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Engine coolingPart report

1996 Ford F-250 Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
28about this part
Share
16%of 176 total for the year
Median mileage
115,772miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Ford F-250, 16% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 115,772 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have a 1996 Ford f250 7.3 liter diesel truck. It stalls on occasion at low speeds which I feel is a safety issue. I found out that Ford had a recall on 1997 and newer trucks because of the cam position sensor. Everything I could find out about my problem is the same. The cps unit causes this problem. I feel Ford should replace my cps unit as well.”

NHTSA complaint #10246189, filed 2008-10, 100,000 miles

“I have a 1996 f250 that I have had to replace the cam sensor for the same reason that the 97-03 have had to replace theirs this is a 7.3 liter powerstroke why am I not getting a recall notice for this year model its the same problem and have had several really close calls with it dying in traffic this has happened several times a day every time I drove it.”

NHTSA complaint #10223081, filed 2008-04, 106,545 miles

“My 1996 f250 with a 7.3 liter powerstroke . Was hunting for months , I attributed this to fuel , but then it stalled on my wife . Followed by stalling on me then had to have it towed home . The problem , cps camshaft position sensor. I had heard about this before with other trucks most times leading to an accident. I was lucky but not happy you should recall these vehicles at fords expense fix the problem forever and reimburse any out of pocket expenses.”

NHTSA complaint #10218245, filed 2008-02, 242,167 miles

“1996 f250 4x4 diesel automatic. I started up from a traffic light and the truck shut off, like a key shut down. It would turn over but not light off, both fuel tanks full and pressurized fuel was pumping through filter drain while cranking. 4 guys helped push me out of the 4 lane road. This is the 2nd cps in 3 years. August 2003 it failed in savannah, ga and I was towed again to the international truck shop. They taught me about the cps problem in fords.”

NHTSA complaint #10166366, filed 2006-08, 195,000 miles

“The cps on my 1996 Ford F-250 with 7.3 liter diesel failed while traveling on interstate 77, with family aboard. Coasted to stop with difficulty steering. Same problem occurred on nc hwy 115, and would not restart. Coasted to stop on side of roadway, to be towed to dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #10152251, filed 2006-03, 125,000 miles

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201432%
201311%
2012125%
201173%
200924%
2008158%
200735%
2006178%
20051712%
20044429%
20032421%
20022315%
20012110%
20003310%
19996611%
1998814%
19972910%
19962816%
19953418%
19941815%
19932922%
19921412%
199187%
1990109%
198976%
198846%
1987616%
1986513%
1985314%

Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-250

Tires
35 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
19 complaints
Steering
17 complaints
Vehicle speed control
16 complaints
Brakes
15 complaints
Fuel system
15 complaints
Suspension
14 complaints
Electrical system
11 complaints
Seat belts
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Seats
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-250

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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