FaultScore

FaultScore report

1996 Ford E-150 problems

Owners have filed 81 complaints about the 1996 Ford E-150 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2014. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 23 worst.

D

FaultScore 71/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford E-150.

How this is worked out

The numbers

81

Complaints

11

Crashes reported

9

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

120,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

5%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 78 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 9 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 78
Against the median year of the Ford E-150. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1996 compares with every other Ford E-150

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1996 Ford E-150

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 16 19.8%

6 crashes, 1 fires · median 144,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 12 14.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 130,000 mi

0 crashes, 5 fires · median 120,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 7 8.6%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 6 7.4%

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 120,000 mi

Tires 5 6.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 30,000 mi

Suspension 5 6.2%
Body & Structure 4 4.9%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

Steering 4 4.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 112,000 mi

Equipment & Accessories 3 3.7%
Seat Belts 2 2.5%
Airbags 2 2.5%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 112,000 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 2.5%

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 1.2%
Seats 1 1.2%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 7 26.9%
Gasoline 5 19.2%
Gear BOX (Other Than Rack AND Pinion) 3 11.5%
Cruise Control 3 11.5%
Filler Pipe AND CAP 2 7.7%
AIR Conditioner 2 7.7%
Interior/Under Dash 2 7.7%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers 2 7.7%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 5.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 4 20.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 10 50.0%
150,000+ miles 5 25.0%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 1996 peak 8 Apr 2014

NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Ford E-150

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA05005 Opened 22 Mar 2005 Closed 2 Aug 2006 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

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 VEHIC...

Recalls on the 1996 Ford E-150

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09V399000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

08V051000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

06V286000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.

Risk: OVERHEATING COULD RESULT IN SMOKE OR BURN AND AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 168,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND UPON ENTERING NOTICED THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. STARTED THE VEHICLE, ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND A BLOWN 15 AMP FUSE IN THE FUSE PANEL. REPLACED FUSE, ODOMETER CAME BACK ON AND VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRING WAS EVIDENT, AS WAS SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED THE FUSE BACK OUT, OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH ON FIRE, WHICH MELTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AS WELL AS THE BATTERY CASING ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10509001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

SERVICE BRAKES

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND UPON ENTERING NOTICED THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. STARTED THE VEHICLE, ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND A BLOWN 15 AMP FUSE IN THE FUSE PANEL. REPLACED FUSE, ODOMETER CAME BACK ON AND VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRING WAS EVIDENT, AS WAS SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED THE FUSE BACK OUT, OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH ON FIRE, WHICH MELTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AS WELL AS THE BATTERY CASING ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10509001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Gulfport, MS Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS LOCALIZED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 06V286000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10165508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 81,555 miles Munford, TN

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY VEHICLE ACCORDING THE NHTSA HAS RECALL #09V399000 FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM SPEED CONTROL WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE EVEN IN THE GARAGE WITH THE VEHICLE OFF. I ASKED FORD TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND THEY CLAIM THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND I KNOW THERE IS AND I KNOW THE RECALL HASN'T BEEN INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ARE THEY SAYING THIS BECAUSE TIME RAN OUT TO HAVE THIS DONE BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OR DO THEY JUST NOT WANT TO? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10585226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,555 miles Munford, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY VEHICLE ACCORDING THE NHTSA HAS RECALL #09V399000 FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM SPEED CONTROL WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE EVEN IN THE GARAGE WITH THE VEHICLE OFF. I ASKED FORD TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND THEY CLAIM THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND I KNOW THERE IS AND I KNOW THE RECALL HASN'T BEEN INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ARE THEY SAYING THIS BECAUSE TIME RAN OUT TO HAVE THIS DONE BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OR DO THEY JUST NOT WANT TO? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10585226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,555 miles Munford, TN

SERVICE BRAKES

MY VEHICLE ACCORDING THE NHTSA HAS RECALL #09V399000 FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM SPEED CONTROL WHICH CAN CATCH ON FIRE EVEN IN THE GARAGE WITH THE VEHICLE OFF. I ASKED FORD TO REPAIR THIS BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AND THEY CLAIM THERE ARE NO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, AND I KNOW THERE IS AND I KNOW THE RECALL HASN'T BEEN INSTALLED ON MY VEHICLE. ARE THEY SAYING THIS BECAUSE TIME RAN OUT TO HAVE THIS DONE BECAUSE I JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OR DO THEY JUST NOT WANT TO? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

NHTSA complaint #10585226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND UPON ENTERING NOTICED THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. STARTED THE VEHICLE, ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND A BLOWN 15 AMP FUSE IN THE FUSE PANEL. REPLACED FUSE, ODOMETER CAME BACK ON AND VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRING WAS EVIDENT, AS WAS SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED THE FUSE BACK OUT, OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH ON FIRE, WHICH MELTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AS WELL AS THE BATTERY CASING ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10509001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 168,000 miles Columbus, OH Fire

SERVICE BRAKES

VEHICLE WAS PARKED, AND UPON ENTERING NOTICED THE SMELL OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. STARTED THE VEHICLE, ODOMETER WAS INOPERABLE AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, FOUND A BLOWN 15 AMP FUSE IN THE FUSE PANEL. REPLACED FUSE, ODOMETER CAME BACK ON AND VEHICLE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK. APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS LATER, THE SMELL OF BURNING WIRING WAS EVIDENT, AS WAS SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED THE FUSE BACK OUT, OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH ON FIRE, WHICH MELTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AS WELL AS THE BATTERY CASING ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10509001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Manassas, VA

STRUCTURE

A CHROME COLOR GRILLE ABOUT 2.5 FEET WIDE AND 6" TALL FLEW OFF THE FRONT OF OUR 1996 F150 FORD VAN WHILE WE WERE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED. I NOTICED OTHER SIMILAR FORD VANS THAT HAVE ALSO LOST THE SAME FRONT GRILL PART. WE WERE GOING 55 MPH DOWN A 2 LANE HIGHWAY AND A LARGE TRUCK WAS GOING THE OTHER WAY. THE GUST OF AIR FROM THE PASSING TRUCK WAS SUFFICIENT TO TEAR OFF THE GRILL PART AND CAUSE IT TO FLY OVER THE TOP OF OUR VAN.

NHTSA complaint #10293069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 150,000 miles Milford, PA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD E-150. WHENEVER THE CONTACT STARTS THE ENGINE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE BECOMES STUCK AT A HIGH RPM AND WILL NOT RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. THE FAILURE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO EITHER SURGE FORWARD OR BACKWARDS DEPENDING ON WHAT GEAR IT IS IN AT THE TIME. THE ENGINE HAS TO BE TURNED OFF IN ORDER TO RESTORE THE VEHICLE TO A PROPER SPEED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES DO NOT HOLD OR STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY ARE ENGAGED. THE FIRST TIME THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE AT 10 MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE REAR WINDOW WAS DAMAGED. THROUGH RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS ISSUES WITH THIS DEFECT ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP TWICE. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC CLEANED OUT THE ENGINE, ENGINE THROTTLE, AND CABLES. THE FAILURE WAS CORRECTED FOR TWO MONTHS BEFORE IT RECURRED AGAIN. DURING THE SECOND VISIT, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHECKED TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING WAS LUBRICATED PROPERLY. THE SHOP DID NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA complaint #10276194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1996 FORD E-150 SERPENTINE BELT, AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, IGNITION MODULE REPLACED, ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, TIE RODS REPLACED, FUEL PUMP REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #10176468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Glen Ellyn, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

BROKEN FRONT SPRING ON 1996 ECONOLINE VAN APPARENTLY DUE TO CORROSION ISSUE. DEALER DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AND STATES THAT BROKEN SPRING MAY OR MAY NOT COME LOSE AND RESULT IN A SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #10167441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Gulfport, MS Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS LOCALIZED UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 06V286000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10165508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Canton, MI Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

DT: THE CALLER SAID THAT WHILE AT WORK HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT WAS SITTING FOR 2 HOURS AND 15 MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS SITTING ACROSS THE STREET FROM WHERE THE CALLER WORKED, AND THE NEIGHBORS SAW THE FIRE AND HELPED PUT IT OUT ALONG WITH A PASSING POLICE OFFICER. FIRE WAS CAUGHT IN TIME, AND NO OTHER DAMAGE WAS CAUSED. DEALER /MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED.

NHTSA complaint #10132268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Worthington, OH

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

1996 FORD E150 EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES.*MR THE FAILED PART WERE AT THE ABS CONTROL VALVE AND EXTENDED TO THE FRONT BRAKES. FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH.

NHTSA complaint #10121588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Nashville, TN Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1. I WAS TRAVELING A 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC IN A TWO LANE ROAD. AS I APPROACHED STANDING TRAFFIC AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I BEGAN TO SLOW GRADUALLY WITH ENGINE BRAKING. AS I APPOACHED THE STOPPED CAR I BEGAN TO TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED NO BRAKING EFFECT. I THAN PRESSED THE PEDAL A COUPLE MORE INCHES, AND STILL THERE WAS LITTLE BRAKING EFFECT. I THEN PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW GRADUALLY, BUT NOT IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DONE TO THE STANDING VEHICLE, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I WAS TRAVELING SO SLOWLY AND HAD BEGUN TO ANTICIPATE THE STOP IN PLENTY OF TIME. HAVING BEEN AN AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC IN YEARS PAST, I DETERMINED THAT THE FAULT WAS IN THE VACUUM BOOSTER OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AND HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM EVALUATED. THEY EXAMINED THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM AND COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THEY SAID THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MOMENTARY FAILURE OF THE ABS OR VACUUM BOOSTER SYSTEMS, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE FAULT UNLESS IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE THEY WERE TESTING THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS.

NHTSA complaint #10116880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 144,000 miles Nashville, TN Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

1. I WAS TRAVELING A 35 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS. THE ROAD WAS DRY. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY, AND THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC IN A TWO LANE ROAD. AS I APPROACHED STANDING TRAFFIC AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I BEGAN TO SLOW GRADUALLY WITH ENGINE BRAKING. AS I APPOACHED THE STOPPED CAR I BEGAN TO TOUCH THE BRAKE PEDAL, AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED NO BRAKING EFFECT. I THAN PRESSED THE PEDAL A COUPLE MORE INCHES, AND STILL THERE WAS LITTLE BRAKING EFFECT. I THEN PRESSED AS HARD AS I COULD, AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW GRADUALLY, BUT NOT IN TIME TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE DONE TO THE STANDING VEHICLE, BUT ONLY BECAUSE I WAS TRAVELING SO SLOWLY AND HAD BEGUN TO ANTICIPATE THE STOP IN PLENTY OF TIME. HAVING BEEN AN AUTOMOBILE MECHANIC IN YEARS PAST, I DETERMINED THAT THE FAULT WAS IN THE VACUUM BOOSTER OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED REPAIR SHOP AND HAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM EVALUATED. THEY EXAMINED THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM AND COULD FIND NO REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THEY SAID THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A MOMENTARY FAILURE OF THE ABS OR VACUUM BOOSTER SYSTEMS, BUT THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE FAULT UNLESS IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE THEY WERE TESTING THE VEHICLE. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS.

NHTSA complaint #10116880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Overland Park, KS Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA complaint #10111312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Selden, NY Crash 1 injured

STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)

1996 FORD F-150 2WD MILEAGE 112,500 (WELL MAINTAINED) OSS OF STEERING RESULTING FROM SOMETHING INSIDE STEERING BOX DISENGAGING. CAUSING NO CONTROL FROM OPERATOR OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE PULLED TO RIGHT AND HIT PARKED CAR, ONCE PASS PARKED CAR VEHECLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO RIGHT, OVER THE LAWN AND HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR IN DRIVWAY BEFORECOMING TO A STOP NTIRE INCIDENT TOOK 3 SECONDS. I WAS ON I SIDE STREET CLOSE TO HOME DOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH, HAD IT BEEN A HIGHWAY, PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. LSO AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHY! PLEASE SEE IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS!

NHTSA complaint #10106104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 112,000 miles Selden, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

1996 FORD F-150 2WD MILEAGE 112,500 (WELL MAINTAINED) OSS OF STEERING RESULTING FROM SOMETHING INSIDE STEERING BOX DISENGAGING. CAUSING NO CONTROL FROM OPERATOR OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE PULLED TO RIGHT AND HIT PARKED CAR, ONCE PASS PARKED CAR VEHECLE CONTINUED TO PULL TO RIGHT, OVER THE LAWN AND HITTING ANOTHER PARKED CAR IN DRIVWAY BEFORECOMING TO A STOP NTIRE INCIDENT TOOK 3 SECONDS. I WAS ON I SIDE STREET CLOSE TO HOME DOING ABOUT 30-35 MPH, HAD IT BEEN A HIGHWAY, PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. LSO AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHY! PLEASE SEE IF THERE ARE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS LIKE THIS!

NHTSA complaint #10106104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Destin, FL

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *AK TIRES WERE BROUGHT BRAND NEW AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITH 30,000 MILES ON THE TIRES. DEALER WOULD NOT REPLACE THE FIRST TIRE THAT FAILED. CONSUMER DID HAVE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY ON THE TIRES. *PH

NHTSA complaint #10033697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.