The 2016 Ford F 250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Rearview camera blank or distorted image.” 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.
No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Ford F 250.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-08 → 2026-04
“No accident Backup camera does not work most of the time”
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the rearview camera intermittently failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that the camera occasionally displayed a blank or distorted image…”
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
15 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2025-08
“The reductant heater (DEF heater) has went out. Ford will not honor the 5 year/ 60,000 miles power train warranty or the 8 year/ 80,000 mile emissions warranty to repair the issue. According to web sources dealerships maintain a regular supply of these heaters…”
“The DEF fluid heater has failed. This can cause failure or DEF delivery to the system at lower outdoor temperatures. This component has already been subject to a NHTSA recall in earlier year models of tge same truck, up to model year 2015.”
POWER TRAIN
4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2026-04
“When truck is first driven it will down shift from higher speed to first gear for no reason causing violent lock up of tires. This is an on going problem.”
“Vehicle goes to different gear randomly while driving will go into fifth gear when taking off first thing during first start up of the day.”
STEERING, SUSPENSION
100 NHTSA complaints · 2021-02 → 2026-07
“DEATH WOBBLE FRONT SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPNER AND NEW MICHELIN TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND HAVE TO BRING SPEED DOWN TO GET BACK UNDER CONTROL.”
“Death wobble at approximately 60 mph. The truck is absolutely uncontrollable when this occurs. The only way to stop it is to stop the vehicle. This is a known issue with this truck. Will have it evaluated at a shop next week.”
AIR BAGS
32 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-07
“The airbag light is on as the spring in the steering column has become contaminated which caused audible cracking sounds in steering column, degrading steering and the horn not to function.”
“Ford has consistently indicated that the replacement part is available and it is not. Oou truck has a heated steering wheel. The clock spring for the heated steering wheel is different from the standard clock spring. FORD DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. Our truck is not safe to drive.”
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
10 NHTSA complaints · 2022-07 → 2026-03
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed…”
“I was attempting to access the interstate when my truck began to immediately shut down at 70 miles per hour. I received a warning as the engine shut down stating that my engine power was reduced. At the exact moment the message displayed, the truck immediately died at 70 mph…”
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.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
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.
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.
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.
Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$330–$500
Shop
~$235–$355
DIY
~$60–$180
Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.
F-150 4x4 and Bronco 4x4: replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$150–$195
Shop
~$105–$135
DIY
~$20–$50
Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.
Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
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.
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.
6
complaints mentioning a crash
5
complaints mentioning a fire
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 250 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.