1996 Ford F-150
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Ford › F-150 › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Ford F-150. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1996 Ford F-150. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
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.
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire at the switch could occur.
Remedy
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)
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 and remedy
Risk
Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
Remedy
Owners will be provided with correct certification labels and instructions for installing these labels. dealers can install this label if the owner so desires.
The seat recliner to seat frame attaching bolts on these vehicles could loosen, fatigue and fracture, allowing the seat back to suddenly recline.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
324 complaints21 involved a crash75 involved a fire20 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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…
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.
- 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.
- Electrical system · Engine · 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.
- Engine · 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…
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.
- 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.
- Electrical system · Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · 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
- 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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel from rear tank fills front tank.it can overflow causing a fire.
- 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.
- 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.
- Unknown or other
A small chip in the windshield resulted in a big crack after the weathers temperature dropped to freezing.
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · 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…
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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- 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). *tr
- 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…
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 *js
- 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…
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
- Electrical system · Engine · Seats
About three minutes after I parked and shut off the truck in the driveway, I heard a loud explosion, stepped outside and saw flames shooting out from under the hood accompanied by billowing smoke. The fire lasted 15-20 minutes, went through the firewall, entered and melted down the cab. during…
About three minutes after I parked and shut off the truck in the driveway, I heard a loud explosion, stepped outside and saw flames shooting out from under the hood accompanied by billowing smoke. The fire lasted 15-20 minutes, went through the firewall, entered and melted down the cab. during this period of time, I was attempting to put out the fire in order to prevent it from spreading to the garage and the propane tank. as a result, I had to be treated for moderate smoke inhalation by the first responders on the scene. the truck was part of the 2005 recall concerning the leaking brake fluid and its corrosion of the electrical systems. I brought this truck to copper country ford in order for them to perform the necessary repairs to comply with the recall notice, which, to the best of my knowledge, was performed. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed violently, fracturing the driver's neck and causing particles from the bag to become lodged in his eye. As a result, the contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed violently, fracturing the driver's neck and causing particles from the bag to become lodged in his eye. As a result, the contact was permanently blind. The air bag also shattered the driver's shoulder and caused various other injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer sent an inspector to diagnosis the failure but no report was provided to the contact. The failure and current mileage was 100,000. updated 1/29/13 *cn updated 2/8/2013 *js updated 04/14/14*lj updated 04/18/2014 *js
- Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 58 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact was able to keep the vehicle under control and coasted onto the road shoulder. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the throttle…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 58 mph, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without warning. The contact was able to keep the vehicle under control and coasted onto the road shoulder. The contact inspected the vehicle and determined that the throttle failed. The contact cleaned the throttle area and disconnected the cruise cable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 195,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. the contact noticed fuel leaking from the filler cap. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the fuel from the rear fuel tank was spilling into the front fuel tank, causing it to overflow and leak. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. Approximately 3 gallons of fuel spilled out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised him that both straps were severely covered…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 mph the fuel tank detached from the vehicle. Approximately 3 gallons of fuel spilled out of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised him that both straps were severely covered with rust and needed to be replaced along with the fuel tank. Both straps and the fuel tank were repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure and stated his vin was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 122,700.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Primary fuel tank straps broken, tank resting on skid plate. Secondary fuel tank straps corroding. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford F-150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. There was a nhtsa recall campaign ID number: 98v161000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) that may be related to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 ford F-150. While the vehicle was parked the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. There was a nhtsa recall campaign ID number: 98v161000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly) that may be related to the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure and stated the vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 vehicles manufactured with scds that are not included in ford?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the non-recalled population for incidence of engine compartment fires.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached closing report for details.
- Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10008552Rear leaf spring noise.
- 10004836Aftermarket wiring alterations - service tip.
- 10003748New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included.
- 10002767Vehicles without the coolant lock-off may exhibit a no start condition.
- 10002766Compressed natural gas (CNG). Rough idle or no start when cold. Vehicles equipped with CNG bi-fuel engine only.
- 6091700Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation.
- 6090873Locks failed. Yd
- 6090448Information regarding transmission trouble codes. *Mjs
- 6090184Information on replacing and / or repairing malfunctioning (door, ignition and decklid) locks.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3055145Unknown
- 636076Some bi-fuel cang and lpg vehicles may exhibit a no start condition.
- 630515Engine oil system priming procedures, service tips for reports of premature engine failure.
- 627760Information to aid in diagnosis for clarification of lock-off solenoid and solenoid tank valve coil rsistances for bi-fuel vehicles.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 624689Some vehicles may exhibit a fuel fill valve sealing condition.
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 616520A condition may exist with possible electronc damage occuring to the compuvalve from voltage spikes between the compuvalve connections when connecting or disconnecting the main compuvalve harness c4025.
- 614630All 4X4 vehicles with electronic shift onthe fly transfer cases will display contact plate pids opposite of the 1999 or earlier workshop manual indicates when using ngs with 15.0 level or later software.
- 613864Some vehicles may exhibit a false high spark advance readings when using a new generator star (ngs) tester.
- 613350Service tip information regarding the reverse clutch piston and piston seal usage.
- 613349Experiencing a knocking noise when the engine IS cold and under acceleration.
- 613336Subject regarding a new single key locksets installed on certain trial vehicles.
- 613332Some 4r70w transmissions were built with a unique case and require a spacer to be installed between the low / reverse servo cover and retaining ring.
- 613173Some vehicles equipped with pats (securilock) except certain models now have availability of fleet keys through rotunda. *Mjs
- 613007Some vehicles may exhibit a drift or pull to the left while braking.
- 612924Some bi-fuel vehicles may require powertrain control module (pcm) replacement during service and may not run on CNG or lpg., recalibration of the pcm/replacement. *Mjs
- 612742Some vehicles may experience a condition of no 4 x 4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4 x 4 low range. *Mjs
- 612343Vehicles may experience solid particle contaminants from prior transmission concerns or excess wear, may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system IS not properly flushed, fluid in-line filter kit. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 610785Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4X4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4X4 low range, with no diagnostic trouble codes stored in the gem module.
- 609737Transmission- e40d/4r100-1989-99-main controls, separator plates and separator plate gaskets usage chart. Yd
- 609668Some vehicles may exhibit a condition of no 4X4 low range engagement or a stuck in 4X4 low range, with no (dtc) diagnostic trouble code stored in the gem.
- 609551A direct replacement part for the evaporative emission canister and bracket assembly. Ak
- 609044Sone police vehicles and other vehicles with 4r70w may exhibit a vibration and / or transmission extension housing bushing damage from sustained high speed operation.
Every Ford F-150 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.