KnownCarProblems2016 Ford F-150 Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 2,079 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Ford F-150, most often about the transmission (29% of complaints, typically around 97,000 miles). It is 4th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2016 Ford F-150 problems
Transmission
604 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 97,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline.
Over the past few weeks, my truck would loose power and go into limp mode randomly. I would pull over, turn the truck off, and back on. It would be okay for a couple of days and then occur again. This would happen in town and twice while on the freeway. I took it in today and had the code read: p2112 throttle actuator…
Vehicle was in motion merging on to interstate I-26 at 60 MPH during afternoon rush hour traffic in charleston, south carolina, when it unexpectly and without warning down shifted from high gear to low gear while driving. Vehicle has 66k miles on it. Called Ford customer service to complain and was refered to dealer.…
Engine
344 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, engine, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While driving 80 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and there were abnormal roaring and knocking sounds coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to highway Ford (18982 johnnie b hall memorial hwy, deridder, la 70634, ([phone]) where it was diagnosed that there…
Was driving straight down a highway. Truck warning lights started appearing on the dash hill descent control fault, hill assist fault, service advance trac. Turn signals would not work and gas pedal was unresponsive. Truck slowed to almost a complete stop and began shaking violently as the engine was about to die.
Brakes
339 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 34,500 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, supply, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
Brake pedal went all the way to the floor barely working with no warning on a busy street at a stoplight. Went to dealership and they verified problem and replaced the master cylinder. Truck only had 16,000 miles
While applying brakes the pedal travels excessively until it contacts the floor board. As a result, brake application is lost. Contacted Ford roadside assistance and had vehicle towed to the dealer and was told the master cylinder is defective. This vehicle is a 2016 Ford f150 with a 5.0liter engine and equipped with…
Other or unspecified
255 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles.
Truck was parked in driveway for 30 minutes and heard a loud pop. Rear window shattered for no reason. Was parked in shade and temperature was mid 70s.
Nhtsa recall number: 17v652 recall date: october 16, 2017 manufacturer recall number: 17s33 I purchased this vehicle from freeway Ford a Ford company dealership in november and was told there were no open recalls on my truck. I get in the truck today to drive and my door will not latch and it is 15 degrees outside and…
Body and structure
199 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
When I left for work today, I went to shut my driver's side front door and it would not latch. I had to slam the door 4 or 5 times in order to get it to finally latch. The outside temperature was below 20deg f. This occurred last winter and Ford repaired the condition at that time. I also received a recall notice for…
While putting my son in the back passenger's side of my truck, when I went to close the passsenger's side rear door it would not latch. I attempted multiple times to close the door and it would not latch. I had to use the front door to keep it closed so I could bring him to school. This issue was already repaired once…
Electrical
187 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument panel, wiring, adas.
Today when I turned on the rear window defogger in my 2012 Ford f150 the indicator light did not come on. After three or four tries it came on. Within minutes I heard a pop and the glass on passenger side of the rear slider popped. The glass is in tact but broken.
Driving on hwy at 70 MPH using adaptive cruise control all of a sudden it applied the brakes. Few days later it did again on hwy nothing around me. Stopped using it after second time. Lucky no one was behind me. Then after I got to my disination the next morning stater my truck first I noticed no power to the front…
Visibility and wipers
144 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: sun/moon roof assembly, defroster/defogger/hvac system, glass, side/rear, windshield.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While driving, the windshield wipers failed to turn off. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 46,000. The VIN was…
Doors do no open, freeze shut in cold weather or doors will not latch/lock if they open at all. This is a known issue with Ford and had been unsuccessfully addressed in technical service bulletins (tsbs) issued by Ford. There needs to be a permanent solution. Also the windshield washer sprayer freezes regularly. This…
Speed control
101 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 39,000 miles. Parts named most often: throttle, accelerator pedal.
While driving around 15mpg uphill start assist warning came on then downhill start assist flashed followed by check engine light and wrench light and sudden loss of power. Engine was still running but no accelerator control.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While driving at an unknown speed, the throttle body failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to bill pierre Ford inc (11525 lake city way ne, seattle, wa 98125) and the throttle body was replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The vehicle was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2016 Ford F-150 recalls
Transmission: automatic transmission
Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed july 24, 2026. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26s28. Vehicle identification numbers (vins) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on april 15, 2026.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Brakes: master cylinder
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on april 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed april 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20v-332. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22s11.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 ford expedition, lincoln navigator, and 2016-2018 f-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5l ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Brakes: power assist
Risk: A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on june 30, 2020. The recall began on october 28, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s31.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 f-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5l ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Engine
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the block heater's location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available. The recall began april 9, 2020. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20s08.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 f-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5l gtdi engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
Engine
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began may 31, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19s11.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 ford f-150 and 2017-2019 ford f-250 super duty, f-350 super duty, f-450 super duty, and f-550 super duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18v894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Engine
Risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began june 3, 2019. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s45.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 ford f-150 and 2017-2019 ford f-250 super duty, f-350 super duty, f-450 super duty, and f-550 super duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the b-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began september 28, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18s27.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ford f-150 regular cab and supercrew cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the b-pillar area.
Seats
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out january 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s40.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2016 f-150 and explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began october 12, 2018. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17s33.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 ford f-150, and 2017 f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 super duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk: If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed october 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17c12.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150, and 2017 f-250 and f-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Doors and locks: latch
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began july 13, 2017. Owners may contact ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17c09.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 f-150, and 2017 f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Seats: recliner
Risk: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on august 18, 2016. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16c11.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 ford explorer and f-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) numbers 202, "head restraints" and 207, "seating systems."
Air bags: occupant classification
Risk: If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the occupant classification system module (ocsm) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on march 11, 2016. Owners may contact ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16s05.
Full defect summary
Ford motor company (ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 f-150 trucks manufactured april 27, 2015, to november 22, 2015, and equipped with multi-contour seats (mcs). The front passenger seat occupant classification system (ocs) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up
Summary
On march 21, 2025, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (my) 2015-2017 ford f-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by ford motor company (ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The my 2015 and my 2016 f-150 vehicles were eq
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up
Summary
On march 21, 2025, nhtsaâs office of defects investigation (odi) opened this preliminary evaluation (pe25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (my) 2015-2017 ford f-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by ford motor company (ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The my 2015 and my 2016 f-150 vehicles were
Seatbelt pretensioner fire
Summary
On june 18, 2018, the office of defects investigations (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the b pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on my 2014-2018 ford f-150 regular cab, and super crew cab vehicles. On august 24, 2018, ford motor company recalled (fsa 18s27 - NHTSA #18v568) the affected population. Ford's investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners may generate sparks during deployment in excess of ford's specification. Sparks in the pretensioner exhaust gases inside the lower portion of the b-pillar may subsequently ignite combustible components contained in the b-pillar, such as insulation
Brake master cylinder failure
Summary
On june 8, 2020, ford motor company issued a safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 20v-332) of 292,311 model year (my) 2014-2017 ford f-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5l ecoboost engines and built from 9/1/2014 to 8/1/2016. Ford stated that the causes of brake fluid loss in the master cylinder are brake fluid contamination that can interfere with rear cup seal function, and rolling of the rearmost cup seal.prior to total loss of the front brakes, depending on the amount of brake fluid loss in the master cylinder, the driver may receive an audible chime, message center alert and red brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster, and may experience a change in brake pedal travel and increased peda
Questions about the 2016 Ford F-150
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford F-150?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (604 complaints, typically around 97,000 miles); engine (344 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles); brakes (339 complaints, typically around 34,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
- 13 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 14, 2026 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2016 a bad year for the Ford F-150?
- It is 4th of 27 F-150 model years by number of complaints, with 2,079 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.