Engine and engine cooling (Ford)
Vehicle recall 04V-445. NHTSA received FORD MOTOR COMPANY’s report on Sep 13, 2004.
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The short answer
NHTSA received FORD MOTOR COMPANY’s report on Sep 13, 2004. Copied from NHTSA on Oct 21, 2026.
Every line below is in NHTSA’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
THESE HOT PARTICLES MAY IGNITE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM DAMAGE OR UNDERHOOD FIRE.
ON CERTAIN VANS, THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT MATERIAL PROCESS RESULTED IN AN AIR FILTER PAPER ELEMENT THAT CAN SMOLDER OR BURN.
THIS CHANGE IN FILTER PAPER COMPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF THE AIR INDUCTION SYSTEM, MAY ALLOW HOT CARBON PARTICLES TO CONTACT THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT DURING CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THAT CREATE HOT PARTICLES.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
- NHTSA’s part: Engine and engine cooling.
What should you do?
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE AIR FILTER ELEMENT. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 27, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. ALSO FORD IS EXTENDING THE LIMITED WARRANTY (FOR A ONE TIME REPLACEMENT) OF THE ABS MODULE FOR A TOTAL OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES FROM THE WARRANTY START DATE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. IF YOUR VEHICLE HAS ALREADY ACCUMULATED MORE THAN 150,000 MILES, THIS COVERAGE WILL LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: FORD RECALL NO. 04S23/CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04N03. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
- Check a vehicle by its VIN at NHTSA: the recalls still open on it are listed there.
Which ones are recalled?
NHTSA counts 253,076 vehicles potentially involved, across everything this recall names.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
- Ford E-450and 2003 and 2004, before the model years listed here
- Ford E-150and 2003 and 2004, before the model years listed here
- Ford E-350and 2003 and 2004, before the model years listed here
- Ford E-250and 2003 and 2004, before the model years listed here
- Ford E-550and 2003 and 2004, before the model years listed here
Who is recalling it?
- Made by FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
NHTSA, Recalls flat file before 2010. Released Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- NHTSA’s recall file doesn’t say whether anyone was hurt.
- Whether one vehicle or seat has been fixed: only its maker, or NHTSA’s lookup with a VIN, can say.
- This recall names only model years before 2015, which have no pages here. Your VIN, at NHTSA, says which recalls are open on a vehicle.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Recalls flat file before 2010 (FLAT_RCL_PRE_2010).
Released Oct 21, 2026 and checked Oct 21, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work).
Vehicle, car seat, tire and vehicle equipment recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Copied on Oct 21, 2026.