Home · 2016 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel · Complaints

What 1,686 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (1,686)Crash / fire / injury (81)Transmission & drivetrain (326)Brakes (322)Engine (279)Body & structure (192)Electrical system (151)Visibility & wipers (132)Fuel system (91)Speed control (76)Steering (55)Wheels (53)

Newest first · 1,686 complaints · page 15 of 68

Dec 29, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

While Driving at about 25 MPH Powertrain light (orange wrench) came on indicating an issue with the powertrain. Pulled off road and turned truck off and attempted to turn back on, truck would not turn back on. Disconnected battery and reconnected the battery and vehicle started with a check engine light. attempted to put truck into reverse/drive, vehicle would lunge either forwards or reverse and make loud clunking noise. when radiator fan turned on, power train light would turn on. when powertrain light was on, the indicator for "PRND' would not show which I was in. had vehicle towed to dealership. Dealer ship diagnosed vehicle with Lead Frame failure. The 6R80 transmission is known to have these issues and has had a recall for the 2011-2013 F150's with this transmission. Same transmission, same issues, only one recall.

NHTSA ODI 11562674

Dec 28, 2023Airbags

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver's side air bag emblem cover was detaching. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the air bag emblem cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11562446

Dec 27, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

Had to replace lead frame on the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11562036

Dec 26, 2023Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the contact heard a loud exploding sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that she was able to drive to her destination. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the rear sliding window motor had exploded. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 46,750.

NHTSA ODI 11561878

Dec 24, 2023

* What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? (Exhaust manifold. yes.) * How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? (Risk of Fire, reduced engine performance and reduce vehicle's ability to respond promptly to driver inputs, Squealing sound causing distracting driver, Carbon monoxide exposure causing others put at risk.) * Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? (This is first time I got issue but I see a lot of people reported that the exhaust manifold is the common issue for not just Ford F-150 but also any Ford eco-boost vehicles.) * Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? (Inspected by mechanics) * Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? (No engine light came out for this issue. Sound appear all of the sudden.) Warped exhaust manifold is common issue for Ford eco-boost model. Air is leaking through there causing the squealing sound while accelerate vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11561670

Dec 24, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

I have excessive corrosion on my transfer case. Some of the aluminum has been eaten away where steel bolts pass through into the transfer case.

NHTSA ODI 11561691

Dec 22, 2023Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rear window defroster failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the dealer did not have the equipment or capability of repairing the vehicle. The contact was then referred to an independent mechanic who provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

NHTSA ODI 11561495

Dec 18, 2023BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that as he was stopping the vehicle in front of his garage and slowing to approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle was not stopping. The contact stated that the brake pedal went to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle crashed into the garage door causing the garage door to buckle. There was minor damage to the vehicle's front end. There were no injuries. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V150000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ODI 11560669

Dec 17, 2023Electrical systemBody & structureBackup camera & sensors

APIM unit and plastic body components 2016 F150, 31,071mi., Sync3 v3.0.20204 Symptoms: Malfunction of the power window controls, radio controls and instrument panel. The APIM also controls many other safety functions, such as rear camera, safety lanes, park assist, backup guides, gps, cruise control, trailer/tow information, and other warnings/features. It is notable that Ford has issued recalls for the APIM due to safety issues in different year F150s, as well as Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Fusion and Lincoln models Navigator and MK2 models, to name a few. This has been reported once, I spoke with a Ford representative and he setup an appointment at the dealership that was to setup an appoint for diagnosis before they setup a repair/replacement appointment. An appointment to setup an appointment to setup a diagnosis appointment to setup a repair appointment. Seriously, what is up with that? Finally, a plastic component from a side-step flew of while traveling a highway, narrowly missing an on-coming car.

NHTSA ODI 11560558

Dec 15, 2023BrakesCrash

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the contact approached a stop sign and depressed the brake pedal. However, the brake pedal was inoperable and the vehicle did not stop. Due to the brake pedal failure, the contact rear-ended the vehicle in front of him. No damage was done to either vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to contact NHTSA to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11560246

Dec 12, 2023Electrical systemLights

The trucks horn and hazard lights contiunsley goes off anytime it rains. We can be driving down the road and the truck will start going haywire, lights flashing horn won't shut off . There's been times when the truck itself wouldn't turn off even after removing the key . It's very bad wiring problem with this truck.

NHTSA ODI 11559636

Dec 11, 2023SteeringSuspension

The frame on this truck broke. The frame tore in a manner that the lower control arm became disconnected from the vehicle. I recognize that l live in an area where rust issues are real, however l am also very experienced with metal working and fabrication and can reliably assure that corrosion is not the cause of this failure in the frame of this vehicle. I have attached 4 photos, those are of the front & back of passenger side (good) and driver's side (bad). Note the broken bolt head (toward the front) and the broken frame. This is the actual frame that broke and not a bolted on subframe and to me this is a serious issue. There are so many of these trucks on the roads l feel that l am obligated to make you aware of the problem. I thank you for your time.

NHTSA ODI 11559472

Dec 10, 2023Transmission & drivetrainBody & structure

On 2/18/2019 took the F-150 to Mathews Ford Marion Ohio service to address several issues. First, the tailgate had unexpectedly opened striking a trailer jack and damaging the tailgate. Tailgate opening while driving with cargo could result in cargo falling onto roadway. Damaged tailgate remains on the truck and is available for further inspection. Second, the owner heard rubbing/grinding noises when switching in and out of 4 wheel drive. The service technician could not replicate either issue. On 11/29/2023 took the F-150 to Leroy's Service Center in Delaware Ohio as the dashboard indicated several messages including required oil change (although odometer showed an oil change was not needed for another 3,000 miles compared to oil change sticker on windshield), a large yellow wrench adjacent to required oil change message, a small yellow wrench below required oil change message, and a yellow check engine light. Twice there was sensation of slipping (applying gas but no movement). Once parked in Leroy's lot the truck could not be started. Service technicians suspected LEAD frame failure. Service technician replaced the original LEAD frame with Ford Part numbers 2592734 and aL3z-7g276-d 1x (off replacement part box). I retained malfunctioning part for inspection if desired. Numbers off the malfunctioning part include aL3p-7g276-ak a9-21416-0998 c108p; Ford b556d; 3264 487 321 09 330743; Continental 3a8214160008 a2c53308751. Malfunctioning transmission while driving could cause unexpected vehicle slowing or stoppage. In summary, experienced unexpected tailgate opening, History of transmission issues (unexpected sounds when switching into or out of 4 wheel drive), and failure of the LEAD frame with slipping and inability to start vehicle after it was parked.

NHTSA ODI 11559347

Dec 8, 2023Visibility & wipers

The rear window shattered spontaneously after using remote start. Problem has been reported a lot with 2015 and newer F150 trucks.

NHTSA ODI 11559222

Dec 6, 2023Engine

2016 Ford 150 engine needed replacing after 63,000 miles. Ford said it would cost 14,000 and take 2 months to get it. So I traded in, they only gave me 4000 for it because of that. still owed 7000. I bought it used in 2019 at another ford dealer had 9000 miles on it then. Mechanic said it could be low oil? Drove to work fine could not start to drive home. Towed to ford.

NHTSA ODI 11558767

Dec 1, 2023Electrical system

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ODI 11557831

Dec 1, 2023Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred a year later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the same assessment was made, and the exhaust manifold was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11557944

Nov 29, 2023Seats

This issue is related to safety recall #17S40 involves over 177,000 2016 F-150 pickup trucks and Explorer SUV's with power seats. A defectively placed bolt in the sliding track that holds the front-row power seats in place may allow the seats to move more than they should during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to any front-seat passengers. My truck's recall was serviced by Riverbend Ford in 2018, but the seat has failed again. I have taken my truck to Hardy Family Ford. My complaint is Ford Motor Company should repair this safety recall free of charge to Hardy Family Ford and ME. I should not have to pay the expenses for this Ford manufactured defect. Can you help resolve? My name is [XXX] , and my contact number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11557534

Nov 27, 2023Visibility & wipers

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after remotely starting the vehicle and waiting approximately 2-5 minutes, there was an abnormal chemical odor coming into the cabin of the vehicle. Shortly afterwards, the rear window fractured into several pieces onto the rear seats. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall on the VIN. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11556920

Nov 27, 2023Body & structure

Doors do not latch/stay latched when temperatures have dropped to freezing and below.

NHTSA ODI 11556969

Nov 27, 2023EngineFuel system

Engine Stalls (at low RPMs) mostly when stopping at traffic lights, not as bad if Im able to put in Park (it will still idle rough. but, not as likely to completely stall). I have noticed This is more likely after driving at higher speeds (70mph - 85mph) for prolonged periods of time (1hr - 6hrs). I bought the truck 4yrs ago, with 78k on it.

NHTSA ODI 11556974

Nov 24, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, he noticed a leak on the ground from underneath the engine compartment. The contact stated that the fumes had a foul odor, and the odor was also entering the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a warped engine oil pan and that oil was leaking into the exhaust. The contact was informed that the engine oil pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11556621

Nov 13, 2023Visibility & wipers

On a morning in the 30s, remote started the truck and shortly after heard a pop sound. Walked out a few minutes later to find the back windshield had shattered sitting in my driveway.

NHTSA ODI 11554792

Nov 8, 2023Engine

Before purchasing, it was later outlined by a different dealership/repair shop that the truck had previously had the remain replaced sometime before 21,000miles. At 25,000 miles truck was sent to West Hills Ford dealer ship for warranty work. When truck was returned, a complaint was made before leaving the dealership stating that; The motor had a slight engine shake, and the RMP's failed to hold study at ideal, and ran slightly rough. Dealership (west hills auto) replied; Until failure warranty would not fix. At 41,000 miles motors timing system failed and was eventually paid for out of owners pocket; as covid-19 loomed repairs where unavailable and both factory warranty and extended warranties where exhausted. Owner is currently in the process of filling complaints with state attorney general. At 44,000 miles the motor has completely froze and remaining unrepaired. Outsourced extended warranty claim was filed and a claim number was approved, but never redeemed, and still remains unpaid to mechanic shop.

NHTSA ODI 11554147

Nov 7, 2023Visibility & wipers

The frame holding the panaramic moonroof in place has failed and cracked in two places leaving the panaramic moonroof loose and must be repaired immediately. The moonroof is apt to fly out or drop inside while driving on the interstate highway causing injury or death to the driver, passenger or others on the road. There have been reports noted online of the moonroof exploding while driving at high speeds due to the rattling because the moonroof is not secured properly due to the frame being cracked. This is a safety issue and must be recalled by Ford Motor Corporation immediately to make this repair for the consumers.

NHTSA ODI 11553964

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How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Ford F-150 Supercab Diesel verdict →