On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.
Risk: A fire at the switch could occur.
Sell your 1996 Ford F-150 for cash
The 1996 Ford F-150 is a pickup truck that came with a choice of 4.9L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl and 5.8L 8-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 F-150 in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
FordF-1501996
1996 Ford F-150 at a glance
| Body style | Standard Pickup Trucks |
|---|---|
| Engines | 4.9L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.8L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 11–14 city / 15–18 highway / 12–15 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $4,450–$5,600 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 592–741 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 10 configurations: F150 Pickup 2WD, F150 Pickup 4WD |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 F-150's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a pickup truck, it's heavier than a typical car, and scrap weight is a big part of any junk offer. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 F-150. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 120,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Ford F-150 recalls
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1996 Ford F-150. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
The certification labels on the involved vehicles has incorrect rear tire inflation pressure designations. This does not comply with fmvss no. 120, "tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars."
Risk: Incorrect inflation pressures could cause premature wear of the rear tires. .
Common 1996 F-150 problems
Owners have filed 324 complaints about the 1996 Ford F-150 with NHTSA. 21 reports involved a crash and 75 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 20 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Vehicle Speed Control120,000 mi
- Electrical System110,000 mi
- Electrical System100,000 mi
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic66,000 mi
- Air Bags158,000 mi
- Vehicle Speed Control150,000 mi
1996 Ford F-150 service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 121 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Ford F-150. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Rear leaf spring noise. *tt
Aftermarket wiring alterations - service tip. *tt
New transmission cooler flusher - service tips. 2003 escort and super duty f series included. *tt
Compressed natural gas (cng). Rough idle or no start when cold. Vehicles equipped with cng bi-fuel engine only. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1996 Ford F-150.
Engine compartment fires
Ea05-005 is closed with Ford?s actions in recalls 05v-017, 05v-388, and 06v-286, recalling approximately 6.7 million vehicles equipped with texas instruments speed control deactivation switches (scds).the brake systems in these recalled vehicles generate a vacuum that can potentially cause the scds to fail and, in cert
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Selling a 1996 F-150: questions
How much is a 1996 Ford F-150 worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 F-150 that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 F-150s that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1996 F-150 with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Ford F-150; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 F-150?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 F-150 today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.