The Used Car Index

2016 Ford F-150 problems

NHTSA lists 2,061 complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150, 58 of them mention a crash and 25 mention a fire. 32 complaints mention an injury, with 48 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as FORD F-150.

At a glance

Complaints
2,061
With crash
58
With fire
25
With injury (complaints)
32
Injuries
48
Deaths
0
Recalls
13
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
1,619,112
Investigations
4
Open investigations
1
Manufacturer communications
283

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The available sales group does not match this vehicle variant.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
POWER TRAIN58728.5%
ENGINE31715.4%
SERVICE BRAKES30214.7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER25412.3%
STRUCTURE1999.7%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1879.1%
VISIBILITY/WIPER1075.2%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL994.8%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM834.0%
STEERING643.1%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY191
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDOORS20
WHEELSLUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS17
BACK OVER PREVENTIONSENSING SYSTEM16
VISIBILITYSUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEXHAUST SYSTEM12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFOUNDATION COMPONENTS12
VISIBILITYDEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM10
BACK OVER PREVENTIONREARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING9
LANE DEPARTUREBLIND SPOT DETECTION7

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure65331.7%0.76
loss of control63330.7%0.80
electrical electronic34516.7%0.77
structural or corrosion1035.0%0.75
visibility or lighting874.2%0.87
fluid or fuel leak763.7%0.80
fire or overheating462.2%0.84
restraint or airbag442.1%0.84
unclear401.9%0.80
noise or comfort341.6%0.86
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate1,45670.6%0.83
low45822.2%0.69
high1266.1%0.81
none140.7%0.81
critical70.3%0.74

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 2,061 tagged complaints of 2,061 complaints (100.0%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

13 recalls. Showing the latest 10 of 13.

26V237000

Date: 2026-04-14. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

22V150000

Date: 2022-03-11. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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. Owne (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V332000

Date: 2020-06-08. Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

20V098000

Date: 2020-02-21. Systems: ENGINE, EQUIPMENT.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

19V278000

Date: 2019-04-08. Systems: ENGINE, EQUIPMENT.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V894000

Date: 2018-12-18. Systems: ENGINE.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

18V568000

Date: 2018-08-31. Systems: SEAT BELTS, STRUCTURE.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V767000

Date: 2017-11-29. Systems: SEATS.

Defect: 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. (excerpt)

Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury. (excerpt)

Remedy: 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 numb (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V652000

Date: 2017-10-16. Systems: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.

Defect: 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.

Consequence: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

17V526000

Date: 2017-08-28. Systems: SEAT BELTS.

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

4 investigations; 1 open.

EA26001

Opened: 2026-01-30. Closed: Not listed.

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up

On March 21, 2025, NHTSAa s 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

Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Linked campaign numbers: 26V237.

PE25002

Opened: 2025-03-21. Closed: 2026-01-30.

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up

On March 21, 2025, NHTSAa s 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 experienc

Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Linked campaign numbers: None listed.

PE18008

Opened: 2018-08-03. Closed: 2018-12-17.

Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire

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 investig

Systems: SEAT BELTS.

Linked campaign numbers: 18V568000.

RQ16001

Opened: 2016-09-28. Closed: 2020-07-05.

Brake Master Cylinder Failure

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 sea

Systems: SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

Linked campaign numbers: 20V332000.

Manufacturer communications

283 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT108
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM81
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING44
STRUCTURE29
POWER TRAIN22
ENGINE18
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES18
VISIBILITY14

11035463

Date: 2026-07-09. Type: Other. Systems: POWER TRAIN.

Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 Certain 2015-2017 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped with a 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Replacement

11030282

Date: 2026-03-25. Type: Other. Systems: BACK OVER PREVENTION, LANE DEPARTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Advance Notice a Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation

11029052

Date: 2026-02-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the

11025837

Date: 2025-11-26. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone co

11025611

Date: 2025-11-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN.

Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of th

11015680

Date: 2025-03-15. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Some 2016-2020 F-150 vehicles may exhibit an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0630 stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may be due to aftermarket modifications to the body control module (BCM), such as changes to the tire size or axle ra

11010950

Date: 2024-11-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs. Various vehicles equipped with a 2.7L or a 3.0L gas engine may require a crankshaft bolt replacement during repairs.

11008948

Date: 2024-10-10. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

While performing a transmission repair on some 2012-2024 Ford and Lincoln vehicles, a transmission seal kit may be on backorder due to supply chain interruptions.

11005305

Date: 2024-07-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: WHEELS.

This article supersedes TSB 22-2219 to update the Parts List and Service Procedure to clarify applicable steps by vehicle application. Some 2003-2020 Expedition/Navigator and 2006-2020 F-150 (non-Raptor) vehicles equipped with 4WD may exhibit grinding/clicking/ratcheting noise from the front wheel a

11001174

Date: 2024-05-27. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

This article supersedes TSB 21-2175 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some 2016 MKS, 2016-2017 Navigator, 2016-2018 F-150/Focus/C-MAX/Edge/Fiesta/MKX/Transit Connect/Mustang, 2017-2018 Continental/Fusion/MKZ, 2017-2019 Explorer, 2016-2019 Escape/MKC/Flex/MKT/Taurus/Transit/Expedition/F-Super Duty

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
F-1502,061

Same model, other years

All model years | All Ford models

Other Ford models, 2016

Sources

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