2016 Ford F-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 F-150 years
The 2016 Ford F-150 has 2,053 NHTSA complaints, 13 recalls, and a Complaint Index of 80, ranking it 4th worst out of 16 model years — an Avoid year. Transmission & Powertrain problems lead at 28% of complaints, with brakes and airbags flagged in multiple crash reports.
- Complaints
- 2,053
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes / fires
- 56 / 25
- Injuries / deaths
- 48 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16.5 city / 22 hwy
Top 2016 Ford F-150 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain582 (28%)
- Engine411 (20%)
- Brakes354 (17%)
- Other251 (12%)
- Structure & Body248 (12%)
- Electrical System196 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers137 (7%)
- Fuel System95 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires72 (4%)
- Steering64 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the truck rolling away after being placed in park while the driver reaches into the back seat.
- Several owners describe brake pedal failing to stop the truck, including one case where the pedal traveled to the floor at highway speed and the vehicle hit a guardrail.
- Some owners report brakes not engaging during low-speed parking maneuvers, causing collisions with poles or other vehicles.
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy during front and rear collisions, including a violent head-on crash.
- Electrical System complaints include a fuse box fire that engulfed the vehicle and a separate incident where activating the rear defrost produced smoke and caused the rear window to shatter.
2016 Ford F-150 recalls
13 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V237000Apr 14, 2026Transmission & Powertrain1,392,935 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 22V150000Mar 11, 2022Brakes195,864 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
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.
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.
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. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
- NHTSA 20V332000Jun 8, 2020Brakes292,311 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
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.
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.
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.
2016 Ford F-150 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2016 compared with other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford F-150 a good year to avoid?
- Yes. NHTSA data gives it a Complaint Index of 80 and a rank of 4th worst among 16 model years, with a verdict of Avoid.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2016 F-150?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 582 complaints, 28% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 94,726.5 miles.
- Does the 2016 F-150 have brake problems?
- Yes. Brakes account for 354 complaints (17% of the total) and are linked to 25 crashes, more crashes than any other problem area, with a median failure mileage of 35,000 miles.
- How many recalls does the 2016 F-150 have?
- NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2016 F-150, covering Transmission & Powertrain, Brakes, Engine, Seat Belts, and Structure & Body components.
- How does the 2016 F-150 compare to other years?
- Its Complaint Index of 80 is worse than 2017 (40, Good), 2019 (60, Caution), and 2020 (20, Best), but better than 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2018 (93, Avoid).