What 1,686 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford F-150 Super Cab

Transmission Lead Frame Failed.

NHTSA ODI 11659217

Seems like it doesn’t know what gear to be in. At a stop it’s in high gear then slams into low gear then check engine light

NHTSA ODI 11658746

My truck while driving will downshift into 1st gear. There are no warnings before hand. This puts me and other drivers in harms way. This has happened 4-5 times previously and then it has happened 2 this past week. When it happens my truck just stops and because my foot is on the gas the engine will rev until I put my foot on the brake. I have been very fortunate that no one has rear ended me. I do have an appt with my Ford Dealership for this coming Tuesday. At this point I’m afraid to drive it until this matter has been taken care of. I have read where there was a recall on the 2014 F150 for the same thing. I’m not sure what else you need from me at this time. Also it usually happens when I driving between 40-50mph, but this last time I was going 35mph.

NHTSA ODI 11658641

Transmission has torque converter shudder

NHTSA ODI 11658363

The transmission down shift at high speeds

NHTSA ODI 11658079

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a handheld diagnostic machine and retrieved a code indicating a failure with the catalytic convertor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact became aware of an unknown recall repair for the powertrain control module software was reprogrammed. The contact had experienced the failure several times. The contact stated the failure reoccurred 30,000 miles after each software reprogramming. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658283

Vehicle will down shift while traveling at hi way speed. It will almost make you skid.

NHTSA ODI 11656930

I have had the torque converter replaced/repaired due to a failing torques converter that caused a "rumble strip" sensation while driving and also have had to have both front and rear differentials repaired due to failed bearings. The truck has also exhibited a "groaning" sound when idling in a parking lot, or coming to a stop that dealership could never determine what cause was. I have also had a indicator light flash in my dash indicating a failed Traction Control Device, which never appeared in any diagnostics. I believe these items can also contribute to the issue at hand in the investigation of PE25002. This has happened multiple times, but I first noticed July 2021.

NHTSA ODI 11656812

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The failure caused the RPM to become elevated, and the exhaust fan activated without the engine overheating. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restart the vehicle to reset the system. The “WRENCH” and the message to “See Owner’s Manual” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used a personal diagnostic computer and retrieved DTC: P0715; for a failure of the input shaft speed sensor inside the transmission. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656257

I Was Highway Driving this afternoon so speed was about 65mph with Cruise Control On, and suddenly the truck downshifted through the gears like it went into low gear and almost lost control of the Vehicle but was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. Warning light came on as this happened that looked like a wrench(never seen before). Talked to my mechanic right away and confirmed the code that triggered the “Wrench”icon and showed 'bad lead frame in the transmission’… I have never had such an experience with a vehicle ( other then that something severely breakdown because of broken part or flat) to cause such an unsafe situation and thus reason for making this my first ever Report to the NHTSA. So hopefully gets documented and seen by the proper authority’s to remedy this before someone could easily have lost control and been severely injured. After doing just a little checking on this it appears that Ford has had several issue like this with recall’s to earlier year models :-( …. thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11656448

Driving 45mph vehicle down shifted. This has happened twice in the last two weeks.

NHTSA ODI 11656011

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while at a red light the vehicle failed to move forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a transmission repair facility where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

NHTSA ODI 11656094

Was driving down highway going about 60/65 mph. Then the transmission shifted from 6th gear to 1st gear very rapidly. Was able to pull over to side of road and truck repeatedly jerked while shifting back into 3rd then back to 6th. Truck drove normally for a while afterward and then it happened again when driving roughly 40 mph. This seems like a major safety issue considering downshifting 5 gears suddenly reduces speed quickly and can cause an accident or loss of control. It seems something with the transmission is the issue. It is available for inspection if requested. There’s been issues with the gears shifting incorrectly and when taken to ford they just say they don’t know what I’m talking about and give the truck back but it’s pretty obvious when driving that there’s a transmission issue. However this is the first instance where it shifted significantly when driving at a high speed. The check engine and wrench lights popped on when the incident occurred as well.

NHTSA ODI 11655626

Vehicle will suddenly downshift and has locked up the rear tires. Sometimes vehicle won't start because the P (park) light is not illuminated

NHTSA ODI 11655384

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact was able to pull over to a nearby parking lot, and the vehicle was turned off and restarted to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, Sea Breeze Ford (1701 NJ-35, Wall Township, NJ 07719), who diagnosed that the brakes might have caused the failure. The dealer replaced the brake pads and rotors on all four wheels. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not under a recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 335,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654442

I’m a single mother driving a 2016 Ford F-150, my only vehicle, while transporting small children daily. I’ve been experiencing sudden, violent shaking and unexpected downshifting while driving, especially at highway speeds. On more than one occasion, it has felt like the rear wheels try to lock, causing the entire truck to jolt and decelerate rapidly, putting my safety and the safety of my children at serious risk. I’ve taken the truck to the dealership and multiple independent mechanics, but no one can diagnose the issue because no error codes appear related to the transmission or shifting. The only code that comes up is for a faulty catalytic converter, but both catalytic converters have already been replaced. The dealership confirmed that the check engine light keeps coming on anyway, even though there’s no actual issue with the new parts. They said it’s as if the system is being triggered by something else, but they don’t know what. I was relieved to learn that NHTSA is investigating this exact issue in 2015–2017 F-150 models, because what I’m experiencing matches it exactly. I depend on this truck for everything, school drop-offs, groceries, and survival, and I have no backup vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to prioritize this investigation and take action. This is not just a transmission defect, it’s a public safety threat, and families like mine are being forced to drive dangerous vehicles simply because there’s no help yet. Please step in and hold Ford accountable before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA ODI 11653978

Traveling at a speed of 55 mph, truck downshifted from 6th gear to 2nd gear. Pulled off the road, and truck would not restart. Towed to Ford dealer who replaced the transmission lead frame at a cost of $1200. This is a serious safety concern! Thankfully no one traveling behind me, or an accident would have occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11653083

We noticed that the f-150 would down shift and jerk the whole vehicle and the RPM would spike. It would throw you forward when it occurred. We brought it to Hall Ford October 23, 2024. Left it for three days and Hall Ford could not duplicate the issue. We have experienced the issue multiple times and we want to document this issue. It is dangerous. We noticed that NHTSA Investigating 1.3 Million Ford F-150s For Unexpected Downshifts. That is when the light went off that this was exactly what we were experiencing. Please help us get this fixed at the Hall Ford or any Ford dealership near us. 04/16/2025 The contact stated that since the complaint has been submitted the failure has been more frequently. When the contact depressed on the accelerator pedal the vehicle locked up.

NHTSA ODI 11653097

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contacted depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle briefly lost motive power. The vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the automatic transmission valve body. The automatic transmission valve was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ODI 11652020

The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that his wife expressed concerns that while driving at various speeds, the transmission was struggling to shift into gear and then unexpectedly downshifted. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Action Number: PE25002 (POWER TRAIN); as possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11652044

On [XXX] I was pulling a trailer with a 1981 F150 home from Louisville, KY. When we enter onto the Interstate System and reached cruising speed by transmission indicator started jumping around switch between gear and downshifted very hard into first gear while I was navigating traffic - semi trailers and passenger vehicles around us. The truck then went into what I would call limp mood for several miles and we were unable to maintain highway speeds with nowhere to exit the interstate there in Louisville area. Eventually the truck regained normal power and we continued our journey back home to the St. Louis Missouri area. We had to stop several time out of fear to check engine oil, transmission fluid and engine temperature out of precautions. We were very stressed after this hard downshift that almost resulted in striking other vehicles on the interstate from the downshifting and rapid decrease in speed on the interstate. No warning light came on just the crazy shift indicator lights going haywire. The next day on [XXX] I was going to refuel and the transmission downshift again on me from 6 gear to first without warning. I took and dropped it off at a local shop for inspection and fixing. The problem was finally diagnosed as the transmission frame module and had to be replaced at a cost of over $900. I had to take it to another local shop here in the St. Louis Area who specializes in Transmission Repairs because my truck was out of warranty, CP Transmissions and Performance replaced the Frame Modular and told us to keep monitoring the status of recalls, but currently my 2016 did not fall under any. I am writing you now as I've seen several article indicating that my year has been noted as having this issue. I have the repair receipt on file and can share that information if needed. On the road when it occurred from Louisville, to St. Louis, not warning light were present. Only after the second occurrence did I finally get a warning light. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11651763

My truck is experiencing sudden and unexpected downshifting while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11651534

unexpected downshifts to lower gears at highway speeds which leads to temporary rear wheel lock-up, sudden deceleration, and sometimes loss of control.

NHTSA ODI 11651224

While traveling on the highway my F150 downshifted to 3rd gear from 6th causing the truck to slow abruptly. I pulled over and it would not accelerate, after turning the ignition off and on a few times the problem seemed to have went away long enough to get home.

NHTSA ODI 11651301

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed to operate as designed and the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted from fourth gear to first gear. The vehicle jerked and made an abnormal grinding sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The transmission fluid was changed; however, no repairs were made to the transmission. The contact stated that the dealer turned off the check engine warning light. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

NHTSA ODI 11651305