Owners have filed 212 complaints
about the 1996 Ford F-250 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2023.
The largest single group is the tires.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 22 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 — 43
Against the median year of the Ford F-250. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 95
18.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 17
10% 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.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
36.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
24.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
24.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
510.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1734.0%
150,000+ miles
2142.0%
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.
Jun 1996peak 31Sep 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Ford F-250
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...
PE96052Opened 23 Aug 1996Closed 27 Jan 1997SUSPENSION
SEPARATED FRONT SUSPENSION
CONSUMER COMPLAINTS REPORT THAT BOLTS WHICH RETAIN THE AXLE PIVOT BRACKET TO THE FRAME CROSS MEMBER CAN LOOSEN OR FAIL, CAUSING THE INBOARD END OR THE AXLE TO BECOME DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE.OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, HOWEVER THE COMPLAINT DATA SHOWS ONLY ONE INCIDENT WHERE THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY FOLLOWING AXLE SEPARATION, WITH NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.IN ADDITION TO THE 225 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, THERE WERE 4,315 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND MEMBERS, AND 22 VEHICLES WERE REPLACED FOR GOODWILL.DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED BY FORD, UNDER...
Recalls on the 1996 Ford F-250
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 2009292492,877 units in Canada
Other
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: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.
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.
Recall 199613619 units in Canada
Structure
THE NUMBER 4 CROSSMEMBER GUSSETS WERE INSTALLED WITH UNDERSIZED FASTENERS. THIS GUSSET IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE REAR STRAP OF THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK. THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR THE FASTENERS TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE REAR STRAP ON THE MID-SHIP FUEL TANK BECOMING DISCONNECTED. THIS COULD RESULT IN LESS THAN INTENDED FUEL TANK RETENTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. CORRECTION: CROSSMEMBER GUSSET FASTENERS WILL BE REPLACED WITH THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE FASTENERS (BOLTS).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Rochester, WAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11543544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10648731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSpokane, WAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10584057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCape Junction, ORFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,628 milesJacksonville, ARFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10432898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLong Lake, MNFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10365720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Rochester, WAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11543544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Cruz, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11469663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,068 milesPeroia, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL RUNNING OUT FOUNT TANK IN DRIVEWAY WITH SELECTOR ON REAR TANK
NHTSA complaint #11196563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesBremerton, WA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
EXCESS FUEL FROM REAR TANK IS RETURNED TO FRONT TANK CAUSING FUEL OVERFILL AND FUEL LEAK.
NHTSA complaint #11024911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 231,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10837715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesElmer, NJ
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10794901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesEdinburg, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SPILLS FROM REAR TANK WHEN FUELING FRONT TANK. ENGINE SPUTTERS AND QUITS WHILE RUNNING DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE FAILURE..
NHTSA complaint #10766371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300,000 milesBayard, NM
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10668218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10648731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesAuburn, WA
SEATS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10593652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSpokane, WAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10584057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesCape Junction, ORFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10522089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesSmithfield, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10499660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesSmithfield, OH
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10499660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,881 milesLouisville, TN
TIRES
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
NHTSA complaint #10481090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,628 milesJacksonville, ARFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10432898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,600 milesRochester, PA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10399114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 263,000 milesKeno, OR
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10386991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,280 milesWilmington, NC
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10366654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesLong Lake, MNFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10365720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesNine Miles Falls, WAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10295252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 176,489 milesSunrise Beach, MO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10289346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesAlachua, FLFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FORD F250 1996 BRAKE CYLINDER LEAK FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10285108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 360,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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
NHTSA complaint #10283633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesValley Springs, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10246189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.