Is unexpected transmission downshift to low gear a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

85 NHTSA complaints have been filed about unexpected transmission downshift to low gear on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2024-10 → 2026-07). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11753628): "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" Source: NHTSA.

Is backup camera image loss or distortion a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about backup camera image loss or distortion on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2024-11 → 2025-05). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11659476): "Backup Camera has stopped work has a blue screen. Was told by Ford that it was a wiring harness that is having problems this is the 3rd time that i have had to replace it" Source: NHTSA.

Is exhaust manifold cracking or bolt failure a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about exhaust manifold cracking or bolt failure on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2025-01 → 2025-07). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11677531): "The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact while driving at undisclosed speeds, or while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally high-pitched sound coming from the exhaust manifold. There was no warning light illuminated" Source: NHTSA.

Is rear window spontaneous cracking or shattering a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear window spontaneous cracking or shattering on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2024-10 → 2025-01). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11634265): "My F150 2016 rear glass shatter for no reason. it was parked in driveway and when I came out of morning" Source: NHTSA.

2016 Ford F 150 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is door latch freezing and failing to latch a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about door latch freezing and failing to latch on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2025-01 → 2025-05). Reported component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11636359): "The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door latch failed to latch as intended. The contact stated that during extremely cold freezing weather, the door occasionally failed to unlock as needed or failed to…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is oil pan gasket leak a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about oil pan gasket leak on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2025-02 → 2025-03). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11645585): "The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a routine oil change visit, the mechanic observed condensation near the oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pan and valve covers needed to be replaced" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is panoramic sunroof rail failure and water leak a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about panoramic sunroof rail failure and water leak on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2024-11 → 2025-06). Reported component: VISIBILITY. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11627458): "The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof made an abnormal popping sound. The contact noticed that the panoramic sunroof panel had become inoperable" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is frame and subframe rust corrosion a known issue with the 2016 Ford F 150?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about frame and subframe rust corrosion on the 2016 Ford F 150 (2025-06 → 2025-06). Reported component: STRUCTURE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11668675): "The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and was determined that the subframe was severely rusted" Source: NHTSA.

The 2016 Ford F 150 carries 14 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering engine. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unexpected transmission downshift to low gear.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

14 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ENGINE

Campaign #18V894000 · Dec 18, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #19V278000 · Aug 4, 2019

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #18V568000 · Aug 31, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.

Fix: 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.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Campaign #17V652000 · Oct 16, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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

Campaign #17V526000 · Aug 28, 2017

Issue: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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

Campaign #17V331000 · May 22, 2017

Issue: 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."

Risk: If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.

Fix: 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

Campaign #16V475000 · Jun 28, 2016

Issue: 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."

Risk: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

SEATS

Campaign #17V767000 · Nov 29, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Campaign #16V110000 · Feb 25, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ENGINE

Campaign #20V098000 · Feb 21, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Campaign #20V332000 · Aug 6, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Campaign #21E027000 · Dec 4, 2021

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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:POWER ASSIST

Campaign #22V150000 · Nov 3, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Campaign #26V237000 · Apr 14, 2026

Issue: 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.

Risk: Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Ford F 150.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Action #EA26001 · opened Jan 30, 2026 · linked recall 26V237
On March 21, 2025, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25002) to investigate instances of unexpected transmission downshifting without driver input in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford F-150 vehicles (subject vehicles) manufactured by For…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Unexpected transmission downshift to low gear

POWER TRAIN

85 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753628

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 45 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted with the wrench warning light illuminated, with the number 6 displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753253

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while driving at various speeds”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661859

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch freezing and failing to latch

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door latch failed to latch as intended. The contact stated that during extremely cold freezing weather, the door occasionally failed to unlock as needed or failed to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636359

“Passenger door will not latch and close on 2016 Ford F-150 after snow storm. While the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side door latch failed to latch as intended. We discovered the issue when we were trying to leave our house during the extremely cold freezing weather”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646674

“Due to the freezing (around 20 degrees F) temperatures, the latch of the front-driver’s side door was frozen and was unable to close. The door would initially open, but any attempt to close it afterwards became unsuccessful”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11635111

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Backup camera image loss or distortion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2025-05

“Backup Camera has stopped work has a blue screen. Was told by Ford that it was a wiring harness that is having problems this is the 3rd time that i have had to replace it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659476

“Rear camera image becomes distorted or inoperable during reversing. Discovered recent a recall covers many similar vehicles however not my specific vehicle despite having the same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658532

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the rearview camera would display a distorted image while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure had obstructed the driver's visibility which prevented the driver from safely operating the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625448

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Oil pan gasket leak

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-03

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during a routine oil change visit, the mechanic observed condensation near the oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil pan and valve covers needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645585

“Oil pan leaked once before I bought the vechicle and once again at 90,000 miles and once again at 143,000 miles. Ford knows there is a problem related to the oil pan gasket and plastic oil pan”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643245

“Dec 2021 - Normal maintenance check including oil change. Technician informed me about leakage at oil pan. TSB 23-2083. Replaced defective oil pan. Jan 2025 - Normal maintenance check including oil change. Technical informed me about leakage at oil pan. TSB 24-2098”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11642169

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Exhaust manifold cracking or bolt failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2025-07

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact while driving at undisclosed speeds, or while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally high-pitched sound coming from the exhaust manifold. There was no warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677531

“At approximately 62,000 miles, a loud noise started from the passenger side of the engine, car was taken to the local Ford dealership for repairs, and it was determined that the bolts for the exhaust manifold broke which was causing fumes to enter the passenger compartment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638875

“Exhaust leak from manifold and broken bolt from engine block causing unhealthy exhaust to go into the cabin. Faulty Exhaust manifold removed/replaced with an upgraded new manifold/engine block bolts by license auto repair shop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11641502

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof rail failure and water leak

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-11 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof made an abnormal popping sound. The contact noticed that the panoramic sunroof panel had become inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627458

“Sunroof rails broke for the second time, and the sunroof will not close on the drivers side. This problem is putting extra pressure on the glass since it isn’t seated properly. Water also leaks in during rain storms and has caused electrical issues”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11632868

“2016 Ford F-150 XLT panoramic sunroof rails damaged not adhered to truck properly and water leaking into Vehicle. excessive water damage from faulty Sunroof”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11664405

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear window spontaneous cracking or shattering

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2025-01

“My F150 2016 rear glass shatter for no reason. it was parked in driveway and when I came out of morning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634265

“The contact's son owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 60 - 65 MPH with the defroster activated, the rear windshield started to crack. The driver drove the vehicle to the contact's residence and parked the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634395

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that there was a loud pop coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 60 MPH, and the contact became aware that rear windshield had exploded. There was no impact to cause the failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618628

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and subframe rust corrosion

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and was determined that the subframe was severely rusted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668675

“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while undergoing a routine inspection at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the vehicle failed the inspection due to a rusted subframe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667099

“I went for an oil change, tire rotation, etc at the dealer on 6/9/25 and was told that my frame had rust damage/holes and would not pass inspection this coming December”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11666530

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

264 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2016 Ford F 150 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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