaks on. Other than that, congrats on your new baby and welcome to the forums.