VehicleVerdict

2016 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Ford F-250 Sd carries two red flags at once: 15 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

15

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension427%
Electrical System427%
Steering213%
Body & Structure17%
Tires & Wheels17%
Transmission17%
Lighting17%
Seats17%

Does the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V572000Driver AssistanceSeptember 3, 2025 · 1,456,417 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.

22V337000AirbagsMay 13, 2022 · 310,203 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A disconnected driver's air bag can result in it not deploying, as intended, during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. An interim notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on July 6, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S35.

20E090000OtherDecember 9, 2020 · 102 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

16V246000Tires & WheelsApril 26, 2016 · 2,288 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires for damage and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 23, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S17.

Open NHTSA investigations

PE24014

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 the low-pressure fuel system is capable of a maximum operating pressure of 8.5 Bar, while the secondary fuel filter is only tested to seven (7) Bar during the manufacturing process. Additionally, changes starting in 2022 by both Ford and Sogefi align with a lack of similar complaints on MY 2022 and newer vehicles. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to evaluate the severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related problems. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DEATH WOBBLE PURCHASE TRUCK TWO YEARS AGO FRONT AND WAS FIXED THEN WITHIN A YEAR AND A HALF STARTED VIBRATING AGAIN REPLACED EVERYTHING IN FRONT IN DEATH WOBBLE STILL BAD EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT I AM ALMOST WRECKED THE TRUCK TWICE IN THE LAST WEEK IT IS NOW PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 5, 2020

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK GRAY SMOKE BILLOWING OUT THE WINDOWS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED THE SEATS WERE ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NOTICED WIRES IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 19, 2017 · fire

“THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING BADLY TO THE POINT THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO DO WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION TO STEERING WHEEL SHAKE, BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE WOBBLING AND THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 10, 2018

“BACKUP CAMERA AND BRAKE LIGHTS INOPERABLE/INTERMITTENT DUE TO WATER IN ORIGINAL FORD WIRING HARNESS PIGTAILS, LOCATED ON UNDERSIDE EXTERIOR OF VEHICLE. WARRANTY SHOWS ALL WIRING HARNESSES AND CONNECTORS AS COVERED. SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY PURCHASED FORD PREMIUM ESP WARRANTY UP TO 100,000…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · April 19, 2019

“SUNROOF EXPLODED AT 0530 IN THE MORNING THE TRUCK IS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD AND THE SUNROOF HAS NEVER BEEN OPENED DEALER SAYING FORD DOES NOT COVER UNDER BUMPER TO BUMPER NOR UNDER THE EXTENSIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 4, 2017

2016 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 15 complaints put the 2016 model at #24 of 36 F-250 Sd years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (4 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

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.