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2016 Ford F-150

Gas
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
14 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Recalls4 critical13
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA2,037
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA21 mpg
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Ford F-150 is sold in the U.S. as a gas pickup truck with 14 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the F150 2.7L 2WD GVWR>6649 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE, is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for this model year, 4 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 2037 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
F150 2.7L 2WD GVWR>6649 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGasRWD2.7L 6-cyl turbo182421$2,950
F150 Pickup 2WDGasRWD2.7L 6-cyl turbo192521$2,950
F150 Pickup 2WDGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo172420$3,100
F150 Pickup 2WD FFVGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl182420$3,100
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)2.7L 6-cyl turbo182320$3,100
F150 2.7L 4WD GVWR>6799 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGas4WD (part-time)2.7L 6-cyl turbo182219$3,300
F150 Pickup 4WD FFVGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl172219$3,300
F150 3.5L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGasRWD3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,450
F150 Pickup 2WD FFVGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl152218$3,450
F150 Pickup 4WDGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo162218$3,450
F150 3.5L 4WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGas4WD (part-time)3.5L 6-cyl turbo152017$3,650
F150 Pickup 4WD FFVGas4WD (part-time)5.0L 8-cyl152117$3,650
F150 5.0L 2WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGasRWD5.0L 8-cyl142016$3,900
F150 5.0L 4WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGEGas4WD (part-time)5.0L 8-cyl141916$3,900

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 37044, 37039, 37040, 37041, 37047, 37051, 37049, 37045, 37042, 37048.

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Recalls (13)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Power Train

26S28
1,392,935 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskUnexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V237000reported Apr 14, 2026Ford Motor Company
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

22S11
195,864 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA 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.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 22V150000reported Mar 11, 2022Ford Motor Company
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

20S31
292,311 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA 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.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V332000reported Jun 8, 2020Ford Motor Company
!critical

Equipment

20S08
13,854 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 20V098000reported Feb 21, 2020Ford Motor Company
!critical

Equipment

19S11
131,068 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 19V278000reported Apr 8, 2019Ford Motor Company
!critical

Engine

18S45
410,289 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskWhen 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.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V894000reported Dec 18, 2018Ford Motor Company
!critical

Structure

18S27
1,619,112 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 18V568000reported Aug 31, 2018Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seats

17S40
177,264 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskIn the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V767000reported Nov 29, 2017Ford Motor Company
●moderate

Latches/Locks/Linkages

17S33
1,101,107 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskA door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V652000reported Oct 16, 2017Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seat Belts

17C12
117,423 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskIf 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.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V526000reported Aug 28, 2017Ford Motor Company
▲high

Structure

17C09
14,410 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskIf the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 17V331000reported May 22, 2017Ford Motor Company
▲high

Seats

16C11
5,280 vehicles
ProblemFord 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."RiskThe seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V475000reported Jun 28, 2016Ford Motor Company
▲high

Air Bags

16S05
2,894 vehicles
ProblemFord 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.RiskIf an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixFord 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.
NHTSA campaign 16V110000reported Feb 25, 2016Ford Motor Company

NHTSA defect investigations

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up open

On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were eq

Opened Jan 30, 2026 · action EA26001

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up closed

On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by Ford Motor Company (Ford). The complaints allege that, without warning or driver input, the subject vehicles experienced a sudden and rapid deceleration often accompanied by temporary rear wheel lockup, seizure, or skidding, resulting in a loss of vehicle control that increases the risk of crash and injury to all motorists, including those not within the subject vehicles. The MY 2015 and MY 2016 F-150 vehicles were

Opened Mar 21, 2025 · closed Jan 30, 2026 · action PE25002

Seat Belts:Pretensioner — Seatbelt Pretensioner Fire closed

On June 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE18-008) to investigate complaints alleging post-crash fires at the B pillar in the area of the seat belt pretensioners on MY 2014-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab, and Super Crew Cab Vehicles. On August 24, 2018, Ford Motor Company recalled (FSA 18S27 - NHTSA #18V568) the affected population. Ford's investigation found that some front seat belt pretensioners may generate sparks during deployment in excess of Ford's specification. Sparks in the pretensioner exhaust gases inside the lower portion of the B-pillar may subsequently ignite combustible components contained in the B-pillar, such as insulation

Opened Aug 3, 2018 · closed Dec 17, 2018 · action PE18008

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder — Brake Master Cylinder Failure closed

On June 8, 2020, Ford Motor Company issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall No. 20V-332) of 292,311 model year (MY) 2014-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines and built from 9/1/2014 to 8/1/2016. Ford stated that the causes of brake fluid loss in the master cylinder are brake fluid contamination that can interfere with rear cup seal function, and rolling of the rearmost cup seal.Prior to total loss of the front brakes, depending on the amount of brake fluid loss in the master cylinder, the driver may receive an audible chime, message center alert and red brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster, and may experience a change in brake pedal travel and increased peda

Opened Sep 28, 2016 · closed Jul 5, 2020 · action RQ16001

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
2037complaints filed

56 involved a crash · 25 a fire · 48 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 153 · 2017: 152 · 2018: 191 · 2019: 207 · 2020: 155 · 2021: 142 · 2022: 154 · 2023: 186 · 2024: 190 · 2025: 253 · 2026: 254

Most-cited components

Power Train573
Engine316
Service Brakes301
Unspecified251
Structure201
Electrical System187

What owners describe

“After doing extensive research on the 2016 3.5L F150 eco-boost exhaust manifold failure, it seems that this is a very common issue. Especially when both sides are warped, it lends to the consideration that a design flaw involving a restriction of the front cylinders increases pressure to the point of failure.”Jun 25, 2021 · Engine And Engine Cooling · NHTSA owner report
“Truck speed went down when driving, try to seed up on the gas pedal for a few seconds didnt wana move forward. This has happend three time already, My son has a code reader thing that when he plugged it to My truck this code came up P0720. Had to park My truck at home for My worry and safety. My son took it to the Ford…”Jun 24, 2021 · Power Train · NHTSA owner report
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed the brake pedal traveled to the floor. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle has not been seen nor diagnosed. No dealer was contacted. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V332000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) as…”Jun 24, 2021 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
PU/CC 4x2★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/CC 4x4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/EC 4x2★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/EC 4x4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/RC 4x2★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%
PU/RC 4x4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Compare the 2016 F-150 with

2016 Chevrolet Silverado →2016 Ram 1500 →2016 Toyota Tacoma →2016 GMC Sierra →2016 Toyota Tundra →

Other F-150 model years

D

2026 Ford F-150

3 recalls · 11 complaints

F

2025 Ford F-150

14 recalls · 120 complaints

F

2024 Ford F-150

10 recalls · 219 complaints

F

2023 Ford F-150

12 recalls · 499 complaints

F

2022 Ford F-150

23 recalls · 799 complaints

F

2021 Ford F-150

29 recalls · 1,252 complaints

F

2020 Ford F-150

11 recalls · 721 complaints

F

2019 Ford F-150

9 recalls · 1,316 complaints

F

2018 Ford F-150

18 recalls · 2,293 complaints

F

2017 Ford F-150

17 recalls · 1,430 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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