1996 Ford F-350
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1989 | 2 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 52 |
| 1993 | 101 |
| 1994 | 96 |
| 1995 | 134 |
| 1996 | 130 |
| 1997 | 155 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 413 |
| 2000 | 304 |
| 2001 | 160 |
| 2002 | 116 |
| 2003 | 90 |
| 2004 | 159 |
| 2005 | 114 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2007 | 36 |
| 2008 | 131 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2010 | 0 |
| 2011 | 136 |
| 2012 | 149 |
| 2013 | 76 |
| 2014 | 91 |
| 2015 | 190 |
| 2016 | 187 |
| 2017 | 480 |
| 2018 | 194 |
| 2019 | 452 |
| 2020 | 182 |
| 2021 | 88 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
24% of complaints: service brakes — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURY22% of complaints: tires — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and sidewall.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
1996, F-350, CREW CAB, 4X4, WITH 35,000 ORIGINAL MILES WAS TOWING 5TH WHEEL TRAVEL TRAILER IN MOUNTAINOUS AREA. EXHAUST PIPES CAUSED THE SPARE TIRE TO CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030524
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
FIRE14% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and axle hubs.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
OWNER PARKED VEHICLE ON SLIGHT INCLINE, SHIFTED TO PARK, SHUT OFF IGNITION AND LEFT VEHICLE, EMERGENCY BRAKES NOT ENGAGED, MOMENTS LATER VEHICLE ROLLED ABOUT 150 FT, CRASHED INTO POLE, VEHICLE WA SSTILL IN PARK WHEN POLICE ARRIVED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961001
VEHICLE THAT WAS PARKED IN 3RD GEAR WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ON ROLLED AWAY, HIT NEIGHBOR'S GARAGE THAN STOOD AT A STAND STILL.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960916
9% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control.
FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
THE CROSSMEMBER FRAME GUSSETS WERE INSTALLED WITH UNDERSIZED THREADED FASTENERS FOLLOWING A BREAKDOWN OF THE PRODUCTION RIVET GUN THAT IS GENERALLY USED. THIS GUSSET IS THE ATTACHMENT POINT FOR THE R
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CROSSMEMBER GUSSET FASTENERS WITH THE SPECIFIED ALTERNATIVE FASTENERS (BOLTS).
Campaign 96V146000 — check if this car was fixed
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 T
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.
Campaign 96V161000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 N
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.
Campaign 06E049000 — check if this car was fixed
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 05
Campaign 06V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford F-350 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V146000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 96V161000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E049000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford F-350 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Ford F-350 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford F-350?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford F-350 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.