1996 Ford F-150: ball joint or control arm failure

5 of the 324 complaints about the 1996 Ford F-150 describe ball joint or control arm failure.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 4 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Ball joint or control arm failure by model year

2024
2
2020
2
2019
3
2018
2
2017
4
2016
2
2015
4
2014
4
2012
6
2011
5
2010
3
2009
1
2008
2
2007
6
2006
1
2005
9
2004
14
2003
6
2002
8
2001
24
2000
50
1999
36
1998
69
1997
69
1996
5
1995
5
1994
2
1993
4
1992
2
1991
1
1990
3

What owners say

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Steering · MI

Tie rod end came apart while driving. Consumer heard a noise, pulled over, and noticed tie rods had come apart.

Filed Dec 3, 2000 · Suspension · TN

Loud popping noise. Dealer was no help. Independant repair shop found and replaced control arm bushings. Originals had chemically deteriorated from application of slovents at some point at assembly. Repairs cost me $400. Attachment points were worn to the point of being oblong.

Filed Mar 7, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · OH

Ball joints and tie rods dry rotted, causing the front end to collapse. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

Filed Sep 10, 1999 · Steering · NH

Front knuckle: spindle that holds the tie rod broke, causing the wheel to fall off and no steering ability, consumer went up over curb within 5 feet from a daycare building almost resulting in crash.

Filed Jul 27, 1999 · Electrical, Steering · OH

Majority of problems have been with front and rear suspension in addition to the following: cambers, slugs, toes, rotors, gear box, springs, drag links, tie rods, bushings, trans cross members, stabilizer barrs, bushings, electrical, computer, transmission, oil leaks, ignition cylinder, and replacement of four wheel drive components. Dealership tells me their hands are tied. Ford motor company only "documents" difficulties and I can't get past a customer service representative who can do nothing but put my complaints into a database. Repeated letters and phone calls have gone unresolved and ford motor company has made no attempt at customer service! I was told today that notice would be sent to the local field office where they would contact the dealer service manager and most likely not me directly although I asked that they do so. There have been ten service appointments for these parts to be replaced. I now have another appointment for aug. 9th - we still have front and rear suspension problems. To date, our truck has been at the service for repairs for a total of 22 days.