NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls and 360 owner complaints for the 1996 Ford F-150. Most complaints involve electrical system (60) and fuel system, gasoline (47). The EPA rates it 12–15 mpg combined.
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each F-150 model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 360 |
| 1997 | 2,855 |
| 1998 | 1,418 |
| 1999 | 1,121 |
| 2000 | 1,206 |
| 2001 | 1,340 |
| 2002 | 955 |
| 2003 | 464 |
| 2004 | 2,036 |
| 2005 | 1,121 |
| 2006 | 589 |
| 2007 | 492 |
| 2008 | 369 |
| 2009 | 324 |
| 2010 | 851 |
| 2011 | 2,137 |
| 2012 | 1,717 |
| 2013 | 2,796 |
| 2014 | 1,362 |
| 2015 | 1,425 |
| 2016 | 1,798 |
| 2017 | 1,148 |
| 2018 | 1,929 |
| 2019 | 1,021 |
| 2020 | 562 |
| 2021 | 1,042 |
| 2022 | 605 |
| 2023 | 419 |
| 2024 | 195 |
| 2025 | 119 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.8 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,200 | 741 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
7 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 360 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (60), fuel system, gasoline (47), vehicle speed control (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Ford F-150 at 12–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).