1996 Ford F-250 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 11%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Ford F-250, 11% of the 176 complaints for this model year. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The overdrive light keeps flashing and you can reset the computer and the transmission will shift fine until the overdrive light comes on. It has been tested and it shows there is no reason for it to be flashing. Have had it in the shop now 15 times and even special technicians looking at it and can't figure it out. I don't want to loose my transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #759575, filed 2002-03“The vehicle was in park and it was sitting for 15 minutes. The vehicle went from park to drive all by it's self. I was told by my mechanic that this is a common problem with this particular transmission, the transmission is electronic and he suspectt a selonide caused the problem. I feel that this is a safty issue.”
NHTSA complaint #756388, filed 2002-01“Truck was at a stopped position and I noticed that the locking hubs would not stay engaged. There was a very loud grinding noise. I have not been able to use the 4wd since the incident”
NHTSA complaint #710024, filed 1999-08“The transmission gear indicator indicates that the vehicle is in park when it is actually in reverse or neutral. The vehicle was turned off and in park, and it rolled down an incline and struck a post. This is the third 1996 Ford f250 in our company that the shift indicator linkage had the screws back out, causing this same thing to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #716917, filed 2000-01“While driving vehicle would shut down. Happened at stop light or signs. Contacted Ford manufacturer & informed consumer to take vehicle to dealer. At dealership, mechanic placed vehicle on diagnostic machine & no codes appeared. Transmission could not shift properly into either 1st or 2nd gears without making grinding noises. Mechanic refused to repair vehicle due to being out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #874025, filed 2000-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 4% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 15 | 6% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 5 | 7% |
| 2009 | 2 | 4% |
| 2008 | 14 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 14 | 10% |
| 2004 | 12 | 8% |
| 2003 | 12 | 10% |
| 2002 | 12 | 8% |
| 2001 | 28 | 13% |
| 2000 | 23 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 11% |
| 1998 | 2 | 4% |
| 1997 | 34 | 11% |
| 1996 | 19 | 11% |
| 1995 | 36 | 20% |
| 1994 | 23 | 19% |
| 1993 | 17 | 13% |
| 1992 | 26 | 22% |
| 1991 | 10 | 9% |
| 1990 | 11 | 10% |
| 1989 | 12 | 11% |
| 1988 | 7 | 11% |
| 1987 | 4 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-250
35 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
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 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