2016 Ford F-450 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2016 Ford F-450 ranks 19th of 21 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 10 and just 5 NHTSA complaints, earning a Best verdict. It has 3 recalls covering cameras, airbags, and tires, but no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 10/100
- #19 of 21 F-450 years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2016 Ford F-450 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes2 (40%)
- Engine1 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake system warning lights (ABS, traction control, parking brake) can activate suddenly at highway speed while towing.
- Brakes have locked up and refused to release until the truck was shut off and the parking brake cycled.
- The transmission has shifted unexpectedly into first gear at speed, locking the rear wheels and disabling the truck.
- The engine can lose power suddenly, sometimes tied to metal shavings found inside the engine on inspection.
2016 Ford F-450 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-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford F-450 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2016 F-450 ranks 19th out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 10 and only 5 complaints, giving it a Best verdict relative to other F-450 years.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford F-450 have?
- NHTSA data shows brake issues as the top problem area (40% of complaints), followed by engine, suspension/wheels/tires, and transmission/powertrain complaints, each at 20%.
- Does the 2016 Ford F-450 have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 F-450: a rearview camera recall, a steering wheel clock spring airbag-related recall, and a tire inspection recall.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have on file for the 2016 F-450?
- NHTSA lists 5 complaints for the 2016 Ford F-450, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
- What mileage do 2016 F-450 problems usually show up at?
- The median mileage at failure across reported complaints is 68,500 miles, though individual problem areas range from 34,080 to 98,000 miles.