1996 Ford F150
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 56 of 324 complaints (17%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Transmission & Drivetrain include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 626 in 1995 to 324 in 1996.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | vs. 1996 Standard Pickup Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 4,150–5,200 | 4,150–5,200 | 3,650–4,800 | 3,900–4,800 | |
| Combined MPG | 12–15 | 12–15 | 13–17 | 13–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–14 / 15–18 | 11–14 / 15–18 | 12–15 / 16–20 | 11–15 / 15–19 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 592–741 | 592–741 | 523–684 | 555–684 | |
| Complaints filed | 626 | 324 | 2,757 | 1,379 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 7 | 26 | 18 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 47 | 21 | 165 | 83 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 114 | 75 | 262 | 91 | |
| Injuries reported | 38 | 20 | 127 | 53 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 2 | 14 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 12 | 10 | 10 | 5 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford F150 have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1996 Ford F150?
Electrical: 56 of 324 NHTSA complaints (17%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford F150 get?
EPA rates it 12–15 MPG combined across 10 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1996 Ford F150?
EPA estimates $4,150–$5,200 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.9L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 14 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | 15 mpg (high) | $4,150 (low) | 592 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 12 mpg | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 14 mpg (high) | 17 mpg | 15 mpg (high) | $4,150 (low) | 592 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 11 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | 13 mpg | $4,800 | 684 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.9L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 13 mpg | $4,800 | 684 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.9L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 11 mpg (low) | 16 mpg | 13 mpg | $4,800 | 684 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 5.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks | 11 mpg (low) | 15 mpg (low) | 12 mpg (low) | $5,200 (high) | 741 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 26 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 26 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Fuel System | 53 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical | 56 | 0 | 40 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 34 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 47 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 26 | 16 | 0 | 11 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 37 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 9 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 09E012000 · Apr 7, 2009
Defect: 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.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E049000 · Jun 5, 2006
Defect: 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.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING · Campaign 06E026000 · Mar 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN 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.
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL · Campaign 05V388000 · Sep 7, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SPEED CONTROL, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence: A FIRE AT THE SWITCH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: BY LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 12, 2005, OWNERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED. OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND ADVISED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO RECONNECT THE SPEED CONTROL BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATED ARE BEING NOTIFIED TO HAVE THEIR SYSTEM REMEDIED BEGINNING IN FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS ARE URGED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE FREE DISCONNECT SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FIRE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673. (NOTE: ALSO SEE RECALLS 05V017 AND 06V286)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · Campaign 96V161000 · Sep 3, 1996
Defect: 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 THAN PASSENGER CARS."
Consequence: INCORRECT INFLATION PRESSURES COULD CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR OF THE REAR TIRES. .
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.
SEATS · Campaign 96E010000 · Mar 29, 1996
Defect: THE SEAT RECLINER TO SEAT FRAME ATTACHING BOLTS ON THESE VEHICLES COULD LOOSEN, FATIGUE AND FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, THIS COULD RESULT IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE ALL FOAM AND/OR FABRIC SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY AND THE SEAT FRAME, INSTALL WASHERS BETWEEN THE SEAT RECLINER AND THE SEAT FRAME AT EACH ATTACHMENT POINT, AND INSTALL NEW ATTACHING BOLTS TORQUED TO A HIGHER SPECIFICATION. THESE CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE TO BOTH THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEATS.