Vehicle report
2016 Ford F-150
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2016 Ford F-150, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2016 Ford F-150 has 14 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. NHTSA has not published an overall crash-test rating for this model year. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
14
Open recalls
15
Complaints
—
Overall safety
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2016 Ford F-150 recalls (14)
ENGINE
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.
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.
ENGINE
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.
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.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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.
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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."
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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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."
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.
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 may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
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.
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 seat occupant in the event of a crash.
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.
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 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.
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.
ENGINE
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.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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.
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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. The ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of the ball joint.
Remedy: DRiV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the ball joint, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco Automotive customer service at 1-877-489-6659.
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 brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
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.
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.
2016 Ford F-150 owner complaints (15)
- POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I would like to file complaint against Ford for their latest recall (26N041) and how they are not doing replacing the defective Lead Frame in customers vehicles. It's a big scam and a waste of time. I brought my 2016 Ford F-150 in for Ford’s latest recall (26N04) affecting 2015–2017 models due to the transmission leadframe issue. I explained that I’ve been dealing with an intermittent problem for the past seven months: while driving, the gear indicator lights on the dash begin to flicker, and when that happens, the transmission shifts extremely hard and slams into the next gear. Ford kept my truck for a week and told me they were unable to duplicate the issue. They stated that multiple technicians drove the vehicle and none of them observed any problems. When I arrived to pick it up, I was handed a bill for more than $250 for a diagnostic fee. Within four miles of leaving the dealership, the gear indicator lights began flickering again. It’s difficult to accept that several technicians drove the truck over multiple days and never encountered the issue I experienced almost immediately. The entire process felt like a waste of time and money, and I’m left without any resolution to a problem that clearly still exists. They are not honoring the recall, they are trying to charge customers for the repair.
- POWER TRAIN
Truck downshifts into low gear, yellow wrench and engine light come on and the truck goes into limp mode, no warnings or anything. These symptoms first started about 5 months ago and I have stopped driving the truck for that time. I took it to the dealer after looking it up and seeing there was a recall 26S28 for the molded leadframe. At the dealer they told me they couldn't perform the service because my truck was showing codes: P061A-00, P0720-00, and P0722-00 and they needed: P0705, P0706, P0707, P1702 to perform the recall service. My codes also point to the molded leadframe but the speed sensors instead of the range sensors.
- POWER TRAIN
XXX, my Ford F-150 began experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission shifting problems. The truck would downshift unexpectedly while traveling at various speeds. At times, it would not downshift properly when coming to a complete stop, and it would sometimes shift back up into third gear from a complete stop at a stoplight.On one occasion, while traveling approximately 65 mph, the truck unexpectedly downshifted. The sudden change in the vehicle's behavior was extremely unsettling and made me concerned about maintaining control. What made the situation even more frightening was that I had no center lane or safe area to pull over without potentially becoming a hazard to the traffic around me. I had nowhere to simply get out of the way and figure out what was happening. That is an extremely unsettling feeling when you are traveling at highway speeds. Another incident was even more frightening. While traveling approximately 55 mph on the highway, the truck unexpectedly downshifted while a logging truck was traveling directly behind me. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull onto the shoulder. I contacted my local Ford dealer and was told that its a Software repair, was not yet available and that I would need to wait for Ford's software fix. Extremely concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle that was behaving this way, I contacted Ford directly and asked Is it safe to continue driving the vehicle? Response -Ford was not advising owners to discontinue operation of the vehicle. Took place on XXX, at approximately 8:11 a.m. with Ford representative [XXX]. On XXX, I bring the truck to the Ford dealership for the software update. I received the vehicle back the same day, expected the problem had finally been corrected. Like I never had the truck "software" fix. Back to dealership - they redid the software fix, not fixed. No codes, and still no fix for the transmission shifting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- POWER TRAIN
On August 21, 2026, my 2016 Ford F-150 was serviced at Five Star Ford to perform safety recall 26S28 (Powertrain Control Module software update). Immediately following this software flash, the transmission's shifting logic became severely corrupted and unsafe to drive. The vehicle currently acts as if it has completely lost 2nd gear, experiences a severe lag when shifting up into 6th gear, and repeatedly fails to lock itself into 3rd, 4th, or 5th gears. The dealership is currently using a temporary lack of hard Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to deny coverage for an internal physical lead frame component replacement under the 26S28 extended warranty guidelines, claiming instead that a complete, out-of-pocket transmission replacement assembly is required. The safety update has directly induced a severe driving hazard, leaving the vehicle unable to properly find or maintain standard highway gears.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number : 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN) and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was remedied. The contact contact continued to drive the vehicle when the failure occurred while driving at 60 MPH the transmission downshifted from 5th gear into 3rd gear, the service vehicle soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the molded plastic lead frame was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to maintain acceleration while the accelerator pedal was depressed, which caused the vehicle to jerk forward into the rear bumper of another vehicle in traffic. The front bumper struck the rear bumper of the other vehicle. A warning message reading "Cannot Exceed 80 MPH" and an additional unknown warning message were displayed. The air bags did not deploy. No injuries were reported. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the front bumper was replaced at the contact's expense. The vehicle was later repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Powertrain); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from recurring. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle needed further diagnostic testing for a possible transmission repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was not experiencing any failure prior to the recall repair; however, after the recall repair was completed, the transmission started downshifting roughly and would not shift beyond second or third gear, creating a severe road hazard while driving on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure but informed the contact that the issue could not be resolved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to reach out to the dealer; however, the dealer was unwilling to assist. The failure mileage was 200,000.
- POWER TRAIN
Vehicle transmission downshift to a lower gear while traveling at city and highway speeds without any prior warning or driver input. Diagnostic showed codes P0715 and P0717. The following day we received notification from Ford of the recall "Transmission molded leadframe replacement" (Campaign 26N04)" - which was investigated by NHTSA as part of Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V237. When we spoke to our local dealership in [XXX] they felt it was the same issues as the recall describes. However, when we submitted the vehicle for repairs, they reported that these specific diagnostic codes (P0715 and P0717) are NOT considered part of the recall and are therefore NOT covered by the recall. But the repair needed for our codes are the SAME remedy as recall indicates. So, we are left with out-of-pocket expenses of over $2,000 because the code is one digit off. We would like to confirm with the NHTSA if these codes are actually covered, and if not, WHY? Our vehicle is experiencing the exact same issues as reported in your evaluation and my [XXX] old son is not safe in this vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- STEERING
"While operating my 2016 Ford F-150, the vehicle lost power-steering assist. Ray Skillman Ford diagnosed an internal failure of the power steering control module and replaced the steering gear assembly. The vehicle had approximately 94,620 miles. Sudden loss of steering assist significantly increased the effort required to steer the truck and created a safety concern. The repair cost me $3,804.27."
- POWER TRAIN
My truck at 45 mph suddenly downshifted to first gear. It locked my tires causing me to fish tail. Luckily I lost control beside a shoulder and not into a ditch or another vehicle. I was near my home and turned onto a country road and was able to drive 20 mph or less to get it home. It is due to a recall that currently has no clear repair. Ford is aware of this issue and has done next to nothing to assist me. I have no vehicle and have not had one for nearly a month. The service team manager called to tell me the parts were not available but are ordered. He also mentioned his mechanics were afraid to drive my truck from the lot to the garage because the truck is acting so erratically. There is no way this should not be addressed. I’ve only been asking for Ford to do the right thing. They’ve done nothing. It is dangerous I could have been killed in an accident because of this. My truck could have also fish tailed into oncoming traffic endangering others as well. I am not sure what else can be done. I’m out of options. Ford has refused to give me a loaner vehicle or pay for a rental due to company policy. I’m looking for any assistance at this point. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the vehicle lunged forward. Additionally, while attempting to slow down to stop the vehicle, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN). After retrieving the vehicle, the vehicle lunged forward and independently accelerated, and the transmission failed to properly shift into the intended gear. During the failures, the vehicle was restarted, and the failure was self-corrected. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The contact was later sent a letter from the manufacturer stating that additional service to the powertrain leadframe might be needed after the recall remedy was performed. The contact was informed that the additional service was not covered under the recall. No additional information was available. The failure mileage was 148,000.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
This vehicle 2016 ford F150 is known to have shorting issues. From literally all wiring harnesses. I had a small fire in my truck due to this issue, caused melting of the ribbon cable in my seat heater control module, which is a known issue from Ford. I have shorting in my turn signal switch (no wipers). Is that safe? I am a research scientist and engineer, I can tell you now it is not safe. If i need to prove it, I can do so with ease and write the necessary literature. If I cant use my AC sometimes, the windows fog, then i cant use the wipers to unfog them, how is this not a visibility issue? Not to mention all the shorts. I have a 40 gallon fuel tank, if any shorts get near it, is that going to be a fun experience for me? Please give Ford a penalty, the average owner of this truck pays thousands a year in repairs. I paid $17,800.00 in 2025 to repair this piece of shit. And it still has major issues. This is something ford needs to address, i want my wiring to be replaced, i bought a new engine, what if i cant use it especailly with the 3 year warranty bc the wiring consistently shorts and fails. unacceptable for a truck that's sticker price is $80k. This is a major problem, I will file claims until im afforded a response
- POWER TRAIN
Ford Motor sent notice 26s28 to me regarding a possible problem with my transmission/powertrain. On August 12 they reprogrammed my Powertrain Control Module. In the letter regarding this upgrade they also stated, and I quote: " If your dashboard displays a Malfunction Indicator Lamp(MIL)or Powertrain Warning Lamp(wrench symbol) either before or after the software update is installed, your dealer will run a diagnostic test. If specific diagnostic trouble codes relating to the transmission codes relating to the transmission are found, the dealer will replace the lead frame at no cost to you under Extended Warranty Program 26N04." The day after the software update my truck did for first time ever display a yellow wrench symbol. They said bring it back in and they'd run a diagnostic. They did and it showed a stored code P0717. This code relates directly to the Input/Turbine Speed Sensor. It is a sensor built directly into the lead frame mentioned earlier, which Ford said they'd replace at no cost under 26N04. But from Fords point of view, this is not one of their acceptable codes for free lead frame replacement. WHAT? It is built "directly into the lead frame, and can't be independently replaced." In essence, it IS the Leadframe. This code should obviously be included in the group of acceptable Ford codes as relating to this issue. My case number with Ford is CXH-08937978-D1N4V6. Thank you for your time in reviewing this situation.
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I made an appointment for July 22,2026 with Purvis Ford in Fredericksburg to have the 28S26 recall for a transmission issue outlined in the recall. The process was estimated to be 4-6 hours. Purvis Ford called said the software upgrade was completed and i could get my truck. The truck would not shift out of 1st gear so i turned around and went back to the dealer and told the service advisor the situation. He told me i had to drive it for about two hundred miles to get it adapted to my driving habits. I drove it about 20 miles to my home and never shifted out of low gear. I called the service advisor and he said it needed to be towed back to the dealership for a second recall procedure. That was scheduled for the following Friday. On Thursday they called and said it needed a new transmission. The transmission was working fine when i delivered it to them. I did exact all what they told me to do. I’ve made several calls to Ford customer Service with no help from them. Monday the service manager told me it was going to be test driven by a factory technician and they would get back to me. It’s now Wednesday and no word on what the results are. I called this morning and was supposed to get called back but as of this hour nothing. What course of action do i have at this point.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); but the failure occurred. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no result on the diagnostic test associated with the transmission failure, and the repair was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Checking a used Ford F-150 before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2016 F-150 in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular F-150's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2016 Ford F-150 in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Ford F-150, or browse more Ford models.
2016 Ford F-150 — questions and answers
Does the 2016 Ford F-150 have any recalls?+
Our check found 14 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2016 Ford F-150. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150 in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2016 Ford F-150 safe?+
NHTSA has not published an overall crash-test rating for the 2016 Ford F-150. Review the owner complaints above and get an independent inspection to assess the specific vehicle's condition.
How do I check a 2016 Ford F-150 VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Ford free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Ford dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
Get the full vehicle history report
SPONSOREDAccident & damage records, liens, title brands, ownership history, and odometer verification.
Provided by our vehicle-history partner. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.