1996 Ford F-350 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 13%of 130 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,974miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Ford F-350, 13% of the 130 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,974 miles. 2 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 '96 Ford f350 with a 7.3l powerstroke. My truck has been stalling intermittently while driving down the road. And on occasion, had cut out completely and not come right back which leaves me with no power brakes, or steering to stop the vehicle, or get it off the road. I stopped at bankston Ford in frisco, tx today to ask if my truck was on the recall list, and was told that it was not. They would not fix the known problem, unless I was willing to pay $380 for the part, and another 4hours of labor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10216739, filed 2008-02, 168,000 miles“The existing recall 07v-553 (camshaft position sensor on Ford 1997-2003 f-super duty, e-series, and excursion vehicles with 7.3l diesel engines) seems to be incorrectly narrow in scope. I have a 1996 F-350 with the same 7.3l diesel engine noted in the recall, and had the exact failure described in this recall. I had it repaired at a Ford dealership on sept 21, 2007, and can provide complete documented information from that repair. Why did Ford not include f-series trucks that use the 7.3l engine (such as the F-350) in this recall? Why is it limited to 1997 and newer? …”
NHTSA complaint #10220361, filed 2008-03, 123,447 miles“I had the cmp sensor (cam position sensor, f6tz-12k073-a) replaced at 83,733 miles and again at 88,500 miles. The engine runs rough for 3 seconds and dies. It will crank but not restart. Vehicle was towed to mechanic and cmp sensor was replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10234058, filed 2008-07, 88,500 miles“Intermittent shut down of the engine. Nearly re-ended when vehicle just stopped while going through an intersection. The camshaft posotion sensor (cps) failed. This is a well known problem that Ford has done nothing about. It's dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10140317, filed 2005-10, 258,000 miles“1996, F-350, crew cab, 4x4, with 35,000 original miles was towing 5th wheel travel trailer in mountainous area. Exhaust pipes caused the spare tire to catch on fire. The spare tire was new and had never been removed since vehicle was purchased in 1996 used, with 3,000 miles on it. The spare tire was about 3-4 inches away from the exhaust pipe heat shield. ( not touching). Rear gas tank was not harmed due to quick action on fire extinguishing. Driver was unaware of fire until notified by persons outside the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10019247, filed 2003-05, 35,846 milesEngine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 3 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 8 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 31 | 24% |
| 2007 | 3 | 8% |
| 2006 | 21 | 14% |
| 2005 | 17 | 15% |
| 2004 | 64 | 40% |
| 2003 | 19 | 21% |
| 2002 | 19 | 16% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
| 2000 | 17 | 6% |
| 1999 | 22 | 5% |
| 1998 | 1 | 8% |
| 1997 | 26 | 17% |
| 1996 | 17 | 13% |
| 1995 | 25 | 19% |
| 1994 | 13 | 14% |
| 1993 | 21 | 21% |
| 1992 | 10 | 19% |
| 1991 | 3 | 10% |
| 1990 | 9 | 23% |
| 1989 | 5 | 12% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-350
28 complaintsTires
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-350
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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