2016 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2016 Ford F-250 has 289 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 55, ranking 10th of 21 model years with a Caution verdict. Steering and suspension issues dominate, each accounting for 41% of complaints, backed by 3 recalls.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 289
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2016 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering118 (41%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires118 (41%)
- Other37 (13%)
- Airbags35 (12%)
- Engine35 (12%)
- Fuel System27 (9%)
- Electrical System26 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain14 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras9 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers7 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden fires starting in the engine compartment or dashboard, sometimes while the truck was simply parked or plugged into a block heater.
- Some report a violent steering shake or 'death wobble' at highway speed that pulled the truck off the road.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a frontal crash that also damaged the suspension, steering, and frame.
- Owners report the truck rolling forward unexpectedly after being placed in Park.
- Electrical fires were reported in seat wiring and near the rear window defroster, in one case filling the cabin with smoke.
- One owner described the engine stalling with a warning light on while towing, leading to a loss of control and a crash.
2016 Ford F-250 recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V572000Sep 3, 2025Collision Avoidance & Cameras1,456,417 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driverâs view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
- NHTSA 22V337000May 13, 2022Airbags310,203 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Dust may accumulate in the steering wheel clock spring, causing a disconnection in the electrical connection resulting in the driver's air bag not deploying as intended.
Risk: A disconnected driver's air bag can result in it not deploying, as intended, during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. An interim notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on July 6, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S35.
- NHTSA 16V246000Apr 26, 2016Suspension, Wheels & Tires2,288 vehicles
Tires:sidewall
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured April 5, 2016, to April 11, 2016. The tires installed during assembly of the affected vehicles may have sustained damage to the inner sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air or a tire rupture.
Risk: A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires for damage and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 23, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S17.
2016 compared with other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2016 F-250 a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th out of 21 model years for this model. Steering and suspension complaints are the biggest concern.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford F-250 have?
- Owners most often report steering and suspension/wheel/tire issues, each making up 41% of the 289 complaints, followed by airbag and engine problems at 12% each.
- Does the 2016 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 F-250, covering the rearview camera, a steering wheel clock spring issue tied to airbag deployment, and defective tires installed at the factory.
- Is the 2016 F-250 better or worse than other years?
- It ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 55, better than 2017-2020 (Avoid, indexes 85-100) but worse than 2013 (Best, index 0) and 2009-2010 (Good).
- What is the top problem area for the 2016 F-250?
- Steering is the top reported problem area, involved in 118 complaints and 2 crashes, with a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles.