2016 Ford F-150

The 2016 Ford F-150 is a popular full-size pickup truck known for its versatility and capability. Engine options for this year included the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp, 375 lb-ft of torque), the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp, 420 lb-ft of torque), the 5.0L V8 (385 hp, 387 lb-ft of torque), and a base 3.5L V6 (282 hp, 253 lb-ft of torque). Most models came with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 5.0L V8 available with a 10-speed automatic starting mid-year. Owners often praise the F-150 for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and strong towing capacity. However, some common complaints include issues with the infotainment system, various electronic glitches, and potential drivetrain problems.

Engine

2.7L EcoBoost V6

• No Issues Found

3.5L EcoBoost V6

• Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, especially during acceleration. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) related to turbocharger underboost (e.g., P0299) may be present. Whining noise from the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replace the affected turbocharger wastegate actuator or, in some cases, the entire turbocharger assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant intrusion into the engine cylinders
  • Description/Symptoms: White smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Engine Replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $7,000-$10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil level warnings, noticeable decrease in oil level between oil changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Ford released a TSB to address this issue, involving replacing the PCV valve and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). In severe cases, piston ring replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 (PCV Valve/PCM Reprogramming), $3000+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Engine Knocking/Ticking Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking sound emanating from the engine, particularly at idle or low RPMs. This can be due to the roller followers failing inside the cylinder heads.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cylinder head and/or camshaft.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6 (Base Engine)

• No Issues Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting between gears. Noticeable clunking noise during gear changes.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement. In some cases, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (Fluid/Filter), $800+ (Valve Body), $3000+ (Rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10R80)

• Harsh Shifting and Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting behavior, harsh engagement of gears, and noticeable slipping between gears. This can be caused by issues with the CDF drum or valve body.
  • Solution: Involves valve body replacement, CDF drum inspection and replacement if needed, and PCM reprogramming.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Sync 3 Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Sync 3 system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Software updates, or, in severe cases, replacement of the APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update), $500 - $1000+ (APIM Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Ajar Warning Light Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The door ajar warning light remains illuminated even when all doors are closed. This can be caused by a faulty door latch sensor.
  • Solution: Replacement of the affected door latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Latch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the tailgate. The latch mechanism may feel loose or broken.
  • Solution: Replacement of the tailgate latch assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat heater fails to function, or only heats intermittently.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat heater element or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Ford F-150 experiences several notable issues, particularly concerning the 3.5L EcoBoost engine and the 10-speed transmission. While the 2.7L EcoBoost and base 3.5L V6 appear relatively reliable, the 5.0L V8 can suffer from excessive oil consumption. Electrical glitches with the Sync 3 system and exterior issues such as tailgate latch failures also appear. The severity of these issues varies, but some (engine failure, transmission rebuild) can be quite costly to repair, potentially exceeding $3,000 - $10,000. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems and consider a thorough inspection before purchasing a used 2016 F-150.