2016 Ford F-150: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A capable early-aluminum year that, along with 2015, saw numerous recalls and brake/latch fixes; verify the recall history. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Ford F-150 ranged from $26,540 to $58,885 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A capable early-aluminum year that, along with 2015, saw numerous recalls and brake/latch fixes; verify the recall history.
Sources (6)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=F-150&mo…
- camerasource.comhttps://www.camerasource.com/blogs/industry-news/the-ford-f-150-model-years-t…
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-ford-f150/
- autoblog.comhttps://www.autoblog.com/features/ford-f-150-reliability
- motorverso.comhttps://www.motorverso.com/ford-f-150-reliability-by-year/
- metrofordofokc.comhttps://www.metrofordofokc.com/blogs/3675/pros-and-cons-of-the-ford-f-150
Known issues
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The 10-speed (10R80) automatic, introduced during this generation, draws frequent complaints of harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, and momentary shifts to neutral with loss of power.
widespread · 524 NHTSA complaints · typically 20k–120k miles · transmission
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Engine complaints include 5.0L Coyote excessive oil consumption and cam-phaser rattle or tick on cold start affecting both the 5.0L V8 and 3.5L EcoBoost.
commonly reported · 274 NHTSA complaints · typically 40k–120k miles · engine
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A "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message can appear with loss of electric power-steering assist.
occasional · 48 NHTSA complaints · steering
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Early aluminum-body years had body/structure niggles including door-latch and panel concerns addressed by recalls.
occasional · 142 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (6)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=ford&model=F-150&mo…
- camerasource.comhttps://www.camerasource.com/blogs/industry-news/the-ford-f-150-model-years-t…
- realtruck.comhttps://realtruck.com/blog/best-worst-years-ford-f150/
- autoblog.comhttps://www.autoblog.com/features/ford-f-150-reliability
- motorverso.comhttps://www.motorverso.com/ford-f-150-reliability-by-year/
- metrofordofokc.comhttps://www.metrofordofokc.com/blogs/3675/pros-and-cons-of-the-ford-f-150
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Class-leading towing (up to ~13,000 lb) and payload with a broad engine menu including the well-regarded 2.7L EcoBoost.
- Refined, comfortable ride for a body-on-frame truck with quick, direct steering and a roomy, well-equipped cabin.
- High-strength aluminum body (new for 2015) resists rust and corrosion, helping these trucks reach very high mileage.
- Strong resale value and excellent parts and service availability.
Cons
- Real-world fuel economy, especially towing, often trails the EPA figures.
- Lower XL/XLT trims use cheaper-feeling interior materials versus rivals like the Ram 1500.
- The 10-speed automatic (2017.5+) is prone to harsh, hunting shifts and occasional power interruptions.
- 2018-2020 5.0L V8 trucks can consume oil, and cam-phaser rattle affects several engines.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL | $26,540 | $37,290 | — | — |
| XLT | $31,905 | $45,695 | — | — |
| Lariat | $40,065 | $59,560 | — | — |
| King Ranch | $50,050 | $65,825 | — | — |
| Platinum | $52,515 | $68,800 | — | — |
| Limited | $58,885 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-ford-f__150-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-f-150-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,540). Higher trims started higher (up to $58,885), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/ford-f-150/resale-value
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $1,100–1,200/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,400–2,500/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/ford/f-150/maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
Documented issue patterns include: The 10-speed (10R80) automatic, introduced during this generation, draws frequent complaints of harsh or erratic shifting, slipping, and momentary shifts to neutral with loss of power; Engine complaints include 5.0L Coyote excessive oil consumption and cam-phaser rattle or tick on cold start affecting both the 5.0L V8 and 3.5L EcoBoost; A "Steering Assist Fault, Service Required" message can appear with loss of electric power-steering assist; Early aluminum-body years had body/structure niggles including door-latch and panel concerns addressed by recalls. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Ford F-150 reliable?
A capable early-aluminum year that, along with 2015, saw numerous recalls and brake/latch fixes; verify the recall history.
How much did the 2016 Ford F-150 cost new?
Between $26,540 and $58,885 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Ford F-150 expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,100–1,200/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.