2016 Ford F-150 engine problems

Related recalls

• Recall 20V098000Feb 21, 202013,854 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V278000Apr 8, 2019131,068 vehicles
  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 18V894000Dec 18, 2018410,289 vehicles
  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.

  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.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 17, 2026NEEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving down Highway 6/34. Cruise set at 65 mph. The truck on its own Shifted into 2nd gear and revving up the engine caused the vehicle to slow uncontrollably, which is very unsafe driving. The 2016 has a safety recall to prevent this from happening. I am writing this to report that my truck has had the recall done, and this still happened. I will park the truck until Ford can fix it. But they are trying to get out of fixing this safety issue with all these trucks. At 65…

   NHTSA complaint #11764971 · source
2. Filed Sep 3, 2026WVEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair associated with the PCM reprogramming. Upon retrieval, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, and the vehicle lost motive power. The dealer was contacted and provided the contact with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11761800 · source
3. Filed Aug 6, 2026120,000 miMITowedEngine

   The contact’s son owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11755292 · source
4. Filed Aug 4, 2026SCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The contact stated that the power train warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11754711 · source
5. Filed Jul 29, 2026PAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving on the highway speed limit 65, and all of the sudden it down shifted to first gear, jerking the truck almost to a complete stop, very scary and unsafe. I pulled over to recoup myself . It is now happening more frequently, wrench light on the dash . Not sure what I need to do , my truck is my life support for me and my family! Help me please! Thank you,

   NHTSA complaint #11753628 · source
6. Filed Jul 17, 2026182,000 miPAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH on three occasions, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear and the vehicle decelerated to 20 MPH. The vehicle became uncontrollable momentarily; however, the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The powertrain service warning light was illuminated. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11751114 · source
7. Filed Jun 30, 2026162,009 miOKEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the park, neutral, and drive lights started to cycle and flash. The transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear with the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The local dealer was contacted about NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed…

   NHTSA complaint #11747349 · source
8. Filed Jun 9, 2026PAEngine

   .2016 F-150 Ford Truck. Purchased from a used car dealership. While driving the truck on a freeway at about 40 MPH, accelerated to 55 MPH and changed lanes. Engine went into limp mode. Check engine light flashed. Started to deaccelerate. Moved vehicle over to shoulder. Fault codes: P0340, P0344, P0365, P0369. This truck has a 2.7L EcoBoost engine. Mileage is about 130,000. Two mechanics from different companies evaluated and found timing chain broke and sheared the keyway on…

   NHTSA complaint #11743075 · source
9. Filed Jun 2, 2026AREngine

   Our truck was smoking from the exhaust and we took it to the local Ford service department. They determined the oil pan is leaking, there is a coolant leak from the engine, requiring a new engine, and also the need for turbos. These are the EXACT issues that are included in this service bulletin making dealerships aware. If this is such a widespread problem with these trucks, why is there not a recall to make proper repairs?

   NHTSA complaint #11741670 · source
10. Filed May 27, 2026WIEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Low idol sputters then dies down shifts clunks and stays stuck in 3rd gear cruse control fails different modes stop working wrench light on dash truck is lurching on takeoff basically just destroying itself while in operation rendering it undriveable

    NHTSA complaint #11740291 · source
11. Filed May 14, 2026MNEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Our truck has been experiencing downshift to a lower gear and the powertrain warning lamp wrench symbol in the instrument panel cluster comes on. This has been happening from about 4/1/2026 and ongoing.

    NHTSA complaint #11737764 · source
12. Filed May 11, 2026TNCrashBody & StructureElectrical SystemEngine

    VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT STATEMENT Prepared for NHTSA Submission Regarding Recall 26V237 / 26S28 To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Report of Accident and Vehicle Control Loss Due to Defect Specified in Recall 26V237 VEHICLE INFORMATION: Year/Make/Model: 2016 Ford F-150 VIN: [XXX] INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: In March, while driving during a snowstorm, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of traction and stability. Without warning,…

    NHTSA complaint #11736995 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology