Ford F-150 Complaints (2016)

2,093 consumer complaints on file.

#11770682October 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I responded to recall 26V237 by bringing my F150 into our local Ford dealership, Lenoir City Ford, in Lenoir City, Tennessee, on [XXX]. At the time the truck was dropped off for the recall fix, it was running and operating normally, without any issues. I picked up my truck on [XXX] after the dealership applied the reprogramming fix. As soon as I pulled out of their parking lot onto the main road, the truck started acting up: erratic shifting, delayed shifting, spontaneous downshifting, lack of response from acceleration, and loud rattling noises. I immediately returned to the dealership and had the service technician ride in the vehicle with me. She asked me to turn around immediately and had the service manager ride in the vehicle. He also immediately told me to turn around and return to their parking lot, saying the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The only way to got the vehicle back to the parking lot was to use the manual shift mode and shift with the paddles. As of the date of this filing, the truck remains in the possession of Lenoir City Ford and is undriveable. The Ford dealership has completed all troubleshooting requirements with Ford Motor Company. It has been determined that the transmission needs to be replaced. Ford Motor Company is refusing to make the necessary repairs to the vehicle that their software fix created. The dealership continues to try to resolve this through their channels, and I keep reaching out to Ford Motor Company to resolve it. I have a case file started with Ford, [XXX]. Since this started, Ford Motor Company issued an internal memo to all dealerships instructing them to stop performing the recall software fix, which is under investigation. See attached. The vehicle is still in Lenoir City Ford's possession. On October 14th, the dealership will have been in possession of it for one month. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770453October 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is covered by Safety Recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V237) for a transmission range sensor signal fault causing unintended downshift. Before the recall, the truck was slipping, shifting improperly, and downshifting unexpectedly. Dealer (Wayne Akers Ford, Lake Worth, FL) solicited the recall by text on [XXX] and performed the PCM reprogramming on [XXX] (RO [XXX]) at 201,991 miles. The repair order shows no DTC scan before or after the reflash, no road test, and identical mileage in and out. The same symptoms returned the day of pickup. Owner returned promptly and was told the dealer was too busy to accept the truck. The condition worsened to a sudden unintended downshift and deceleration while driving in traffic, after which the owner parked the truck for safety. Owner reported the worsening condition by text on or before [XXX] and brought the truck in on [XXX] where he was told a diagnostic fee would be required to look at the recall condition. The dealer now says the codes are “similar but different” from the recall codes, that the condition is outside coverage, and quotes about $6,500, with no written diagnosis, code list, estimate, written denial, or SSSC submission under Program 26N04. No crash, fire, or injury. Vehicle remains unrepaired at the dealer. The owner reports this because the 26V237 remedy performed did not correct the unintended downshift condition, and the dealer’s process may have cleared the codes that would have qualified the truck for no-cost leadframe replacement. Representative contact: [XXX], [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770470October 11, 2026
POWER TRAIN
1.The component that is failing & causing a safety hazard is the vehicle transmission. 2.The transmission shifts violently at highway speeds & causes partial loss of control by the driver & potential additional damage to the powertrain; dashboard wrench light (powertrain warning light) goes on when this happens. 3.The problem has been confirmed by Ford Motor Vehicle Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 (safety recall notice) the vehicle owner received in a written letter from Ford in July 2026. 4. The Ford Dealership at Liccardi Ford, 1615 Route 22 West, Watchung, NJ 07066 908-561-7500, arranged for a mobile repair on 07-21-26 (Recall Repair 26S28). The repair was made but the condition was not corrected. 5. The vehicle was brought into Liccardi Ford dealership on 09-13-26 for further service to correct the powertrain fault consistent with the Safety Recall Notice (customer Satisfaction Program 26N04). 6. The Dealership did nothing to correct the problem and in part, stated on their work order, "PERFORMED DIAGNOSIS RETRIEVED CODE PO219 ENGINE OVERSPEED CONDITION, PO61A INTERNAL CONTROL MODULE TORQUE PERFORMANCE, PO722 OUTPUT SHAFT SPEED SENSOR - NO SIGNAL - NOT RELATED TO 26N04 - NEEDS FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. 7. The vehicle owner was told by the Ford Dealership that they would not correct the safety recall problem (evident by the powertrain failing in a manner consistent with the recall notice and the powertrain warning light) without further diagnosis at a cost to the vehicle owner of about $220/hour for diagnosis plus any costs for service work. 8. This failure by Liccardi Ford to correct the hazardous powertrain safety problem consistent with Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 regardless of what codes were found (or not found) without invoicing the vehicle owner is an unconscionable bait-and switch dereliction of Ford Motor 9. I humbly ask the NHTSA to require Ford to make the repair without cost to the vehicle owner, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11770148October 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2016 Ford F-150 experienced an unexpected downshift into second gear at approximately 45 mph. I also experienced warning lights and an occasion when the truck would not move in Drive until I shifted again. The dealership documented P0705 and P0706 before performing a PCM software update. I retained the repair order showing those codes. After the update, the truck registered P0720. The dealership diagnosed an output speed sensor circuit fault and recommended replacing the molded leadframe for approximately $2,000. I was told replacement would not be covered unless specified transmission range sensor codes returned after the update. I am concerned that a physical defect remains in the leadframe assembly despite the software update. I request review of the safety issue, the effectiveness of the recall remedy, and Ford’s handling of my documented diagnostic history. I cannot establish whether the original range sensor faults and subsequent speed sensor fault share the same cause.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769769October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
In mid-September 2026, I had safety recall 26S28 (NHTSA 26V-237) performed on my 2016 Ford F-150 at Corwin Ford Reno in Reno, NV. The recall remedy was a powertrain control module software update intended to prevent unexpected transmission downshifts. Before the recall repair, the vehicle had no drivability problems of any kind. About three days after the recall repair, the truck began repeatedly losing acceleration while driving at highway speed. The vehicle would stop responding to the accelerator, and the wrench warning light came on in the instrument cluster. This happened on multiple occasions over several days. Losing acceleration in highway traffic creates a serious risk of a rear-end collision. This is the same type of loss-of-control hazard the recall was meant to address, and the condition appeared only after the recall software was installed. I contacted the dealer right away to report the safety problem. Over two days I called at least six times and left multiple messages that were not returned. When I reached the service department, they would not inspect the vehicle until the following week, and a service manager offered the same delay. I also contacted Ford customer service and received no help. The vehicle has been at the dealer since September 30, 2026. As of October 7, 2026, there is still no diagnosis or repair. I believe the recall 26S28 remedy either failed to correct the defect or introduced a new powertrain fault that causes loss of motive power at speed. I am asking NHTSA to note this complaint in connection with recall 26V-237 and investigation EA26001, and to evaluate whether the remedy is adequate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769866October 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Ford sent me a recall letter stating there was a remedy for my truck. I took the truck to a ford service center and was informed that the remedy they had in place to fix the recall does not resolve the problem. They also informed me that they have no idea when the new remedy will be out to fix my truck. Seeing that there is no remedy or any timeline of when I’m getting my truck back I called ford customer support to ask for a loan vehicle. They told me they was unable to give me one. Seeing that it is a transmission problem and even having in the letter it increases the risk of an accident. I feel unsafe to drive the truck in my 60 mile commute to work or in general
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769557October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The automatic transmission has experienced repeated unexpected downshifts and other abnormal gear-selection behavior. Before the recall repair, the vehicle experienced multiple unexpected downshifts, including a shift from 4th to 2nd gear. Safety Recall 26S28 was performed on July 20, 2026, consisting of a PCM software update. The problem continued after the recall repair. Approximately one week later, while operating in 3rd gear, the transmission momentarily shifted into 1st gear and then returned to 4th. On August 31, while operating in 5th gear, it again momentarily shifted directly into 1st and then returned to 4th. The vehicle was returned to an authorized Ford dealer in September for evaluation. The dealer road-tested the vehicle three times and scanned the PCM but could not duplicate the condition and found no diagnostic trouble codes. The dealer contacted Ford regarding the condition, but no additional repair was authorized because no qualifying codes were present. The problem has continued. I have manually limited the selectable transmission range to 4th gear in an effort to reduce the possibility of another unexpected downshift. On multiple occasions, without any driver input, the selected maximum transmission range has changed from 4th back to the full 1-6 range. On October 3, 2026, the vehicle experienced a hard shift into 4th and then shifted back and forth between 5th and 6th. During this event, the transmission range display went blank and subsequently returned. On October 4, I again manually selected 4th as the maximum gear. During a drive of less than three miles, the selected range independently returned to the full 1-6 range multiple times. There have been no warning lights associated with these events. The condition is intermittent and was not reproduced during the dealer inspection. The vehicle remains available for inspection. I am concerned about the risk of loss of vehicle control from an unexpected downshift. The condition has continued afte
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768969October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted; however, the contact denied the repair for being insufficient. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769064October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. While the contact's mother was driving 20 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The power train and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769149October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Component Affected: Power Train / Electrical System / Transmission Description of Incident: My 2016 Ford F-150 was taken to a licensed Ford dealership to resolve Safety Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Campaign 26V237000 (PCM software update to prevent sudden downshifts). Prior to the recall, the truck drove fine with no issues. Immediately after the software update was performed, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic, uncommanded downshift from 4th gear into 1st gear while traveling at highway speeds. This caused the rear wheels to violently lock up, mimicking a sudden slam on the brakes in active traffic and nearly causing a severe rear-end collision. Diagnostic scans show codes P0720 and P0722, indicating a failure of the Output Speed Sensor, which is integrated into the transmission molded lead frame assembly. The recall software remedy actually caused this life-threatening downshift, and the vehicle remains entirely unsafe to drive. The manufacturer's remedy did not resolve the safety defect. Ford has refused to repair this safety issue and say that it only qualifies for free repair if it throws codes P0705, P0706, P0707.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768800October 4, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX, I parked my 2016 Ford F-150 in a Kroger parking lot, in [XXX] around 5 pm. I placed the transmission selector in PARK, exited the vehicle, and went inside the store. The vehicle was unattended. When I came back outside, I discovered that the truck had rolled from where I had parked it, traveled across the parking lot, and struck another vehicle. A police report was filed regarding the incident. I believe there may have been a failure of the vehicle's parking mechanism, transmission, shift linkage, transmission range sensing system, or another component responsible for preventing the vehicle from moving while in PARK. The current answer is UNKNOWN. The incident created a serious safety risk because the unattended vehicle was able to roll freely through a public parking lot where pedestrians and other vehicles were present. Fortunately, to my knowledge, no one was injured, but the vehicle did strike another vehicle and caused property damage. At this time, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a Ford dealer or independent repair facility. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Ford to determine the cause of the rollaway. Police responded to/documented the incident and a police report was completed. I did not observe any warning lamps or warning messages indicating that the vehicle was not properly in PARK before exiting the vehicle. I had no indication that the vehicle would move after I exited it. I am reporting this incident because the vehicle unexpectedly rolled while unattended after being placed in PARK, and I believe this presents a significant safety concern that warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768498October 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle decelerated to approximately 15 MPH. The powertrain warning light was illuminated during the failure. Occasionally, the vehicle was coasted over to the side of the road, and the contact attempted to turn off the vehicle, but the vehicle occasionally remained running. The contact waited for several minutes before continuing to drive. During the failure, the occupants inside the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that a niece's head struck the windshield, leaving a bruise, and the contact’s partner lunged forward and struck her head on the side door handle bar, which left a bruise. The failure had occurred more than 25 times. The vehicle was taken to four certified mechanics, and the lead frame and all the sensors were replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The dealer performed the update of the powertrain control module software; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the VIN was no longer under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11768581October 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to shift into first gear unless the accelerator pedal was released for up to thirty seconds, after which the transmission shifted hard into second gear. The check engine and power train warning lights illuminated after the hard shift. Additionally, the vehicle only shifted between third and fifth gears while driving. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train) and contacted the dealer by phone; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the manufacturer had placed a pause on the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767956September 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My vehicle was covered under recall 26N04 and 26V237 that addressed a violent unexpected downshift in the transmission while driving. The Ford dealer reprogrammed the PCM and stated that is all that could be done. This did not fix the violent unexpected downshift while traveling at highway speeds. My vehicle has done so several times since the 'fix'. Truck was taken back to Ford dealer and checked again. I was advised that Ford would not be fixing this issue because my truck did not have the correct code on their diagnostic exam. The lead frame is faulty and Ford refuses to fix even though they admit in their recall that the lead frame may be faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768054September 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The contact stated that there was a ten-second delay prior to the transmission downshifting. The vehicle was uncontrollable, and the vehicle crashed into a ditch before coming to a stop. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while the contact's wife and two minor grandchildren were inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after an unknown recall repair was performed. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768161September 30, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had my 2016 Ford F-150 turned in for a recall notification on my transmission. I had no problems on my transmission before the Ford dealership updated the recall notice. After the update, my truck was downshifting and changing gears in a different way. I turned in the truck again and the dealership looked at it again and decided that Ford was not responsible for the issue. Now, my truck is having major issues with the transmission and it is still not fixed. The dealership did the recall update but something was done that made my transmission work differently and they will not fix it unless I pay.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767340September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into first gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a PCM software update was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the failure worsened following the recall repair. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced due to a possible internal clutch failure. The contact was informed that leadframe replacement was not covered under extended warranty coverage because the necessary DTC were not retrieved. However, the contact stated that the PCM software update had cleared the codes. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767439September 28, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What Happened MY 2016 Ford F-150 Platinum, equipped with a rear/360-degree camera system, has failed and displays a blue screen instead of providing a usable rearward image. This blue screen was confirmed by the Lugoff Ford Service Department (authorized Ford dealership) around June/July 2026. What I did to correct the problem I took the 2016 F150 Platinum to my local authorized Ford dealership (Lugoff Ford, Lugoff, SC). The Lugoff Ford dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed the blue-screen rear camera failure, and determined that the camera requires replacement under the Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 25N17. The repair work would be in October 2026. Repair status In September 2026, I got an oil change service at Lugoff Ford. I asked about the status of the recall for the inoperable backup camera and was told that parts and an advanced software update have been changed and will now be available in February 2027. Safety As you are aware, an inoperable backup camera is a safety concern because it does not provide the driver with the rearward view expected from the vehicle's factory-installed camera system. When reversing, the driver cannot rely on the camera to identify pedestrians, vehicles, objects, or other hazards located behind the big F150 Platinum. Manufacturer Contacted I contacted Ford Motor Company's Customer Relationship Center twice to request assistance with an expedited repair, a formal Ford case, and/or a dealer-to-dealer parts search. I was unable to obtain a formal case or an escalation for an expedited remedy. Legal Complaint I am filing this complaint because the safety-related camera failure has been diagnosed, but the manufacturer has not provided an available remedy, and I have been given an estimated repair date of February 2027. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review the safety implications of an inoperative rear-view camera and the extended delay in obtaining the replacement remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767460September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into a lower gear, causing the vehicle to hesitate while accelerating. The contact pulled over and waited before restarting the vehicle to correct the failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that the recall repair was on hold by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767542September 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to second gear. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the failure was associated with a previous recall repair. The contact was informed that the remedy was a temporary fix and that the engineers were developing a new remedy. In addition, the contact was informed that there was no remedy yet available for the repair. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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