2016 Ford F-150 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2016 Ford F-150 ranks 3rd worst of 21 model years, with a Complaint Index of 90 and 2,053 complaints, mostly tied to Transmission & Powertrain (28%) and Brakes (17%). NHTSA also lists 13 recall campaigns for this year, giving it an Avoid verdict.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #3 of 21 F-150 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 2,053
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 56
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 25
- Injuries
- 48
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16.5 city / 22 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 48 / 0
Top 2016 Ford F-150 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brake pedal traveling to the floor or brakes failing to stop the truck at low speeds, sometimes leading to collisions.
- Some drivers describe the truck rolling away after being placed in park, with the shifter appearing to engage a manual control position unintentionally.
- Electrical fires have been reported starting from the fuse box or rear defroster wiring, producing smoke and burning odors before flames spread.
- Several owners report airbags failing to deploy during frontal or rear-end crashes despite significant impact speeds.
- A rear window reportedly exploded during an electrical fire event linked to the defroster circuit.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 F-150 ranks 3rd worst among 21 model years with a Complaint Index of 90, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other F-150 years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 F-150?
- NHTSA complaint data shows Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 28% of complaints, followed by Engine at 20% and Brakes at 17%, with a median failure mileage of 45,200 miles overall.
- Does the 2016 F-150 have brake problems?
- Yes. Brakes account for 17% of complaints (354 total) and are linked to 25 crashes, and two separate recalls (22V150000 and 20V332000) cover brake master cylinder fluid leaks on Ecoboost-equipped trucks.
- Does the 2016 F-150 have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 F-150, covering transmission software, brake master cylinders, engine block heaters, seat belt pretensioners, and a seat adjuster bolt issue.
- How does the 2016 F-150 compare to other years?
- The 2016 model's Complaint Index of 90 is worse than most other F-150 years, behind only 2013 (100) and 2011 (85) in the Avoid category, while years like 2007 and 2008 score far lower at 5 and 10.