NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford F-150. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
While driving vehicle between approximately 30-50mph and making a slight turn left or right and lane changes, vehicle steering would stick. Power steering would get stuck and driver would have to manually correct the steering wheel in the opposite direction after lane changes or slight turn to prevent further veering off of the vehicle. Only occurs when vehicle speed is approximately 30-50mph.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, and the warning messages "Service Advance Track" and "Hill Brake Assist Unavailable" were displayed. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The local independent mechanic was contacted and advised the contact that the vehicle was likely experiencing a throttle body failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 132,000.
The truck wrench symbol showed up. The second time it showed the truck didn’t seem to shift correctly. It hesitated to progress in speed like usual, creating a situation that I could have been hit by cross traffic because it was moving at a lot slower speed than expected for trying to accelerate. I had ford inspect my vehicle for what might be working incorrectly and they couldn’t diagnose the issue. It has not acted up since I had it looked at. As far as I know they couldn’t determine what created the shifting problem and no course of action to repair it was taken.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering while attempting to accelerate, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed, and the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
While driving the truck jumps back and forth between Drive and Manual multiple times and then goes. Happens occasionally and has been going on for about a week. Then today, it did it again and all gauges flicked on and off and jumped between gears. It first happened on the highway doing 70mph and it's like it dropped down to first gear and throws you forward.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from fourth gear to first gear. The vehicle jerked and made an abnormal grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The transmission fluid was changed; however, no repairs were made to the transmission. The contact stated that the dealer turned off the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Dec 2021 - Normal maintenance check including oil change. Technician informed me about leakage at oil pan. TSB 23-2083. Replaced defective oil pan. Jan 2025 - Normal maintenance check including oil change. Technical informed me about leakage at oil pan. TSB 24-2098. New design oil pan & replaced defective oil pan. Ford customer service notified. I requested if there was any financial compensation associated with these 2 repairs under respective TSBs. Answer - out of warranty. Internet searching - seems that these leakage at oil pan is known issue by Ford including a redesigned oil pan. Question = why is there no safety recall yet ?? These TSBs only give info about defect and how to fix. If vehicle is out of warranty, the repair cost is up to consumer. Consumer may not understand total impact = SAFETY issue because no oil then engine can malfunction or overheat resulting in vehicle stoppage on road (potential crash).
Under light acceleration at highway speeds developed a misfire. Pulled over immediately and shut the vehicle down. Started vehicle up again and misfire was still occurring even at idle. Went straight to dealership where service department diagnosed as engine issues related to TSB 19-2384. Known defect to Ford related to a "concern with cylinder head valve guides". Advised by dealer this required new cylinder head but recommended entire long block replacement. Upon further discussion, manufacturer knew about this issue and did not recommend repair until symptoms developed because of their defect. Outside of warranty so dealer said they could provide no payment assistance. Spoke with Ford customer care and they informed me of the same and referred me to NHTSA.
The windshield wiper linkage could corrode and seize. If this happens, the windshield wipers may not work. Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle with the remote, the vehicle was leaking coolant fluid. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the upper and lower radiator hoses were leaking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 66,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle was idling rough. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed and determined that there was coolant intrusion into the cylinder, causing the cylinder head to crack. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a known failure with the 2.7L EcoBoost engines. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Brake pedal goes all the way to the floorboard causing me to cast through a red light. Problem is persistent.
My truck is experiencing sudden and unexpected downshifting while driving.
Unknown, I was pulling into a parking spot, at Sam's Club, and lightly tap the gas petal for the turn and the truck lunched forward in the one carlink, and hit a concrete parking pole (Sam's club in Southgate Michigan has security cameras) it warped around the pole and bent the frame as if though it was 90 mph and a telephone pole.. I had taken it in twice under warranty for the gas pedal not working correctly, the warranty company would not allow a 3rd repair nor did Ford dealership take that warranty company. The airbags did not deploy, and I now have a T4 fractured vertebrae.
Timing chain loose has to be replaced
Transmission downshifts while driving at highway speed. Was going 50mph and trans was in 6 gear and dropped down to 2nd gear. Has happened multiple times and I needed to get the transmission fixed.
Due to the freezing (around 20 degrees F) temperatures, the latch of the front-driver’s side door was frozen and was unable to close. The door would initially open, but any attempt to close it afterwards became unsuccessful.
Ford has known about these 2 issues but refuses to do anything about it one of them they flat failed to mention at to anyone. The climate control seat module burns due to a ground wire. But they have to release the information they on 2014-2019 you can’ use aftermarket thermostat as they’re not calibrated right for the motor and also fit bit differently which causes people to spend so much to fix a cooling problem that doesn’t exist
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door latch failed to latch as intended. The contact stated that during extremely cold freezing weather, the door occasionally failed to unlock as needed or failed to securely latch closed. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall or special program. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds on several occasions, while making left or right turns, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the “Steering assist fault - Service Required" and "Traction - Steering Assist Failure” message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
While driving my truck the transmission gear lights on the dash will begin to flash and the transmission will downshift very hard causing the rear end to lock up. This has happened three times now at traveling at a high rate of speed on the interstate (roughly 60-65 MPH).
The contact's son owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 60 - 65 MPH with the defroster activated, the rear windshield started to crack. The driver drove the vehicle to the contact's residence and parked the vehicle. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was prompted to leave a voicemail. The contact had not heard back from the dealer. The contact had made an appointment with a local glass replacement company. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer to determine if the failure was caused by an impact before receiving assistance with the replacement. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 85,986.
My F150 2016 rear glass shatter for no reason. it was parked in driveway and when I came out of morning.
I NEED TO REPORT FAILURE FIXING MY CAR RECALL NAMED *Faulty door Latch HARVARD FORD TEXTED ME TO RAKE MY CAR TO GET DONE BUT THEY DID A BAD JOB REPAIR INSTEAD OF REPLACE RECALL PART THEY DIDNT THEY DID CUT OUT WIRE HARNESS INSTEAD .Therefore THAT DAMAGED TYE AUTO NOW REVERSE CAM SCREEN IS NOT WORKING .TYE DOORS OPEN ITSELF WHILE IM DRIVING IT .DASH Board IS NOT ALSO WORKING IM FILLING A COMPLAINT AGAINST HARVARD FORD DEALERSHIP THE SOLUTION zI need is the following they need to REPLACE ALL COMPLETE NEW WIRE HARNESS ASAP.ALDI NEW REVERSE CAM AND SCREEN .IM ATTACHED ALL PROOF OF THE DAMAGE ..
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while exiting the driveway driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted. The vehicle failed to accelerate or move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission specialist who determined that a transmission replacement was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN. The failure mileage was unknown.
Transmission gets stuck in 3rd or sometimes 5th gear when in Drive. Shifting to 1, 2, or M does nothing; shifting from Neutral to Reverse or Drive creates a large clunk and lunge. It seems to be the same issue as the 2014 F-150 & Expedition 6R80 transmission recall and is so common that it took no time at all to find out what my problem likely is.. This is the 5th time this has happened. Two times were when pulling out onto very busy roads, once in a parking lot, once in a field, and once turning into my alley; some incidents were years apart. If it were to happen again when I needed 1st gear to avoid being hit, I would not have the power for needed acceleration or to make a proper maneuver. It also acts very funny when it happens and creates a very large distraction from driving. When I was able to get back off the main road, it seemed like there was light smoke coming from under the truck so I shut the vehicle down in the middle of a smaller road, which was dangerous enough. I have less than 30,000 miles on my truck and am very maintenance minded; this should not be a worry I should have to have. This appears to be the result of a defective part in the transmission called the "Lead Frame" and it is not easy to find a new one right now due to the excessive amount of them needing replacement.
LaFontaine Ford Birch Run MI falsified recalls on my 2016 f150. They claimed they were done, however i have had several other Ford dealers state that there is missing parts and it was obvious it was not completed. This recall is for my door cables freezing up making it unsafe for me to commute when cold. I have held my door shut all the way to work multiple times because it would not latch. Other ford dealers near me quoted me 2 thousand to fix both front doors. I reached out to Lafontaine myself, they seemed to have wanted to help right away but as soon as they heard more of the story they quickly began to not answer my calls. (Service managers).
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the transmission downshifted to a lower gear while attempting to stop at a traffic light. The check engine and the service engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the transmission occasionally downshifted unexpectedly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The independent mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time the vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact who is an independent mechanic had the vehicle with a fractured sub frame and bracket. The contact stated that the sub frame had a 6-inch hole. The contact stated that the sub frame and the bracket needed to be cleaned and re-welded. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the metal showed stress cracks. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that his wife expressed concerns that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was struggling to shift into gear and then unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE25002 (POWER TRAIN); as possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contacted depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic transmission valve body. The automatic transmission valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.
The door latches on some of the f150s, including mine, freeze under certain weather conditions. This presents the latches from opening. This can trap an individual inside in an emergency situation, or prevent someone from opening the door external to remove or address babies and children, which is an issue I experienced. Ford is aware of the problem, but will not repair unless the issue is replicated in an unrealistic environment. This leaves many owners at risk of a dangerous situation should the issue occur in a non-controlled environment. The inverse issue can also occur, where the door latches does not close properly and can cause the door to open during driving, and this has also been experienced. There are no warnings of the problem ahead of time.
The contact's wife owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked and hesitated. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
2016 Ford F-150 XLT panoramic sunroof rails damaged not adhered to truck properly and water leaking into Vehicle. excessive water damage from faulty Sunroof. Danger of separation from roof and breaking and flying off.
I was getting married and setting to go a getaway immediately after we wed. I got a tune up and go my vehicle read. After the tune up it the drive felt great. So me and my wife took to the highway, and as my vehicle began to accelerate the engine began jitter as I press on the gas peddle. The car would not go past 50 mph. As I kept my feet on the gas you can feel the whole car shaking, then the eco boost kicks in and it immediately accelerate at a high rate of speed and as attempt to control the speed by letting go of the gas. The vehicle shakes as it looses power and settles on 50 to 60 miles shaking until the eco boost kicks in. It was a two hour ride and I couldn't look back just pray. Through out the ride it was the same thing over and over again. My wife and I were in constant fear, because I felt due to the erupt increase in speed I was putting other motorist at risk. The engine light came on and a wrench symbol and tire symbol came on. The component or system that failed or malfunctioned involves the eco boost. It appears to be the same recall reference NHTSA # 24V-635 & Manufacturer: # 24S55. My vehicle presently has 78,000 miles on it and it should not be doing that. I have also looked at other problems with the 2016 Ford F-150 Ecoboost as being the web belt system and head gasket failure. However, whatever is the case anyone with this type of vehicle and experiencing the same thing is catastrophic the public safety at large and it cannot be ignored. Ford must correct this problem before someone end up dying as a result of this problem. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I pray this may help you properly investigate my experience. I can have my truck available for anyone from NHTSA to inspect. Presently there is no data regarding the problem with this particular vehicle.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling and wind sound coming from the panoramic roof. While attempting to inspect the vehicle, the contact stated that the panoramic roof glass seized, opened, and failed to close. The contact stated that the panoramic roof glass seemed as if it was about to fracture. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was very expensive and not worth the cost. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The truck grinds when it down shifts to third gear when yoyr driving. While driving the truck skips and makes a terrible jerking motion. When it does it, it feels like the bottom of the truck is going to fall out. Sometimes you have to pull over and turn the truck off and on. The truck is available for inspection if requested. This is a huge safety issue especially when the gear sticks downshifting to 3rd and you have to pull over fast. The truck has been brought in to several shops and we get told unfortunately this is a known problem with Ford F150s. There was a check engine light that came on before it broke down this last time.
Transmission has torque converter shudder
I have a recall that claims to be completed on my truck, but two dealerships claim that it is not done with photo evidence. I would like this recall addressed properly as i am not trying to pay two thousand dollars out of pocket for just the driver and passenger doors. This recall is on my 2016 F150 . This is a door latch problem on all 4 doors. I noticed this when winter came around and my driver door latch/cable would freeze. I drove to work multiple times holding my door shut. I have been trying to get this resolved for the past 3 months and i keep getting a different answer from everyone i have reached out to including poor customer service. This is unacceptable and i certainly wont be purchasing a ford ever again.
My truck only have 72000 miles and I’m experiencing transmission failure the transmission get stuck on shifting and I just took it to the mechanic and he’s asking for parts including the whole transmission and is on back order usually because I’m not the only one with the same problem Ford already know about the potential problem for 2011 and 2014 and they extend the warranty on this trucks but they use the same transmission for the 2015 and 2016 now I’m out of the blue with cost of more than $5000 to repair it , it should be investigated for sure it’s not fare for us as the owners to pay out of our pockets
While traveling at 60mph transmission downshifted to first gear suddenly locking up rear end. Very dangerous situation Ford has. This could has caused a serious accident and injured people. No cel lights came on. Was reported to a Ford dealer who did not even care, and he's the one who sold me this truck.
Exhaust leak from manifold and broken bolt from engine block causing unhealthy exhaust to go into the cabin. Faulty Exhaust manifold removed/replaced with an upgraded new manifold/engine block bolts by license auto repair shop.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof made an abnormal popping sound. The contact noticed that the panoramic sunroof panel had become inoperable. The contact stated that the sunroof panel and the sunroof rails had fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Transmission failing due to torque converter issues. It is available for inspection. Sudden loss of power or slipping transmission. It has been inspected by technician. No warning lights prior to experiencing the problem.
Lead frame issue where truck downshifted hard as I was driving then was stuck in a higher gear. Had to have it towed into Ford for repair. Cost about $2,000
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The driving release and then depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The “Service Engine” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 117,000.
While traveling on the highway my F150 downshifted to 3rd gear from 6th causing the truck to slow abruptly. I pulled over and it would not accelerate, after turning the ignition off and on a few times the problem seemed to have went away long enough to get home.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 53 MPH in the rain, the rear end of the vehicle suddenly seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the lead frame output sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
My 2016 F150 it’s transmission downshifts just driving down the road the same thing they are recalling the 2014 F150 for
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the instrument cluster was flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle was towing a 16-foot RV at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the transmission had independently shifted to first gear, nearly causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure and occurred at various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.