1996 Ford F-150 Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,521miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Ford F-150, 2% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,521 miles. 1 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.
“Early one evening about 8:00pm a driver in an non-knowledgeable area is trying to find his way by looking at street signs and addresses. Can't see safely enough to safely maneuver his vehicle through out the city. The population is at risk, his sight is impaired by the view through his dull, fuzzy lights. This has been a situation due to neglect, the law doesn't confront the situation and have it corrected, why?”
NHTSA complaint #10298533, filed 2010-01, 170,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10124230, filed 2005-06, 104,521 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford f150. Sporadically, the headlights would flicker on and off accompanied by a burning odor. The contact installed a head lamp switch, but the failure recurred two years later. He called the manufacturer in reference to NHTSA campaign id number 99v024000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch). The representative from the manufacturer stated that because his model's body style was not included in the recall, they would not assume responsibility for any repairs. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 98,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10258218, filed 2009-02, 90,000 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 50 | 26% |
| 2023 | 23 | 6% |
| 2022 | 66 | 11% |
| 2021 | 116 | 11% |
| 2020 | 5 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 0% |
| 2016 | 16 | 1% |
| 2015 | 17 | 1% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 17 | 1% |
| 2012 | 9 | 1% |
| 2011 | 30 | 1% |
| 2010 | 28 | 3% |
| 2009 | 12 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 4 | 1% |
| 2006 | 11 | 2% |
| 2005 | 5 | 0% |
| 2004 | 17 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 10 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 1% |
| 2000 | 22 | 2% |
| 1999 | 16 | 2% |
| 1998 | 13 | 1% |
| 1997 | 34 | 1% |
| 1996 | 5 | 2% |
| 1995 | 9 | 1% |
| 1994 | 7 | 1% |
| 1993 | 10 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 1% |
| 1984 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-150
56 complaintsFuel system
53 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsTires
21 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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