1996 Ford F-450 SD
Only 2 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 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 66 |
| 2000 | 43 |
| 2001 | 23 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: tires.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH A LOAD ON THE TRUCK, THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE INEFFECTIVE. DEALER HAS SEEN 3 TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980702
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH A LOAD ON THE TRUCK, THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE INEFFECTIVE. DEALER HAS SEEN 3 TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980702
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES WITH A LOAD ON THE TRUCK, THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP AND THE REAR BRAKES ARE INEFFECTIVE. DEALER HAS SEEN 3 TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980702
1 of 2 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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
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 2002
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 CO
Campaign 09V399000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 Ford F-450 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06V286000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V399000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1996 Ford F-450 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-450 SD?
The most-reported component is tires:tread/belt, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford F-450 SD have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.