2016 Ford F-350 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2016 Ford F-350 carries two red flags at once: 290 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.6× the F-350 norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Sogefi Secondary Diesel Fuel Filter Leak). It is one of the F-350 years to avoid. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

Suspension leads the complaint categories with 78 reports (27% of the total).

290

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations · 1 open

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other F-350 years?

F-350 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Ford F-350 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Suspension	78	27%	— flat
Steering	71	24%	— flat
Fuel System	23	8%	— flat
Engine	21	7%	▼ down
Airbags	21	7%	▲ up
Other	17	6%	— flat
Transmission	16	6%	— flat
Electrical System	13	4%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	12	4%	— flat
Speed Control	5	2%	▲ up
Brakes	5	2%	— flat
Driver Assistance	4	1%	▼ down
Body & Structure	2	1%	— flat
Visibility & Wipers	2	1%	▼ down

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.

“THERE IS AN UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR OR HIGHER, AFTER INVESTIGATION IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CASES, THE SHAKING HAS BEEN CALLED " THE DEATH WOBBLE" DEALERSHIPS DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND FORD NOT GIVING ANY GOOD SOLUTIONS. THIS CANT BE SEEN WITH PICTURES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 17, 2019

“THERE IS AN UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR OR HIGHER, AFTER INVESTIGATION IT SEEMS THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF CASES, THE SHAKING HAS BEEN CALLED " THE DEATH WOBBLE" DEALERSHIPS DON'T SEEM TO KNOW WHATS GOING ON AND FORD NOT GIVING ANY GOOD SOLUTIONS. THIS CANT BE SEEN WITH PICTURES…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 17, 2019

“The Diesel Exhaust Fluid system is faulty. I have been informed that GMC and Chevy have recalled the system but Ford has not. I have complained to Ford with no response. My neighbor has 4 work trucks that have all needed replacing (so has mine). I have 2 friends who also have Fords, one was covered…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 30, 2021

“I WAS TRAVELING UP HORSESHOE BEND (IDAHO). I HEARD A NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE A BACKFIRE, BUT TOWARDS THE FRONT. AFTER I HEARD THE NOISE, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. MY PASSENGER AND I WERE ABLE TO MAKE IT OUT OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD, FLAMES JUST EXPLODED FROM UNDER…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 26, 2020 · fire

“The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a head-on crash. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 14, 2024 · crash

2016 Ford F-350 — common questions

Is the 2016 Ford F-350 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 290 complaints put the 2016 model at #6 of 53 F-350 years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the F-350 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 F-350 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (78 complaints), steering (71 complaints), fuel system (23 complaints).

Does the 2016 Ford F-350 have recalls?

No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Ford F-350.

Is the 2016 Ford F-350 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-350 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 years to avoid are 2017, 2019, 1999, 2000, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2020, 2004, 2006, 2011, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2008, 2005, 1996, 2014, 2002, 1993, 1994, 2021, 2013, 2003. The cleanest record among F-350 years belongs to 2010.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.