Page 2 of 7 · complaints 51–100 of 324

1996 Ford F-150 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 1996 record →

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Oct 29, 2007119,934 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F150. ON OCTOBER 4, 2007, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES WHILE PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE. A TREE AND SOME OF THE GRASS CAUGHT FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE FIRE WAS DUE TO RECALL NUMBER 05S28 BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 119,934. UPDATED 01/02/08 *BF THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL REGARDING THE CRUISE CONTROL. FORD STATED THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY EVIDENCE THAT THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL. UPDATED

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 17, 2007102,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL BEGAN TO LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS PARKED. HE OPENED THE FUEL CAP AND GAS POURED OUT. THE DEALER STATED THAT A REGULATOR OR A FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE IS A RECALL, BUT THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (prndl)
Filed Jul 13, 200799,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED WITH A 15 AMP ELECTRICAL FUSE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE FUSE BURNS OUT, HE IS UNABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. WHEN HE PLACES THE GEAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO OPERATE OR MOVE. THE FAILURE HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND ALMOST CAUSED NUMEROUS CRASHES. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT STATED THAT THE CONTACT IS FULLY RESPONSIBLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000. UPDATED 09/05/07 *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed Feb 26, 200790,000 milesVA

THE VEHICLE HAS 2 FUEL TANKS. WHILE DRIVING, GASOLINE FLOWS FROM ONE TANK TO THE SECOND TANK, CAUSING THE SECOND TANK TO OVERFILL. WHEN OPENING THE LID TO THE SECOND TANK, PRESSURE CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE CAUSES GASOLINE TO SPEW FROM THE SPOUT ONTO OPERATOR AND ONTO THE GROUND. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jan 29, 2007140,000 milesTX

TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE HAD TO DO WITH SOMETHING ELECTRICAL UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CONTACTS VEHICLE, BUT CONTACT STATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire1 injured
Filed Jan 25, 2007156,000 milesTX

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE ,AND HE FELT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO RECALL#05V388000, SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THE CONTACT HEARD THAT THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE RECALL UNLESS THE CONTACT PAID FOR THE LABOR.*AK

Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(motorcycle)
Filed Nov 14, 2006120,500 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH, THE CLUTCH WAS DEPRESSED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE, AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL FELL TO THE FLOOR. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTED THAT THE PLASTIC CLUTCH LINKAGE RETAINER HAD DETACHED AND FALLEN ONTO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT THEN REACHED BELOW THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND WHAT HE ASSUMED WAS THE CLUTCH LINKAGE RETAINER BUT IT WAS NOT DURABLE ENOUGH TO SERVE AS A SAFE RETAINER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY A DEALER. UPDATED 12/5/2006 - THE ITEM INDICATED IS THE SELF LOCKING BUSHING WHICH FORD RELEASE AS A RETAINER TO THE CONSUMER MARKET. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Aug 19, 2006190,472 milesTX

DENTON, TEXAS. RECENTLY PURCHASED USED 1996 FORD F 150 TRUCK, SAT IN WORK PARKING LOT UNDER A SHADE TREE FROM 7:30 AM-3:15 PM...AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT BURST INTO FLAMES, DESTROYING THE TRUCK. I WAS NOTIFIED AT 3:20 THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE WHICH WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PUT OUT WITH HAND EXTINGUISHERS. FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED, BROKE WINDOWS TO PUT OUT FIRE INSIDE THE CAB. TRUCK WAS TOTALLY BURNED OUT FROM CAB FORWARD. POLICE WERE CALLED, BUT REFUSED TO COME. FIRE MARSHALL IN DID NOT RESPOND TO CALL. MESSAGE WAS LEFT ON ANSWERING MACHINE. SHADE TREE WAS BURNED, BUT VEHICLES NEARBY WERE MOVED PRIOR TO ANY INVOLVEMENT. NO PERSONAL INJURIES OCCURRED. *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master CylinderFire
Filed Aug 18, 2006188,000 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION OF THE BRAKES DUE TO A PREVIOUS FAILURE OF THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE, WHEN A FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE FRONT UNDER HOOD AREA AND SPREAD FROM THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE VEHICLE AND THE REPAIR SHOP. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT TAKEN. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ALERTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION BY A MANUFACTURER REPRESENTATIVE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V388000, REGARDING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 9/15/2006 - *NM

Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 3, 2006105,000 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED TO REFUEL, THE GAS CAP WAS REMOVED AND GASOLINE BLEW OUT OF THE FILLER PIPE. THERE WAS A RECALL #93V125000 FOR A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH 1990-1993 FORD F-150 MODELS THAT CAUSED FUEL OVERFLOW DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE CHECK VALVE BETWEEN THE DUEL TANKS. THE CONTACT HAS CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER.

Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs
Filed Jun 5, 2006MI

THE LEFT REAR WHEEL ON THE CONSUMER'S 1996 FORD F150 SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE. *TS THE VEHICLE'S LEFT REAR BRAKE DRUM WAS HITTING THE PAVEMENT AND RESULTED IN PIECES OF THE PAVEMENT TO STRIKE ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FORD F150 HAD RECENT TIRE AND RIM WORK DONE. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed May 8, 2006150,000 milesPA

I HAVE PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT ODI ID NUMBER 10110013 DATED 8-3-05. AT THIS TIME, I WILL INSIST THAT A SERIOUS CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO WHEREBY- THE HORN IS IN PLAY THERE!!! I AM OF COURSE TALKING ABOUT RECALL #05V388000 (NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER) FORD F150 /SUV '95- '01 WITH CRUISE CONTROL FIRE POTENTIAL. THE FUSE (#13 AS LISTED IN THE MANUAL - CHECK OUT THE NUMBER OF ITEMS CONNECTED TO THAT ONE FUSE!) HAD BLOWN BEFORE A FIRE DESTROYED MY WHOLE TRUCK. THAT IS TO SAY I HAD SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE. FORD SERVICE -MCCAFFERTY OF LANGHORNE, PA RECENTLY INSTALLED THE INLINE BANDAID AT THE MFG. REQUEST. MCCAFFERTY AGAIN LEFT ME TO THERE STREETS WITH AN OBVIOUSLY BURNED HARNESS/CRUISE SERVO PIN CONNECTIONS. (WITH THE HARNESS DISCONNECTED THERE IS NO HORN! CAN I STRESS THIS ENOUGH? MY POINT IS THIS - THE SERVICE TECHS' AND MANAGEMENT DON'T BELIEVE THAT THIS HARNESS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH MY HORN. QUESTION - DO THE ENGINEERS AT FORD FEEL THE SAME WAY? FROM TODAY'S INQUIRE ON THIS SITE THERE ARE UNCERTAINTIES AS TO WHAT ACTUALLY IS THE CAUSE. THIS COULD BE IT!!!! THE OWNERS GUIDE LISTS THE HORN TO BE CONNECTED AT #3 OF THE POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX LOCATED UNDER THE HOOD. SO BE IT ! IT IS ALSO CONNECTED TO THE #13 FUSE UNDER THE DASH. THE CHART ON PG 357 OF THE MANUAL DOESN'T LIST THE HORN AS PART OF THE CIRCUITRY. IT IS HOWEVER CONNECTED TO THE HARNESS THAT IS CONNECTED TO THAT CIRCUITRY. ON A PERSONAL NOTE, I'

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Mar 5, 2006181,000 milesNJ

I OWN A 1996 FORD F150 4X4. THE TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR ANY TYPE OF COMMERCIAL DUTIES THAT I'M AWARE OF AND THE VEHICLE SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ABUSE. I HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004 IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. RECENTLY I NOTICED THE LEFT REAR CORNER OF THE BED HAD DROPPED APPROXIMATELY 3/4" WHICH HAS INCREASED TO OVER AN INCH. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE REAR SPRING SUPPORT BRACKET HAD ROTTED THROUGH. THE SPRING IS PRESENTLY SUPPORTED BY THE TRUCK BED. I HAVE INSPECTED THE REMAINING REAR SPRING SUPPORTS AND THEY ARE ALL IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. APPARENTLY THE MATERIALS FORD IS USING TO MANUFACTURE THESE COMPONENTS IS NOT UP TO THE TASK AND THE COATING USED TO PROTECT THESE SUPPORTS ONLY MASKS THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT'S TO LATE CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I'VE OWNED A NUMBER OF FORD TRUCKS IN THE PAST WITH CONSIDERABLY MORE YEARS ON THEM THAN THIS VEHICLE AND I'VE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THE SPRING SUPPORTS OR ANY STRUCTURAL COMPONENT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY TEN YEARS OF SERVICE AND STRUCTURAL PARTS SUCH AS THESE SHOULD NOT BE ROTTING AWAY. I OWN THREE OTHER FORD TRUCK PRODUCTS AND THEY ARE ALL SHOWING SIGNS CONSIDERABLE DETERIORATION (HEAVY RUST) ON CHASSIS COMPONENTS COATING PROCESS FORD IT USING ( LOOKS LIKE POWDER COATING) TO PROTECT THE COMPONENTS IS ACTUALLY MASKING THE PROBLEM UNTIL IT'S TO LATE. I'M HOPING THAT I CAN PURCHASE REPLACEMENT PARTS TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, OTHERWISE I WILL BE FORCED TO PROCURE A USED SET FROM A AUTO RECYCLER. THESE SUPPORTS PROVIDE ATTACHMENT POIN

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 1, 2006154,000 milesMS

1998 F-150 SITTING IN YARD - FIRE STARTED IN FRONT OF TRUCK - JUST PURCHASED IN OCT. 05. NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICES ON RECALL . *NM

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Jan 30, 200630,000 milesWI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK VALVE IN THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE UNUSED FUEL TRANSFERRED FROM ONE TANK TO ANOTHER. NO SPILLAGE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE SECOND TANK WAS NOT OVERFILLED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 93V125000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 14, 2005207,000 milesMS

FUEL TANKS. FILLED REAR TANK AND OPENED FRONT TANK TO FILL IT. WHEN I TOOK CAP OFF GAS SPLASHED OUT. THE FRONT TANK WAS OVER FULL. I TALKED TO A FORD MECHANIC AND HE TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A VALVE IN THE RETURN LINE THAT CAUSED THE FRONT TANK TO OVER FILL FROM THE REAR TANK. HE ALSO SAID THAT FORD DID REPAIR SOME TRUCKS ,BUT WASN'T DOING IT NOW. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 18, 2005IA

DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHEN IT WAS DAMP OR RAINING THE BRAKES LOCKED. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT HAS BECOME CONSTANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY STATED ALL FORD TRUCKS WERE MADE THAT WAY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO CORRECTIONS TO THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Nov 17, 2005TX

DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL 05V388000 CONCERNING THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH . THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR HIS VEHICLE IS NOT AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO MANUFACTURER, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. *AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Nov 15, 2005100,000 milesMO

DT: THE CONTACT STATES HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR AND A HALF. THE FIRE SPREAD DAMAGING TWO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES THAT WERE PARKED NEARBY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND DISTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE AGENCY. AFTERWARDS HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V017000 INVOLVING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *NM

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Nov 2, 2005KY

CONSUMERS 1996 F150 BURNED WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF. *TS THE FIRE REPORT STATED THE FIRE APPEARED TO HAVE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs
Filed Oct 14, 20055,600 milesME

OCT 4, 2005-DURING ANNUAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTION, THE INSPECTOR DISCOVEREWD THAT BOTH FRONT COIL SPRINGS WERE BROKEN. THE BREAKS WERE APROXIMATELY 90 FROM THE TOP END OF EACH COIL, LEAVING THEM UNATTACHED. THE BROKEN ENDS WERE RUSTY, SO THEY HAD BEEJN IN THIS CONDITION FOR SOME TIME. THE SPRINGS WERE REPLACED WITH NEW ONES.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Oct 13, 200596,000 milesME

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 1996 FORD F150. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING THE SCDS ON 10-06-05. THE CONSUMER WAS IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING TO MAINE. ON 10-13-05 THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE SCDS DISCONNECTED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONSUMER LIVED IN A RURAL AREA IN WHICH HE PUT OUT THE FIRE HIMSELF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT HAVE TO BE CALLED. T HE POLICE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONSUMER REPORTED SOMETHING SMELLED LIKE PLASTIC BURNING FOR THE PAST MONTH AND HALF PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC IN WEST VIRGINIA, HIS PREVIOUS RESIDENCE, AND THE MECHANIC COULD NOT FIND THE ORIGIN OF THE SMELL. THE CONSUMER REPORTED NO OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FIRE AND THEY HAD NOT CALLED THE CONSUMER BACK. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD AT A TOLL FREE NUMBER AND THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT CONSUMER AFFAIRS WOULD BE CONTACTING HIM WITHIN SEVEN TO TEN DAYS. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT HEARD FROM FORD. *AK (11/17/05) RECALL CAMPAIGN # EA05005. *SC

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Auxillary Tank › Selector Devices
Filed Oct 5, 200572,000 milesMN

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAS A DUEL GASOLINE TANK. WHEN THE BACK TANK IS SELECTED IT WILL PUMP GASOLINE TO THE ENGINE, BUT IT WILL ALSO PUMP GASOLINE INTO THE FRONT TANK AND PRESSURIZE THE GASOLINE, FORCING IT OUT OF THE FILLER NECK AND CAP. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED GASOLINE OVERFLOWS ONTO THE GROUND, AND WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE GASOLINE SPILLS OUT ALONG THE HIGHWAY. WHEN THE CAP IS REMOVED FROM THE TANK, A LARGER AMOUNT OF GASOLINE WILL SPILL OUT, AND THE GASOLINE IS FILLED UP TO THE FILLER NECK. THE CONSUMER HAS TO WATCH THE AMOUNT OF GASOLINE THAT IS IN THE BACK TANK TO ENSURE THAT THE OVERFLOW WILL NOT OCCUR. THE SERVICE DEALER SAID THAT THE CHECK VALVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CHECK VALVE PREVENTED THE GASOLINE FROM GOING FROM THE BACK TANK INTO THE FRONT TANK. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST FOR THE REPAIR.*AK UPDATED 01/04/06. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Sep 29, 2005185,660 milesSC

DT: CALLERS TRUCK BURNED UP. NO WARNING OF ANY KIND. LOCAL DEALER SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL OR ANYTHING ON TRUCK. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT FIRE OUT. REPORT FILED WITH FIRE DEPARTMENT. TRUCK WAS TOTALED.*AK THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF THE CRUISE CONTROL DEVICE. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Sep 21, 2005120,000 milesKY

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT 1996 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF IN THE CONSUMER'S DRIVEWAY. THE TRUCK HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT TWENTY TO THIRTY MINUTES. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS USED THE DAY PRIOR TO TURNING OFF THE TRUCK. EVERYTHING ON THE TRUCK WAS IN WORKING ORDER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER COULD NOT TELL FOR CERTAIN THE LOCATION WAS WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD THE CONSUMERS WHERE THE FIRE STARTED. A REPORTED WAS TAKEN BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THERE WAS PROPERTY DAMAGE TO AN OUTSIDE BUILDING THAT THE CONSUMER OWNED. THE CONSUMER TOOK PICTURES OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD SUPPLY A COPY OF IF NEEDED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DID NOT GIVE ANY INDICATION OF WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. *AK

Steering › Column
Filed Sep 19, 2005VA

DT: 1996 FORD F150. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BEARINGS IN THE STEERING WHEEL BROKE/SNAPPED, AND WORE OUT. THE TILT WHEEL MOVED UP AND DOWN. THIS STARTED ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. THIS PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO OBTAIN A STEERING COLUMN AT A JUNK YARD , BUT AS SOON AS THE VEHICLES CAME IN THE STEERING COLUMNS WERE GONE. THE STEERING COLUMN BRAND NEW COST MORE THAN THE VEHICLE WAS WORTH. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STARTED WITH A SCREWDRIVER. NOTHING ON THE STEERING COLUMN WORKED. FORD STATED THERE WAS NO RECALL, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.*AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 14, 2005100,000 milesTX

HAVE A 1996 FORD F-150 W/CRUISE CONTROL. IT WAS PARKED IN THE YARD AND STARTED ON FIRE. VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. I WAS OUT OF STATE AT THE TIME. *NM

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Sep 13, 2005MS

MY CLIENT'S 1996 FORD F-150 CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY; ITS VIN IS: [XXX] -- HE REQUESTS AN INVESTIGATION OF THE SAME OR MORE INFORMATION AS TO FORDS POLICY AS TO VEHICLES DESTROYED BY FIRE BEFORE THE RECALL.*JB UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Sep 6, 2005KY

DT: THE CONTACT STATED ON 12-24-04 1996 FORD F150 CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE TRUCK WAS SITTING STILL AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE CALLED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED UNDER THE HOOD. THE TRUCK WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT REPORTED HAVING NO PROBLEMS WITH THE TRUCK PRIOR TO THE FIRE. HE HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL. THE CONTACT CALLED FORD SINCE 8-4-05 AND THEY KEPT SAYING THEY WILL CALL HIM BACK WITHIN 2-10 DAYS. IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH AND NO ONE HAS RETURNED THE CALLS. THE CONSUMER'S MOTHER WAS TAKING CAR OF ALL OF HER SON'S BUSINESS AFFAIRS WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 1, 200574,452 milesOH

ON AUG. 30TH AT 9:00 A.M. MY 1996 F150 TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE. I WAS NOT IN THE TRUCK I HAD NOT DRIVEN THE TRUCK FOR TWO HRS. IT WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND SELF IGNITED, THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. IT WAS A REALLY HOT FIRE I HAD TO CALL OUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT IT OUT. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Aug 15, 2005TN

DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 FORD F150 XLT. A FIRE OCCURRED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS FIRST NOTICED COMING UP THROUGH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OPERATING ANY DIFFERENTLY THAN BEFORE THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER'S HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND SAID IT HAD BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS, AND WAS STARTING IN THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. NHTSA INVESTIGATION EA05005. *AK *SC

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Aug 15, 2005130,534 milesVA

FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH FIRE ON MY 1996 FORD F-150 PICK-UP. THE FIRE STARTED THIS MORNING ABOUT 2 HOURS AFTER I GOT TO WORK TODAY. THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I AM AWARE OF WITH THE 2000 F-150'S BUT MY TRUCK IS A 1996 AND I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THE SWITCH. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 1997 WHEN IT WAS ABOUT A YEAR OLD. THE FORD-SMART WEB SITE SAID TO CONTACT YOU IF ANY OTHER YEARS THAN 2000 HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Aug 13, 200559,700 milesAR

THE CRUISE CONTROL CUT OUT SWITCH ON MY 1996 FORD F-150 CAUGHT ON FIRE BETWEEN NOON 7/23 AND 09:15 AM 7/24/2005 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SWITCH OFF IN MY GARAGE. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR REMAINED INTACT BUT WAS DAMAGED BY THE FIRE. IF IT HAD DUMPED THE FLUID I SHOULD HAVE LOST MY HOUSE ,MY CAR AND PROBABLY MY LIFE. THIS ITEM HAS RESULTED IN A RECALL ON SOME LATE MODEL TRUCKS AND SUV'S BUT I WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT THE SAME SWITCH AS THE RECALL UNITS WAS ON MY TRUCK. SYMPTOMS INCLUDED THE CRUISE CONTROL BECOMING INOPERATIVE A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THE FIRE. THANKS T HOGAN. *JB

Steering › ColumnCrash
Filed Aug 9, 2005145,695 milesAZ

DT: 1996 FORD F150 XLT PICK UP TRUCK. THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND THE SHAFT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IN THE BACK SLID OUT. THE TRUCK WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A SIDE ROAD ABOUT 35 -40 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THESE VEHICLES WERE DESIGNED TO FAIL. IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $1300.00. ALSO, WHILE TRYING TO BACK OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY THE SHIFTER WAS FLOPPING AROUND AND A BOLT FELL OUT AT THE CONSUMER'S FEET. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR. THE BOLT FELL OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN WHERE THE TWO HALVES MEET. OF THE TWO BOLTS ONE FELL OUT, AND THE OTHER WAS VERY LOOSE. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO FIX THEM WITH A RETAINING DEVICE WITH LOCK WASHERS ON BOTH BOLTS. THE THIRD PROBLEM, WAS SIMILAR TO THE FIRST PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING SOMEONE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE TRUCK WAS HIT ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE WHEEL AND SHAFT DISENGAGED FROM THE REAR AXLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED, AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK UPDATED 08/02/06. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jul 29, 200568,000 milesMD

DT: 1996, FORD F150 PICKUP TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED OUTSIDE OF THE GARAGE AND THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. THE TRUCK HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR AT LEAST 2 HOURS PRIOR. THE LAST TIME IT DRIVEN WAS ON SHORT TRIP TO A LOCAL GAS STATION IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK WAS FILLED UP. CONSUMER WAS NOTIFIED BY A PASSING DRIVER, WHO WAS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND KNOCKED ON THE DOOR TO ALERT THEM, THAT TRUCK PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON FIRE. CONSUMER'S HUSBAND AND THE PASSER BY TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH A WATER HOSE AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIRE BEGAN ON THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR STEERING WHEEL. THE FIREMEN NOTED IT SMELLED ELECTRICAL IN NATURE, AND THAT THE HEAT FROM FIRE WAS MOST EXTENSIVE AND CONTAINED IN HEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CAB WAS BURNED EXTENSIVELY. THE BED WAS INTACT, AND NO FIRE WAS ABLE TO REACH TO THE GASOLINE TANKS. THE HEAT FROM FIRE WAS SO EXTENSIVE THAT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE MELTED AS WELL AS THE INTERIOR. CONSUMER SPOKE TO FORD ON 4 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS , WHO PROMISED THAT SOMEONE WILL CONTACT CONSUMER THROUGH THEIR LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND SOMEONE MAY COME OUT AND LOOK INTO THE CAUSES OF THE FIRE AND DAMAGES. BUT THIS HAS YET TO HAPPEN. NO REPAIRS WERE DONE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. . THERE WAS ONLY 68,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *AK

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jul 20, 200590,265 milesIA

AT ABOUT 4 A.M. ON JULY 16, 2005; MY 1996 FORD F150 STARTED TO BURN AFTER HAVING BEEN PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR SEVERAL HOURS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS DISPATCHED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT THE TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE CHIEF INDICATED THAT IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT STARTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I WAS AWARE OF THE CRUISE SWITCH RECALL ON THE 2000-2001 FORD TRUCKS, BUT DID NOT REALIZE THAT MY TRUCK COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY THIS BECAUSE IT HAD THE SAME CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jul 19, 2005120,000 milesTX

DT: THE CONSUMER DROVE THE TRUCK FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS AND PARKED IT AT THE HOUSE. AFTER ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE HOURS, THE NEIGHBOR CAME OVER SAYING THAT THE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THERE WAS NO PRIOR WARNING. *TT THE FIRE OCCURRED UNDER THE HOOD. *SC *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jul 12, 200566,000 milesMA

DT: ON JUNE 22, 2005 THE CONSUMER'S FORD F 150 BEGAN SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SITTING FOR ABOUT 9 HOURS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH LOCATED ON TOP OF THE MASTER CYLINDER SHORTED OUT AND LOOKED LIKE IT WAS GETTING READY TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE SHORT MELTED THE PLASTIC RESERVIOR THAT HOLDS THE BRAKE FLUID TO THE POINT WHERE IT ALMOST BURNED THROUGH. THE OWNER REMOVED THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TO STOP THE BURNING. THAT CONNECTOR WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. THE PART COOLED OFF AND THE OWNERS TAPED UP THE CONNECTOR SO IT WOULD NOT MAKE ANY CONNECTION WITH ANY METAL PARTS. THE OWNERS STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. THIS HAD BEEN A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP WOULD TURN OFF THE LIGHT OFF AND TELL THE OWNER THAT THE VEHICLE CHECKED OUT ALRIGHT ON THEIR COMPUTER. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY THOUGHT IT WAS AN OXYGEN SENSOR. THERE WAS NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT MADE. THE OWNER TOOK PICTURES OF THE PART FOR HIS RECORDS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND THEY GAVE HIM A FORM LETTER TO CALL THE PHONE NUMBERS ON THE LIST. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ALSO. THEY SAID THEY WOULD REVIEW THE INFORMATION, AND SENT THE OWNER A LETTER IN THE MAIL. FORD RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED. ON THE DASHBOARD THERE IS A BLINKING ABS LIGHT THAT WILL NOT SHUT OF

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 5, 200580,151 milesVA

2ND INCIDENT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, HORN NOT WORKING CRUISE CONTROL MODUEL NOT WORKING, STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE. REMOVEED SHORTED POWER FEED TO CRUISE CONTROL. 1ST INCIDENT-ABS LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. SHIFTER WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK. NEEDED TO TOW VEHICLE, AND REPAIR BLOWN FUSE ON CRUISE CONTROL

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jul 1, 200572,663 milesNC

1)CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING SEVERAL MONTHS AGO 2)1996 F-150 PARKED IN DRIVE WAY, GOT IN TRUCK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK. LOOKED UNDER HOOD, FOUND CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR BURNT UP. THE BRAKE RESERVOIR WAS SEARED FROM CRUISE CONTROL BURNING UP. IF IT HAD BURNED THRU THE RESERVOIR, THE TRUCK MIGHT HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. 3)TRUCK HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET, DEALER SAID I SHOULD CONTACT FORD, EMAILED FORD ABOUT FIXING TRUCK, NO RESPONSE YET

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed Jun 21, 2005OK

ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2004, THE 1996 FORD F150 WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE AND CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. THE TULSA FIRE DEPARMENT CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. THEY REPORTED IT APPEARED TO BE ELECTRICAL AND UNDER THE HOOD

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Jun 15, 2005IA

DT: THE VEHICLE HAS BUCKET SEATS THAT RECLINE. RECLINER BOLT BROKE AND THE SEAT FELL BACK. THERE IS RECALL 96E010000 BUT OWNER 'S VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, BUT VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. VEHICLE IS NOT BEING DRIVEN. THE DRIVERS SEAT IS THE ONE WITH PROBLEMS. THE PASSENGER SEAT IS FINE.*AK

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jun 13, 2005115,000 milesAZ

I HAVE A 1996 F-150 THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING ONSEVERAL MONTHS AGO. YESTERDAY, THE FUSE THAT SUPPLIES POWER TO THE "BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH" BLEW. I FOUND BRAKE FLUID IN THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR OF THE "BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH." WHY IS THIS VEHICLE NOT PART OF THE RECALL FOR THIS PART? MY DEALER SYAS HE HAS A REPLACEMENT SWITCH, BUT I AM HESITANT TO BUY. THINK I'LL JUST LEAVE IT UNPLUGGED FOR NOW.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › SwitchFire
Filed Jun 5, 2005104,521 milesTX

THE TRUCK WOULD NOT SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE, OWNER FOUND A BLOWN FUSE, #13 ON THE FUSE PANEL.THIS FUSE HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE BRAKE INTERLOCK SYSTEM. WHEN REPLACING THE FUSE IT KEPT BLOWING. OWNER UNPLIGGED THE SWITCH ON THE MASTERCYLINDER AND PUT NEW FUSE IN AGAIN. FUSE DID NOT BLOW AND TRUCK WOULD SHIFT. THERE IS A SHORT IN THE SWITCH OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM .THIS IS VERY MUCH A FIRE HAZZARD!!!!!!! STILL NOT FIXED.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Jun 2, 2005138,000 milesTX

1996 FORD F150 HAD MADE A SHORT TRIP TO HOME DEPOT. APPROXIMATELY 1 HR. LATER I SMELLED WHAT SEEMED LIKE BURNING TAR. I LOOKED AND THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY HOOD.. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKE SWITCH SMOKING PROFUSELY, A SMALL FLAME. AND EXTREMELY HOT. I UNPLUGGED IT AND THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEM STOPPED.. THE SWITCH IS BURNT AND MELTED. IF I HAD NOT BEEN OUTSIDE AND FOUND THIS EVEN 5 MINUTES LATER. I WOULD NOW HAVE A BURNED TRUCK. THIS IS THE SAME SWITCH THAT FORD HAS RECALLED ON THE 2000 MODELS.AND ADMITTED TO HAVING A PROBLEM AS FAR BACK AS THE 97 MODELS. BUT NOT ON 96. I HAVE CHECKED THEIR WEB SITE AND THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS YEAR. I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP SOON.. BUT WAS WONDERING IF YOU HAD ANY MORE COMPLAINTS ON THIS MODEL FOR THIS PROBLEM.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed May 30, 200560,000 milesTX

WHILE I WAS CHECKING THE OIL IN MY TRUCK THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH BURST INTO FLAMES. I NEVER USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SO I NEVER REALLY THOUGHT ABOUT IT UNTIL I NOTICED THERE WERE SOME RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE BUT NOT FOR MY MODEL YEAR. LUCKILY I HAD THE HOOD UP LOOKING AT SOMETHING ELSE WHEN IT HAPPENED SO ONLY THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WAS DESTROYED. TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM I REPLACED THE SWITCH AND JUST LEFT IT DISCONNECTED. I NO LONGER HAVE THE SWITCH THAT MALFUNCTIONED. I CANNOT BE SURE ABOUT THE INCIDENT DATE OR PURCHASE DATE, BUT I HAVE GIVEN AN APPROXIMATE ESTIMATE FOR EACH.

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire
Filed May 23, 2005110,000 milesTX

THE TRUCK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR AN HOUR AND 45 MINUTES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD WHICH WAS CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH FAILURE. THE TRUCK WAS TOTALED. *AK *SC *JB

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed May 10, 2005158,363 milesMI

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.*AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 9, 2005200,000 milesCA

DT:04/10/05. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN DRIVEWAY OF RESIDENCE. CONTACT DOES NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE OR WHERE IT BEGAN. MOSTLY BURNT ON THE LEFT SIDE, BLEW LEFT FRONT TIRE. CONTACT IS NOT SURE IF IT WAS ELECTRICAL OR FUEL FIRE.*AK REGULARLY SERVICED WITH SERVICE RECORDS AVAILABLE.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed May 6, 200566,000 milesTN

CRUISE CONTROL WAS INOPERATIVE. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH MELTED. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT SOMETIMES THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF IT WOULD NOT COME BACK ON FOR A WHILE. *BF *NM

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NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 1996 Ford F-150 → · Every F-150 year → · How the figures are calculated →