Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ford F-150
The 2016 Ford F-150 is a popular choice with a robust build, but it has some recurring issues particularly with its powertrain, service brakes, and engine. With 1,784 owner complaints and 14 NHTSA recall campaigns, potential buyers should be cautious, especially concerning transmission and braking system recalls. In-person inspection and test drive are critical to identify these issues.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Ford F-150 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,799 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V237000 Unexpected Downshift Can Cause Loss of Control NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V150000 Brake Master Cylinder May Leak Fluid into Booster NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #21E027000 Upper Ball Joint May Be Installed Incorrectly NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V332000 Brake Master Cylinder May Leak into Booster NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V098000 Damage To Block Heater Cable May Cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V278000 Damage to Block Heater Connector may cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V894000 Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V568000 Fire after Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V767000 Front Seat Adjuster Pivot Bolts may Loosen NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V652000 Doors may Open while Driving NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V526000 Left Rear Seat Belt may Detach/FMVSS 210 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V331000 Door may Unlatch in a Side Impact Collision NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V475000 Driver Seat Back Frame May Fail/FMVSS 202, 207 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V110000 Restraint System May Misclassify Front Passenger NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 416 complaints
- Service Brakes 295 complaints
- Engine 287 complaints
- Unknown or Other 218 complaints
- Structure 192 complaints
- Electrical System 160 complaints
Of the 1,799 complaints on file, 53 report a crash and 23 a fire; across all 1,799 complaints, owners report 48 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Unexpected downshifting
How to check: Test drive and monitor transmission shifts
Brake fluid leakage
How to check: Inspect master cylinder and brake booster
Block heater cable issue
How to check: Check for recalls and inspect engine wiring
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises
Red flag: Loud knocks or clicks
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent transmission or engine lights
- 03
Acceleration from stop
What to check: Feel transmission shifts
Red flag: Rough or delayed shifting
- 04
Low-speed turns
What to check: Check for smooth steering
Red flag: Jerky or difficult maneuvering
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe engine performance and noise
Red flag: Loss of power or loud noises
- 06
Hard braking test
What to check: Feel for consistent brake pressure
Red flag: Spongey pedal or grinding noises
- 07
Back to parking spot
What to check: Monitor vehicle stability and control
Red flag: Instability or uneven handling
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the transmission been repaired?
- Any known issues with the brakes?
- Has the engine block heater been replaced?
- Are there any unresolved recall notices?
- Have you experienced transmission issues?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair confirmations
- Vehicle history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Ford F-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Ford F-150? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.