2016 Ford F-550 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 F-550 years
The 2016 Ford F-550 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th out of 16 model years, with a 'Good' verdict relative to other F-550 years. NHTSA lists 12 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 fires for this year, with Engine as the top problem area.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2016 Ford F-550 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine5 (42%)
- Airbags4 (33%)
- Electrical System2 (17%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (17%)
- Fuel System2 (17%)
- Other1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
What owners report
- Airbag steering wheel clock spring accumulates dust, disconnecting the electrical connection and disabling airbags and horn, sometimes leading to a crash near a median mileage of 85,000 miles.
- Electrical system fuse box reportedly overheats and melts the wiring harness, cutting power to the fuel pump and engine while driving.
- Fuel system issues cause loss of power and shuddering at various speeds along with an illuminated check engine light, reported near a median mileage of 49,000 miles.
- Aluminum wheels develop bubbling and cracking starting at very low mileage, with the problem recurring after replacement, at a median mileage of 6,736 miles.
- Engine oil pan gasket leaks reappear after repair, and check engine lights stay on despite sensor replacement, with a median mileage of 84,003 miles.
- Rearview camera displays a black image in reverse, tied to a recall campaign covering the collision avoidance system, at a median mileage of 160,000 miles.
2016 Ford F-550 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-550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2016 Ford F-550 a good year?
- Yes, relative to other F-550 model years. It has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th out of 16 years tracked, earning a 'Good' verdict, with 12 complaints and 3 recalls on file with NHTSA.
- What are the most common problems on the 2016 Ford F-550?
- NHTSA data shows Engine complaints lead at 42% of reports, followed by Airbags at 33%, and Electrical System, Collision Avoidance & Cameras, and Fuel System each at 17%.
- Does the 2016 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 F-550: a rearview camera recall (25V572000), an airbag clock spring recall (22V337000), and a tire recall (16V246000).
- At what mileage do 2016 F-550 problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: engine issues around 84,003 miles, airbag issues around 85,000 miles, fuel system issues around 49,000 miles, and suspension/wheel issues as early as 6,736 miles.