2016 Ford F-150 Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 582 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150, 28% of all complaints for the year. A related recall (26V237000) addresses a transmission range sensor signal loss that can cause unexpected downshifts. Median mileage at failure was 94,726.5.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 582
- 28% of 2,053
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 94,727 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the vehicle rolling away or shifting out of park on its own while parked with the engine running, in some cases causing a crash into nearby objects.
- Some describe the transmission unexpectedly downshifting at highway speed, causing the rear wheels to lose traction briefly and the vehicle to slide or run off the road.
- Others report reverse gear intermittently failing to engage despite repeated attempts, describing it as an electronic shift-control issue that eventually resolves itself.
- Several owners describe hesitation or delayed acceleration when the pedal is depressed, leading to the vehicle jerking forward and striking another vehicle in traffic.
- A few report the vehicle entering 'limp mode' at speed with a sudden loss of power, later diagnosed by a dealer as a faulty throttle body actuator.
When 2016 Ford F-150 transmission complaints were filed
First complaint May 11, 2016, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Ford F-150
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by F-150 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
- NHTSA lists 582 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 F-150, which is 28% of the 2,053 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2016 Ford F-150?
- Yes. Recall 26V237000 covers 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles where a loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause an unexpected downshift. Ford's remedy is a free powertrain control module software update.
- At what mileage do 2016 F-150 transmission problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 94,726.5 miles at the time of failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 F-150.
- Did the 2016 F-150 transmission issues cause any crashes?
- NHTSA records 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2016 F-150.