Federal telemetry verified ● Model-year dossier

2016 FORD F-150

Complaint-pattern analysis from publicly available NHTSA safety records.

9.3Reliability score / 10

System health index

Reliability telemetry

A cohort-relative signal that annualizes documented reports for vehicle age and weights NHTSA crash or fire flags.

Documented incidents114

Reports with crash / fire flags6

Flagged-report share5.26%

Primary reported systemPOWER TRAIN

Scores are relative to the indexed vehicle cohort, not failure rates. Crash and fire flags identify how a complaint was recorded by NHTSA; they do not establish that a reported component caused the event.

View NHTSA source reports 114 documented reports → Compare this vehicle Choose another model →

Data-based buyer guidance

Research carefully

Review the underlying reports, recall status, and service history before making a vehicle-specific decision.

Dataset signal

This model year has 114 processed complaint reports; POWER TRAIN is the most frequently classified system at 79.8% of reports.

Model-year context

Available adjacent years span 84–114 reports. This year has more reports than 2017.

Before you buy

Check open recalls using the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Review the linked NHTSA reports for symptoms that match the vehicle you are considering.
Ask for maintenance records and arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection.

This is a statistical research aid, not a mechanical diagnosis, failure prediction, or recommendation to buy or avoid a vehicle.

Component analysis

Most frequently reported systems.

POWER TRAIN91 documented reports

79.8%

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED11 documented reports

9.6%

ENGINE9 documented reports

7.9%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM9 documented reports

7.9%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6 documented reports

5.3%

SERVICE BRAKES5 documented reports

4.4%

AIR BAGS3 documented reports

2.6%

VISIBILITY/WIPER3 documented reports

2.6%

EXTERIOR LIGHTING2 documented reports

1.8%

STEERING2 documented reports

1.8%

Show all 12 reported components

SUSPENSION1 documented reports

0.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1 documented reports

0.9%

Failure intelligence

What to inspect before you buy.

Complaint clusters identify repeated reported symptoms; they are not a diagnosis or defect finding.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Malfunctions in 2016 Ford F-150

41 reports

Danger zone mileage128–56,166 miMedian: 250 mi

Reported symptoms

Unexpected downshifting to a lower gear
Vehicle stuck in gear while at a complete stop
Grinding sounds from transmission
Transmission disengagement while driving or idling, leading to acceleration failure or sudden acceleration after a delay

Pre-purchase check

Inspect powertrain control module settings and leadframe condition, review any software updates performed under recall Campaign Number: 26V237000.

POWER TRAIN: 41 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 1 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 128, median 250, and P75 56166 miles.

ENGINE

Transmission Downshifting and Stalling Issues

3 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Transmission unexpectedly downshifted
Power train warning light illuminated
Several other warning lights illuminated
Vehicle stalled while driving at speed (approx. 70 MPH) in one case due to unknown issues, lost motive power, went into LIMP Mode

Pre-purchase check

Diagnostic tests should be conducted on transmission components and electrical systems to identify warning light triggers and malfunctions in transmission behavior.

ENGINE: 3 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

SERVICE BRAKES

Service Brake Failure

3 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Loss of braking power
Brake pedal goes to the floor
Audible alarm for low brake fluid
Brakes fail after steep descent

Pre-purchase check

Inspect master cylinder for leaks and verify recall status; check brake fluid level and brake booster condition.

SERVICE BRAKES: 3 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

ENGINE

Unexpected Gear Shifting

2 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Downshifting to first gear while driving at high speed
Loss of control of the vehicle
Engine revving uncontrollably
Wrench light on the dashboard

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the transmission control system and related sensors for errors or malfunctions that may cause unexpected gear shifts.

ENGINE: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Molded Lead Frame Issues in Power Train

2 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Shifting erratically
Not shifting below 3rd gear
Downshifting into low gear
Yellow wrench and engine light activation (limp mode)

Pre-purchase check

Check for diagnostic trouble codes related to the molded lead frame and ensure that the proper codes are being generated for recall servicing.

POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Power Train Issues Related to Sudden Downshifting

2 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Sudden downshifting to first gear causing loss of control
Abrupt slowing of the vehicle
Erratic behavior of the truck during operation
Difficulty driving the vehicle at normal speeds

Pre-purchase check

Monitor for sudden changes in speed or gear shift patterns. Seek immediate assistance if alterations in normal operation occur.

POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Unexpected Downshifting of Power Train

2 reports

Danger zone mileage60–60 miMedian: 60 mi

Reported symptoms

Unexpected downshift into first gear causing rear wheel lock-up
Loss of control during downshifting while cruise control engaged
Engine revving uncontrollably due to downshift
Safety concerns during highway driving due to sudden gear changes

Pre-purchase check

Inspect software updates and stability control systems related to powertrain management.

POWER TRAIN: 2 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 60, median 60, and P75 60 miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Back Up Camera Malfunction

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Camera not displaying images correctly
Inability to detect objects behind the vehicle

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the back up camera system for proper functionality and sensor calibration.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 1 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Body Control Module (BCM) Water Damage

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Wipers not functioning
Blinkers not functioning
External lights not functioning
Speedometer/Tachometer not functioning properly (not operational)

Pre-purchase check

Inspect for water ingress around the windshield seal and verify the condition of the wiring harness connected to the BCM.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical System Intermittent Stalling

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while in motion
Dash display shows wrench indicator
Radio and lights remain operational despite stalling
Requires multiple attempts to restart after stalling

Pre-purchase check

Inspect electrical system connections, battery health, and potential fault codes related to the vehicle's electronic control unit.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Electrical System Shorting Issues

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Shorting in wiring harnesses
Small fire in vehicle
Melting of components
Failure in turn signal switch and wipers not operating properly

Pre-purchase check

Inspect wiring harnesses for signs of damage or short circuits, particularly near high-heat areas or components known for electrical failures, such as the seat heater control module.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 1 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Transmission Lead Frame Issue

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Gear indicator lights flicker on the dash
Transmission shifts hard causing slamming into next gear
Intermittent problem occurring for months

Pre-purchase check

Verify functionality of the transmission lead frame and check for error codes related to gear shifting and indicator lights.

ENGINE

Engine Performance Issue

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Loud sound during operation
Vehicle jerks or shifts unexpectedly
Loss of control while driving

Pre-purchase check

Inspect engine components and transmission for proper functioning and look for any signs of abnormal wear or damage.

ENGINE: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED

Back Up Camera Malfunction

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Back up camera not displaying properly
Failure to detect objects behind vehicle
Malfunction during low-light conditions

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the back up camera system for any visible damage or software issues, and verify object detection functionality under various conditions.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 1 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED

Loss of Brakes

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Total loss of braking power
Alert for low brake fluid
Brake pedal goes to the floor
Audible alarm sounding

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the master cylinder and brake system for leaks and functionality; check for known recalls regarding brake components.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED

Panoramic Sunroof Issues

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Sticking or binding operation
Excessive wind noise
Water leaks
Failure of glass panels or mechanisms to open and close properly

Pre-purchase check

Inspect panoramic sunroof for operational failures, alignment issues, and water intrusion signs.

OTHER / UNSPECIFIED

Wrench Light Activation and Valve Body Replacement

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Wrench light comes on intermittently
Valve body lead frame replacement required

Pre-purchase check

Inspect for diagnostic trouble codes related to transmission and conduct a visual check of the valve body assembly.

POWER TRAIN

Intermittent Transmission Downshift at Highway Speeds

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Intermittent downshift of transmission at highway speeds
Skid on wet road due to downshift

Pre-purchase check

Inspect transmission control system and check for active engine codes to diagnose issues effectively.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Power Train Gear Shifting Issue

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle shifts unexpectedly from 5th to 1st gear while driving
Concern over safety due to unexpected shifting behavior
Requests for recall assistance without code confirmation

Pre-purchase check

Further inspection may be required to determine the cause of the unexpected gear shifts, particularly focusing on the power train and any relevant recalls.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Power Train Noise and Vibration

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Constant "rumble strip" noise
Vibration while driving

Pre-purchase check

Inspect power train components for wear and alignment issues.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Power Train Shift Issue

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle suddenly shifts while driving
Loud sound during shift
Jerk experienced in vehicle
Loss of control while driving

Pre-purchase check

Inspect power train components for wear or malfunction, focusing on transmission and shifting mechanisms.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Powertrain Stalling Issues

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Dash display shows wrench indicator
Vehicle stalls during driving
Engine dies but electrical systems remain on
Difficulty restarting after stalling

Pre-purchase check

Inspect vehicle powertrain components, including wiring and electronic control units, for faults.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Failure During Rapid Downshift

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Transmission downshifted rapidly
Wrench warning light illuminated
Transmission failed to engage

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the powertrain control module and transmission components for irregularities or faults.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Gear Locking Issue

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Transmission locks in 3rd gear
Transmission locks in 5th gear

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the transmission sensors and codes for potential issues outside of listed recalls.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Shift Failure

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Transmission unexpectedly shifted into first gear
Truck skidded to a stop
Rear end locked up

Pre-purchase check

Inspect transmission control module and software for faults, check for any mechanical failures in the transmission system.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Shifting Issues Post-Recall

1 reports

Danger zone mileage190,000–190,000 miMedian: 190,000 mi

Reported symptoms

Transmission shifting early during acceleration
Aggressive engagement into drive
Poor shifting performance after service

Pre-purchase check

Inspect transmission fluid levels and quality. Check for any software updates or adjustments related to recall work performed. Test drive to assess shifting behavior.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 190000, median 190000, and P75 190000 miles.

POWER TRAIN

Unexpected Downshift in Power Train

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

downshifting to first gear unexpectedly
jerking sensation
wrench light illumination on dash
increased frequency of issue

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the transmission system for faults and check the vehicle's onboard diagnostic codes for further insights.

POWER TRAIN: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

SERVICE BRAKES

Service Brake Recall Concerns

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle could abruptly slow down
Risk of downshifting increasing crash risk

Pre-purchase check

Monitor for signs of abrupt changes in vehicle speed or shifting issues until recall remedy is available.

SERVICE BRAKES: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Erratic Shifting Issues After Recall Update

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Erratic shifting
Violent gear dropping

Pre-purchase check

Inspect vehicle transmission and perform diagnostic tests to identify error codes post-recall update.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle Speed Control Failure

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle stalls while driving
Wrench warning icon appears in dashboard
Unable to restart vehicle immediately after stalling
Vehicle shifts unexpectedly to lower gear during stall

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the vehicle's speed control system and related electrical components for faults or malfunctions.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Vehicle Speed Control Malfunction

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Vehicle suddenly shifts while driving
Loud sound during shifting
Jerking motion while driving
Loss of control of vehicle

Pre-purchase check

Inspect the vehicle's speed control components, including the throttle and transmission systems, for malfunctions or misalignments.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Back Up Camera Failure

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Camera screen displays all blue
Inability to see rearview

Pre-purchase check

Available for inspection upon request; recommend contacting the dealer for analysis and potential repair.

VISIBILITY/WIPER: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 0 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Electrical Shorting Issues

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Wipers inoperable
Shorting in turn signal switch
Electrical fires reported
Harsh visibility impairment due to fogging windows

Pre-purchase check

Inspect wiring harnesses for damage or corrosion; test electrical components for shorts and proper function.

VISIBILITY/WIPER: 1 NHTSA complaints in this cluster, including 0 crash-flagged and 1 fire-flagged reports; reported incident mileage spans P25 unavailable, median unavailable, and P75 unavailable miles.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Water Leak Affecting Body Control Module

1 reports

Danger zone mileageMileage not reported

Reported symptoms

Wipers malfunctioning
Blinkers not working
External lights failure
Speedometer and tachometer not functioning properly or at all during rain conditions collection of symptoms interrupting vehicle operability

Pre-purchase check

Inspect windshield seal integrity and ensure proper drainage pathways are functional to prevent water ingress into electrical components.

What the data says

POWER TRAIN is the most frequently classified component, appearing in 79.8% of complaint reports in this dataset. This 2016 FORD F-150 has 114 complaint reports in the records we have processed. One report can be classified under more than one component, so component shares do not add up to 100%.

Compare model years

These nearby model years have 2017: 84 reports. Complaint totals are not failure rates and should be read with vehicle age, sales volume, and reporting patterns in mind.

2017 9.7