Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
1996, f-350, crew cab, 4x4, with 35,000 original miles was towing 5th wheel travel trailer in mountainous area. Exhaust pipes caused the spare tire to catch on fire. The spare tire was new and had never been removed since vehicle was purchased in 1996 used, with 3,000 miles on it. The spare tire was about 3-4 inches away from the exhaust pipe heat shield. ( not touching). Rear gas tank was not harmed due to quick action on fire extinguishing. Driver was unaware of fire until notified by persons outside the vehicle. Spare tire burned clear to the core prior to being removed after flames were extinguished.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Ford f-350. The contact stated that air was constantly leaking from the tires. The dealer stated that the rims were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 97,000.
I was travelling eastbound on route 2 in connecticut when my drivers side rear tire fell apart. The tread separated from the tire body. I understand that this is not one of the tires listed on recent news reports, however, the exact same thing happened to my tire as the ones seen on news reports. I contacted a local Firestone dealer in enfield, connecticut who stated to me that the a/t tire was not in question and therefore there was nothing he could do. I reitterated to him that this is the same problem that has been seen on news reports. On Saturday, August 6, 2000, I purchased four new tires from sears. I showed the manager the tire in question and he stated that it was indeed tire tread separation and that it never should have happened. Even though these are not the tires listed, I strongly believe that a defect exists with these also and should be looked into as soon as possible. …
I was driving on hwy 10 at 63-65mph when the tread separated, wrapped around my rear axel, bent brake cable, tore fender skirts, bent fender supports, chipped paint, bent fender, trim pieces. Tire steel belts only surface to drive on, making truck inoperable. Did not turn over, but had I been on my usual route through mountain curves, would have gone over the side of the mountain. Concern that 16 inch tires are not being looked at. Do not feel safe. Firestone blaming Ford explorer. My vehicle not a Ford explorer. It is a tire defect. Want recall of 16 inch tires also. Firestone a hazard to every owner. I tell everyone who has Firestone tires to get rid of them. Many can't afford to pay for it. You must have these tires replaced. (dot number: vnor 1ww tiresize: lt23585r16)
This 16 inch tire blew out while in az on a trip. It was on a 1996 motorhome with a Ford chassis. There was 5/16 inches left of tire wear. The tread peeled of just as shown on tv. I have the tire. I have written to Firestone only to get a canned reply. I know this is a 16 inch tire and the recall is for 15 inch tires. But I feel that because the same is happening under the same conditions as the 15 inch, it desrerves consideration. This was a motorhome and not a SUV either. That would be additional evidence that the tire is the problem and not the car!( dot number: 25582urbd9 tire size: lt225/7516 )
Pe00020; tire tread separation: while driving about 65 MPH driver heard a noise. After pulling onto the shoulder, driver noticed tire on driver's front was ballooned out in the center. Tire size lt 21585r16, dot # vd0p1wv405. Original tire equipment on a 96, f350. Tire mileage about 48,000. The tire was replaced by a Firestone dealership free of charge. The right front tires are ballooning out.
Pe00020; original equipment on 1996 Ford, e350 chassis, dutchmen class c, tire size lt22575r16, dot vd1w1xb435. Passenger's inside tire, a foot long tread peeled off which almost caused a crash. While traveling at 50 MPH, the right rear tire tread separted and the tire blew out. As the result, the right mud flap was torn off. The tire that blew was Firestone steel tex radial.
Pe00040, orginial equipment on 1996, f350 with dual rear tires, tire size lt23585r16, dot vdor1ww445. All 6 tires have cracks coming from the inside of tires which May indicate that tires are about to separate. Firestone is not willing to assist consumer. . Consumer was also unable to maintain good air pressure and could find no reason as to the loss.
We have had four instances on this vehicle where the lugs on the wheels, both front and back, have sheered off. Twice leaving us stranded for hours - including a terrifying night in the nevada desert, with our children, stranded until four in the morning on the side of the road. This is a very serious and dangerous problem.
All five Firestone steeltex r4s tires on 1996, Ford, f350 experienced sidewall cracking with 29842 miles on tires. These tires were not original equipment on this vehicle, and have been replaced. Firestone dealer stated tires experienced sidewall separation, tire size p235/85r16 r4s, load range e, dot unknown.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Ford F-350, 24% of the model year's 130 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford F-350 wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 1996 Ford F-350, though it has 3 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-350 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.