Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The fire began without any warning and started in the engine compartment. The contact could not determine whether the fire caused by electrical source or fuel. The engine master cylinder melted. Pictures were taken. The manufacturer was contacted who expressed that the legal department would return the call. There was no immediate action taken by the manufacturer. The service dealer was also contact and the dealer determined since there was no immediate action taken by the manufacturer, the dealer would not perform or assist in repairing the vehicle nor offer compensation.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Ford f250. The contact stated that the cam position sensor failed without warning and the motor failed as well. The sensor is located on the lower front end of the motor of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would shut off without warning while driving various speeds. He called the Ford manufacturer and they stated that they have been aware of the issue since 1996, but has done nothing to correct the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000. Update 09/10/08 the cam shaft position sensor was the cause of the engine stalling. Updated 09/16/08
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f250. The contact stated that during deceleration, shifting into reverse, or while in idle the vehicle intermittently stalled. The manufacturer was notified in reference to recall# 07V553000, engine and engine cooling, engine, diesel who confirmed that his VIN was excluded. No repairs have been made. The vehicle identification number was unavailable. The failure mileage was 360,000 and the current mileage was unknown. Updated 10/06/09 updated 10/08/09
1996 f250 4x4 diesel automatic. I started up from a traffic light and the truck shut off, like a key shut down. It would turn over but not light off, both fuel tanks full and pressurized fuel was pumping through filter drain while cranking. 4 guys helped push me out of the 4 lane road. This is the 2nd cps in 3 years. August 2003 it failed in savannah, ga and I was towed again to the international truck shop. They taught me about the cps problem in fords.
My 1996 f250 with a 7.3 liter powerstroke . Was hunting for months , I attributed this to fuel , but then it stalled on my wife . Followed by stalling on me then had to have it towed home . The problem , cps camshaft position sensor. I had heard about this before with other trucks most times leading to an accident. I was lucky but not happy you should recall these vehicles at fords expense fix the problem forever and reimburse any out of pocket expenses.
I have a 1996 f250 that I have had to replace the cam sensor for the same reason that the 97-03 have had to replace theirs this is a 7.3 liter powerstroke why am I not getting a recall notice for this year model its the same problem and have had several really close calls with it dying in traffic this has happened several times a day every time I drove it.
I have a 1996 Ford f250 7.3 liter diesel truck. It stalls on occasion at low speeds which I feel is a safety issue. I found out that Ford had a recall on 1997 and newer trucks because of the cam position sensor. Everything I could find out about my problem is the same. The cps unit causes this problem. I feel Ford should replace my cps unit as well.
The cps on my 1996 Ford f-250 with 7.3 liter diesel failed while traveling on interstate 77, with family aboard. Coasted to stop with difficulty steering. Same problem occurred on nc hwy 115, and would not restart. Coasted to stop on side of roadway, to be towed to dealership.
The truck was parked for 10+ days without being started. The truck caught fire in the engine compartment and was so severe that the inspectors could not determine the cause. There was no other ignition source anywhere around the vehicle.
Engine complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Ford F-250, 16% of the model year's 176 complaints. The component named most often is engine › diesel (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford F-250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Ford F-250, though it has 4 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-250 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.