Owners have filed 383 complaints
about the 1996 Ford F-150 with NHTSA between 1995 and 2024.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 32 of 33 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 13
Against the median year of the Ford F-150. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
33.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 6
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
32.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1813.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2518.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5037.3%
150,000+ miles
3526.1%
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.
Oct 1995peak 11Apr 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Ford F-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.
EA05005Opened 22 Mar 2005Closed 2 Aug 2006ELECTRICAL 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...
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2005028304,417 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch or fused wiring harness.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 75,000 milesNora Springs, IAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 1996 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 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.
NHTSA complaint #11582443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBurbank, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY HIS MOTHER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND RELAY BOX WERE BURNED, AND THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBurbank, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY HIS MOTHER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND RELAY BOX WERE BURNED, AND THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 75,000 milesNora Springs, IAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owned a 1996 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 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.
NHTSA complaint #11582443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11581863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Russellville, ARFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesKernersville, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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 tank’s 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 fuel supply over to the front tank. When the rear tank is full from the front tank feed, it spills over out of the rear tank fill spout, and runs out on the ground.
NHTSA complaint #11540729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesKernersville, NC
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 tank’s 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 fuel supply over to the front tank. When the rear tank is full from the front tank feed, it spills over out of the rear tank fill spout, and runs out on the ground.
NHTSA complaint #11540729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spring, TX
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.
NHTSA complaint #11473139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11431682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
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
NHTSA complaint #11431682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
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
NHTSA complaint #11431682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesHibbing, MN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11415034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,500 milesRichardson, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL FROM REAR TANK FILLS FRONT TANK.IT CAN OVERFLOW CAUSING A FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11362648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesAllentown, PA
AIR BAGS
ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO, KELLY FORD IN EMMAUS, PA REMOVED MY DRIVERS AIRBAG AND TOLD ME IT WOULD BE REPLACED. IT WAS NEVER REPLACED. KELLY SOLD THE DEALERSHIP AND I NEVER HEARD ANOTHER THING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11254809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15 milesCleveland, OH
STEERING
I HAD TROUBLE TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH WITH THE ORIGINAL KEY,WHEN THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AFTER MAYBE 2 YEARS SOMETHING BROKE IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FLOP AROUND AND A FEW YEARS AFTER THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF OF THE STEERING COLUMN.
NHTSA complaint #11103898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 800 milesCleveland, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A SMALL CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD RESULTED IN A BIG CRACK AFTER THE WEATHERS TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO FREEZING.
NHTSA complaint #11103893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBurbank, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY HIS MOTHER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND RELAY BOX WERE BURNED, AND THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBurbank, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY HIS MOTHER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND RELAY BOX WERE BURNED, AND THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBurbank, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED BY HIS MOTHER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD, HE NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND RELAY BOX WERE BURNED, AND THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS COMPLETELY MELTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V017000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10968179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWilmington, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL FLOWS OUT THE FRONT TANK WHEN USING THE REAR TANK AND THE FRONT ON IS FULL !! FOUND THIS WHEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE .
NHTSA complaint #10938604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carrollton, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL FROM THE FRONT TANK IS OVERFLOWING FUEL INTO THE REAR FUEL TANK AND VICE VERSA. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO REPAIR OR WHAT IS CAUSING THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10811833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Boise, IDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10732663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSAN Antonio, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL KEEPS LEAKING FROM SECOND TANK SOMEWHERE TOWARDS THE OPENING.BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE THE DATE I HAVE REPORTED TILL NOW BUT NEVER THOUGHT MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL REVIEWING CASE NHTSA ID NUMBER: [XXX] AND NHTSA REF # 10587059 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10683764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAkron, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH A DUAL FUEL TANK AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE EMITTED INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL RETURN CHECK VALVE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE FUEL FROM THE REAR FUEL TANK OVERFLOWED INTO THE SECOND FUEL TANK. IN ADDITION, FUEL HAD SEEPED OUT OF THE FUEL TANK CAP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR 1990-1993 F-SERIES MODEL VEHICLES UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01I008000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT NOT FOR THE 1996 MODEL YEARS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 06/30/14 MA UPDATED 07/2/2014
NHTSA complaint #10587059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesFarmington, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING, CRASHING INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID DEPLOY. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER SUFFERED SEVERE INJURIES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED CERVICAL SPINE, INJURIES TO THE SHOULDERS, A CONCUSSION AND THE LOSS OF HER RIGHT EYE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED DURING THE CRASH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE AIR BAG HAD VIOLENTLY DEPLOYED DURING THE CRASH AND CAUSED INJURIES TO THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 06/04/14
NHTSA complaint #10577394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.