Post
Research the Car Logo

2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Posted
By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its towing and hauling capabilities. Engine options include a 6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8, a 6.8L SOHC 3-Valve Triton V10, and a 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8. The 6.2L V8 produces 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The 6.8L V10 produces 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. The 6.7L Power Stroke produces 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque. Most owners appreciate the truck’s robust build, strong performance, and comfortable interior. Common complaints revolve around the diesel engine’s reliability and associated maintenance costs, as well as the truck’s large size, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Engine

6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8

  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starts, rough idling, misfires, reduced power, excessive smoke (white or black) from the exhaust, fuel dilution of engine oil.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s). It’s often recommended to replace all injectors at once to ensure even fuel delivery and prevent future issues.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ per injector (parts and labor) depending on location and shop rates.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whining or screeching noises from the turbo, check engine light.
    • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4000+ (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Glow Plug Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard starts, especially in cold weather, excessive white smoke upon starting, rough idling.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty glow plug(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

6.2L SOHC 2-Valve Flex Fuel V8

  • Spark Plug Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, decreased fuel economy, check engine light. Often caused by spark plugs wearing out or becoming fouled.
    • Solution: Replacement of the spark plugs and possibly the spark plug wires/coil packs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$400 (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets and the oil pan gasket.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found

6.8L SOHC 3-Valve Triton V10

  • Exhaust Manifold Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, especially on cold starts, which diminishes as the engine warms up. Can also lead to reduced fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replacement of the exhaust manifold and potentially the exhaust manifold studs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+ (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Spark Plug Ejection
    • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loud popping noise, loss of power, check engine light. Can cause significant damage to the spark plug threads in the cylinder head.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the cylinder head.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

TorqShift 6R140 6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Used with all Engine Options)

  • Harsh Shifting/Shifting Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or erratic shifting between gears, slipping during acceleration, delayed engagement of gears. Can be caused by worn clutches, valve body issues, or sensor failures.
    • Solution: Depending on the severity, solutions can range from a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement to valve body repair/replacement or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) to $5000+ (rebuild/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially under light acceleration, stalling at low speeds, poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Torque converter replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+ (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Worn Ball Joints
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Loose or wandering steering. Uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Ball joint replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Leaf Spring Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, reduced load carrying capacity, squeaking noises from the rear. Broken or cracked leaf springs.
    • Solution: Leaf spring replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1200+ per side (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Sensor Failures (ABS, TPMS, etc.)
    • Description/Symptoms: Illumination of warning lights on the dashboard, malfunctioning systems (ABS, TPMS), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
    • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ depending on the sensor (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, slow cranking or no start, warning light on the dashboard, battery not charging.
    • Solution: Alternator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust Issues (Especially in areas with road salt)
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation on the body panels, frame, and undercarriage. Common areas include the wheel wells, rocker panels, and around the door seams.
    • Solution: Rust repair, body panel replacement, or application of rust preventative coatings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $5000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noises from behind the dashboard, inconsistent temperature control (e.g., hot air on one side, cold air on the other), inability to switch between different HVAC modes.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty blend door actuator(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (parts and labor) depending on location and complexity.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating properly, slow or erratic movement, grinding noises. Can be caused by a faulty window motor or regulator.
    • Solution: Window motor or regulator replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+ per window (parts and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a capable truck but is prone to some common issues. The diesel engine, while powerful, is the source of some of the most costly repairs, particularly concerning fuel injectors and the turbocharger. Other significant issues include transmission problems, especially harsh shifting, and suspension wear. Electrical and interior issues, such as sensor failures and blend door actuator problems, can also be expected. Rust can also be an issue depending on the regional climate. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, like engine or transmission overhauls, can be quite costly, making it crucial to thoroughly inspect a used F-250 before purchase and factor in potential maintenance expenses.

Ford, F-250 Super Duty
Ford F-250 Super Duty 2016
This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.