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2016 Ford F-150 — What to Check Before You Buy

The 2016 Ford F-150 with aluminum body construction is a capable and popular truck, but the EcoBoost turbocharged engines used in this generation come with known maintenance considerations that are important to understand before buying.

EcoBoost Intake Valve Carbon Buildup

The 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost engines use direct injection, which does not wash the intake valves with fuel. Over time, carbon deposits build up on the intake valves, which can cause rough idle, misfires, or reduced power. This is a known characteristic of direct-injection engines generally — asking about mileage and whether any carbon cleaning service has been performed is worthwhile.

Automatic Transmission Shudder

The 6-speed automatic in this generation F-150 is commonly associated with a torque converter shudder, most noticeable at highway speeds under light acceleration. This is a well-documented concern across this platform. A test drive on the highway with light throttle between 40–55 mph is the best way to evaluate this.

Tailgate & Accessory Hardware

Tailgate latches and associated cable mechanisms are a frequently reported wear item on this generation. Test the tailgate manually — it should operate smoothly and latch securely. Also verify that any installed accessories (backup camera, trailer wiring, running boards) are fully functional.

NHTSA recalls · 5

  • EngineRemedied

    18/12/2018

    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.

  • EngineRemedied

    08/04/2019

    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.

  • Seat belts:pretensionerRemedied

    31/08/2018

    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.

  • Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchRemedied

    16/10/2017

    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.

  • Seat belts:rear/otherRemedied

    28/08/2017

    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."

Recall data is pulled from the NHTSA public database. Always verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov.

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