1996 FORD F-250 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
VIN Decoder
191
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
TIRES
38 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRES, SIZE: 265/75R16 (NA). WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Nov 19, 2015
TWO OUT OF FOUR KUMHO TIRES HAVE FAILED WITH A THIRD ONE ON ADVISEMENT IN POOR CONDITION. ONE TIRE SEPARATED IN HIGHWAY TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY VELOCITY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE, BODY AND FUEL SYSTEM. VERBALLY AND IN WRITING I ASKED FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER WITH NO ACTION BEING TAKEN. I HAVE MAINTENANCE LOGS, RECEIPTS, PICTURES, ESTIMATES AND ALL EMAIL CORRESPONDENCES FOR YOUR REVIEW. *TR ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2010, UPON A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS GETTING READY TO SEPARATE. SO, HE REPLACED IT WITH ONLY 15, 979 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2012, THE LEFT REAR TIRE SEPARATED AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH 22,642.6 MILES ON THE TIRE, THE APPROXIMATE TREAD WAS 7/32. UPDATED IVOQ 11/19/12
Oct 19, 2012
I HAVE A FORD F-250 POWERSTROKE YEAR 1996. THE TREAD ON THE TIRE SEPARATED, CAUSING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. THE TIRE WAS A TRAIL CUTTER RADIAL R/T. LT 265/75/R16. *TR
Jul 15, 2007
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH NO LOAD TIRE BLEWOUT. *BF *NM
Oct 15, 2004
THE VEHICLE TIRE TREAD HAS BEGUN TO SEPARATE. *NLM
May 16, 2003
+ 33 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
25 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250. HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE HE WAS MAKING REPAIRS TO THE ENGINE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE WIRING HARNESS AND BURNED THE HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE. HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. FORDS LEGAL DEPARTMENT SENT A LETTER DENYING RESPONSIBILITY , BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.
Dec 10, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING DECELERATION, SHIFTING INTO REVERSE, OR WHILE IN IDLE THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 07V553000, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE, DIESEL WHO CONFIRMED THAT HIS VIN WAS EXCLUDED. NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 360,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/06/09 *BF UPDATED 10/08/09
Sep 11, 2009
I HAVE A 1996 FORD F250 7.3 LITER DIESEL TRUCK. IT STALLS ON OCCASION AT LOW SPEEDS WHICH I FEEL IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON 1997 AND NEWER TRUCKS BECAUSE OF THE CAM POSITION SENSOR. EVERYTHING I COULD FIND OUT ABOUT MY PROBLEM IS THE SAME. THE CPS UNIT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL FORD SHOULD REPLACE MY CPS UNIT AS WELL. *TR
Oct 21, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CAM POSITION SENSOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE MOTOR FAILED AS WELL. THE SENSOR IS LOCATED ON THE LOWER FRONT END OF THE MOTOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. HE CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE ISSUE SINCE 1996, BUT HAS DONE NOTHING TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE STALLING. UPDATED 09/16/08 *JB
Jul 18, 2008
I HAVE A 1996 F250 THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE CAM SENSOR FOR THE SAME REASON THAT THE 97-03 HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THEIRS THIS IS A 7.3 LITER POWERSTROKE WHY AM I NOT GETTING A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS YEAR MODEL ITS THE SAME PROBLEM AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL REALLY CLOSE CALLS WITH IT DYING IN TRAFFIC THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES A DAY EVERY TIME I DROVE IT. *TR
Apr 01, 2008
+ 20 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
17 complaints
UNIT WAS PARKED AND SHIFTER PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE TRUCK ROLLED BACK ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND CAME INTO CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. WITNESSES ON THE SCENE VERIFIED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK BUT THAT TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED IN THAT POSITION. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, IT WAS DETERMINED, BY EXPERIMENT, THAT THE INDICATOR ON THE SHIFTER DID NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL GEAR. WHEN IN "PARK" THE TRUCK WAS ACTUALLY IN EITHER REVERSE OR NEUTRAL. ACCORDING TO OTHER SOURCES, THIS PROBLEM, OF EITHER JUMPING OUT OF PARK OR NOT BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED, HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH FORD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN THE PAST.
Jun 05, 2002
THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND YOU CAN RESET THE COMPUTER AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT FINE UNTIL THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAS BEEN TESTED AND IT SHOWS THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT TO BE FLASHING. HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP NOW 15 TIMES AND EVEN SPECIAL TECHNICIANS LOOKING AT IT AND CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. I DON'T WANT TO LOOSE MY TRANSMISSION. *AK
Mar 20, 2002
THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND IT WAS SITTING FOR 15 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WENT FROM PARK TO DRIVE ALL BY IT'S SELF. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR TRANSMISSION, THE TRANSMISSION IS ELECTRONIC AND HE SUSPECTT A SELONIDE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFTY ISSUE. *AK
Jan 04, 2002
CONSUMER WAS PULLING A 5TH WHEEL CAMPER FOR 5,0000 MILES WHEN TRANSMISSION FAILED, DUE TO BURNT CLUTCHES. DEALER RECOMMEND WHEN BACKING OUT CAMPER CONSUMER SHOULD USE LOW RANGE IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE.*AK
Apr 09, 2001
4 WHEEL LIGHT STATED THAT IT WAS IN 4- WHEEL DRIVE, IT WAS INFACT NOT, AND I ALMOST WENT OFF OF A CLIF. PUT NEW HUBS ON AND IT FAILED AGAIN IN JUST A LITTLE BIT OF MUD. 4 WHEEL LIGHT STATED THAT IT WAS IN 4 WHEEL AGAIN.*AK
Apr 09, 2001
+ 12 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
15 complaints
Cruise control switch began smoking, disconnected it and took it to Awesome Ford of Chehalis, WA for recall service sometime in June or July. Service tech found that brake fluid had wicked its way up electrical harness into cruise control servo, necessitating replacement in order to complete recall service. FoMoCo has been unable/unwilling to replace cruise control servo and is instead requiring that I pull one from a wrecking yard in order to complete recall service.
Sep 09, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS REPLACING THE GLOW PLUGS WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V286000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE MANUFACTURER'S LEGAL TEAM, WHO ADVISED THAT THE FIRE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER NEVER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TO MAKE THAT DETERMINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Apr 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVE WAY WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND DETERMINED THAT THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS THE CULPRIT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER IN REGARD TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V286000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL), BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000. *TR
Jun 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC BURNING WAS EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL BURNED A HOLE IN THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR. AS A RESULT, THE CRUISE CONTROL LINES AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183,628 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
Oct 26, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED NEXT TO THE GARAGE THE VEHICLE IGNITED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE BURNED DOWN THE ENTIRE GARAGE AND DID PARTIAL FIRE DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE. THE CONTACT HAS NOT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FIRE. THE CONTACT NOTICE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING FIRES FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS RECALL YEARS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL WHERE THE DEALER REPLACED A WIRING HARNESS THAT COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED SOMEONE COULD HAVE LOST THEIR LIFE DUE TO THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
Nov 15, 2010
+ 10 more complaints for this component
STEERING
15 complaints
THIS IS NOT A COMPLAINT BUT TO LET EVERYONE KNOW WHAT I HAVE FOUND TO BE PART OF THE PROBLEM ON THE STEERING NOT RETURNING AFTER A TURN. THE STEERING COLUMN BEARING IN THE TOP OF THE COLUMN IS BAD. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE AT LEAST 20 OF THESE FOR THIS COMPLAINT AND FIXED THE PROBLEM. THE LOCKING OF THE STEERING WHEN BREAKING IS A HYDROBOOST PROBLEM NOT A STEERING PROBLEM. FORD NEED TO RESEARCH THIS AND CORRECT IT BEFORE THERE IS A DEATH BECAUSE OF IT. *TR
Dec 25, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250 DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME VERY LOOSE WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,600.
May 04, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250 DIESEL. THE CONTACT WAS ENTERING A RESIDENTIAL PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO BRING IT TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AS A WEAK STEERING COLUMN WHICH WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 263,000.
Mar 09, 2011
1996 FORD, F250, 7.3 LITER DIESEL: HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED AT CONNECTION TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE IS DUE TO FAILURE OF AN INTERNAL PLASTIC COMPONENT THAT CONNECTS THE TUBING TO THE CONNECTING NUT/FITTING. REPLACED WITH A FABRICATED HYDRAULIC HOSE THAT DID NOT HAVE ANY INTERNAL PLASTIC COMPONENTS. *TR
Nov 18, 2010
VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE TECHNICIAN BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE. TECHNICIAN REPLACED SEVERAL PARTS WITHIN THE STEERING COLUMN. *AK
Oct 06, 2003
+ 10 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14 complaints
FORD F250 1996 BRAKE CYLINDER LEAK FIRE. *TR
Sep 24, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH DOWN A HILL, THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DROVE THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FINALLY COASTED TO A HALT. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE DID NOT WORK EITHER DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE BOAT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Feb 29, 2008
FRONT CALIPERS CRACKED. CONTACTED DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK *TT
May 21, 2002
CASTING CRACKED, AND THE PUMP FELL OFF (BEARING IN PUMP FAILED). THIS CONTROLS THE POWER BRAKE ASSIST. *AK
Jul 21, 1999
BRAKE SYSTEM CONTINUALLY EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS, UNABLE TO BE RECTIFIED. MJS
Jul 14, 1999
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
14 complaints
CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A TERRIBLE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 55MPH AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL, CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 6 TIMES THAT IT WAS A TIRE PROBLEM, AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS CONSUMER WENT TO THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRULY OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND NEEDED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF QUICKLY, THE 2 FRONT TIRES WERE REPLACED BECAUSE THEY WERE UNSAFE.*JB
Mar 21, 2002
WHEN DRIVING AT ABOUT 25 MPH THERE IS HEAVY VIBRATION WITHIN STEERING. CONSUMER HAS TO USE BOTH HANDS TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE STEERING, OR STEERING WHEEL WILL FALL INTO CONSUMER'S HAND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. *AK
Sep 21, 1999
WHILE DRIVING E STEERING COLUMN VIBRATES, ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Sep 10, 1999
VEHICLE HAS HAD CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION/ALIGNMENT, REPAIRS SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS. MJS
Jul 14, 1999
AFTER BOTH HUBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THERE IS STILL A CLICKING IN THE FRONT WHICH OCCURS DURING BACKING THAT HAS YET TO BE CORRECTED.
Mar 04, 1999
+ 9 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
8 complaints
A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CAUSES A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAPACITY OF THE SECOND TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. *TR
Oct 22, 2009
1996 FORD F250 PICKUP WITH DUAL GAS TANKS HAD MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE IN FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IN ONE TANK WHICH CAUSED UNUSED FUEL TO BE RETURNED TO SECOND TANK WHICH CAUSED CONSTANT OVERFLOW AND FUEL SPILLAGE. FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THIS SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED IN 1989 TO 1993 FORD F250 PICKUPS AND RESULTED IN A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *NM
Sep 20, 2005
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED, POSSIBLY DUE TO FUEL TANK PROBLEMS. TS *JB
Dec 06, 2002
THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LEFT IN THE "ON" POSITION WHILE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING FOR APPROXIMATELY SEVEN HOURS, APPARENTLY THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT TOLD BY PRESSURE REGULATOR OR COMPUTER TO TURN OFF. FUEL PUMP PUMPED APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN GALLONS OF FUEL INTO MOTOR, BY NOT KNOWING THIS AT THE TIME OF TRYING TO START VEHICLE A FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLY DESTROYED, LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT OR KILLED. FIRE DEPT. POLICE ON THE SCENE OF INCIDENT, PLEASE PURSUE THIS ISSUE SO THAT IT WILL NOT HAPPEN TO OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE FATALITIES, I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED, AND ALSO MY FAMILY, I ALSO LOST A VERY NICE TRUCK AS THE RESULT OF THIS INCIDENT, I FEEL THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS INCIDENT. THEY ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF MY VEHICLE WHICH SHOULD BE REPLACED BY FORD MOTOR CO. I ALSO FEEL THAT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE DONE ON THE VEHICLE, TO REPAIR AND/OR REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS SO THAT FATALITIES WILL NOT HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE. FORD MOTOR CO. WAS CONTACTED, AND THEY WROTE ME A LETTER STATING THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE AND THAT ALSO NOTHING WOULD BE DONE TO SOLVE THIS MATTER AND NOTHING TO REPLACE MY VEHICLE. PLEASE CONTACT ME SO THAT THIS MATTER CAN BE INVESTIGATED THOROUGHLY. MY FIRST CONTACT WITH FORD MOTOR CO. WAS THAT FORD WANTED ME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO SEND MY TRUCK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE, THEN A SHORT TIME LATER I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD MOTOR CO. STATING THAT THEY WERE FINISHED AND DID NOT WANT TO EVEN SEE THE VEHICLE. PLEASE RESPOND , AS THOUGH YOU SEE THAT FORD MOTOR CO. IS NOT ! THANK YOU,. ROBERT ROBINSON III. 2958 CEMETERY RD. XENIA, OHIO 45385. MR
Sep 30, 2002
RECALL 93 V 125 000/FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY: PORTION OF UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK HAD TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK, THE SECOND TANK EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGES. SPILLING COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 28, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OFF AND THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WHO STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD FROM A WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 20, 2014
I HAD RAISED MY HOOD TO CHECK THE OIL, AND THERE WAS SMOKE FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF SWITCH LOCATED AT THE END OF THE MASTER CYLINDER. IT CONTINUED TO SMOKE AND BURN UNTIL I UNPLUGGED IT. IT WAS NEARLY ON FIRE. THE BODY OF THE SWITCH IS MELTED AND BURNED. WHEN I WENT TO FORD DEALER ON 4/17/06 FOR A REPLACEMENT PART, THE PARTS MANAGER THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT BE PART OF THE RECALL THAT IS IN FORCE FOR THE F-150. THE SERVICE MANAGER CHECKED, AND IT DOES NOT APPLY TO THE F-250. THIS IS DISTURBING TO ME, BECAUSE THE SWITCH IS THAT SAME FOR EITHER VEHICLE. *NM
Apr 18, 2006
WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY MY FORD F-250 WITH TWO GAS TANKS BURST INTO FLAMES AND TOTALED THE PICKUP. FORTUNATELY, THE TRUCK WAS BACKED INTO THE DRIVE WAY BECAUSE OTHERWISE THE HOUSE WOULD HAVE BURNED DOWN AND THE HOTWATER HEATER WOULD HAVE BEEN IGNITED. AS IT WAS, WE WERE LUCKY THAT THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS RESPONDED SO QUICKLY AND PREVENTED THE GAS TANKS FROM EXPLODING. BOTH LANES ON HWY 412 WERE SHUT DOWN, MANY PEOPLE GATHERED , ETC. THE MEDIA WAS THERE TAKING PICTURES. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAYBE A WIRING DEFECT THAT COULD BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN OTHER FORD PICKUPS. I ALSO OWN A FORD F-360 DIESEL. I THINK THE PROBLEM SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO AVOID HAVING POSSIBLE FATALITIES. I HAVE INSURANCE, HOWEVER, IT WILL NOT PUT ME BACK WHERE I WAS. THE VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED AND I PLANNED TO RETAIN IT FOR 20 OR MORE YEARS. MY CHILDREN WERE HOME, WHEN A PASSERBY POUNDED ON THE DOOR HYSTERICALLY TO TELL THEM THAT THE PICKUP WAS ON FIRE AND COULD BE A BOMB. MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER GOT THE OTHER CHILDREN OUT AND PHONED 911. THEN, SHE WENT BACK IN TO WAKE THE INDIVIDUAL WHO LIVES IN OUR BASEMENT AS SHE HEAR EXPLOSIONS. (THE FRONT TIRES EXPLODED AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE.) PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU FIND OUT! THANK YOU, [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 07, 2004
CONSUMER STATED THE FACTORY INSTALLED WIRING HARNESS WHICH IS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FUSE BOX BEGAN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHICH WAS CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKE LIGHTS TO BE INOPERATIVE.*JB
Mar 21, 2002
AFTER LEAVING VEHICLE PARKED OVERNIGHT, NEXT DAY VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE EVEN BEFORE CONSUMER GOT CLOSE TO VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 27, 2001
+ 2 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
A MALFUNCTIONING CHECK VALVE WITHIN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY CAUSES A PORTION OF THE UNUSED FUEL FROM ONE TANK TO BE RETURNED TO THE SECOND TANK. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE CAPACITY OF THE SECOND TANK CAN BE EXCEEDED, CAUSING FUEL SPILLAGE. ABOUT 5 GALLONS OF FUEL SPILLED OUT OF FILL TUBE.
Jun 16, 2022
FUEL RUNNING OUT FOUNT TANK IN DRIVEWAY WITH SELECTOR ON REAR TANK
Apr 15, 2019
EXCESS FUEL FROM REAR TANK IS RETURNED TO FRONT TANK CAUSING FUEL OVERFILL AND FUEL LEAK.
Sep 21, 2017
FRONT FUEL TANK STOPPED WORKING. VEHICLE RUNS USING REAR FUEL TANK. IF I TAKE OFF THE FRONT TANK FUEL CAP, GAS POURS OUT SOMETIMES SPRAYS ( ABOUT 8 OUNCES OR SO) . FRONT FUEL TANK SEEMS TO BECOME PRESSURIZED. THIS CAN HAPPEN EVERY TIME YOU DRIVE IT ( IF YOU REMOVE THE FRONT CAP). IN MY OPINION THIS IS A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I DID SOME SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET AND THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE COMMON. BIG FIRE HAZARD.
Feb 23, 2016
FUEL SPILLS FROM REAR TANK WHEN FUELING FRONT TANK. ENGINE SPUTTERS AND QUITS WHILE RUNNING DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE FAILURE..
Sep 21, 2015
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER, WHICH HELD THE REAR OF THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 96V146000 (STRUCTURE) THAT BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. *TR
Feb 22, 2013
WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO SEAL FAILURE. MJS
Jul 14, 1999
CENTER CROSS MEMBER DEFECTIVE.
Feb 12, 1997
LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR PILLAR CRACKED 3 TIMES.
Feb 11, 1997
TAILGATE FAILURE.
Dec 17, 1996
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
REAR RIGHT FEAMALE PORTION OF SEATBELT LATCH BECAME DETATCHED FROM BELT. IT APPEARS THE STITCHING THAT BINDS THE BELT TO ITSELF AFTER IT PASSED THROUGH THE LATCH BODY FAILED. THERE WAS MINIMAL STRESS ON BELT AT TIME OF FAILURE, MY DAUGHTER HAD PULLED UP ON LATCH BODY TO SECURE BELT MALE END IN TO FEMALE BODY WHEN BODY SEPRATED FROM BELT.
Jul 25, 2005
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT, LOCKING BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK AND HOLD.*AK
Jul 24, 2003
FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, WHO TOLD CONSUMER THAT SINCE THERE WAS NO RECALL THEY HAVE NO LIABILITY.*AK *YH
Jul 11, 2002
DRIVER'S FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS ARE NOT LATCHING PROPERLY. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND UNWILLING TO ASSIST BECAUSE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVER UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL, AND OUT OF ITS WARRANTY. PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jun 26, 2001
LOCATION OF UPPER SHOULDER SEAT BELT MOUNTING MAKES THE BELT RUB ACROSS DRIVER'S NECK. *AK
Dec 20, 1996
SEATS
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS A LICENSED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE SEAT UPRIGHT WERE BROKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
May 23, 2014
CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT DOES NOT LOCK, DEALER LUBRICATED THE TRACKS.*JB
Mar 21, 2002
WHEN VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT SUDDENLY COLLAPSED IN RECLINING POSITION. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. DEALER HAS ORDERED CONSUMER A NEW SEAT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jan 29, 2002
DRIVER'S SEAT WELD THAT HOLDS SEAT TO RAIL BROKE OFF, CAUSING SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT FORD SHOULD COVER REPAIR COST SINCE IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. *AK *ML
Mar 03, 2000
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN JUST OVER A MONTH AND WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. FIREFIGHTERS WERE NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED BECAUSE THEY WERE UNABLE TO OPEN THE HOOD DUE TO THE FIRE DAMAGE. *TR
Dec 03, 2007
NO SUMMARY
Sep 21, 1999
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON.
Oct 27, 1997
WHEELS
3 complaints
RIM IS MADE OF ALUMINUM, AND WHEEL IS MADE OF STEEL. THESE DIFFERENT METALS CAUSE THE TWO COMPONENTS TO WELD TOGETHER, AND A HAMMER NEEDS TO BE USED TO SEPARATE THEM. *AK CONSUMER HAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO ALSO HAD TOUSE A DEAD BLOW HAMMER TO POUND THEM APART, HOWEVER DEALER DID NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *SLC
Apr 16, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING HUB CAPS WOULD ROLL OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. HUP CAPS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TEN TIMES. RECENTLY HUB CAP ONCE AGAIN ROLLED OFF, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATON. *AK
Dec 07, 1999
PUT IN 4WD HAD TO CALL A WRECKER BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS WOULD NOT ENGAGE.
Aug 16, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BE CANCELLED BY TURNING ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL ONLY, NOT THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL. CAUSING A LOSS OF VEHICLE SPEED. THE CRUISE CONTROL OTHERWISE FUNCTIONS NORMALLY. ALSO, IF I AM AT A STEADY SPEED IN HIGH GEAR [OVERDRIVE] , THE TRUCK WILL DOWNSHIFT, AND THE RPM'S WILL INCREASE 300-500 IF I UTILIZE THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL. THIS PHENOMENON DOES NOT OCCUR WHEN STOPPED IN GEAR OR IN PARK. I RECENTLY REPLACED THE TACHOMETER WHICH HAD BEEN STICKING. THE WHILE OBSERVING THE NEW TACH, I NOTICED THE RPM CHANGES. CANCELLING THE OVERDRIVE CAUSES A SIMILAR, BUT MORE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN RPM AND THE ASSOCIATED DOWNSHIFTING.*AK
Apr 07, 2005
WHEN SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.*AK *YH
Sep 05, 2001
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 60MPH THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT, CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE, BUT WE DID NOT RECEIVE THE NOTICE IN TIME. *AK
Jan 23, 1997
OWNER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE, CONTACTED DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF RECALL. RECALL #96V161000. *AK
Dec 16, 1996
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
THE AIR/FUEL SEPARATOR (SIMILAR TO A THROTTLE BODY) ON MY 1996 FORD F250 DIESEL DEVELOPED A HOLE AWAY FROM ANY MOVING PART. IT SPRAYED FUEL AT ABOUT A GALLON A MINUTE ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AS MY WIFE PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE GOING DOWN THE ROAD WITH GALLONS OF FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND FUEL ALL DOWN THE BOTTOM OF MY TRUCK AND 30 FOOT TRAILER. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THIS IS VERY COMMON ON MY YEAR PICKUP AND THEY REPLACE THEM REGULARLY WHEN THEY LEAK. I TOOK DIGITAL PHOTOS AND KEPT THE PART. I CONTACTED FORD AND THEIR ATTITUDE WAS WHO CARES. SOMEONE NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE PEOPLE DIE. MY PREVIOUS 1996 FORD F250 BURNED TO THE GROUND IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING WITH NO PEOPLE AROUND FOR 3 HOURS. THAT FIRE WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL THAT WAS RECALLED A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPLACED THAT FIRST TRUCK. THIS COULD BE FAR WORSE WITH FUEL SOAKING EVERYTHING BEFORE THE FIRE WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEED. FORTUNATELY, MY WIFE SMELLED FUEL AS SHE PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, INSPECTED AND FOUND FUEL RUNNING OUT ONTO THE GROUND OFF THE TOP OF THE ENGINE AND HOSED EVERYTHING DOWN. *NM
Feb 23, 2006
TRAILER HITCHES
1 complaint
TRAILER HITCH SIDE PLATES RECEIVER WAS ATTACHED BY 6 BOLTS OF WHICH FOUR ATTACHMENT PARTS BROKE, WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF TRUCK AND TRAILER. IF OTHER TWO BROKE, TRAILER WOULD HAVE SEPARATED. OWNER REPAIRED AND REINFORCED ATTACHMENTS FROM PARTS 9085087 RIGHT AND 9085088 LEFT THAT MANUFACTURER SENT. EAZLIFT TRAILER HITCH. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE ATTACHMENT POINTS ON REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH WIDER THAT THE BROKEN PARTS. *SLC
Sep 21, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN. HAPPENED AT STOP LIGHT OR SIGNS. CONTACTED FORD MANUFACTURER & INFORMED CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER. AT DEALERSHIP, MECHANIC PLACED VEHICLE ON DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE & NO CODES APPEARED. TRANSMISSION COULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INTO EITHER 1ST OR 2ND GEARS WITHOUT MAKING GRINDING NOISES. MECHANIC REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE DUE TO BEING OUT OF WARRANTY.*AK
Oct 27, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CONSUMER HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID VEHICLE NEEDED A TUNE UP AND COIL PACK REPLACE. DEALER SAID THAT PLUGS WOULD NOT COME OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE STUCK. SO CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PLUGS WON'T COME OUT. DEALER CHARGED A $1000 TO TAKE THEM OUT.*AK THE LIGHT AT THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE STARTER FAILED THREE TIMES. A/C FAILED. THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILED. BRAKE CALIPER AND ROTOR FAILED. WIRES UNDERHOOD RUST OUT. POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. *YH
Oct 18, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
FUEL IS LEAKING CAUSING ENGINE TO SHUT OFF, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING ASSEMBLY, RESEALED O-RINGS, REPLACED LOW PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR, REPLACED PRESSURE SWITCH, AND TIGHTENED FUEL LINES, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. TRANSMISSION BUCKS AT TAKE OFF. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN OIL LEAK. *SLC
Oct 13, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING IN SNOW CONDITIONS FAN BELT FELL OFF DUE TO SNOW HITTING THE UNDERBODY OF THE VEHICLE, ALLOWING ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS TO STOP. PRIVATE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BELT AFTER DEALER WAS UNABLE TO/REFUSED TO COVER COST. *AK *ML
Feb 17, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
BOLT THAT HOLDS THE POWER STEERING SNAPPED IN HALF. AFTER SNAPPING IN HALF, VIBRATED OUT TOWARDS POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY, CAUSING THE PULLEY TO LOCK UP, AND BREAKING THE POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET. THI S CAUSED THE MAIN DRIVE BELT TO COME OFF, LEAVING CONSUMER WITHOUT BRAKES OR STEERING. *AK
Sep 13, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING FAILURE CAUSING ABS LIGHT TO COME ON AND CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION, CRUISE CONTROL CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION AFTER REPAIR ATTEMPT. MJS
Jul 14, 1999
VISIBILITY
1 complaint
REAR VIEW MIRROR IS LOCATED TO FAR DOWN AND IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE CROSS TRAFFIC.
Aug 08, 1997
Where to Find VIN for Problems Check
To check for problems and complaints on your 1996 FORD F-250, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.
Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports
Each character in your 1996 FORD F-250 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.
How to Check 1996 FORD F-250 Problems in 3 Steps
1
Locate Your VIN
Find the 17-character VIN on your 1996 FORD F-250 dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.
2
Review by Component
Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.
3
Check Safety Issues
Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your FORD dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1996 FORD F-250 have?
The 1996 FORD F-250 currently has 191 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 1996 FORD F-250?
The most common problems reported for the 1996 FORD F-250 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 1996 FORD F-250 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1996 FORD F-250 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
How do I report problems with my 1996 FORD F-250?
You can report safety problems with your 1996 FORD F-250 directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.
Where can I find my VIN to check problems?
Your 1996 FORD F-250 VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.
Is the 1996 FORD F-250 reliable?
Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 1996 FORD F-250. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.
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