NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 187 owner complaints for the 1996 Ford F-250. Most complaints involve tires (36) and engine and engine cooling (32). The EPA rates it 13–14 mpg combined.
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 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, GASOLINE OR NATURAL GAS ENGINES, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT.
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.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRES, SIZE: 265/75R16 (NA). WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE RUPTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED AND THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F250. HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE HE WAS MAKING REPAIRS TO THE ENGINE. THE FIRE SPREAD TO THE WIRING HARNESS AND BURNED THE HIGH PRESSURE OIL LINE. HE HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERIES. THE FORD MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. FORDS LEGAL DEPARTMENT SENT A LETTER DENYING RESPONSIBILITY , BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY A FORD DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,000.”
“UNIT WAS PARKED AND SHIFTER PLACED IN THE "PARK" POSITION. THE TRUCK ROLLED BACK ACROSS THE PARKING LOT AND CAME INTO CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. WITNESSES ON THE SCENE VERIFIED THAT THE SHIFTER WAS IN PARK BUT THAT TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ENGAGED IN THAT POSITION. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, IT WAS DETERMINED, BY EXPERIMENT, THAT THE INDICATOR ON THE SHIFTER DID NOT SHOW THE ACTUAL GEAR. WHEN IN "PARK" THE TRUCK WAS ACTUALLY IN EITHER REVERSE OR NEUTRAL. ACCORDING TO OTHER SOURCES, THIS PROBLEM, OF EITHER JUMPING OUT OF PARK OR NOT BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED, HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH FORD AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN THE PAST.”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F250 Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| F250 Man 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| F250 Man 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | $4,600 | 635 |
| F250 Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
| F250 Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.8 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | $4,950 | 684 |
| 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 |
6 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 187 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are tires (36), engine and engine cooling (32), power train (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Ford F-250 at 13–14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).