Most common 1996 Ford F-250 SD problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-250 SD complaints by model year
Best F-250 SD years: 2013, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2016. Compare all years →
1996 Ford F-250 SD recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control
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…
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 connector and repair…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1996 Ford F-250 SD:
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in certain switch installation orientations, catch fire.Ford is also including the entire population of…
What 1996 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford f250 hd. The cam sensor was replaced on October 28, 2003. The contact believes that the replacement part is faulty and will need to be replaced again. There is a safety recall on the cam sensor, but it does not apply to his vehicle year. There has been no recent failure to date. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 113,800 and the failure mileage in 2003 was 96,228. Updated 01/17/08 updated 01/17/08
While driving in traffic my camshaft position sensor failed without warning causing my diesel engine to shut off, leaving me with no steering and braking ability. This action almost caused a traffic accident. My truck was towed to my local repair shop and the camshaft position sensor was replaced. I retained the sensor that was replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford F-250 SD a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 F-250 SD rates better than average: 98% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-250 SD at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Ford F-250 SD?
The engine & cooling — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe. Next are the speed control & acceleration (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 1996 Ford F-250 SD have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Ford F-250 SD, the most recent from October 13, 2009 (vehicle speed control). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-250 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2016. See the full Ford F-250 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford F-250 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 104,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.