2016 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Ford F-250 carries two red flags at once: 427 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.9× the F-250 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 112 reports (26% of the total).

427

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other F-250 years?

F-250 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 years to avoid →

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

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Steering	112	26%	— flat
Suspension	106	25%	— flat
Other	36	8%	— flat
Airbags	34	8%	▲ up
Engine	33	8%	— flat
Fuel System	27	6%	— flat
Electrical System	23	5%	▲ up
Tires & Wheels	14	3%	▼ down
Transmission	13	3%	— flat
Driver Assistance	9	2%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	7	2%	▲ up
Body & Structure	3	1%	▼ down
Speed Control	3	1%	— flat
Brakes	3	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	2	0%	▼ down
Lighting	2	0%	▲ up

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.

“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…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 15, 2021 · crash

“Steering wheel shakes violently after hitting bump on highway. Vehicle is extremely difficult to control until reducing speed significantly. Have seen many other reports referring to this as death wobble. No warning or unusual conditions. Has happened numerous times, beginning about a year after…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 19, 2020

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME AND NOT RUNNING. ENGINE BLOCK HEATER WAS PLUGGED IN. SOME TIME WITHIN AN HOUR OF PLUGGING THE BLOCK HEATER IN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT. INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED TRUCK A TOTAL LOSS WITH NO CAUSE OF THE FIRE DETERMINED”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 28, 2019 · fire

“I TOTALED MY 2016 FORD F-250. I SLAMMED INTO A DODGE RAM AT ABOUT 45MPH. MY F-250 BROKE THE SUSPENSION, STEERING, BENT THE FRAME, CRUMPLED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BROKE THE BRAKES. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 21, 2018 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME AND NOT RUNNING. ENGINE BLOCK HEATER WAS PLUGGED IN. SOME TIME WITHIN AN HOUR OF PLUGGING THE BLOCK HEATER IN THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AND WAS EXTENSIVE ENOUGH TO CALL THE FIRE DEPT. INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED TRUCK A TOTAL LOSS WITH NO CAUSE OF THE FIRE DETERMINED”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2019 · fire

2016 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 427 complaints put the 2016 model at #5 of 55 F-250 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (112 complaints), suspension (106 complaints), other (36 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford F-250 have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford F-250.

Is the 2016 Ford F-250 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 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.