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2016 Ford F-150

The Verdict

73 Solid Pick

The 2016 Ford F-150 has 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (78 complaints) and body (9 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 73/100, it earns a "Solid Pick" rating. If you're shopping for a Ford F-150, consider the 2020 model year which has 48% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2020 has 48% fewer complaints

View the 2020 Ford F-150 dashboard →

73

Klunk Score: Solid Pick

Fewer complaints than most vehicles. Generally dependable, but check the top problems below.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 4

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

16V110000 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 F-150 trucks manufactured April 27, 2015, to November 22, 2015, and equipped with Multi-Contour Seats (MCS). The front passenger seat...

Risk

If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM) with new software, free of charge. The recall began on March 11, 2016. Owners may contact Ford cu...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

17V767000 SEATS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the sea...

Risk

In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

16V475000 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which ...

Risk

The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. ...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

22V150000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow b...

Risk

A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These condit...

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. If the master cylinder is leaking, the brake booster will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. An interim owner notificatio...

Reported Nov 3, 2022

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20004698127433747
20015576820144171
20023134314238375
2003142278514465
20041233122157315208
200549310914028593
2006177868619940
2007173375118843
200814934469842
200913433547132
2016936778
20176541349
20186561955
2019820945
2020414836

By Category

Transmission
78
Body
9
Engine
7
Electrical
6
Brakes
3

By Severity

1
47
2
48
3
2
4
6

Worst Problems

Compare Against

See how the 2016 Ford F-150 stacks up against rivals.

Complaints

Transmission 2

Driving on highway lost power to gas pedal truck dash flashed and turned off. Bunch of lights and a gear turned on. I drove to dealership immediately and left the truck there. Was later told I have a 4 serious safety hazard recalls and one that is paused and because of this can’t be fixed and leaves the truck unusable. Leaving me without a vehicle and risk of job loss for the last 3 weeks going on 4 now

4d ago
Transmission 3

While driving in normal conditions at approximately 40 mph the transmission shifted to 2nd gear and the PRND began flashing erratically. Afterward the transmission stayed in 5th gear until I was able to park. This caused a great deal of fear and physical pain from the sudden jolt.

5d ago
Electrical 2

The truck continuously went into limp mode upon acceleration. Numerous warning lights wrench, I have a 2016 2.7 with 159k miles that is stalling, loosing all power, stuttering and showing these codes on heavy acceleration. When I turn off the ignition and restart all codes go away.

5d ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. In addition, the power train warning light was no longer illuminated. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable for the repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,800.

5d ago
Transmission 2

Truck occasionally downshifts at high steady speed ~70mph, with a wrench. About 4weeks ongoing, now daily and check engine light is on. Codes are P0720 and P0722. Despite well documented issue, and lead frame assembly recall, Ford refuses to repair. 124k miles.

6d ago
Transmission 1

Had the recall done at a dealer and now the the software update didn't solve the problem it is now having the wrench and is downshifting periodically with no notice

8d ago
Transmission 1

Erratic shifting, sudden down shifts while at highway speed, and transmission suddenly stuck in 3 or 5th gear, ford currently has customer satisfaction program 26n04 covering certain 2015-2017 ford f150 trucks but specifies only certain codes to flag the need to fix the problem by changing the molded lead frame which is the defective part. Unfortunately my truck is not tripping those codes but it is showing codes p0715,p0717,p0720 that all call for the molded lead frame to be changed. The problem is codes, p0720,0722, where covered in previous recall 24S37, for f150 tucks made in 2014 with the exact same transmission and molded lead frame. So my problem is why in the previous recall where these codes acceptable and all of the sudden now there not

12d ago
Body 1

My Ford F150 is part of the recall 26S28 for the PCM transmission reprogramming and the transmission lead frame recall . There is now a current pause on the recall according to my Ford dealership. My truck was scheduled for replacement and now it’s been cancelled. My truck is experiencing surges like I’m being hit from behind and also gear shifts changing. I am now afraid of loosing control of my vehicle. I don’t know what to do next

12d ago
Transmission 2

2016 F150 with 6R80 transmission problem it had got worse after Ford 26S28/NHTSA 26V237 was done at Ford Dealership just days before Recall we put on hold and Ford then was recommended it not to be done.Safety risk is transmission down shifts hard and sometimes delays in shift commands.After recall done on 9/23/2026 it also derates,goes to limp mode in intersections and freeway.Check engine and wrench lights comes on.It’s been at dealership since 10/08/2026 because it is unsafe to drive in my opinion.Dealership has driven it and verbally told me over the phone,they drove it and my details and complaints are there.The dealership is telling me they have to get a specific code to replace components under the Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04, which their saying is not there.Even though all the symptoms and problems and unsafe drivability is there even after Recall 26S28 was done and was even put on hold because in my opinion made it a lot worse.Check engine light on because of transmission problems and wrench light on because of transmission problem.I have a letter stating if after Recall was done and problems still exists to contact Dealership and Ford RAC Center,which I did.The letter says replace part because of codes if present, but also says if vehicle exhibits conditions dealers are to replace the transmission molded Leadframe after Safety Recall 26S28 has been completed, but dealership says it can’t do, even after the day I drove home after having Recall 26S28 all exhibits for Leadframe got worse.

12d ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from sixth gear into third, second, or first gear. The yellow wrench warning light illuminated. The failure was recurrent. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a software update was performed, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

13d ago
Transmission 2

Our 2016 F-150 experienced a dangerous transmission sensor failure (Ford Service read code P0722). Ford's 26S28 safety update was performed prior to this, but the physical lead frame has now failed. Ford Corporate (Case #CXH-09620415) is refusing to replace the defective safety component under companion program 26N04 because the vehicle threw code P0722 instead of the four codes arbitrarily listed on their bulletin, leaving a known mechanical defect active on the road. In this case we pulled out from a driveway onto a road and the truck stayed stuck in 1st gear or was in limp mode and the check engine (wrench icon) lit. Had this been a busy intersection we could have been hit by another vehicle. With this part failing, which is known to cause other similar problems, the truck can shift erratically or get stuck in one gear or downshift or suddenly go into limp mode from any speed. Any problems associated with the defective lead frame should be fixed not just those that throw certain codes.

13d ago
Transmission 2

I responded to recall 26V237 by bringing my F150 into our local Ford dealership, Lenoir City Ford, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on [XXX]. At the time the truck was dropped off for the recall fix, it was running and operating normally, without any issues. I picked up my truck on [XXX] after the dealership applied the reprogramming fix. As soon as I pulled out of their parking lot onto the main road, the truck started acting up: erratic shifting, delayed shifting, spontaneous downshifting, lack of response from acceleration, and loud rattling noises. I immediately returned to the dealership and had the service technician ride in the vehicle with me. She asked me to turn around immediately and had the service manager ride in the vehicle. He also immediately told me to turn around and return to their parking lot, saying the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The only way to got the vehicle back to the parking lot was to use the manual shift mode and shift with the paddles. As of the date of this filing, the truck remains in the possession of Lenoir City Ford and is undriveable. The Ford dealership has completed all troubleshooting requirements with Ford Motor Company. It has been determined that the transmission needs to be replaced. Ford Motor Company is refusing to make the necessary repairs to the vehicle that their software fix created. The dealership continues to try to resolve this through their channels, and I keep reaching out to Ford Motor Company to resolve it. I have a case file started with Ford, [XXX]. Since this started, Ford Motor Company issued an internal memo to all dealerships instructing them to stop performing the recall software fix, which is under investigation. See attached. The vehicle is still in Lenoir City Ford's possession. On October 14th, the dealership will have been in possession of it for one month. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

14d ago
Transmission 2

1.The component that is failing & causing a safety hazard is the vehicle transmission. 2.The transmission shifts violently at highway speeds & causes partial loss of control by the driver & potential additional damage to the powertrain; dashboard wrench light (powertrain warning light) goes on when this happens. 3.The problem has been confirmed by Ford Motor Vehicle Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 (safety recall notice) the vehicle owner received in a written letter from Ford in July 2026. 4. The Ford Dealership at Liccardi Ford, 1615 Route 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07066 908-561-7500, arranged for a mobile repair on 07-21-26 (Recall Repair 26S28). The repair was made but the condition was not corrected. 5. The vehicle was brought into Liccardi Ford dealership on 09-13-26 for further service to correct the powertrain fault consistent with the Safety Recall Notice (customer Satisfaction Program 26N04). 6. The Dealership did nothing to correct the problem and in part, stated on their work order, "PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS RETRIEVED CODE PO219 ENGINE OVERSPEED CONDITION, PO61A INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE TORQUE PERFORMANCE, PO722 OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR - NO SIGNAL - NOT RELATED TO 26N04 - NEEDS FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. 7. The vehicle owner was told by the Ford Dealership that they would not correct the safety recall problem (evident by the powertrain failing in a manner consistent with the recall notice and the powertrain warning light) without further diagnosis at a cost to the vehicle owner of about $220/hour for diagnosis plus any costs for service work. 8. This failure by Liccardi Ford to correct the hazardous powertrain safety problem consistent with Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 regardless of what codes were found (or not found) without invoicing the vehicle owner is an unconscionable bait-and switch dereliction of Ford Motor 9. I humbly ask the NHTSA to require Ford to make the repair without cost to the vehicle owner, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

15d ago
Transmission 1

The vehicle is covered by Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V237) for a transmission range sensor signal fault causing unintended downshift. Before the recall, the truck was slipping, shifting improperly, and downshifting unexpectedly. Dealer (Wayne Akers Ford, Lake Worth, FL) solicited the recall by text on [XXX] and performed the PCM reprogramming on [XXX] (RO [XXX]) at 201,991 miles. The repair order shows no DTC scan before or after the reflash, no road test, and identical mileage in and out. The same symptoms returned the day of pickup. Owner returned promptly and was told the dealer was too busy to accept the truck. The condition worsened to a sudden unintended downshift and deceleration while driving in traffic, after which the owner parked the truck for safety. Owner reported the worsening condition by text on or before [XXX] and brought the truck in on [XXX] where he was told a diagnostic fee would be required to look at the recall condition. The dealer now says the codes are “similar but different” from the recall codes, that the condition is outside coverage, and quotes about $6,500, with no written diagnosis, code list, estimate, written denial, or SSSC submission under Program 26N04. No crash, fire, or injury. Vehicle remains unrepaired at the dealer. The owner reports this because the 26V237 remedy performed did not correct the unintended downshift condition, and the dealer’s process may have cleared the codes that would have qualified the truck for no-cost leadframe replacement. Representative contact: [XXX], [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

15d ago
Transmission 1

My 2016 Ford F-150 experienced an unexpected downshift into second gear at approximately 45 mph. I also experienced warning lights and an occasion when the truck would not move in Drive until I shifted again. The dealership documented P0705 and P0706 before performing a PCM software update. I retained the repair order showing those codes. After the update, the truck registered P0720. The dealership diagnosed an output speed sensor circuit fault and recommended replacing the molded leadframe for approximately $2,000. I was told replacement would not be covered unless specified transmission range sensor codes returned after the update. I am concerned that a physical defect remains in the leadframe assembly despite the software update. I request review of the safety issue, the effectiveness of the recall remedy, and Ford’s handling of my documented diagnostic history. I cannot establish whether the original range sensor faults and subsequent speed sensor fault share the same cause.

17d ago
Transmission 1

In mid-September 2026, I had safety recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V-237) performed on my 2016 Ford F-150 at Corwin Ford Reno in Reno, NV. The recall remedy was a powertrain control module software update intended to prevent unexpected transmission downshifts. Before the recall repair, the vehicle had no drivability problems of any kind. About three days after the recall repair, the truck began repeatedly losing acceleration while driving at highway speed. The vehicle would stop responding to the accelerator, and the wrench warning light came on in the instrument cluster. This happened on multiple occasions over several days. Losing acceleration in highway traffic creates a serious risk of a rear-end collision. This is the same type of loss-of-control hazard the recall was meant to address, and the condition appeared only after the recall software was installed. I contacted the dealer right away to report the safety problem. Over two days I called at least six times and left multiple messages that were not returned. When I reached the service department, they would not inspect the vehicle until the following week, and a service manager offered the same delay. I also contacted Ford customer service and received no help. The vehicle has been at the dealer since September 30, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, there is still no diagnosis or repair. I believe the recall 26S28 remedy either failed to correct the defect or introduced a new powertrain fault that causes loss of motive power at speed. I am asking NHTSA to note this complaint in connection with recall 26V-237 and investigation EA26001, and to evaluate whether the remedy is adequate.

18d ago
Transmission 1

Ford sent me a recall letter stating there was a remedy for my truck. I took the truck to a ford service center and was informed that the remedy they had in place to fix the recall does not resolve the problem. They also informed me that they have no idea when the new remedy will be out to fix my truck. Seeing that there is no remedy or any timeline of when I’m getting my truck back I called ford customer support to ask for a loan vehicle. They told me they was unable to give me one. Seeing that it is a transmission problem and even having in the letter it increases the risk of an accident. I feel unsafe to drive the truck in my 60 mile commute to work or in general

18d ago
Transmission 2

The automatic transmission has experienced repeated unexpected downshifts and other abnormal gear-selection behavior. Before the recall repair, the vehicle experienced multiple unexpected downshifts, including a shift from 4th to 2nd gear. Safety Recall 26S28 was performed on July 20, 2026, consisting of a PCM software update. The problem continued after the recall repair. Approximately one week later, while operating in 3rd gear, the transmission momentarily shifted into 1st gear and then returned to 4th. On August 31, while operating in 5th gear, it again momentarily shifted directly into 1st and then returned to 4th. The vehicle was returned to an authorized Ford dealer in September for evaluation. The dealer road-tested the vehicle three times and scanned the PCM but could not duplicate the condition and found no diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer contacted Ford regarding the condition, but no additional repair was authorized because no qualifying codes were present. The problem has continued. I have manually limited the selectable transmission range to 4th gear in an effort to reduce the possibility of another unexpected downshift. On multiple occasions, without any driver input, the selected maximum transmission range has changed from 4th back to the full 1-6 range. On October 3, 2026, the vehicle experienced a hard shift into 4th and then shifted back and forth between 5th and 6th. During this event, the transmission range display went blank and subsequently returned. On October 4, I again manually selected 4th as the maximum gear. During a drive of less than three miles, the selected range independently returned to the full 1-6 range multiple times. There have been no warning lights associated with these events. The condition is intermittent and was not reproduced during the dealer inspection. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I am concerned about the risk of loss of vehicle control from an unexpected downshift. The condition has continued afte

19d ago
Transmission 2

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While the contact's mother was driving 20 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The power train and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

21d ago
Transmission 1

Component Affected: Power Train / Electrical System / Transmission Description of Incident: My 2016 Ford F-150 was taken to a licensed Ford dealership to resolve Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Campaign 26V237000 (PCM software update to prevent sudden downshifts). Prior to the recall, the truck drove fine with no issues. Immediately after the software update was performed, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic, uncommanded downshift from 4th gear into 1st gear while traveling at highway speeds. This caused the rear wheels to violently lock up, mimicking a sudden slam on the brakes in active traffic and nearly causing a severe rear-end collision. Diagnostic scans show codes P0720 and P0722, indicating a failure of the Output Speed Sensor, which is integrated into the transmission molded lead frame assembly. The recall software remedy actually caused this life-threatening downshift, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive. The manufacturer's remedy did not resolve the safety defect. Ford has refused to repair this safety issue and say that it only qualifies for free repair if it throws codes P0705, P0706, P0707.

21d ago

103 total

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