Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f150. The contact stated was driving approximately 35 MPH and lost control of the steering, crashing into a tree. The air bags did deploy. However, the consumer suffered severe injuries. The contact sustained a fractured cervical spine, injuries to the shoulders, a concussion and the loss of her right eye. The vehicle was destroyed during the crash. The contact indicated that an investigator with the department of transportation inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the air bag had violently deployed during the crash and caused injuries to the contact. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 06/04/14
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The air bags deployed violently, fracturing the driver's neck and causing particles from the bag to become lodged in his eye. As a result, the contact was permanently blind. The air bag also shattered the driver's shoulder and caused various other injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer sent an inspector to diagnosis the failure but no report was provided to the contact. The failure and current mileage was 100,000. Updated 1/29/13 updated 2/8/2013 updated 04/14/14 updated 04/18/2014
Dt: vehicle was in a frontal crash ,and air bags did not deploy. Was cut off and hit the other car. Was going about 40-45 MPH when impact occurred. No warning that the air bags would not deploy.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f150. The contact was sitting in the drivers seat with the vehicle parked when the air bag exploded without warning. The contact sustained injuries to the ear and chest. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected and found no tangible reason for the air bag explosion but they advised that they were unable to replace it. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that there was no evidence of the explosion and they were unable to provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Consumer was traveling at a unknown speed on wet pavement when the vehicle hydroplaned, hitting a brick wall in which the driver's side air bag did not deploy, causing injuries to the driver. Please prvide any further details.
Consumer was traveling 35mph had front end collision and airbags didn't deploy. Only one axle locked to stop vehicle. Vehicle has anti-lock brake system. Forman at Ford agency said airbags don't always work.
While driving about 25-30 MPH, the truck was involved in a rear end crash, and there was no deployment of the driver's side air bag. The crash bent the bumper down about 2 inches. The truck is being repaired.
Power steering hose rusted and developed a massive leak which caused no power steering ability. Wire harness for air bag sensor not operational. Both rear springs broke under light load resulting in steering and brake failure.
About 10 years ago, kelly Ford in emmaus, pa removed my drivers airbag and told me it would be replaced. It was never replaced. Kelly sold the dealership and I never heard another thing about it.
While driving at 30/40 MPH vehicle was in a frontal collision. Driver side air bag didn't deploy upon impact.
Airbag complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1996 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Ford F-150, 7% of the model year's 324 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford F-150 airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1996 Ford F-150, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford F-150 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 16 crashes, 0 fires and 11 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.