2016 Ford F-150 problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 1,758 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford F-150, filed between 2016-01-21 and 2026-09-24. The most common problem areas are the power train (383, 22%), service brakes (294, 17%) and engine (285, 16%). Owners reported 51 crashes, 23 fires and 45 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 14 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Ford F-150 complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 383 | 22% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 294 | 17% | 21 | 0 | 18 |
| Engine | 285 | 16% | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 212 | 12% | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Structure | 192 | 11% | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 156 | 9% | 3 | 16 | 6 |
| Visibility/wiper | 99 | 6% | 0 | 4 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 80 | 5% | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 79 | 4% | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Steering | 57 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 53 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 49 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility | 39 | 2% | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 34 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 33 | 2% | 16 | 0 | 19 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 383 complaints
- 383 complaints of 1,758 (22%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 49 of them also name the engine; owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Ford F-150; the recall, campaign 26V237000, says: “A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.”
Service brakes: 294 complaints
- 294 complaints of 1,758 (17%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 9 of them also name the power train; owners reported 21 crashes and 18 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 22V150000, says: “The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.”
Engine: 285 complaints
- 285 complaints of 1,758 (16%) name the engine.
- 49 of them also name the power train; owners reported 2 crashes, 5 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 3 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Ford F-150; the latest, campaign 20V098000, says: “The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.”
Structure: 192 complaints
- 192 complaints of 1,758 (11%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 19 of them also name the latches/locks/linkages; owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford F-150 covers this system.
Electrical system: 156 complaints
- 156 complaints of 1,758 (9%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 28 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 16 fires and 6 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford F-150 covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 99 complaints
- 99 complaints of 1,758 (6%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 13 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 4 fires and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Ford F-150 covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 153 |
| 2017 | 152 |
| 2018 | 191 |
| 2019 | 207 |
| 2020 | 155 |
| 2021 | 142 |
| 2022 | 152 |
| 2023 | 185 |
| 2024 | 184 |
| 2025 | 165 |
| 2026 | 72 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names F-150, F-150 REGULAR CAB, F-150 SUPER CREW, F-150 SUPERCAB, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Ford F-150 recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Ford F-150?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Ford F-150's most common problem areas are the power train (383 of 1,758 complaints), service brakes (294 of 1,758 complaints) and engine (285 of 1,758 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA has 1,758 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Ford F-150, including 51 reported crashes and 23 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Ford F-150's problems?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 Ford F-150; 3 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.