2016 Ford F-150 Problems
Compared with other Ford F-150 years
More complaints than typical for this model
74/100 1.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.7× that of a typical Ford F-150 year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 496 of its 2,086 complaints were filed by the end of 2018.
- Most reported problem: Engine oil leaks (oil pan, turbo) and stalling (404 complaints, median 71,000 mi).
- 13 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Open NHTSA investigationUnintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013, 2014, 2019
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 2,086filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 45,478miles, 1,145 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 13campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 6 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl RWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owner complaints for the 2016 F-150 are dominated by transmission behavior, especially unexpected downshifts and leadframe-related shifting problems, reported across a wide mileage range from 30,000 to nearly 200,000 miles. A second cluster covers brake fluid loss tied to the master cylinder, and owners also describe engine oil leaks and stalling, rear-window breakage apparently linked to the rear defroster, and a blank or distorted backup camera image.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Unexpected downshift / harsh shifting (6R80 transmission)
- 383 complaints (18%)
- median 109,000 mi at 9.4 yrs old (187 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,630 (median of 19 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe the transmission suddenly downshifting to a lower gear, sometimes first gear, with the vehicle jerking and the rear tires sliding or the truck decelerating sharply; a powertrain warning light or wrench symbol often appears. Several complaints mention the molded leadframe or valve body as the diagnosed cause, and some report that the shifting problem returned after a leadframe replacement or a software update. Many say the dealer could not complete the recall repair because parts were unavailable. Reported from about 30,000 miles upward, with many cases between 78,000 and 200,000 miles and often at highway speed.
Recall 26V2370003 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has had the leadframe or valve body replaced and whether the software update for the transmission range sensor was applied; drive it at highway speed and check for harsh or delayed shifts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and descending a hill, the brake pedal was depressed, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11731933, filed 2026-04, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); but the failure occurred. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no result on the diagnostic test associated with the transmission failure, and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11757380, filed 2026-08, 200,000 miles - Engine
Engine oil leaks (oil pan, turbo) and stalling
- 404 complaints (19%)
- median 71,000 mi at 5.6 yrs old (211 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,300 (median of 33 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe oil leaks traced to a warped oil pan and failed sealant, sometimes with oil reaching the exhaust and producing a burning smell inside the cab. Others report excessive oil consumption with bluish exhaust smoke, turbo replacement, cam phaser rattling with the check engine light, and stalling or loss of power while driving or towing. Reported from about 40,000 to 145,000 miles, with oil pan leaks commonly noted between 60,000 and 131,000 miles.
Recall 20V098000Recall 19V278000Recall 18V8940006 related service bulletins
What to check: Look under the engine for oil residue around the oil pan and check the oil level for a fuel or burnt smell; ask about prior oil pan, turbo or cam phaser work and whether any related service bulletin was applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Plastic oil pan is warped and is leaking oil. Gap has formed between the pan and the RTV gasket. There is a known TSB 23-2083 from Ford outlining the issue. The has recently been redesigned. I was told that there is a design issue in the oil system and I could possibly have to replace the valve covers. So, now due to a known issue with the design of the oil system, I am getting charged $3000 to replace system.”
NHTSA complaint #11543166, filed 2023-09, 131,622 miles“Intermittently while towing, after driving several hundred miles of non stop highway driving, the engine will kill after exiting the freeway. When I restart it by turning the key, it will kill again as soon as I put it in drive. This will happen several times before I get the engine to keep running. This happens only in the tow/haul mode. I have been to my local dealership 3 times and they have not been able to fix the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11298832, filed 2020-01, 23,000 miles - Electrical system
Backup camera blank or distorted image
- 99 complaints (5%)
- median 71,250 mi at 6.4 yrs old (66 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,650 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report the rearview camera image going blank, gray or distorted when reverse is engaged, and in some cases the same screen carrying the radio display also going out. Complaints describe dealers saying a software reprogram was needed or that parts were unavailable, and several owners note their VIN was not covered by the camera recall. Reported from about 10,000 to 200,000 miles, including several under 60,000 miles.
What to check: Shift into reverse and confirm a clear image on the screen, and ask whether the camera or display software was updated under any customer satisfaction program.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The back-up camera went out. I see a recall for some Ford F150 cameras that have the same issue I have on my 2016 F150. Why did they not include other years in the recall?”
NHTSA complaint #11751675, filed 2026-07, 149,842 miles“Radio goes blank screen may go 30 miles before comes back .when comes back clock is still right time ,programmed station still there had it to Ford dealership they says shows low voltage the truck has 9.000 miles just turn 3 years old 1/31/20 still suppose to under warranty he asked me if I had extended told him no had 3 more days after today been in dealer 2 times they say I need to drive more I know where they get low voltage sets in garage month or more and battery goes down done several times talked service department they told me to 1 or 2 amp charger on plugged in when goes to set …”
NHTSA complaint #11307473, filed 2020-02, 9,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Rear window shatters or defroster overheats
- 117 complaints (6%)
- median 42,000 mi at 3.9 yrs old (79 state mileage)
- 16 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $689 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report a loud pop followed by the rear window, often the sliding rear glass, shattering while parked or shortly after starting the truck with the defroster on. Some describe a burning smell or smoke and a melted or popped-off connector at the window, and dealers sometimes replaced the window under warranty or declined to cover it. Reported from about 20,000 to 100,000 miles, often in cold weather with the rear defroster in use.
What to check: Inspect the rear glass and defroster connector for discoloration or melting, and test the rear defroster briefly; ask whether the rear window or its connector has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“One cold early morning I was driving, had both rear and front defrost on. While driving I heard a loud pop followed by the smell of burning wires. After pulling over I noticed that my rear window was completely shattered. It's a rear sliding window with a power window. Black box for power that stick to the window was popped off and smelled like burnt.”
NHTSA complaint #11306217, filed 2020-01, 69,000 miles“I started my car with remark start around 7:25 am got into the truck at 7:30 drive to work parked and when I came back from work the rear window was shattered. My truck has claimant control and seems to have turned on defrosters in the morning.”
NHTSA complaint #11360499, filed 2020-09, 51,000 miles - Brakes
Brake fluid loss and soft or failing brakes
- 311 complaints (15%)
- median 36,098 mi at 3.1 yrs old (255 state mileage)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,065 (median of 20 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners report the brake pedal going low or failing to stop the vehicle, with the brake fluid warning light on and no visible leak under the truck; fluid is found to be disappearing into the brake booster. Complaints describe the dealer diagnosing a leaking brake master cylinder, and several owners tie their experience to the master cylinder recalls even when their VIN was not included. Mostly reported between about 44,000 and 104,000 miles.
Recall 22V150000Recall 20V3320003 related service bulletins
What to check: Check the brake fluid level and look for fluid loss with no puddle underneath; ask whether the master cylinder recall was performed on this specific VIN.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2016 f150 3.5l eco boost has the same issue as the recall 20s31. Out of nowhere my brakes went out. Dash said brake fluid low. No signs of leaks even after refilling. It was dumping into the brake booster. Vin does not show up under the affected vehicles though.”
NHTSA complaint #11414859, filed 2021-05, 44,500 miles“Losing break fluid, no visible areas underneath truck indicating busted line. Attempted to fill line with up to 64oz, fluid kept disappearing. Maintenance has been completed by certified Ford dealer for entirety of the trucks life. I have read online similar issues with recalls for same type of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11361177, filed 2020-09, 74,222 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on transmission behavior and on whether the open transmission and brake master cylinder recalls have been completed for that VIN, since parts availability has been an issue. Also check the brake fluid level, the underside of the engine for oil leaks, the rear glass and defroster connector, and the backup camera display.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 80 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 2,086 consumer complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150. 1,145 of the complaints include a mileage, and 54% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,478 miles. Of all complaints, 58 involved a crash, 25 a fire, 51 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns and 283 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford F-150 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 74 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Transmission and drivetrain610 29%
- Brakes340 16%
- Engine317 15%
- Other or unknown256 12%
- Body and structure199 9.5%
- Electrical system189 9.1%
- Vehicle speed control102 4.9%
- Fuel system95 4.5%
- Steering64 3.1%
Also reported: Wheels (53), Latches, locks and linkages (52), Air bags (36), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (35), Engine cooling (30), Seats (21), Suspension (18), Electronic stability control (17), Exterior lighting (16), Seat belts (14), Lane departure (7), Forward collision avoidance (5), Tires (2).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My truck will show a wrench light on the dash and downshift from 6th gear to 1st gear while driving causing the tires to lock up(70mph on the highway). This is a huge safety issues as I almost wrecked when it has done this. The 2011 to 2013 f-150s had a recall for this same issue but there is no recall for the 2016's. Truck shows code p0715.”
NHTSA complaint #11388858, filed 2021-01, 110,000 milesBrakes: “I was driving straight on route 5 in enfield ct, when I needed to apply the brakes there was no reaction from the vehicle. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor, I had to go up over a curb into grass to avoid other vehicles and get the vehicle to slow/stop without any brakes available. I almost crashed into a building.”
NHTSA complaint #11388265, filed 2021-01, 70,000 milesEngine: “Vehicle engine shakes and shuts off when stopped and at idle. This happens after vehicle warms up and has been driven for at least 15 minutes. I have read many other complaints about Ford trucks doing the same thing. Have read that Ford is aware of problems with variable cam timing sensors and cam phasers, but are not issuing recall. This has happened to me at leadt 6 times.”
NHTSA complaint #11298011, filed 2020-01, 61,000 milesOther or unknown: “Advancetrac came on hill start assist not available came on motor didn't die but the gas wouldn't work so I had to pull over and turn vehicle off and restart it and then it didn't want to start after it restarted it goes away and you can continue to drive idk what it could be but I find it very dangerous it's happened 4 times in 2 days”
NHTSA complaint #11365629, filed 2020-10, 160,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
54% of the 1,145 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 17,000 and 79,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Ford F-150. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x2 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Regular Cab · regular cab 4x4 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 4x2 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Super Crew · crew cab 4x4 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Supercab · extended cab 4x2 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| F-150 Supercab · extended cab 4x4 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2016 Ford F-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 2.7L 2WD GVWR>6649 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| F150 2.7L 4WD GVWR>6799 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 3.5L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 3.5L 4WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 5.0L 2WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 5.0L 4WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 26V237000Apr 14, 2026Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Ford F-150 2015–2017
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.
- 22V150000Mar 11, 2022Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Ford F-150 2016–2018, Expedition 2016–2017, Lincoln Navigator 2016–2017
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…
- 20V332000Jun 8, 2020Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinderCovers: Ford F-150 2014–2017
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.
- 20V098000Feb 21, 2020EngineCovers: Ford F-150 2015–2016
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…
- 19V278000Apr 8, 2019EngineCovers: Ford F-150 2015–2019, F-350 SD 2017–2019, F-250 SD 2017–2019 +2 more
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…
- 18V894000Dec 18, 2018EngineCovers: Ford F-150 2015–2019, F-450 2017–2019, F-550 2017–2019 +2 more
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…
See all 13 recalls for the 2016 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA26001Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-upOpen · Jan 30, 2026
- PE25002Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-upClosed · Mar 21, 2025
- PE18008Seatbelt Pretensioner FireClosed · Aug 3, 2018
- RQ16001Brake Master Cylinder FailureClosed · Sep 28, 2016
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 283 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11035463Jul 9, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 Certain 2015-2017 Model Year F-150 Vehicles Equipped with a 6R80 Transmission Transmission Molded Leadframe Replacement
- 11030282Mar 25, 2026Other or unknown, Back-over prevention (rear camera), Lane…. Advance Notice – Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17 Certain 2015-2025 Model Year Multiple Vehicle Lines Rear View Camera Replacement If Required After Dealer Evaluation
- 11029052Feb 24, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system, Body and structure. 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…
- 11025837Nov 26, 2025Electrical 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…
- 11025611Nov 12, 2025Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. 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…
- 11015680Mar 15, 2025Other or unknown. 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…
- 11010950Nov 27, 2024Other or unknown. 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…
- 11008948Oct 10, 2024Other or unknown. 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. While performing a transmission…
- 11005305Jul 24, 2024Wheels. 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…
- 11001174May 27, 2024Other or unknown. 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…
Other model years of the Ford F-150
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | — | 8 | 5 | 20 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 109 | 5,330 | 14 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 195 | 8,750 | 11 | 5 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 416 | 29,700 | 13 | 5 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 601 | 27,882 | 23 | 5 | 20 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 1,036 | 47,500 | 29 | 5 | 20 | 67 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 741 | 38,000 | 11 | 4–5 | 19 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 1,342 | 60,000 | 9 | 4–5 | 21 | 40 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 2,325 | 40,000 | 18 | 4–5 | 21 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 1,462 | 53,000 | 17 | 5 | 20 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 2,086 | 45,478 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 74 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,743 | 50,000 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 1,538 | 65,000 | 8 | 4 | 18 | 51 · Typical | Rising |
| 2013 | 2,992 | 74,281 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2012 | 1,784 | 63,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 56 · Typical | Stable |
| 2011 | 2,193 | 70,766 | 6 | 4 | 18 | 67 · More | Stable |
| 2010 | 843 | 58,150 | 1 | — | 16 | 6 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 324 | 50,525 | 2 | — | 17 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 369 | 61,500 | 1 | — | 15 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2007 | 488 | 57,426 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 585 | 60,500 | 4 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,112 | 61,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 2,029 | 61,000 | 5 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 423 | 63,946 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 821 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 1,236 | 95,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 1,075 | 91,843 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 1,044 | 100,000 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 1,381 | 113,070 | 8 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 2,758 | 107,360 | 14 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 324 | 110,000 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 626 | 117,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 676 | 132,835 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 586 | 136,500 | 7 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1992 | 470 | 133,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 304 | 107,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 275 | 97,900 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1989 | 224 | 106,000 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 139 | 99,061 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 91 | 128,013 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 61 | 120,500 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 28 | — | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 15 | 192,035 | 1 | — | 14 | — | Stable |
| 1983 | 10 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1982 | 5 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford F-150?
Owner complaints for the 2016 F-150 are dominated by transmission behavior, especially unexpected downshifts and leadframe-related shifting problems, reported across a wide mileage range from 30,000 to nearly 200,000 miles. The issues reported most often: Unexpected downshift / harsh shifting (6R80 transmission); Engine oil leaks (oil pan, turbo) and stalling; Backup camera blank or distorted image.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA recorded 2,086 consumer complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2016 Ford F-150 is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 610 complaints (29% of the total), followed by brakes with 340.
Has the 2016 Ford F-150 been recalled?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2016 Ford F-150 do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Ford F-150 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 6 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Ford F-150 get?
The EPA rates the 2016 Ford F-150 (F150 Pickup 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Ford F-150 reported?
Among the 1,145 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,478 miles and the middle half falls between 17,000 and 79,000 miles; 54% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.