1996 Ford F-150 Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 6%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,800miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Ford F-150, 6% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,800 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10139746, filed 2005-10, 5,600 miles“1996 Ford f150 4 x 4-both rear brackets connecting the leaf springs (rear of vehicle) to the frame were terrible corroded and cracked. Mechanic was fearful of failure within a month or two. Replacement parts are only available from a Ford dealership. Called local dealership and was assured parts available. Upon arrival at the dealership, not all parts available as demand had been so great they kept running out of the parts. I had to go to a different dealership to obtain the rest of the parts. The replacement parts were of significantly heavier build than original parts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10233989, filed 2008-07, 178,000 miles“Majority of problems have been with front and rear suspension in addition to the following: cambers, slugs, toes, rotors, gear box, springs, drag links, tie rods, bushings, trans cross members, stabilizer barrs, bushings, electrical, computer, transmission, oil leaks, ignition cylinder, and replacement of four wheel drive components. Dealership tells me their hands are tied. Ford motor company only documents difficulties and I can't get past a customer service representative who can do nothing but put my complaints into a database. …”
NHTSA complaint #709253, filed 1999-07“Noticed rear of truck was not level-noticed control difference on curves in road. Inspected truck and found right rear spring shackle rusted away. Parked truck until repairs are made. The old part is still on truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10106424, filed 2005-01“Loud popping noise. Dealer was no help. Independant repair shop found and replaced control arm bushings. Originals had chemically deteriorated from application of slovents at some point at assembly. Repairs cost me $400. Attachment points were worn to the point of being oblong.”
NHTSA complaint #737228, filed 2000-12Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 8 | 2% |
| 2022 | 14 | 2% |
| 2021 | 13 | 1% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 11 | 1% |
| 2018 | 23 | 1% |
| 2017 | 12 | 1% |
| 2016 | 18 | 1% |
| 2015 | 11 | 1% |
| 2014 | 10 | 1% |
| 2013 | 20 | 1% |
| 2012 | 19 | 1% |
| 2011 | 14 | 1% |
| 2010 | 16 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 1% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 16 | 3% |
| 2006 | 25 | 4% |
| 2005 | 49 | 4% |
| 2004 | 118 | 6% |
| 2003 | 14 | 3% |
| 2002 | 20 | 2% |
| 2001 | 35 | 3% |
| 2000 | 41 | 4% |
| 1999 | 43 | 4% |
| 1998 | 132 | 10% |
| 1997 | 204 | 7% |
| 1996 | 21 | 6% |
| 1995 | 44 | 7% |
| 1994 | 41 | 6% |
| 1993 | 25 | 4% |
| 1992 | 9 | 2% |
| 1991 | 4 | 1% |
| 1990 | 6 | 2% |
| 1989 | 5 | 2% |
| 1988 | 4 | 3% |
| 1986 | 1 | 2% |
| 1985 | 3 | 11% |
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 complaintsTires
21 complaintsSteering
20 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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