Your vehicle report
2016 Ford F-150
The problems owners report. The recalls to check. The evidence behind each.
Your vehicle at a glance
Complaint patterns and official recall records, kept distinct.
- Owner complaints
- 2,093
- Received Jan 2016 to Oct 2026
Owner reports
Most reported problems
- 1Ford F-150 transmission unexpectedly downshifts or jerks352 complaints · 17% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 2Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips183 complaints · 8.7% of this vehicle’s complaints
- 3Rear door latch fails to open or close168 complaints · 8.0% of this vehicle’s complaints
Official NHTSA records
Recalls to check
- Recall #26V237000Ford 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.
- Recall #22V150000Ford 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.
BrakeNews signals
Flagged complaint patterns
Unusual complaint patterns with no matched recall yet. A flag does not mean a recall will happen.
- Ford F-150 transmission unexpectedly downshifts or jerksFirst signal: Aug 2016
- Electronic throttle body fails and cuts powerFirst signal: May 2016
- Exhaust manifold cracks and leaks fumesFirst signal: Oct 2020
Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA, not failure rates or a reliability ranking. Reported in these complaints: 58 crashes, 25 fires, 51 people injured, 0 deaths.
Explore by system
Where do owners report problems?
Choose an area on the car or a system below to explore the reported problems.
Illustrative only; not this vehicle’s exact design. Areas represent complaint categories, not confirmed defective parts.
Showing all 21 listed problems by system.
Engine & powertrain
Brakes
Electrical & lights
Airbags, belts & seats
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Steering, suspension & tires
Body, doors & glass
- Rear door latch fails to open or close
- Glass shatters or cracks without impact
- Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail
1 more problem
Driver assistance
Other
No problems in this category meet this page’s listing criteria. This does not establish that the system is free of problems.
Complaint history
When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.
Show as a table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 153 |
| 2017 | 152 |
| 2018 | 191 |
| 2019 | 207 |
| 2020 | 155 |
| 2021 | 142 |
| 2022 | 154 |
| 2023 | 186 |
| 2024 | 190 |
| 2025 | 253 |
| 2026 (to Oct 2026) | 310 |
| Total | 2,093 |
Problems owners report
Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.
| Problem | Complaints | Share | Share ratio | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 transmission unexpectedly downshifts or jerks | 352 | 17% | 23.5× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Aug 2016 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 0.9% |
| Automatic transmission shifts unexpectedly or slips | 183 | 8.7% | 7.4× | NHTSA recall #26V237000 |
| Rear door latch fails to open or close | 168 | 8.0% | 1.6× | NHTSA recall #17V331000, #17V652000 |
| Glass shatters or cracks without impact | 118 | 5.6% | 0.7× | |
| Brake master cylinder leaks fluid and fails | 114 | 5.5% | 3.1× | NHTSA recall #20V332000, #22V150000 |
| Brake pedal sinks due to leaking lines | 68 | 3.3% | 1.4× | |
| Electronic throttle body fails and cuts power | 65 | 3.1% | 3.5× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: May 2016 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 0.8% |
| Engine suddenly shuts off while driving | 57 | 2.7% | 0.5× | |
| Exhaust manifold cracks and leaks fumes | 52 | 2.5% | 5.9× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Oct 2020 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 1.2% |
| Rearview backup camera fails or goes black | 44 | 2.1% | 1.4× | |
| Transmission fails or loses power while driving | 44 | 2.1% | 2.8× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Mar 2025 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 3.1% |
| Windshield wipers work intermittently or fail | 28 | 1.3% | 2.5× | |
| Automatic emergency braking applies without reason | 28 | 1.3% | – | |
| Unintended acceleration despite braking | 24 | 1.1% | 0.2× | |
| Brakes fail intermittently or repeatedly | 23 | 1.1% | – | |
| Brake booster fails, leaving stiff pedal | 21 | 1.0% | – | NHTSA recall #22V150000 |
| Tailgate or trunk latch fails | 20 | 1.0% | – | |
| Steering wheel seizes or locks suddenly | 20 | 1.0% | 0.6× | |
| Vehicle catches fire from wiring | 18 | 0.9% | – | NHTSA recall #18V568000, #19V278000 |
| Check engine light comes on repeatedly | 18 | 0.9% | 0.9× | |
| Timing chain fails and destroys engine | 4 | 0.2% | 3.9× | BrakeNews flag · First signal: Jun 2026 Model estimate of a matched recall within 24 months: 0.4% |
AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.
Recalls
NHTSA recall #26V237000April 14, 20261,392,935 vehicles affected
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #22V150000March 11, 2022195,864 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder; 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.
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.
NHTSA recall #20V332000June 8, 2020292,311 vehicles affected
service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder; service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #20V098000February 21, 202013,854 vehicles affected
engine; equipment: electrical
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #19V278000April 8, 2019131,068 vehicles affected
engine; equipment: electrical
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #18V894000December 18, 2018410,289 vehicles affected
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #18V568000August 31, 20181,619,112 vehicles affected
seat belts: pretensioner; structure: body: roof and pillars
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #17V767000November 29, 2017177,264 vehicles affected
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #17V652000October 16, 20171,101,107 vehicles affected
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.
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.
NHTSA recall #17V526000August 28, 2017117,423 vehicles affected
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."
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.
NHTSA recall #17V331000May 22, 201714,410 vehicles affected
latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch; structure: body: door
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."
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.
NHTSA recall #16V475000June 28, 20165,280 vehicles affected
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."
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.
NHTSA recall #16V110000February 25, 20162,894 vehicles affected
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.
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.
Other model years
- 1991 304
- 1992 470
- 1993 586
- 1994 676
- 1995 626
- 1996 324
- 1997 2,758
- 1998 1,381
- 1999 1,044
- 2000 1,075
- 2001 1,236
- 2002 821
- 2003 423
- 2004 2,029
- 2005 1,112
- 2006 585
- 2007 488
- 2008 369
- 2009 324
- 2010 843
- 2011 2,194
- 2012 1,784
- 2013 2,992
- 2014 1,539
- 2015 1,745
- 2016
- 2017 1,463
- 2018 2,325
- 2019 1,343
- 2020 742
- 2021 1,040
- 2022 602
- 2023 418
- 2024 195
- 2025 109
About this data
NHTSA complaints and recalls through October 2026. Complaints are counted once each, however many components they name. Original complaints are on NHTSA's page for the 2016 Ford F-150.
Problem groups are formed by AI and may be approximate. BrakeNews flags unusual complaint patterns; they are not official defect findings. Investigation reports are written and checked by AI, with no human review. Owner reports do not establish that a defect exists.
Read the methodology and track record · Check current recalls by VIN