2016 Ford F-150 Body & structure Problems

VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT STATEMENT Prepared for NHTSA Submission Regarding Recall 26V237 / 26S28 To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Report of Accident and Vehicle Control Loss Due to Defect Specified in Recall 26V237 VEHICLE INFORMATION: Year/Make/Model: 2016 Ford F-150 VIN: [XXX] INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: In March, while driving during a snowstorm, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of traction and stability. Without warning, the rear wheels appeared to lock or drastically reduce speed, causing the truck to slide uncontrollably and strike a roadside barrier. Following the initial impact, while attempting to move the vehicle to a safe location as instructed by insurance/authorities, the engine suddenly stalled and shut down completely while in motion, nearly resulting in a second high-speed collision with the vehicle ahead. CORRELATION WITH RECALL 26V237: In May, I received a Safety Recall Notice (Ford Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237). The description of the defect—an "unexpected downshift to a lower gear causing abrupt wheel speed reduction and rear tire slide"—exactly matches the catastrophic event I experienced in March. The recall also notes that the engine may malfunction or stall, which occurred during my incident. IMPACT & DAMAGES: The insurance company evaluated the damage at approximately $6,000 for structural repairs. However, the vehicle remains unsafe and mechanically compromised. Despite the structural fixes, the core safety defect involving the transmission and engine software remains unresolved as Ford has stated that a remedy will not be available until July 2026. REQUEST: I am filing this formal complaint to document that the defect in Recall 26V237 resulted in a real- world accident and total loss of vehicle utility prior to the notification being sent. I request that NHTSA takes note of this incident as part of its oversight of Ford's recall execution, as the vehicle is currently un-dri INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11736995

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

Frame is rusted through along the bottom weld. Most likely water, sand and debris entered the frame from side openings and this corrosive mixture sat in the bottom of the frame as there were no drain holes nearby. The problem was discovered by a Ford mechanic and the dealership said they could not repair it, and to try a collision center. An auto body said they could not strengthen the frame as Ford does not allow welding but they could replace the frame for $9,179 plus other cost for draining fluids, etc.

NHTSA ID

11718265

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

Door latches seize in cold temperatures. If you can get the door open, it won't latch when you close the door. I must hold the door shut and lock the door for it to latch. Then, the handle becomes incredibly difficult to pull and open the door. I have pulled out only to be alerted that my door was open, but I have also exited the vehicle, closing the door behind me, not realizing that the door did not latch and was open and unlatched the entire time. The inability to secure my vehicle and the risk of entrapment is concerning. A door should work. This has been happening the entire time I've owned the vehicle but I typically make do and get through the winter but I recently saw this had a recall once upon a time though I show no record of that for my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11711820

Incident

Jan 19, 2026

The Hood is peeling the clear coat. The upper cab on both drivers side and passengers side from front to back is down to bare metal. Top of the pickup box is down to the bare metal along both sides. Tailgate top is down to bare metal. These spots are clearly do to the prep and paint work.

NHTSA ID

11699465

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

LaFontaine Ford Birch Run MI falsified recalls on my 2016 f150. They claimed they were done, however i have had several other Ford dealers state that there is missing parts and it was obvious it was not completed. This recall is for my door cables freezing up making it unsafe for me to commute when cold. I have held my door shut all the way to work multiple times because it would not latch. Other ford dealers near me quoted me 2 thousand to fix both front doors. I reached out to Lafontaine myself, they seemed to have wanted to help right away but as soon as they heard more of the story they quickly began to not answer my calls. (Service managers).

NHTSA ID

11698663

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

The frame is rotting through. It was on a lift for a new starter; this resulted in the frame bending. It will not pass inspection. Ford refuses to repair /replace the frame as it is past their 5 year rust warranty. The vehicle has only 15000 miles. It has never been immersed in fresh or saltwater. The undercarriage has been sprayed off regularly when driven in the winter.

NHTSA ID

11682466

Incident

Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change and was determined that the subframe was severely rusted. The dealer was unable to be raise the vehicle up on the hydraulic lift. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,076.

NHTSA ID

11668675

Incident

Jun 19, 2025

Mileage

120,076 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while undergoing a routine inspection at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the vehicle failed the inspection due to a rusted subframe. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a case, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11667099

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

Mileage

40,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon opening the front passenger's side door, the contact noticed that water had leaked into the interior of the door panel through the rubber seal. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ID

11666633

Incident

May 28, 2025

Mileage

128,000 mi

The door latches on some of the f150s, including mine, freeze under certain weather conditions. This presents the latches from opening. This can trap an individual inside in an emergency situation, or prevent someone from opening the door external to remove or address babies and children, which is an issue I experienced. Ford is aware of the problem, but will not repair unless the issue is replicated in an unrealistic environment. This leaves many owners at risk of a dangerous situation should the issue occur in a non-controlled environment. The inverse issue can also occur, where the door latches does not close properly and can cause the door to open during driving, and this has also been experienced. There are no warnings of the problem ahead of time.

NHTSA ID

11659606

Incident

Dec 18, 2024

Front passenger door failed to latch properly. The door will not close when pushed shut. Door is available for inspection upon request. Multiple family members ride in the front passenger seat and this door failing to close and latch properly does cause a serious concern for their safety. I avoid putting any passenger in the front passenger seat because it's is completely random if the door will latch and shut or if it will pop open while driving. Problem was reproduced and confirmed by local dealership but disputed by them. Vehicle has not be inspected by manufacturer, police or insurance. There was no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. The only message is that the passenger door is open which is a typical message when any door is opened when entering and exiting the vehicle. It is not a warning. Just a reminder. Doors shutting, latching and locking properly are a major safety concern that no vehicle owner should have to stress over. I cannot safely put my family in this truck knowing that at any moment the door will not latch or that it will open as we drive down the road.

NHTSA ID

11656014

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The contact who is an independent mechanic had the vehicle with a fractured sub frame and bracket. The contact stated that the sub frame had a 6-inch hole. The contact stated that the sub frame and the bracket needed to be cleaned and re-welded. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the metal showed stress cracks. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ID

11639975

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

91,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while in reverse (R), he observed a loud snapping noise. The contact stated that he exited the vehicle and observed the driver's front tire was turned oddly in the right direction. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11619913

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the chassis frame underneath the vehicle was fractured and had started to crack. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11608215

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

Tailgate is corroding at the hinge assembly, due to aluminum body panel and steel hinges causing galvanic corrosion. Possible that the tailgate could fall off on the road from accidentally pressing automatic tailgate release on key fob if the hinge fails and/or in addition to a person getting hurt when opening the tailgate, or climbing in the truck bed, whie loading or unloading a heavy object should hinges fail. Ford engineering basically told me "oh well" and offered no help. I live in the rust belt. This has taken 7 years to show up.

NHTSA ID

11605740

Incident

Jul 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, a grinding and loud humming sound was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with rear-end failure. The rear-end including the rear differential was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed with the same failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

NHTSA ID

11582669

Incident

Jun 1, 2021

Mileage

66,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the driver’s side front door was unable to open due to being frozen shut. The contact had to aggressively pull at the door handle for an extensive amount of time for the door to open. The contact believed the failure was related to manufacturer communication with the NHTSA ID Number: 10149786 (Locks, Latches, Linkages). The dealer had been contacted but was unable to confirm if the vehicle was included in any recall campaigns. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11566527

Incident

Jan 12, 2024

Mileage

75,000 mi

Driver side door would not close after opening assuming due to frigid temperatures. Had to hold door closed in transit.

NHTSA ID

11565407

Incident

Jan 14, 2024

APIM unit and plastic body components 2016 F150, 31,071mi., Sync3 v3.0.20204 Symptoms: Malfunction of the power window controls, radio controls and instrument panel. The APIM also controls many other safety functions, such as rear camera, safety lanes, park assist, backup guides, gps, cruise control, trailer/tow information, and other warnings/features. It is notable that Ford has issued recalls for the APIM due to safety issues in different year F150s, as well as Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Fusion and Lincoln models Navigator and MK2 models, to name a few. This has been reported once, I spoke with a Ford representative and he setup an appointment at the dealership that was to setup an appoint for diagnosis before they setup a repair/replacement appointment. An appointment to setup an appointment to setup a diagnosis appointment to setup a repair appointment. Seriously, what is up with that? Finally, a plastic component from a side-step flew of while traveling a highway, narrowly missing an on-coming car.

NHTSA ID

11560558

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

On 2/18/2019 took the F-150 to Mathews Ford Marion Ohio service to address several issues. First, the tailgate had unexpectedly opened striking a trailer jack and damaging the tailgate. Tailgate opening while driving with cargo could result in cargo falling onto roadway. Damaged tailgate remains on the truck and is available for further inspection. Second, the owner heard rubbing/grinding noises when switching in and out of 4 wheel drive. The service technician could not replicate either issue. On 11/29/2023 took the F-150 to Leroy's Service Center in Delaware Ohio as the dashboard indicated several messages including required oil change (although odometer showed an oil change was not needed for another 3,000 miles compared to oil change sticker on windshield), a large yellow wrench adjacent to required oil change message, a small yellow wrench below required oil change message, and a yellow check engine light. Twice there was sensation of slipping (applying gas but no movement). Once parked in Leroy's lot the truck could not be started. Service technicians suspected LEAD frame failure. Service technician replaced the original LEAD frame with Ford Part numbers 2592734 and aL3z-7g276-d 1x (off replacement part box). I retained malfunctioning part for inspection if desired. Numbers off the malfunctioning part include aL3p-7g276-ak a9-21416-0998 c108p; Ford b556d; 3264 487 321 09 330743; Continental 3a8214160008 a2c53308751. Malfunctioning transmission while driving could cause unexpected vehicle slowing or stoppage. In summary, experienced unexpected tailgate opening, History of transmission issues (unexpected sounds when switching into or out of 4 wheel drive), and failure of the LEAD frame with slipping and inability to start vehicle after it was parked.

NHTSA ID

11559347

Incident

Nov 29, 2023

Doors do not latch/stay latched when temperatures have dropped to freezing and below.

NHTSA ID

11556969

Incident

Nov 25, 2023

Driver side door will not close or unlocked by fob or door lock button

NHTSA ID

11552438

Incident

Oct 28, 2023

I would like to bring to your attention two safety concerns regarding the 2016 Ford F150 model, specifically related to the braking system and the panoramic roof hardware. I have experienced these issues which may pose potential risks and compromise the safety and functionality of the vehicle. Brakes Dragging or Caliper Seizing: Brakes on my 2016 Ford F150, which have experienced dragging brakes or caliper seizing. This issue can lead to premature wear of brake components and a decrease in stopping efficiency, compromising the vehicle's ability to come to a complete and timely stop. Such a condition poses a significant safety hazard, especially during emergency braking situations or when driving downhill. Panoramic Roof Hardware Made of Plastic: Another safety concern I have identified involves the panoramic roof hardware in the 2016 Ford F150. The hardware used in the construction of the roof assembly includes plastic pieces that may become dislodged and fall into the track, causing the roof to become stuck in a partially open or closed position. This malfunction could result in the inability to fully close the roof, leading to potential exposure to weather elements or reduced visibility while driving. All of these things the Ford Motor Company is aware of.

NHTSA ID

11527349

Incident

Jun 15, 2023

Rear window cracked for unknown reason, searched only and serveral trucks has same known issue

NHTSA ID

11525217

Incident

Jun 3, 2023

I've noticed on 2 separate occasions my tailgate opening while driving. I see I separate recall but it doesn't include my vehicle year.

NHTSA ID

11524082

Incident

May 24, 2023