186 of the
2,565 complaints about the 2016 Ford F-150 are about the
electrical system — 7% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
40,000 miles.
This vehicle 2016 ford F150 is known to have shorting issues. From literally all wiring harnesses. I had a small fire in my truck due to this issue, caused melting of the ribbon cable in my seat heater control module, which is a known issue from Ford. I have shorting in my turn signal switch (no wipers). Is that safe? I am a research scientist and engineer, I can tell you now it is not safe. If i need to prove it, I can do so with ease and write the necessary literature. If I cant use my AC sometimes, the windows fog, then i cant use the wipers to unfog them, how is this not a visibility issue? Not to mention all the shorts. I have a 40 gallon fuel tank, if any shorts get near it, is that going to be a fun experience for me? Please give Ford a penalty, the average owner of this truck pays thousands a year in repairs. I paid $17,800.00 in 2025 to repair this piece of shit. And it still has major issues. This is something ford needs to address, i want my wiring to be replaced, i bought a new engine, what if i cant use it especailly with the 3 year warranty bc the wiring consistently shorts and fails. unacceptable for a truck that's sticker price is $80k. This is a major problem, I will file claims until im afforded a response
NHTSA complaint #11757955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tuttle, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was at my granddaughters and I went to leave and it was like dead except the wrench came up in the dash panel , I waited before calling my husband and I went back to try and start it again and it started no wrench in the display or anything , this was in February 2026. In March of 2026 I was in the middle turn lane on [XXX] by Tuttle, Ok. And it stalled as I was trying to turn and would not move I put it back into park and then back to drive and it turned . Next incident was in April2026 and I was on [XXX] south of Mustang , Ok. And I was in the passing lane passing a vehicle going 65 mph and it just stalled and went down into 1 st gear I managed to get it to the shoulder of road an then it died it would not start but the radio and lights were still on and there was a wrench popped up in the panel . I waited for about 30 minutes and kept trying to start it after several attempts it started again and I made it home . The next incident my husband drove to doctors office and it did the same thing to him and would not move in the parking lot . About 15 minutes later he got it to start and he made it home . We quit driving it. Then we got a letter from Ford with the recall 26V237 .i waited for 2 nd letter and had not gotten it with a fix for it so I called the Ford Service Repir Center and they got us on the phone connected to a Ford Dealership in Yukon , Ok and they came and got the pickup on August 10 th and took it and brought it back on August 11 th and they did the soft ware update and told us no codes came up and we know better . When I had previously talked to the Ford Repair Center I was told if the wrench came up that they would replace the lead frame at no cost to us and give us a 150000 mile warranty. So it is now our word against the mechanics that the wrench ever came up INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11756379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lebanon, OHCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Back up camera malfunctioned, not showing there was a smaller car behind me in my own driveway. Backing up into my driveway at night, it did not pick up or show the smaller car which I back up into, causing $2890 in damages which I had to pay for.
NHTSA complaint #11755785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesSan Francisco, CAFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the freeway, another vehicle driver pulled beside the contact on the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, and informed the contact that there was smoke coming from the vehicle, and the contact became aware of smoke coming from the rear passenger’s side seats. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and then exited the vehicle. The contact became aware of the smoke and poured water between the seats of the vehicle, opened the rear passenger’s side door, pulled the rear passenger down, and noticed flames were coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact sustained minor burns to the left and right hands. Medical attention was not needed. The contact called the emergency services, but a police report was not filed. The contact immediately extinguished the fire. The Fire Department arrived on the scene, folded the driver’s side passenger seat down, and detached the electrical wiring component that was attached to the rear passenger’s side seat. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. The vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #11747960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orange City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2016 Ford F-150 (VIN [XXX]) experienced an intermittent failure involving the transmission range sensor system. While driving, the vehicle displayed a check engine light and a “See Service Manual” message. The truck became noticeably underpowered. When shifted into Reverse, the transmission engaged harshly and the PRNDL (gear position indicator) disappeared from the instrument cluster. The backup camera also became inoperative. After shutting the vehicle off, it would not restart. Electrical accessories and the instrument cluster remained functional, but the engine would not crank. After sitting for a period of time, the vehicle eventually restarted and the PRNDL display returned. The same failure occurred on three separate occasions within approximately 24 hours, including while arriving at a Ford dealership for service. The failure creates a safety concern because the vehicle can unexpectedly become unable to start, loses indication of the selected gear, and may experience transmission-related issues while being operated. The vehicle is currently unreliable for transportation and could leave occupants stranded. An independent repair facility scanned the vehicle and documented DTCs P0706 (Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance), P0707 (Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit Low), P1702 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent), and P1921 (Transmission Range Signal). The vehicle is included in Ford Safety Recall 26S28 involving 2015-2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with the 6R80 transmission. A Ford dealership inspected the vehicle and advised that the concern appears related to the transmission range sensor/lead frame issue associated with the pending recall. However, the dealership advised that a repair cannot currently be submitted because the recall remedy has not yet been activated. The vehicle had approximately 124,000 miles at the time of failure. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11745148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hickory, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Horn stopped working. Took to dealer they diagnosed horn pin from bcm to bjb has pulled from wire. Said part to fix has 90 people waiting and indefinite wait time. Or can replace entire wire harness for $1700. After reading on Ford Forum learned this is common problem for truck. In NC horn is mandatory to pass inspection . This is definitely a safety issue
NHTSA complaint #11744891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartlett, TNCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT STATEMENT Prepared for NHTSA Submission Regarding Recall 26V237 / 26S28 To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Report of Accident and Vehicle Control Loss Due to Defect Specified in Recall 26V237 VEHICLE INFORMATION: Year/Make/Model: 2016 Ford F-150 VIN: [XXX] INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: In March, while driving during a snowstorm, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of traction and stability. Without warning, the rear wheels appeared to lock or drastically reduce speed, causing the truck to slide uncontrollably and strike a roadside barrier. Following the initial impact, while attempting to move the vehicle to a safe location as instructed by insurance/authorities, the engine suddenly stalled and shut down completely while in motion, nearly resulting in a second high-speed collision with the vehicle ahead. CORRELATION WITH RECALL 26V237: In May, I received a Safety Recall Notice (Ford Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237). The description of the defect—an "unexpected downshift to a lower gear causing abrupt wheel speed reduction and rear tire slide"—exactly matches the catastrophic event I experienced in March. The recall also notes that the engine may malfunction or stall, which occurred during my incident. IMPACT & DAMAGES: The insurance company evaluated the damage at approximately $6,000 for structural repairs. However, the vehicle remains unsafe and mechanically compromised. Despite the structural fixes, the core safety defect involving the transmission and engine software remains unresolved as Ford has stated that a remedy will not be available until July 2026. REQUEST: I am filing this formal complaint to document that the defect in Recall 26V237 resulted in a real- world accident and total loss of vehicle utility prior to the notification being sent. I request that NHTSA takes note of this incident as part of its oversight of Ford's recall execution, as the vehicle is currently un-dri INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
NHTSA complaint #11736995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklinton, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1)Brakes were changed, rotors and pads. Brakes were bled 3 times and it still does not stop correctly. Even when the brakaes are on, it releases itself. 2)Truck keeps shuddering and loosing power. 3Electronics will not stay bluetoothed and it connects and disconnects all by itself all the time. Appears there are recalls on these 3 issues.
NHTSA complaint #11736016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission is going down in gears at high speeds and a wrench is showing up
NHTSA complaint #11732050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while purchasing a warranty for the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 149,000 and at the time of purchasing the warranty, it was discovered that the mileage was 146,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Saturday 4/4 I took the truck to get a tire repaired. It would not initially start. 5 minutes later it finally did. Then a few blocks away the trucks internal lights started flashing and it jumped from drive into a lower gear. I thought my drive quit working. I pulled over and had reverse and low so I attempted to put in drive, still wouldn't go. After about 5 minutes I was able to get the truck back into drive and get it home where it sits today. I just bought it 1 1/2 months ago. It happened to my son also on Thursday 4/2 but I just found out about it. He was going highway speeds when lights started flashing and truck jerked from drive into a lower gear. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. I want to know what you are going to do about it? I just paid $22,000 for this truck. I shouldn't have to deal with this. My son looked it up and says it is P0707 lead frame failure or output shaft speed sensor. Whatever the case, it would be nice to know what can be done about it other than switching to manual dirive.
NHTSA complaint #11729680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,000; and at the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 300,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blacklick, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving the instrument cluster would flicker and then the truck would down shift gears. The first time it did, it dropped from 6th gear to 3rd gear at 70 mph, and the next time it dropped from 6th to 1st around 65 mph. It also occurred at lower rates of speed.
NHTSA complaint #11725872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Ford F150 randomly won't start.It also randomly down shifts while driving.There have been times I've been driving 50mph and the transmission starts down shifting on its own.
NHTSA complaint #11725468 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Linville, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Today I was driving my truck at 55mph on a local highway and all of the sudden I felt/heard/experienced a massive clunk out of nowhere - almost like the truck tried to downshift into 1st or something similarly jarring. It only lasted a second, and then I got a dash light on that said Service AdvanceTrac. Based on the service codes I'm seeing (two of them that are both UO100 codes which indicate loss of communication), I did some research and found out about the OSS sensor issue and think that's what is going on with my truck too. Unfortunately I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get a Ford dealership to do anything about it since there isn't an official recall, and I'm afraid to keep driving it as this is likely going to keep happening - but fixing it myself is going to be expensive I think. It is available for inspection upon request. I felt that my safety was and continues to be at risk - downshifting into 1st gear, or whatever that was, while driving high speeds is dangerous and could potentially significantly damage my vehicle and myself. I have not taken it anywhere yet to be reproduced or confirmed - just plugged my scanner in and did a bit of research. No one has inspected it.
NHTSA complaint #11725389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I’m reporting a serious transmission issue with my 2016 F-150. While driving, the 'wrench' light suddenly pops up on my dash and the truck starts shifting erratically. Sometimes it feels like it’s searching for a gear or jerking unexpectedly. I had the codes scanned and found P0706, P0707, and P1921. These are all related to the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) signal. I know the NHTSA is currently investigating this exact failure under EA26001 because it causes the truck to lose track of what gear it’s in. Even though my tires haven't locked up yet, the erratic shifting is making the truck unpredictable and dangerous to drive in traffic. It’s clearly the same Lead Frame defect that is being investigated for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11724949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheffield Village, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2016 F150 5.0L 6 speed transmission. Lead Frame failure, Output Shaft Speed Sensor failure/lost communication with PCM. Truck had poor shifting, poor driving, eventually locked in 5th gear and went into limp mode. Only downshifted into 3rd When slowing to a stop. Continued limp mode. Dealer replaced lead frame after diagnosis of the failures.
NHTSA complaint #11724109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kalispell, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle is having ECM module errors and sensor issues just like other Ford models. It throws a code and then will not go above 5th gear or go below 3rd gear until vehicle is shut off and restarted. Once it restarts it is fine for a bit. It can go a few days in between malfunctions or can happen multiple times per day.
NHTSA complaint #11719547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schenevus, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving at approximately 55 mph the vehicle began to behave strangely. The "D" light for drive and the gear indicator began to flash. Then the transmission abruptly down shifted to 2nd gear from 5th then lost all power before returning to somewhat normal operation for a short period of time before happening again. The issue occurred multiple times in a 5 mile trip. If there was anyone close behind me it could have resulted in a crash, or it could result in myself losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a mechanic. There were no warning lamps or any messages prior to, during, or after the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11717174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Potterville, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: 2016 Ford F-150, 5.0L V8, 6R80 automatic transmission Mileage at time of failure: Approximately 118,000 miles Approximate date of occurrence: Late 2025 (Late October to Early November) While driving at speeds above approximately 40 mph, the transmission would randomly and unexpectedly downshift, causing a severe and sudden jerking motion accompanied by extremely high engine RPMs. After several seconds, the transmission would violently upshift back into the original gear. Most occurrences involved the transmission downshifting one or two gears; however, on multiple occasions it downshifted from 6th gear directly to 2nd gear while traveling at highway speeds. This caused the rear wheels to momentarily lock up, creating a dangerous loss of traction and loss of vehicle control. These events occurred frequently, including during short trips, and were not related to driver input, braking, or road conditions. During these incidents, the check engine light and wrench warning light would illuminate. Diagnostic trouble code P0720 (Output Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit) was consistently stored. This pointed to a failure within the transmission molded lead frame, which houses the output shaft speed sensor and related circuitry. Due to the severity of the symptoms and the known issues with the Ford 6R80 transmission molded lead frame, I replaced the molded lead frame myself. After replacement, the erratic downshifting, wheel lockup, warning lights, and fault codes were completely resolved. The vehicle has operated normally since the repair. Ford has a documented history of issues related to molded lead frame failures in 6R80 transmissions, including erratic shifting and loss of speed sensor data. This failure presented a significant safety risk, particularly at highway speeds, due to sudden and uncontrollable deceleration and momentary wheel lockup.
NHTSA complaint #11716521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melvindale, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Transmission downshifting and electrical issues
NHTSA complaint #11716563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckees Rocks, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Approximately a year ago I started having trouble with the shifting in my transmission. Had the fluid changed thinking this may be the problem. My engine light continued to stay on and has been on ever since. Periodically the truck will down shift or not shift into another gear without the rpms going above 3000.
NHTSA complaint #11716597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Collins, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 11/22/18, Thanksgiving Day, I was driving our 2 year-old Ford Lariat F-150 Supercrew alone on a backroad in Northern Colorado. I was going approx., 65MPH when out of nowhere the truck downshifted from 6th to 2nd gear and caused the truck to lockup, slam me into the drivers seat, and stop in the middle of a thankfully empty road. The engine made a popping sound. The truck made creaking noises from the wheels as I drove it home. It immediately started leaking oil. I took the truck that was still under warranty to the local dealer we bought the truck from the following week as it was a holiday, where I left the truck for a few days, and upon pickup, was told my concerns could "not be replicated" other than an oil leak. I spoke to the 'managers' in a backroom who were 2 men who LITERALLY told me I just needed to learn how to drive my truck better. I asked them if they had actually driven the truck to LISTEN to what a truck still under warranty sounded like after it how downshifted for no logical reason and dead stopped in the road after locking up. They did not. I told them I thought they wiped the codes and were relying on computers to diagnose issues and if Ford knew they had a problem and were hiding it, and people died, Ford would be sued. True story. I reported this to the FBI due to the response because it was disturbing. I know what happened to me when our truck downshifted. If I was on the highway people would have died. Period. I have 10 years worth of documents and all the Ford notes on everything that went wrong with the truck after that catastrophic event. I have 4 official complaints filed with Ford Corporate starting in early Feb., 2019 through late 2025. Shoutout to FormulaFord Rutland for being kind and ethical. I have pictures and video of our truck acting like "Christine" because the software goes haywire when it feels like it. I have the oil leaks and sounds from the wheels recorded on video. Ford Fusion did the same thing. Ford knows. Not ok
NHTSA complaint #11716448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ontonagon, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Our 2016 Ford F-150 experienced a sudden, forceful, uncommanded lane deviation while traveling at highway speed. Without warning or driver input, the vehicle abruptly jolted into the left lane. The steering was corrected and returned to our lane, but shortly afterward the truck again forcefully veered left. The movement felt comparable to being struck by another vehicle. There was no oncoming traffic at the time; however, had there been oncoming traffic, this would have resulted in a head-on collision. Weather conditions were calm, roads were dry, and visibility was clear. Prior to this incident, the vehicle exhibited no warning signs, including no pulling, steering issues, warning lights, or diagnostic codes. We immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who inspected the truck but could not replicate the issue. Although the vehicle was later driven approximately 120 miles home and short distances locally without recurrence, we believe it remains unsafe due to the unpredictable nature of this failure. A vehicle should never abruptly and forcefully change lanes without driver input. We have also experienced ongoing issues with the key becoming stuck in the ignition and intermittent starting problems, raising concerns about potential electrical or mechanical defects. This incident involved two uncommanded lane deviations under normal driving conditions with no identified cause or warnings. Due to the risk of serious injury or fatal collision, this remains an unresolved safety concern requiring investigation. We are requesting that NHTSA review this complaint, evaluate whether similar incidents indicate a pattern or defect involving the steering, transmission, or electronic control systems in the 2016 Ford F-150, and take appropriate action to protect public safety. Once we receive the NHTSA complaint number, we will also be submitting a formal complaint to Ford Motor Company requesting a thorough investigation and resolution.
NHTSA complaint #11716506 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Star Valley, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Turn Signals, Speed Control Radio Functions, Windsheild Wipers STOPPED WORKING! It effects people in front ,back or side knowing what I am doing so they can react like turning in any direction , My vision is blocked during rain or snow and will cause an accident harming me or others . ' No warning lamps came on when problem happened ! ' Problem has been confirmed by a Qualified Mechanic !
NHTSA complaint #11715906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Painesville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My truck has had multiple issues with randomly downshifting while on the freeway, i'm getting a code that leads back to the "Lead frame" wiring every now and then. The code comes and goes without having it cleared. I've had this issue before and have replaced it with the Ford Manufactured part. Its now doing it again but now more frequent not even a year and a half after replacement. I have been almost rear ended multiple times due to it locking up the rear tires and once it locked up the tire on ice and it caused me to slide into the median. There are multiple reports of this issue currently on many Ford Truck Forums. I am currently in the process of contacting Ford again as last time they said to just replace the wiring. My truck is equipped with the 6-speed transmission
NHTSA complaint #11716015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving home and the truck started to shift very harshly and had died at a stoplight , I put it into park and restarted it and the engine light came on tried to put it into drive and it had jumped forward very rough as soon as I did, started driving again and then the truck shifted into 5th gear and would not shift out of 5th gear at all was very slowly leaving from stop signs and the high speed fans had turned on and ran the entire rest of the time. Causing very irratic shifting where at times it would down shift and skid the tires
NHTSA complaint #11708919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butternut, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2016 F150 Lariat - Backup camera warning system is not working. Safety issue - When the vehicle transmission is placed in reverse the backup camera does not function. The touch screen in the cab displays a blue screen with the words "Please check surroundings for safety". The camera image displaying the rear area behind the vehicle should be displayed in the touch screen in the cab. This backup camera warning system malfunction has recently been reported and included in a large recall including 2017 vehicles but does not include the 2016 vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11694801 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forestville, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While trying to backup my rear view screen camera is black and flashing on and off so fast that I can’t gauge how close or far I am away from an object. Everything works ( radio, GPS, source and other things) with in the screen it self. But the problem is threatening to my safety. I ve tried to reset it by the recommendation of Ford but to no avail.
NHTSA complaint #11688181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverview, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear view camera dows not function correctly, black screen, distorted screen, or no visibility. I indicated 9/1/2025 as the date but has been like this for longer
NHTSA complaint #11687078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.