Owners have filed 448 complaints
about the 2016 Ford F-250 SD with NHTSA between 2016 and 2026.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 31 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Ford F-250 SD. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 25
4.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
116.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
73.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
147.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3217.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4222.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2513.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3418.5%
150,000+ miles
1910.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2016peak 15Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2016 Ford F-250 SD
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
PE24014Opened 9 May 2024Still openFUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak
The Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has received 27 complaints alleging diesel fuel leaks due to a fracture in the secondary fuel filter housing in model year (MY) 2015-2021 Ford Motor Company (Ford) F-250, 350, 450, and 550 Super Duty vehicles equipped with 6.7L diesel engines. Of these complaints, 12 describe an engine compartment fire. The proximity of the secondary fuel filter to high heat sources creates a potential for autoignition thermal events and fires. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Ford, and the filter manufacturer, Allevard Sogefi USA (Sogefi), and learned that...
Recalls on the 2016 Ford F-250 SD
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
25V572000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
22V337000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Dust may accumulate in the steering wheel clock spring, causing a disconnection in the electrical connection resulting in the driver's air bag not deploying as intended.
Risk: A disconnected driver's air bag can result in it not deploying, as intended, during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
20E090000
STEERING
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
Risk: If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.
16V246000
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured April 5, 2016, to April 11, 2016. The tires installed during assembly of the affected vehicles may have sustained damage to the inner sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air or a tire rupture.
Risk: A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesMarysville, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact's former employer owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while exiting the freeway at 45-50 MPH around a bend, the steering wheel failed to move and crashed into a tree. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags). The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his hand, and medical attention was provided the next day at the emergency room. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his employer's yard. The contact called an unknown local dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMarysville, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact's former employer owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while exiting the freeway at 45-50 MPH around a bend, the steering wheel failed to move and crashed into a tree. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags). The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his hand, and medical attention was provided the next day at the emergency room. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his employer's yard. The contact called an unknown local dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Antonio, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On [XXX], I was driving westbound on [XXX], between Kerrville and Junction, Texas. I noticed a diesel fuel smell and pulled off the highway to investigate the source. Upon stopping, fire erupted from the engine compartment and quickly spread to the front dashboard and front passenger seating area. No warning lamps, no high temp or abnormal gage levels. The Mountain Home, TX volunteer fire dept arrived about 30 minutes after we called 911 and extinguished the remaining flames. They commented that a cracked / failed secondary fuel filter housing could be to blame. My insurer, State Farm, under claim #[XXX], now has possession of the vehicle remains. I told State Farm that NHTSA opened an investigation into possible fuel filter housing failures / fires. I do not know what their intentions are with the vehicle remains. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11683811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Independence, VACrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
I placed my truck in Park, exited the vehicle to assist my daughter to the truck. As we approached the front of the truck - the truck started Rolling forward. I tried to enter the driver side door to stop the vehicle but realized my truck was going to collide with the vehicle next to it and I tried to clear my body of the two vehicles. I was caught between the two vehicles near the rear driver side fender and couldn't free myself. My daughter entered the truck from the passenger side and the truck had went from Park to Drive. My daughter put the truck in Park and somehow I was able to free myself. I received injuries to my hip and pelvic area. The entire incident was recorded on a home surveillance system.
NHTSA complaint #11567093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,000 milesLumberton, NCFire1 injured
ENGINE
The contact owned a Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH the contact heard a loud pop from the engine. The contact stated that immediately after hearing the noise smoke started to emanate from the engine. The vehicle caught fire. The driver sustained a hand injury. Medical attention was needed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The fire and police reports were available. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
NHTSA complaint #11541185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TXCrash
STEERING
When driving my truck "2016 F250, FX4) on an open highway at 80mph out of no where, i experience what is known as the death wobble, and went off the road into the ditch. The dealership is telling me I need to pay 2000.00 plus dollars to address the problem which appears to be known and have not issued a recall. This same issue happened to my 2014 F250, and the base warranty covered it.
NHTSA complaint #11440911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kentland, IN
STEERING
Death wobble at highway speeds
NHTSA complaint #11752290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesMiami, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesMiami, FL
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanley, NC
AIR BAGS
A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .
NHTSA complaint #11747897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanley, NC
STEERING
A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .
NHTSA complaint #11747897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stanley, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .
NHTSA complaint #11747897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Davisburg, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY TRANSMISSION IS DOWNSHIFTING WHILE EXCELERATING BUT IS NOT SHOWING UP ON A RECALL LIST
NHTSA complaint #11734297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesConway, AR
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the rear-view camera intermittently functioned properly but recently started displaying a blue screen. The local dealer was contacted starting in December 2025, but the contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11729466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, AR
ENGINE
On September 3, 2023, the fuel pump failed while the truck was in the corner of an on-ramp for an interstate. The truck immediately lost power while in the corner causing a loss of control of steering. This resulted in a near collision with a concrete dividing wall while attempting to maintain control of the vehicle until the vehicle came to a stop. There were no warnings, check engine lights, or other issues with the truck prior to the incident. The truck was inspected by a diesel repair company where it was determined that the Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed resulting in a catastrophic fuel system failure with metal shavings contaminating the complete fuel system. This required a complete fuel system replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11727559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gainesville, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Trailer lights failure lights come on during travel.
NHTSA complaint #11726154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lanett, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.
NHTSA complaint #11725818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lanett, AL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.
NHTSA complaint #11725818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lanett, AL
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.
NHTSA complaint #11725818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,300 milesLincoln, NE
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While shifted to reverse(R), the back over prevention camera intermittently displayed an image of the rear of the vehicle, but occasionally the screen was black. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 18,300.
NHTSA complaint #11725176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSanta Ynez, CA
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention system was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11717305 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMarysville, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact's former employer owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while exiting the freeway at 45-50 MPH around a bend, the steering wheel failed to move and crashed into a tree. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags). The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his hand, and medical attention was provided the next day at the emergency room. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his employer's yard. The contact called an unknown local dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMarysville, CACrash1 injured
STEERING
The contact's former employer owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while exiting the freeway at 45-50 MPH around a bend, the steering wheel failed to move and crashed into a tree. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags). The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his hand, and medical attention was provided the next day at the emergency room. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his employer's yard. The contact called an unknown local dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11713367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message to "Contact Your Local Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a speed bump or pothole, and the steering wheel vibrated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used force to control the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that an alignment was performed, and an unknown repair to the exterior lighting was also performed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11697967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a white screen while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure obstructed the driver's visibility, which prevented the driver from safely operating the vehicle. The message to "Contact Your Local Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle drove over a speed bump or pothole, and the steering wheel vibrated. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used force to control the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that an alignment was performed, and an unknown repair to the exterior lighting was also performed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11697967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deputy, IN
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11696278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,611 milesGladstone, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the error message instructed the contact to reach out to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,611.
NHTSA complaint #11695197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesScurry, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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 while the vehicle was in reverse(R). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11693853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
STEERING
Ford F250 “death wobble”. I believe there’s a recall for 2017-20?? But the recall needs to be expanded to include 2016 models. I have had this issue twice. Very very dangerous!
NHTSA complaint #11690732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
SUSPENSION
Ford F250 “death wobble”. I believe there’s a recall for 2017-20?? But the recall needs to be expanded to include 2016 models. I have had this issue twice. Very very dangerous!
NHTSA complaint #11690732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corsicana, TX
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11684300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.