The 2016 F-150 is a solid truck with aluminum body benefits, but EcoBoost engines show significant internal wear issues at higher mileage, and certain transmission/cooling system weaknesses can strand you if ignored.
EcoBoost Cam Phaser Failure and Internal Engine Damage
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle or knocking lasting 3-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0018), Metal shavings in oil during changes, Loss of power, rough idle as wear progresses
Fix: Cam phasers fail due to oil debris from timing chain wear. Advanced cases damage bearings,pistons, cylinder walls. Early catch: phasers and chains (12-16 hrs labor). Late catch: short block or full rebuild (25-40 hrs). Both EcoBoost engines affected, 2.7L slightly worse statistically.
Estimated cost: $3,500-9,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak at radiator connection or along frame rail, Sudden transmission slipping or no movement, Pink fluid pooling under truck, Overheating transmission warning
Fix: Quick-connect fittings at radiator crack or corrode, especially in salt states. Line can rupture completely, dumping all ATF in minutes. Replace cooler lines and flush system if caught early (3-4 hrs). If driven low on fluid, expect internal trans damage requiring rebuild (18-24 hrs).
Estimated cost: $800-5,000
10-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting and Shudder
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard downshifts from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st, Shudder or vibration during light acceleration at 20-40 mph, Clunk when shifting into reverse, Hunting between gears on highway
Fix: 10R80 transmission programming issues and torque converter clutch shudder. Most cases fixed with TSB software updates (1 hr) and fluid change using Mercon ULV. Persistent cases need torque converter replacement (8-10 hrs). Note: Only applies to 2017+ models; 2016 has 6-speed which is more reliable.
Estimated cost: $150-2,800
5.0L Coyote Spark Plug Ejection
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Sudden loud hissing or popping from engine bay, Immediate misfire and check engine light, Loss of compression on one cylinder, Spark plug physically blown out of head
Fix: Aluminum head threads strip under heat cycling, launching plug out. Requires HeliCoil or TimeSert thread repair on affected cylinder (4-6 hrs if head stays on, 12-16 hrs if head removal needed for proper repair). Some shops try quick inserts—avoid these. Can happen at any mileage, even under 50K.
Estimated cost: $800-3,200
Door Latch Actuator Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Door won't open from inside or outside handle, Double-pull required to unlatch door, Door ajar warning stays on with doors closed, Power locks cycling or not working on one door
Fix: Internal latch mechanism gears strip or actuator motor fails. Recall 18S32 covered some VINs but not all. Requires door panel removal and latch replacement (1.5-2.5 hrs per door). Driver and rear passenger doors most common. Original parts fail again; aftermarket hit-or-miss.
Estimated cost: $350-600
IWE (Integrated Wheel End) Vacuum System Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Grinding or clicking from front wheels during acceleration, Noise worse in cold weather or after sitting overnight, 4WD won't engage or engages intermittently, Hissing sound from under hood
Fix: Vacuum lines crack, solenoid fails, or IWE units themselves lock up. Front hubs don't fully disengage, causing drivetrain binding in 2WD. Replace IWE units both sides and vacuum solenoid (3-4 hrs). Check valve and lines another 1-2 hrs. Very common on trucks in freeze/thaw climates.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Aluminum Body Panel Corrosion at Steel Contact Points
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: White powdery corrosion at bed-to-frame mounting areas, Bubbling paint on cab corners near steel subframe, Corrosion between aluminum tailgate and steel hinges, Hood or fender edges pitting near steel brackets
Fix: Galvanic corrosion where aluminum body meets steel frame without proper isolation. Cosmetic but progressive. Requires panel removal, corrosion treatment, isolator replacement, and refinish (varies widely, 4-12 hrs depending on location). Ford applied better isolators in later years. Not a safety issue but expensive to repair correctly.
Estimated cost: $600-2,500
Owner tips
Use Motorcraft synthetic blend 5W-30 and change every 5,000 mi on EcoBoost engines—oil quality directly impacts cam phaser lifespan
Inspect transmission cooler lines at every oil change for seepage or corrosion at quick-connects; $8 prevention vs. $5K fix
Check IWE vacuum lines annually in cold climates; reroute away from hot exhaust components if possible
On 5.0L, torque spark plugs to exact spec (27 lb-ft) with anti-seize; over-torque accelerates thread failure
Verify door latch recall completion on any used purchase—non-recalled doors will fail eventually
Buy the 5.0L V8 or 3.5L non-turbo if you want longevity past 150K miles—EcoBoost models are ticking time bombs without meticulous maintenance records showing religious oil changes.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles. A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
Consequence: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST · 22V150000
2022-03-11
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may allow brake fluid to leak from the front wheel circuit into the brake booster.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks. The ball joint may have a misaligned dust boot and may be missing alignment hole and installation warning tag, which may lead to improper alignment of the ball joint.
Consequence: An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: DRiV will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace the ball joint, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Tenneco Automotive customer service at 1-877-489-6659.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · 20V332000
2020-06-08 · RQ16001
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2017 F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L Ecoboost engines. The brake master cylinder may leak brake fluid into the brake booster.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
ENGINE · 20V098000
2020-02-21
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.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE · 19V278000
2019-04-08
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.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE · 18V894000
2018-12-18
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.
Consequence: 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.
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER · 18V568000
2018-08-31 · PE18008
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. 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.
Consequence: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Remedy: 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.
SEATS · 17V767000
2017-11-29
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. 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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 17V652000
2017-10-16
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 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.
Consequence: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · 17V526000
2017-08-28
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. 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."
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH · 17V331000
2017-05-22
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-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. 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."
Consequence: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER · 16V475000
2016-06-28
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 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."
Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION · 16V110000
2016-02-25
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). 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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