Model year record

1996 Ford F-150 recalls & problems

The 1996 Ford F-150 has 7 safety recalls and 324 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (57 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints324filed by owners

Crashes · fires21 · 75reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths20 · 2reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009

Exterior lighting

Recall 09E01200016,270 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior lightingMay 24, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E04900027,176 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN CK MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION HEADLIGHTS, CLEAR CORNER, BUMPER, AND SIDE MARKER LIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: CK MOTORSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE NONCOMPLIANT LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CK MOTORSPORT AT 1-909-610-7211.

Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E02600061,944 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Vehicle speed controlSep 7, 2005

Vehicle speed control

Recall 05V3880004,500,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Risk: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Fix: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)

EquipmentAug 29, 1996

Other › Labels

Recall 96V161000134,770 vehicles

Problem: THE CERTIFICATION LABELS ON THE INVOLVED VEHICLES HAS INCORRECT REAR TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE DESIGNATIONS. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 120, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Risk: INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT CERTIFICATION LABELS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING THESE LABELS. DEALERS CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL IF THE OWNER SO DESIRES.

SeatsMar 25, 1996

Seats

Recall 96E0100002,400 vehicles

Problem: THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOAM AND/OR FABRIC SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT FRAME, INSTALL WASHERS BETWEEN THE SEAT RECLINER AND THE SEAT FRAME AT EACH ATTACHMENT POINT, AND INSTALL NEW ATTACHING BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1996 Ford F-150

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

F150 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 2WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.9 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

F150 Pickup 4WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemWiring › Front underhood; Ignition	57	0	41	1	100,250 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Auxillary tank › Selector devices; Storage › Auxillary tank	45	1	1	4	101,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	40	1	5	0	150,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	36	0	27	1	130,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Axle assembly	29	3	0	1	109,750 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	24	16	0	11	100,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	24	0	6	2	119,967 mi
TiresTread/belt	24	0	0	0	—
SuspensionFront; Rear	23	0	0	0	—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages	20	1	0	0	122,847 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	9	0	2	0	—
StructureFrame and members; Body	7	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed controlFire
The contact owned a 1996 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number:Â 05V017000 (Vehicle Speed Control). The contact stated that while parked in the driveway, she observed fire between the finder and the hood. The heat from the fire rippled the front of the garage causing property damage. The vehicle was not diagnosed and the origin of the fire was not determined. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to an unknown impound lot. It was unknown if a police report or fire department report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Sep 15, 2013 · 75,000 miles
Electrical system › Instrument panel › Speedometer/odometer
The contact owns a 1996 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the speedometer became inoperable. The driver was unable to accurately determine the speed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 218,000.
Jan 1, 2024 · 218,000 miles
Unknown or otherFire
I am unsure of what happened. This truck was sitting in my driveway and caught fire. While on fire it kept trying to start even though no one was in it and the keys were no where near it. The fire truck was called out due to the trucks proximity to the home and the fire was put out. There has not been any insoection done on the vehicle since it is burnt to a crisp.
Aug 26, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 1996 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to shutoff and restart independently. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the rear tankâs fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no open recall associated with the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The contact stated there is an issue with the front fuel tank feeding fuel into the rear tank when the rear tank pump is not operational and having to switch the…
Apr 15, 2023 · 130,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
The front fuel tank is overflowing when I run the vehicle with the rear tank. The return fuel is always to the front tank causing it to overflow its a hazardous situation.
Jul 9, 2022
Service brakes
The brake fluid pressure sensor is leaking on to the electrical main computer wires its also leaking from the electrical harness coming from the brake fluid pressure sensor causing the brake tail lights to fail intermittently during vehicle operation
Jun 22, 2021
Seat belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BEAT ANCHOR RUSTED AND DETACHED RESULTING IN THE SEAT BELT DRAGGING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 151,000.
Apr 28, 2021 · 151,000 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
FUEL FROM REAR TANK FILLS FRONT TANK.IT CAN OVERFLOW CAUSING A FIRE.
Sep 1, 2020 · 111,500 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 05V388000
EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED…
EA05005 · opened Mar 22, 2005 · closed Aug 2, 2006
TIE ROD END FAILURESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE98024 · opened Apr 21, 1998 · closed Jul 21, 1998