1996 Ford F-250 SD
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 11
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1996
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1996: 11 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 1 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 4 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 9 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1997 | 39 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 249 |
| 2000 | 233 |
| 2001 | 288 |
| 2002 | 245 |
| 2003 | 178 |
| 2004 | 254 |
| 2005 | 295 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 54 |
| 2008 | 141 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 32 |
| 2011 | 122 |
| 2012 | 57 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 26 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 15 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Known problem areas
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
Exhaust manifold bolts breaking and not gasket on exhaust manifold.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-15
Tires
2 of 11 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
Kumho KL78 245/75R16 load range e tire. Purchased a set of KL78 tires in November 2011 for my 3/4 truck. Since the time of purchase I have put less than 20,000 miles on the truck / tires.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-07-09
Vehicle speed control
2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Dt: the contact stated on February 27, 2004 the vehicle caught on fire. It started in the cruise control switch. Ford F250 1996. There was no forewarning, the vehicle was parked ten to twelve hours.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-10-11
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f-250 super duty. The contact stated that the speed control deactivation switch became oily and started leaking brake fluid.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-16
Service brakes
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Fuel system, diesel
1 of 11 total reports mentions: fuel system, diesel.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2005-03-22Engineering analysisClosed 2006-08-02 Engine compartment fires
-
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…
Buy-smart checklist
1996 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Tires: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 09V399000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1996 Ford F-250 SD 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 F-250 SD?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1996 Ford F-250 SD have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.