FaultScore

2016 Ford F-150 window and wiper problems

149 of the 2,565 complaints about the 2016 Ford F-150 are about the glass, mirrors and wipers — 6% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 47,500 miles.

B

149

Complaints

0

Crashes

6

Fires

3

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Visibility/Wiper 105 70.5%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly 14 9.4%
Rear Window 8 5.4%
Glass, Side/Rear 7 4.7%
Visibility 5 3.4%
Windshield 3 2.0%
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 2 1.3%
Electrical Heating Element 2 1.3%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System 1 0.7%
Motor 1 0.7%

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every Ford F-150 year

1993 10 0.3%
1994 16 0.5%
1997 163 5.1%
1998 66 2.1%
1999 89 2.8%
2000 29 0.9%
2001 26 0.8%
2002 30 0.9%
2003 21 0.7%
2004 872 27.4%
2005 274 8.6%
2006 19 0.6%
2008 12 0.4%
2010 211 6.6%
2011 152 4.8%
2012 132 4.1%
2013 201 6.3%
2014 152 4.8%
2015 99 3.1%
2016 149 4.7%
2017 57 1.8%
2018 91 2.9%
2019 40 1.3%
2020 63 2.0%
2021 133 4.2%
2022 47 1.5%
2023 27 0.8%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Cary, NC Fire

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

Toledo, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The linkage on the passenger side windshield wiper is known to seize from rust. Canada has a recall on this particular issue, but not America. I have had failing blades in heavy rain as a result.

NHTSA complaint #11736633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Toledo, OH

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The rearview camera blacks out constantly when backing up. Forums are full of people with issues and no help from Ford. Wires corrode. Safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11736635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Jewett, PA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I was driving down the road with my windshield wipers as it was raining and they suddenly just stopped in the middle of the window. Imagine driving and suddenly can’t see???? Oh yeah not to mention we had to have it towed because it’s raining!!!!

NHTSA complaint #11735339 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Exploding rear window. This is twice that it's happened to this truck.

NHTSA complaint #11732384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbus, MS

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling and wind sound coming from the panoramic roof. While attempting to inspect the vehicle, the contact stated that the panoramic roof glass seized, opened, and failed to close. The contact stated that the panoramic roof glass seemed as if it was about to fracture. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was very expensive and not worth the cost. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11717674 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Star Valley, AZ

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

Manville, RI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

When shifting into reverse, backup camera screen went to a constant blue screen — no rear image at all now.

NHTSA complaint #11715266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bassett, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Back up camera failure the day after I bought the truck from a dealership. With the vehicle lifted in the rear and the blind spots it has mirrors only do so much before you have to open the door while backing up just to make sure it’s good enough or you aren’t sticking out while parked. It hasn’t been professionally inspected. No lights but it started as a black screen with green lines and eventually turned to a bright blue screen that is blinding at night when trying to back up.

NHTSA complaint #11703503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Highland, IN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The window has little specs between the glass it’s very hard to see when the sun is blaring on it .its not anything on the window Sheild or on the inside glass it’s between the glass.

NHTSA complaint #11684503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Highland, IN

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE WINDSHIELD HAS TINY SPEC BETWEEN THE GLASS NOT A SCRATCH ON WINDOW OR CHIPS WHEN ITS REALY SUNNY OUT YOU CANT SEE IT REALLY HARD.THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AT NO CHARGE.ITS AN ACCIDENT READY TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA complaint #11678723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kennesaw, GA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Driving through thunderstorms the rear sliding window popped out from the bracket. The top bracket came loose allowing the window to pop out. This top bracket was fastened with 4 strips of 2 sided tape. Had to pull over and tape the window & bracket.

NHTSA complaint #11673596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Winter Haven, FL

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11658532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Milwaukee, WI

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wiper linkage could corrode and seize. If this happens, the windshield wipers may not work. Windshield wipers that don't work could reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA complaint #11648606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles North Kingstown, RI

VISIBILITY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the HVAC system was not functioning properly. Due to the failure, the contact was unable to activate the front windshield defroster. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the blend door actuator. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V726000 (Visibility), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11644546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Elohim, TX

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof independently closed and opened. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the sunroof latch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

NHTSA complaint #11644143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Woodsboro, MD

VISIBILITY/WIPER

When operating the turn signal and using the wipers on delay, I smelled a plastic like burning smell thinking it was the wiring in the controller arm. This happened several times and eventually the wiper runs 100% on the time delay with no way to turn off except by pulling the fuse. I can operate the normal speeds of the wipers when it rains if needed but I still get a smell sometimes. I have not had the issue looked at but will next week at an independent repair shop. I'm concerned maybe an electrical issue could cause a fire at some point in time.

NHTSA complaint #11639861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clayton, NC

VISIBILITY/WIPER

My F150 2016 rear glass shatter for no reason. it was parked in driveway and when I came out of morning.

NHTSA complaint #11634265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,986 miles Eustis, FL

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was prompted to leave a voicemail. The contact had not heard back from the dealer. The contact had made an appointment with a local glass replacement company. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer to determine if the failure was caused by an impact before receiving assistance with the replacement. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 85,986.

NHTSA complaint #11634395 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Mc Donald, PA

VISIBILITY

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. The contact stated that the sunroof panel and the sunroof rails had fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles Mc Donald, PA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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. The contact stated that the sunroof panel and the sunroof rails had fractured. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not under recall and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11627458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 27,811 miles Jacksonville, FL

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was 27,811.

NHTSA complaint #11618628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,000 miles Clinton, MS

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while opening the panoramic moon roof, the moon roof functioned as intended; however, the moon roof then failed to close. Later, the contact became aware that the moon roof would open but not close. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the moon roof assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 77,000.

NHTSA complaint #11600487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 44,000 miles Rock Springs, WY

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to open the sunroof, the sunroof failed to open and made an abnormal powerful roaring sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact of a Class Action Lawsuit being opened regarding the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.

NHTSA complaint #11595491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Oakley, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Got into vehicle and before starting window just shattered. No issues prior with the rear window just random and for no apparent reason it shattered from inside out.

NHTSA complaint #11590906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Evansville, IN

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, water leaked from the sunroof onto the contact, the dashboard, the center console, and the passenger's side of the vehicle, and there was a mildew odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no prior failures that could have caused the leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a leak in the sunroof. The vehicle was repaired, however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA complaint #11588723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yoro, VA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

The windshield wipers are stuck on the slowest, intermittent speed and won’t turn off. This is a known issue.

NHTSA complaint #11575083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Matthews, NC

VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

The rear window adhesion has failed causing the rear sliding glass window to fall into passenger area.

NHTSA complaint #11571659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Boulder, WY

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and restarted the vehicle after a while. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where unknown repairs were performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 20 MPH on a slight incline and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The message "Hill Assist Not Working" was displayed. The contact stated that she reversed at 3 MPH to her residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving on a level road. The contact veered to the side of the road and shifted into Sport(S) mode, and was able to drive 30-35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to Rocky Mountain Yeti Pinedale Jeep RAM (153 S Entertainment Ln, Pinedale, WY 82941), where it was diagnosed that the throttle body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the windshield wipers failed to disengage and remained on slow intermittent mode. The dealer reset the windshield wipers setting; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11568079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hanover, MA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Intermittent wiper operation stop working. Yes it is available for inspection. Had to operate wiper operation manually. No! Not confirmed. No inspection by others. Unknown. Just skip, then stoped intermittent operation.

NHTSA complaint #11567619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 Ford F-150 problems

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