2016 Ford F-550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2016 Ford F-550 has a complaint index of 40, ranking 13th of 21 model years, with a Good verdict. It shows 12 complaints, 3 recalls, and no deaths, making it one of the more solid F-550 years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 F-550 years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2016 Ford F-550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy or the steering wheel clock spring lost connection, in one case linked to a crash after the truck went down an embankment.
- The fuse box overheated and melted wiring, cutting fuel pump and engine power while driving on the highway.
- The engine lost power and shuddered with the check engine light on, traced in one case to a fuel tank issue at 49,000 miles.
- Aluminum wheels bubbled and cracked at low mileage (6,736 miles), with replacement wheels showing the same defect shortly after.
- Owners under the airbag clock spring recall reported long waits for repair parts, with some vehicles going unrepaired for close to a year.
- The rearview camera showed a black image in reverse, with a dealer unable to confirm recall coverage on that VIN.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2016 F-550 has a complaint index of 40, ranking 13th out of 21 model years, and it carries a Good verdict relative to other F-550 years.
- What problems does the 2016 Ford F-550 have?
- NHTSA complaints center on the engine (42% of complaints, including check engine light and oil pan gasket leaks), airbags (33%, including a steering wheel clock spring defect), and electrical issues like an overheating fuse box.
- Does the 2016 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 F-550: a rearview camera replacement, a steering wheel clock spring airbag issue, and a tire defect from an April 2016 production batch.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures on the 2016 F-550?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 84,000 miles at the time engine problems were reported.
- How does the 2016 F-550 compare to other bad F-550 years?
- The 2016 model's complaint index of 40 is well below Avoid-rated years like 2021 (95) and 2022 (100), making 2016 one of the better years for the F-550.