1996 Ford E-150 Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 17%of 59 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 120,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Ford E-150, 17% of the 59 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 120,000 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle according the NHTSA has recall #09v399000 for the brake system speed control which can catch on fire even in the garage with the vehicle off. I asked Ford to repair this because I just bought this vehicle and they claim there are no recalls on this vehicle, and I know there is and I know the recall hasn't been installed on my vehicle. Are they saying this because time ran out to have this done because I just bought this vehicle or do they just not want to? Thanks for your help.”
NHTSA complaint #10585226, filed 2014-04, 81,555 miles“Vehicle was parked, and upon entering noticed the smell of an electrical fire. Started the vehicle, odometer was inoperable and vehicle would not shift out of park. Upon further inspection, found a blown 15 amp fuse in the fuse panel. Replaced fuse, odometer came back on and vehicle shifted out of park. Approximately 10 seconds later, the smell of burning wiring was evident, as was smoke from under the hood. Pulled the fuse back out, opened the hood to find the brake pressure switch on fire, which melted the brake fluid reservoir as well as the battery casing also.”
NHTSA complaint #10509001, filed 2013-04, 168,000 miles“First incident: dealer replaced anti-thief module and 2 fuses #8 & #? On 9-11-97 in the next year I replaced the number 8 fuse at least 3 times thinking the problem wasn't severe. In june 1999 the wiring did burn under dash. Unfortunate for me I never complained about their workmanship of the first incident.it is being repaired as of aug 5 at waikem Ford”
NHTSA complaint #709658, filed 1999-08“1996 Ford E-150 serpentine belt, air conditioning compressor. Electrical system, ignition module replaced, ABS light illuminated when brakes were applied, tie rods replaced, fuel pump replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10176468, filed 2006-12“Starter has failed six times since purchase. Different brands used, including oem, and all have failed. Professionally repaired and inspected each time.”
NHTSA complaint #10013864, filed 2003-04Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 13% |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 2 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 3 | 13% |
| 2010 | 1 | 10% |
| 2009 | 1 | 14% |
| 2007 | 2 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 18% |
| 2005 | 2 | 13% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 19% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 7 | 19% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 2% |
| 1997 | 8 | 8% |
| 1996 | 10 | 17% |
| 1995 | 3 | 4% |
| 1994 | 12 | 10% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 9% |
| 1991 | 4 | 27% |
| 1989 | 11 | 35% |
| 1988 | 7 | 50% |
| 1987 | 8 | 47% |
| 1986 | 4 | 44% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford E-150
14 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology