Is the 1996 Ford E-250 reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford E-250?

The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Ford E-250 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

1996 Ford E-250

○ Not enough data

1996 Ford E-250
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:50.791Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 20
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

1996: 20 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1990	1
1991	8
1992	14
1993	7
1994	11
1995	15
1996	20
1997	24
1998	16
1999	31
2000	18
2001	18
2002	17
2003	17
2004	8
2005	11
2006	11
2007	6
2008	6
2009	2
2010	9
2011	6
2012	8
2013	11
2014	7
2015	0
2016	1
2017	2
2022	1
2023	0

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

5 of 20 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing tread/belt.

Service brakes

4 of 20 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and gas recirculation valve (egr valve).

Power train

3 of 20 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing driveshaft and pedal/hand lever(motorcycle).

Vehicle speed control

2 of 20 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

When applying the brakes in a panic stop, consumer's foot hit the brake pedal and accelerator pedal because the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are too close together, causing the vehicle not to stop, once resulting in a collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-12-19

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2006-08-07Vehicle speed control06V286000 On certain trucks equipped with speed control, gasoline or natural gas engines, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control system free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. (Note: also see recalls…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-18Vehicle speed control08V051000 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…

Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-10-27Vehicle speed control09V399000 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…

Remedy: Ford will notify owners that dealers will install a fused wiring harness in line with the scds. On 1999-2003 Windstar vehicles with a leaking scds, dealers will also inspect the ABS control module…

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1996 Ford E-250 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Tires: 5 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06V286000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 08V051000 · Vehicle speed control
Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control

FAQ

Is the 1996 Ford E-250 reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford E-250?: The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford E-250 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.