1996 Ford F250 XL from North America - Comments

Cam position sensor failed at 83000 miles.

Injector seals failed at approximately 100,000 miles, resulting in high oil consumption.

Throw out bearing went dry and failed at approx 90,000 miles, ended up replacing the entire clutch at the time.

HAs been a good truck, but had its share of problems. Dealers in the area are not very well versed at fixing diesels.

I would consider purchasing another but, would seriously consider another engine manufacturer (ie: Cummins/Dodge) as I am not overly impressed with the design of the Powerstroke. Parts are expensive, as well as repairs.

The glow plug relay is about to go bad at approximately 112,000 miles, resulting in difficult cold starts... These little nuisance items add up. My 15 year old Toyota Pickup is still running strong with nearly 250000 miles, due to its simple design.

For a truck that produces 210 HP and 450 ft-lbs, it runs well, and tows well in the mountains. I average approx 19 MPG on the highway @ 75MPH - truck has 3.73:1 rear and and the 5 speed manual.

If you maintain your truck and engine you should not have any problems. I know guys who have 300,000 to 400,000 miles on their powerstroke diesel.

I have an F250 Powerstroke, 280,000 miles my only problem thusfar has been an idler pully and she still runs like a top.

>>>If you maintain your truck and engine you should not have any problems. I know guys who have 300,000 to 400,000 miles on their powerstroke diesel.<<<

Hogwash! I maintain my '96 crew cab at specified intervals. In the 7 years I've owned it I've had to fix:

Glow plug relay--4 times

Glow plugs--twice

Water pump

Clutch

Many other nuisances.

The most frustrating thing by far is the glow plug relay. It seems like it is built to last about 8 months. Ford should be ashamed.

All that said, it is a strong performer and a good truck when running properly.

My 96 powerstoke has 155000 miles. I've replaced the clutch, glow plugs, water pump, cam sensor, speed sensor, throttle pedal, vacuum switch, alternator, #5 injector, brake rotors cracked, brake vacuum pump, brake vacuum pump booster, shocks, and had to put $1000 into the front end because it was chewing up tires. I know there's more that I can't think of. It's great that the motors last so long, but it seems that the rest of the construction is crap.

I would like to hear someone who HASN'T had problems with the cam shaft sensor position... just got it replaced last week and the mechanic told me he replaced FOUR the last week alone, he is not given to hyperbole.

I'm currently looking at a 1997 F-250 Super Crew 4x4. The truck seems to be in good working order except for a few minor details.

The brake light is on, but stops good for the size of the vehicle.

The cruise doesn't work, but I wonder with the brake light being on if that's the cruise problem.

The air doesn't work, wonder if that's a common problem.

I've read that there's been a lot of glow plug issues and relay problems, wondering what the cost is on this.

I've got a friend with a couple of 7.3 psd and he swears by them.

I'm going from a Toyota Tundra to this truck, I'm wondering if I'm making a mistake. I need more room.