NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 2,053 owner complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150.
13Safety recalls
2,053Owner complaints
56Complaints citing a crash
25Complaints citing a fire
Data: NHTSA recall and complaint filesUpdated Sep 27, 2026
Recalled components: powertrain, brakes, engine, seat belts, and 3 more. Most-reported area: powertrain (582 complaints, 28%; median mileage when it happened: 94,700). Excludes the electric F-150 Lightning.
13 safety recalls for the 2016 Ford F-150
Newest first. Summaries are NHTSA's own wording. Open a recall for the fix and the full notice.
A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017F-150 vehicles.
5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Risk: 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.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Brakes: foundation components, master cylinder; Brakes: power assist. Ford campaign 22S11.
5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Risk: 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.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Brakes: foundation components, master cylinder; Brakes: power assist. Ford campaign 20S31.
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.
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2016F-150pick-up trucks equipped with 3.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Engine; Equipment: electrical. Ford campaign 20S08.
During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
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.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Engine; Equipment: electrical. Ford campaign 19S11.
Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Risk: 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.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
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.
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.
Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Seat belts: pretensioner; Body structure: body, roof and pillars. Ford campaign 18S27.
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles.
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.
Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
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 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."
Risk: 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.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 17C12.
Latches, locks and linkages
May 22, 2017
doors · latch
Fails federal standard 206 (door locks and retention)
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."
Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017F-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.
NHTSA listing: F-150. Components: Latches, locks and linkages: doors, latch; Body structure: body, door. Ford campaign 17C09.
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."
Risk: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
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 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.
Risk: 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.
The fix and full notice
Fix: 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.
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).
NHTSA listing: F-150. Ford campaign 16S05.
Questions about any of these recalls: call NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 888-275-9171) or check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA also lists 1 equipment recall for parts sold for this vehicle, not the vehicle itself: Suspension: front, control arm, upper ball joint (Tenneco Automotive, 21E-027).
What owners report
The areas named in the 2,053 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 F-150. NHTSA does not verify complaints.
Powertrain582 · 28%
Median 94,700 miles at failure (226 reports)
Brakes337 · 16%
Most named: foundation components, master cylinder (10) · Median 33,800 miles at failure (262 reports)
Engine317 · 15%
Median 51,000 miles at failure (159 reports)
Body structure199 · 10%
Most named: body (184); body, door (8) · Median 20,000 miles at failure (133 reports)
Electrical system187 · 9%
Most named: instrument panel, speedometer/odometer (3) · Median 40,000 miles at failure (100 reports)
Visibility/wiper107 · 5%
Median 45,000 miles at failure (63 reports)
Speed control99 · 5%
Median 38,900 miles at failure (48 reports)
Unknown or other251 · 12%
Median 27,000 miles at failure (101 reports)
A complaint can name more than one area, so shares add up to more than 100%. Mileage is shown where at least 15 owners reported it.
Ford F-150 recalls and complaints by model year
The highlighted bars are the 2016 model year. Newer model years have had less time on the road, so their counts are lower. Counting complaints filed in each model year's first three years, the 2018 F-150 drew the most (501) and the 2016 drew 496.
Owner complaints
2016: 2,053 complaintsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Owner complaints by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Complaints
2016
2,053
2017
1,437
2018
2,308
2019
1,327
2020
727
2021
1,269
2022
805
2023
501
2024
222
2025
123
2026
14
Safety recalls
2016: 13 recallsTap or drag across the chart for other years.
Show as a table
Safety recalls by model year, Ford F-150
Model year
Recalls
2016
13
2017
17
2018
18
2019
9
2020
11
2021
29
2022
23
2023
13
2024
11
2025
15
2026
5
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for each version it tested. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimate of the chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Tested version
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x2
Rollover risk 19.1%
Ford F-150 Regular Cab PU/RC 4x4
Rollover risk 19.1%
Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4x2
Rollover risk 19.1%
Ford F-150 Super Crew PU/CC 4x4
Rollover risk 19.1%
Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x2
Rollover risk 19.1%
Ford F-150 Supercab PU/EC 4x4
Rollover risk 19.1%
Questions
What are the most common 2016 F-150 problems?
The areas owners name most often in NHTSA complaints: powertrain (582), brakes (337), engine (317). NHTSA does not verify complaints, and one complaint can name several areas.
Is the 2016 Ford F-150 safe?
In NHTSA crash tests every tested version of the 2016 Ford F-150 earns 5 stars overall. The table above lists each tested version.
How do I check if my F-150 has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard, door jamb or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lookup lists unrepaired recalls for that exact vehicle. Safety recall repairs are free at Ford dealers.
Sources and method
NHTSA recalls file (NHTSA datasets), dated Sep 27, 2026; every campaign checked against NHTSA's recalls API.
NHTSA owner complaints file, dated Sep 26, 2026. Counted by complaint number, so a complaint naming three components counts once in the total.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP).
NHTSA model names covered: F-150.
Complaint counts are unverified owner reports. They rise with sales volume and time on the road, so compare model years with care. How we build these pages. Spotted an error? Tell us.