2016 Ford F-150
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

- Class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD, P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4
- Engines
- 2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl, 5.0L 8-cyl
- Horsepower
- 325–386 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 207.5–229.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,050–4,588 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 13 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 386 hp, versus about 278 hp for similar 2016 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints2,086 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 324 for similar models — most often about the power train.
- 13 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Ford F-150 is a standard pickup truck offered with 4 engines (2.7L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl turbo, 3.5L 6-cyl and 5.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 208 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb (P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 12% better than the 2016 standard pickup truck average of 18.7 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 13 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2086 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 F-150 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 F-150 →
Trims, performance & features
Built in: Dearborn, Michigan · Kansas City, Missouri
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 F-150 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD | 207.5 in | 79.9 in | 75.6 in | 122.4 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,050 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Reg Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 207.5 in | 79.9 in | 76.8 in | 122.4 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,310 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 2WD | 226 in | 79.9 in | 75.2 in | 140.9 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,154 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Reg Cab 8-Ft Box 4X4 | 226 in | 79.9 in | 76.8 in | 140.9 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,385 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 2WD | 229.9 in | 79.9 in | 75.6 in | 144.9 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,372 lb | 58/42 |
| P/U Super Cab 6.5-Ft Box 4X4 | 229.9 in | 79.9 in | 77.2 in | 144.9 in | 67.7 / 67.7 in | 4,588 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 413 |
| F150 2.7L 2WD GVWR>6649 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | +12% | $3,200 | 439 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 454 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +7% | $3,350 | 436 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | +14% | $3,350 | 452 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 464 |
| F150 2.7L 4WD GVWR>6799 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 2.7L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 19 | +9% | $3,550 | 467 |
| F150 Pickup 2WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 498 |
| F150 3.5L 2WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -4% | $3,700 | 493 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 485 |
| F150 Pickup 4WD FFV FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -3% | $3,950 | 521 |
| F150 3.5L 4WD GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE | 3.5L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 20 / 17 | -3% | $3,950 | 526 |
| F150 5.0L 2WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -14% | $4,200 | 555 |
| F150 5.0L 4WD FFV GVWR>7599 LBS PAYLOAD PACKAGE FFV | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -9% | $4,200 | 558 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Ford F-150.
Similar 2016 standard pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Ford F-150 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2016 Toyota Tacoma | 21 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Nissan Frontier | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Ram 1500 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2016 Roush Performance F150 | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (13)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V237000 · 1,392,935 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Mar 11, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V150000 · 195,864 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist · Jun 8, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V332000 · 292,311 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Engine · Feb 21, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V098000 · 13,854 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Equipment › Electrical · Apr 8, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V278000 · 131,068 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Engine · Dec 18, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V894000 · 410,289 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Structure › Body › Roof And Pillars · Aug 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V568000 · 1,619,112 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Seats · Nov 29, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V767000 · 177,264 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Oct 16, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V652000 · 1,101,107 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Aug 28, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V526000 · 117,423 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · May 22, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V331000 · 14,410 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 · Jun 28, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V475000 · 5,280 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Feb 25, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V110000 · 2,894 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2016 Ford F-150 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Ford F-150 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 13 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 604 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 317 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 303 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,250 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Ford F-150. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other F-150 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 F-150 | 24 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 8 | 18 |
| 2025 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 16 | 128 |
| 2024 F-150 | 23 | 241.3 in | Not rated | 11 | 232 |
| 2023 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 13 | 511 |
| 2022 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 23 | 816 |
| 2021 F-150 | 25 | 207.1 in | Not rated | 29 | 1,302 |
| 2020 F-150 | 24 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 11 | 741 |
| 2019 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,342 |
| 2018 F-150 | 25 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 18 | 2,325 |
| 2017 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 17 | 1,462 |
| 2015 F-150 | 22 | 207.5 in | Not rated | 13 | 1,743 |
| 2014 F-150 | 19 | 217.7 in | Not rated | 8 | 1,516 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Ford. How we calculate this →