VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford F-150 transmission problems

The 2016 Ford F-150 has 522 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 21% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

522

Transmission complaints

21%

Share of year

6

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

F-150 transmission complaints by model year1,330 complaints1978: 2 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 2 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 10 complaints1989: 9 complaints1990: 15 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 30 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 64 complaints1995: 81 complaints1996: 29 complaints1997: 156 complaints1998: 88 complaints1999: 84 complaints2000: 47 complaints2001: 79 complaints2002: 53 complaints2003: 63 complaints2004: 245 complaints2005: 114 complaints2006: 48 complaints2007: 59 complaints2008: 51 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 123 complaints2011: 819 complaints2012: 673 complaints2013: 1,330 complaints2014: 408 complaints2015: 345 complaints2016: 522 complaints2017: 494 complaints2018: 940 complaints2019: 677 complaints2020: 310 complaints2021: 283 complaints2022: 150 complaints2023: 146 complaints2024: 51 complaints2025: 23 complaints
F-150 transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

26V237000TransmissionApril 14, 2026 · 1,392,935 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the powertrain control module software, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed May 1, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in July 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.

What owners report

“Exhaust manifold studs broke off (as do they all break) and turbos oil lines leak engine oil causing fire. By the time I stopped and got out there was already flames coming out from the hood. It was so fast I didn’t have time to be get my firearms or tools out. I have not notified Ford or and I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 8, 2026 · fire

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA has 522 complaints about the 2016 Ford F-150 transmission — 21% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2016 Ford F-150 transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 26V237000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.