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2016 Ford F-150: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford F-150: three for the engine (filed 2018–2020), two for brakes (filed 2020 and 2022), two for seat belts (filed 2017 and 2018) and six more for other parts. Owners have filed 2,061 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train and the service brakes. For comparison, owners filed 1,722 for the 2015 and 1,443 for the 2017 F-150. In NHTSA crash tests it earned 5 stars overall, with a 19.1% rollover risk.

Summary reviewed by Recalls & Safety Desk · Oct 6, 2026 How we write summaries Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 13campaigns 3 engine · 2 brake · 2 seat belt Source: NHTSA Complaints 2,061filed Owner reports, 2012–2021 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Crash tests 5★overall ★★★★★ Frontal 5★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★ Source: NHTSA NCAP Fuel economy 21mpg combined $3,110/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.7 L 6-cyl· 6-speed automatic 14 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (13)

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford F-150. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 26V237000 Filed Apr 14, 2026

Unexpected Downshift Can Cause Loss of Control

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Consequence
Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 15, 2026.
Repair progress not yet reported1,392,935 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V237000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 22V150000 Filed Mar 11, 2022

Brake Master Cylinder May Leak Fluid into Booster

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · master cylinder
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence
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 conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
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 notification letter notifying customers of the safety defect were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed April 29, 2022. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-332. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S11.
81.6% repairedof 195,864 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V150000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V332000 Filed Jun 8, 2020

Brake Master Cylinder May Leak into Booster

Service brakes, hydraulic · foundation components · master cylinder
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle. These conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake master cylinder and inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. Ford issued owners an interim notification on June 30, 2020. The recall began on October 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S31.
80.5% repairedof 292,311 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V332000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V098000 Filed Feb 21, 2020

Damage To Block Heater Cable May Cause Fire

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016 F-150 pick-up trucks equipped with 3.5L GTDI engines and block immersion heaters that were potentially relocated from their originally installed location. The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
Consequence
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the block heater's location and its cable, replacing components as necessary, free of charge. If the replacement parts are not available, dealers will disable the existing block heater cable from being used until parts become available. The recall began April 9, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S08.
99% repairedof 13,854 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V098000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 19V278000 Filed Apr 8, 2019

Damage to Block Heater Connector may cause Fire

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Consequence
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.
85.6% repairedof 131,068 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 19V278000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V894000 Filed Dec 18, 2018

Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode

Engine
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Consequence
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.
78.7% repairedof 410,289 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V894000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V568000 Filed Aug 31, 2018

Fire after Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

Seat belts · pretensioner
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
Consequence
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S27.
71.5% repairedof 1,619,112 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V568000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V767000 Filed Nov 29, 2017

Front Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts may Loosen

Seats
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence
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. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
75.3% repairedof 177,264 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V767000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V652000 Filed Oct 16, 2017

Doors may Open while Driving

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the doors opening while driving although they appear to be closed.
Consequence
A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S33.
73.4% repairedof 1,101,107 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V652000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V526000 Filed Aug 28, 2017

Left Rear Seat Belt may Detach/FMVSS 210

Seat belts · rear/other
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence
If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing the attaching rivet as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed October 18, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C12.
75.1% repairedof 117,423 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V526000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V331000 Filed May 22, 2017

Door may Unlatch in a Side Impact Collision

Latches/locks/linkages · doors · latch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles originally produced with black or body colored exterior door handles that may have been subsequently equipped with a chrome exterior door handle cover accessory kit purchased from a Ford dealer. These accessory door handle covers may cause the doors to unlatch in a side impact collision. As such, these vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence
If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the accessory covers and refund the purchase price. The recall began July 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for the recall is 17C09.
32.2% repairedof 14,410 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V331000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V475000 Filed Jun 28, 2016

Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207

Seats · front assembly · recliner
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence
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. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
75.4% repairedof 5,280 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V475000
Listed for 2016 Ford F-150. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V110000 Filed Feb 25, 2016

Restraint System May Misclassify Front Passenger

Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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 Occupant Classification System (OCS) that calibrates the air bag deployment level may incorrectly classify an adult as a child when the seat massage feature is activated.
Consequence
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 customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S05.
80.4% repairedof 2,894 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V110000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which F-150 years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Ford F-150All model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (2,061)

2,061 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.

58involved a crash
25involved a fire
48injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Ford F-150, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 2,061.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2016 compares with other F-150 years

Best and worst F-150 years →
1,783 2,983 1,534 1,722 2,061 1,443 2,312 1,330 731 1,019
2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
This year (2016)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Crash tests: 5 stars overall

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side crashDriver 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 19.1%★★★★☆
Front seat of a modern car with the seat belt buckled across the passenger seat
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2016 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
19
city
25
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,200
CO₂ tailpipe
413 g/mi
EPA class
Standard Pickup Trucks

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2016 Ford F-150 configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 21$3,200413
2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21$3,200439
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350454
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20$3,350436
2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20$3,350452
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19$3,550464
2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 22 / 19$3,550467
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18$3,700498
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700493
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18$3,700485
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17$3,950521
3.5 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17$3,950526
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16$4,200555
5 L 8-cyl · 6-speed automaticPart-time 4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200558

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2016 F-150 for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All F-150 years

Where to next

Which F-150 years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2017 Ford F-150 report1,443 complaints · 17 campaigns →2015 Ford F-150 report1,722 complaints · 13 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2016 Ford F-150 FAQ

How many recalls does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns: 26V237000 (power train), 22V150000 (brake), 20V332000 (brake), 20V098000 (engine), 19V278000 (engine), 18V894000 (engine), 18V568000 (seat belt), 17V767000 (seat), 17V652000 (latch), 17V526000 (seat belt), 17V331000 (structure), 16V475000 (seat), 16V110000 (air bag). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2016 Ford F-150 problems?

Owners filed 2,061 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (587), Service brakes (339), Engine (317) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2016 Ford F-150 get?

EPA rates the 2.7 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic version at 19 city, 25 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

What safety rating did the 2016 Ford F-150 get?

NHTSA rated the 2016 Ford F-150 pu/rc 4x2 5 stars overall, with 5 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.1% rollover risk).

How does the 2016 F-150 compare with other years?

Among the 2012–2021 Ford F-150 model years at least five years old, the 2020 drew the fewest complaints (731) and the 2013 the most (2,983). The 2016 drew 2,061. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Summary reviewed on Oct 6, 2026.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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