2016 Ford F-150 Owner Complaints

2016 Ford F-150, 5.0L, 6R80 transmission, 112,083 miles. Safety Recall 26S28 was performed on 08/05/26 at an authorized Ford dealer. The wrench/powertrain warning recurred on 08/15/26. On 08/20/26, at 111,998 miles, the dealer found DTCs P0720 and P0722 (output shaft speed sensor) and stated in writing that the transmission molded leadframe must be replaced. Ford denied coverage under Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 because those codes are not on the program's list. The transmission then failed on two consecutive days, within about 85 miles of driving since the dealer visit. On 09/23/26, while I was accelerating across two lanes of traffic, the engine revved abnormally high during an upshift, as if the transmission failed to engage a gear. It then stayed in 3rd, and I had to make a left turn from a stop at an intersection in 3rd gear with greatly reduced power. On 09/24/26, after crossing a four-lane highway intersection, the warning appeared while I was accelerating uphill. The transmission stayed in 3rd at a complete stop and would not downshift to 1st. Shifting through Park and using manual mode did not restore 1st gear; only an engine restart did. In both events the warning light cleared itself while the fault continued, so the dashboard gave no indication of the problem. Turning left across oncoming traffic and pulling away from stops near highway traffic with reduced power is a safety risk. The recall remedy did not prevent this failure, and the repair the dealer says is required is being denied under the related program.

NHTSA ID

11766769

Incident

Sep 24, 2026

I am reporting that the Corporate Ford Company is knowingly requiring a software update that minimizes a safety hazard instead of eliminating a safety hazard (NHTSA Recall 26V237). Here are the facts: ---Lebanon Ford service said that they cannot tell me what the software update 26S28 will do to fix the danger of driving my vehicle. The mechanic (Michael) said that the software update is meant to fix the transmission molded lead frame, but that it does not. My research about this software update states that the truck will unexpectedly downshift to 4th gear (instead of downshifting to 1st gear without the update). This downshifting issue poses a danger to people driving on the highway! Consider trucks suddenly downshifting to 4th gear in front of you on the highway (some towing)! Ford Recall: 26N04 is a fix that will eliminate danger, but Ford is NOT fully implementing it! Molded Lead Frame Failure The Issue: The internal wiring harness (the lead frame) holds the speed and temperature sensors. When it fails, it sends bad data to the computer. Symptoms: Erratic shifting, a wrench light on the dash, or a check engine light with speed sensor codes. Unexpected Downshifts (Recall 26V-237) --THIS IS THE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT DOES NOT SOLVE THE DANGEROUS RISK. On XXX, Ford did NOT complete the Recall 26N04 (Ford #), only the NHTSA 26V237 software update, which does not eliminate dangerous driving on the highway. I am attaching the event information that I gave to Lebanon Ford at the time of service. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO CRASH AND NO CASUALTIES, I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, DRIVE MY 2016 FORD F-150 ON THE HIGHWAY BECAUSE FORD IS ONLY LESSENING THE SYMPTOM, WHICH IS STILL A DANGER TO PEOPLE. FORD CAN FIX THE PROBLEM TO ELIMINATE DANGER, BUT THEY CHOOSE NOT TO DO SO.

NHTSA ID

11766357

Incident

Sep 20, 2026

I am filing an emergency complaint against Ford Motor Company for failure to provide a safety recall remedy within a reasonable timeframe under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. My vehicle has an active safety recall (Recall 20S31) for a compromised brake master cylinder, making it entirely unsafe to operate. The vehicle is currently grounded and inoperable at my residence. Ford Corporate has kept the required repair parts on a national backorder for over 3 months. On August 18th, Ford Corporate sent me a formal written denial explicitly refusing to provide a rental vehicle or alternative transportation while my truck sits stranded. Ford is forcing me to choose between driving a vehicle with known catastrophic braking failure or having no transportation, actively violating federal recall compliance guidelines.

NHTSA ID

11766023

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

XXX: I scheduled an oil change online and selected the open transmission safety recall. [XXX] Ford executed Recall 26S28 (PCM Programming) under verification code RGLKT7MASIPIJ. The truck had absolutely no shifting issues prior to this flash. XXX: Within two weeks of the software update, the truck began experiencing the exact erratic shifting and violent gear-dropping safety hazards described in the recall. I returned the truck to the dealer. XXX: After days of complete silence, I had to initiate contact. First by phone, then by physically walking into the service desk on XXX to get answers because the dealer ignored my vehicle. Mid-XXX: After the truck sat on their lot for three weeks, they finally scanned it and retrieved code P2701. The dealer stated the recall wouldn't cover it and immediately quoted me $8,000 to rebuild or $10,000 to replace the transmission. They claimed they would submit the case to Ford Corporate. XXX: Having heard nothing, I returned to the dealership in person. I was told they still had no response from corporate. The Paperwork Contradiction: The technician's notes on Page 3 explicitly state: "No update so that one recall cannot be performed, must been updated at some point." This proves the technician failed to look at their own shop's service history from XXX (Page 2), where they signed off on completing the update. Furthermore, they condemned the entire transmission based strictly on a digital code scan; they never dropped the pan or performed any physical diagnostic work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11765851

Incident

Aug 14, 2026

The component that failed is the Back Up Camera Screen. It is all blue. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others is at risk because I can't see directly behind my truck without this camera. I could end up hitting a child or small item directly behind my truck. We will be contacting the dealer about this problem. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance or others at this time. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of this problem occured prior to the failure. This problem first occured on Saturday, September 19, 2026 I don't know what the cause of this problem is.

NHTSA ID

11765541

Incident

Sep 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, and the vehicle lost motive power and decelerated. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle with the power train warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The contact was informed that an unknown PCM software update was completed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11765385

Incident

Aug 20, 2026

Mileage

100,000 mi

There is currently a recall on 4 of the sensors on the same rail n the transmission due to it locking in 3rd or 5th gear. When I took the truck in they pulled the codes and it was not one of the 4 so Ford does not have an active recall. There was another person in line in front of me who had the same issue on the same two codes.

NHTSA ID

11765366

Incident

Sep 18, 2026

I participated in Safety Recall 26V237 -2016 F-150 Ford Truck transmission issues. Under the recall, Ford completed a transmission programming update to resolve the safety concerns. The campaign DID NOT resolve the transmission issues. The truck is still a hazzard to drive & needs further repairs or transmission replacement. Please do not allow Ford to remain unaccountable for the failure to correct the issue.

NHTSA ID

11765201

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

Driving down Highway 6/34. Cruise set at 65 mph. The truck on its own Shifted into 2nd gear and revving up the engine caused the vehicle to slow uncontrollably, which is very unsafe driving. The 2016 has a safety recall to prevent this from happening. I am writing this to report that my truck has had the recall done, and this still happened. I will park the truck until Ford can fix it. But they are trying to get out of fixing this safety issue with all these trucks. At 65 mph, I lost control of the truck, and thank goodness there were no other vehicles on the road around me

NHTSA ID

11764971

Incident

Sep 16, 2026

Performance Ford in Utah falsified a federal safety recall completion for Recall 26S28/19V446000 on my 2016 F-150. They only performed a software flash, manually wiped the transmission's safety fault codes from the memory cache, and joyrode my vehicle for 200 unauthorized miles. They returned the vehicle to me unrepaired, where it immediately suffered an erratic downshifting hazard and engine limp mode, endangering my safety.

NHTSA ID

11764796

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Powertrain recall stated because the code didn’t show on a SAFETY RECALL that can cause vehicle to shift from 5th to 1st gear while driving per stated recall Ford will not honor because it’s not one of the codes they state but the recall doesn’t specify a code. We had it at the dealership twice and they said they would fix it for $ 1400.00 well we didn’t cause the recall and we should not be responsible for paying. Would just like someone to contact us before my husband or someone else gets hurt in an accident.

NHTSA ID

11764585

Incident

Sep 15, 2026

The body control module was destroyed when water leaked on it. Apparently there is a failed windshield seal(maybe) that causes leaking down the A pillar. That pillar leads the water directly to the wiring harness for the BCM. When my BCM went out, wipers, blinkers, external lights, speedo/tach, power windows (in the front), all HUD, all stereo, and I think the security system too, stopped working. It was raining hard, it was a very dark day/difficult to see. I and others could easily have been killed. VERY, VERY DANGEROUS! Why the BCM isn’t in a sealed box, is mind blowing. The fact that the computer to my truck can get wet at all is nothing short of asinine. The vehicle was inspected by ICDI Diesel in [XXX] [XXX]). The part is currently on order and isn’t expected to be delivered until XXX. The truck is available for inspection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764520

Incident

Sep 10, 2026

Ford mailed me a XXX Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04 letter for my 2016 F-150, VIN [XXX]. That letter offered a one-time, no-charge replacement of the transmission molded lead frame if the dealer determined replacement was needed, and it described a malfunction indicator lamp and/or wrench light when that part fails. My truck did exactly that. It stored P0715 and P0717, went into limp mode, and the wrench came on. Titus-Will Ford in Tacoma confirmed the turbine speed sensor is part of the lead frame and replaced it (part AL3Z-7G276-D). They denied 26N04 because those codes are not P0705, P0706, P0707, or P1702 — a code list the customer letter never disclosed. The failed part is the part named in your letter. The symptoms are the symptoms named in your letter. I paid invoice XXX dated XXX. The lead-frame line was $1,630.02. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764463

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

The vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of power steering assistance while being driven on a highway. The failure made the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and nearly caused an accident, creating a serious safety hazard. After pulling over to get off the highway, it was observed at lower speeds, the vehicle did not have its full range of steering also creating a safety hazard. The problem was confirmed by the dealer, who determined that the power steering gear system had failed. The dealer replaced and repaired the entire power steering system. No warning lights or other alerts appeared before the failure. The sudden loss of steering assistance occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ID

11763788

Incident

Sep 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the horn pad on the steering wheel, the horn failed to provide an audible sound as intended. The air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,825.

NHTSA ID

11763135

Incident

Aug 15, 2026

Mileage

39,825 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to 3rd gear. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the dealer and manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall, and the fault code listed in the recall was not retrieved from the vehicle. The contact stated that after the vehicle skidded on the roadway after the unexpected downshift, there was an orange WRENCH light illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired.

NHTSA ID

11762837

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

In April of this year my 2016 F150 began having issues related to the automatic transmission. Symptoms included unexpected and irregular downshifting from 6th gear into 4th gear while traveling on the highway, random and irregular shifting from gear to gear, and not gearing down below 3rd gear when coming to a complete stop. While these symptoms were happening the truck displayed the MIL and powertrain warning lamp. These issues put myself and others at risk because having the vehicle unexpectedly downshift while traveling at a high speed causes the vehicle to become difficult to control, increasing the risk of a crash. It is also difficult for the vehicle to increase speed in a timely and safe manner when it is starting out in 3rd gear. In May I received a recall notice from Ford, eventually in July having the dealer closest to me perform a PCM software upgrade. While waiting for Ford to make this software upgrade available I received a notice from Ford referencing Customer Satisfaction Program 26N04. This notice states that if my vehicle set a MIL and/or powertrain warning light (which my vehicle did both) I may need to get the transmission molded leadframe replaced as part of this recall program. When I picked up my vehicle from servicing dealership I was informed my vehicle "did not have the appropriate code" to warrant this repair. However, the software upgrade performed has done nothing to fix the problem I am experiencing. My vehicle still downshifts randomly and unexpectedly while displaying a powertrain warning light, and making my vehicle unsafe for highway travel.

NHTSA ID

11762601

Incident

May 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact received an unknown recall notification. The dealer was contacted by phone and scheduled an appointment for a technician to pick up the vehicle. The technician drove the vehicle to the dealer. The unknown recall repair was completed. The contact received a phone call from the dealer and was informed that while the technician was in route and driving the vehicle back to the residence, the transmission independently shifted from fourth gear to first gear. The technician drove the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was with the dealer for two weeks. The contact received a phone call and was informed that no warning lights were displayed, and the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed to pick up the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that there was no fix available. The contact was informed that the dealer would not be offering any additional repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle had no issues prior to the unknown recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

NHTSA ID

11762117

Incident

Aug 24, 2026

Mileage

128,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an undisclosed recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated while upshifting or downshifting between 4th and 6th gear. The same local dealer was contacted and advised the contact that the 4th and 6th clutches were burned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 249,000.

NHTSA ID

11761866

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

Mileage

249,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a recall repair associated with the PCM reprogramming. Upon retrieval, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear, and the vehicle lost motive power. The dealer was contacted and provided the contact with an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact spoke with a supervisor, but no additional assistance was provided.

NHTSA ID

11761800

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

I would like to file complaint against Ford for their latest recall (26N041) and how they are not doing replacing the defective Lead Frame in customers vehicles. It's a big scam and a waste of time. I brought my 2016 Ford F-150 in for Ford’s latest recall (26N04) affecting 2015–2017 models due to the transmission leadframe issue. I explained that I’ve been dealing with an intermittent problem for the past seven months: while driving, the gear indicator lights on the dash begin to flicker, and when that happens, the transmission shifts extremely hard and slams into the next gear. Ford kept my truck for a week and told me they were unable to duplicate the issue. They stated that multiple technicians drove the vehicle and none of them observed any problems. When I arrived to pick it up, I was handed a bill for more than $250 for a diagnostic fee. Within four miles of leaving the dealership, the gear indicator lights began flickering again. It’s difficult to accept that several technicians drove the truck over multiple days and never encountered the issue I experienced almost immediately. The entire process felt like a waste of time and money, and I’m left without any resolution to a problem that clearly still exists. They are not honoring the recall, they are trying to charge customers for the repair.

NHTSA ID

11761760

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

Truck downshifts into low gear, yellow wrench and engine light come on and the truck goes into limp mode, no warnings or anything. These symptoms first started about 5 months ago and I have stopped driving the truck for that time. I took it to the dealer after looking it up and seeing there was a recall 26S28 for the molded leadframe. At the dealer they told me they couldn't perform the service because my truck was showing codes: P061A-00, P0720-00, and P0722-00 and they needed: P0705, P0706, P0707, P1702 to perform the recall service. My codes also point to the molded leadframe but the speed sensors instead of the range sensors.

NHTSA ID

11761206

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

XXX, my Ford F-150 began experiencing serious and unpredictable transmission shifting problems. The truck would downshift unexpectedly while traveling at various speeds. At times, it would not downshift properly when coming to a complete stop, and it would sometimes shift back up into third gear from a complete stop at a stoplight.On one occasion, while traveling approximately 65 mph, the truck unexpectedly downshifted. The sudden change in the vehicle's behavior was extremely unsettling and made me concerned about maintaining control. What made the situation even more frightening was that I had no center lane or safe area to pull over without potentially becoming a hazard to the traffic around me. I had nowhere to simply get out of the way and figure out what was happening. That is an extremely unsettling feeling when you are traveling at highway speeds. Another incident was even more frightening. While traveling approximately 55 mph on the highway, the truck unexpectedly downshifted while a logging truck was traveling directly behind me. Fortunately, I was able to maintain control of the vehicle and safely pull onto the shoulder. I contacted my local Ford dealer and was told that its a Software repair, was not yet available and that I would need to wait for Ford's software fix. Extremely concerned about continuing to drive a vehicle that was behaving this way, I contacted Ford directly and asked Is it safe to continue driving the vehicle? Response -Ford was not advising owners to discontinue operation of the vehicle. Took place on XXX, at approximately 8:11 a.m. with Ford representative [XXX]. On XXX, I bring the truck to the Ford dealership for the software update. I received the vehicle back the same day, expected the problem had finally been corrected. Like I never had the truck "software" fix. Back to dealership - they redid the software fix, not fixed. No codes, and still no fix for the transmission shifting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11760891

Incident

Jun 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number : 26V237000 (POWER TRAIN) and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was remedied. The contact contact continued to drive the vehicle when the failure occurred while driving at 60 MPH the transmission downshifted from 5th gear into 3rd gear, the service vehicle soon warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the molded plastic lead frame was faulty and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,000.

NHTSA ID

11760120

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

Mileage

116,000 mi

On August 21, 2026, my 2016 Ford F-150 was serviced at Five Star Ford to perform safety recall 26S28 (Powertrain Control Module software update). Immediately following this software flash, the transmission's shifting logic became severely corrupted and unsafe to drive. The vehicle currently acts as if it has completely lost 2nd gear, experiences a severe lag when shifting up into 6th gear, and repeatedly fails to lock itself into 3rd, 4th, or 5th gears. The dealership is currently using a temporary lack of hard Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) to deny coverage for an internal physical lead frame component replacement under the 26S28 extended warranty guidelines, claiming instead that a complete, out-of-pocket transmission replacement assembly is required. The safety update has directly induced a severe driving hazard, leaving the vehicle unable to properly find or maintain standard highway gears.

NHTSA ID

11760022

Incident

Aug 21, 2026