RoadVitals

2016 Ford F-250 Sd Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
287
Latest Jul 23, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
11

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 Ford F-250 Sd, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

117
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Death wobble at highway speeds

NHTSA ID 11752290 · filed Jul 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ID 11750297 · filed Jul 14, 2026
All 117 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

111
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

NHTSA ID 11750297 · filed Jul 14, 2026

Ford F250 “death wobble”. I believe there’s a recall for 2017-20?? But the recall needs to be expanded to include 2016 models. I have had this issue twice. Very very dangerous!

NHTSA ID 11690732 · filed Oct 1, 2025
All 111 reports naming suspension

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .

NHTSA ID 11747897 · filed Jul 2, 2026

The contact's former employer owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while exiting the freeway at 45-50 MPH around a bend, the steering wheel failed to move and crashed into a tree. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V337000 (Air Bags). The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that he sustained injuries to his hand, and medical attention was provided the next day at the emergency room. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his employer's yard. The contact called an unknown local dealer. The contact was unaware whether the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID 11713367 · filed Jan 26, 2026
All 35 reports naming airbags

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On September 3, 2023, the fuel pump failed while the truck was in the corner of an on-ramp for an interstate. The truck immediately lost power while in the corner causing a loss of control of steering. This resulted in a near collision with a concrete dividing wall while attempting to maintain control of the vehicle until the vehicle came to a stop. There were no warnings, check engine lights, or other issues with the truck prior to the incident. The truck was inspected by a diesel repair company where it was determined that the Bosch CP4 fuel pump failed resulting in a catastrophic fuel system failure with metal shavings contaminating the complete fuel system. This required a complete fuel system replacement.

NHTSA ID 11727559 · filed Mar 27, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ID 11612413 · filed Sep 3, 2024
All 32 reports naming engine

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On [XXX], I was driving westbound on [XXX], between Kerrville and Junction, Texas. I noticed a diesel fuel smell and pulled off the highway to investigate the source. Upon stopping, fire erupted from the engine compartment and quickly spread to the front dashboard and front passenger seating area. No warning lamps, no high temp or abnormal gage levels. The Mountain Home, TX volunteer fire dept arrived about 30 minutes after we called 911 and extinguished the remaining flames. They commented that a cracked / failed secondary fuel filter housing could be to blame. My insurer, State Farm, under claim #[XXX], now has possession of the vehicle remains. I told State Farm that NHTSA opened an investigation into possible fuel filter housing failures / fires. I do not know what their intentions are with the vehicle remains. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11683811 · filed Aug 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the driveway at the residence and became aware of an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that an unknown dealer was contacted and informed the contact that a fuel system upgrade was available; however, the vehicle was not upgraded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was filed. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

NHTSA ID 11678272 · filed Aug 4, 2025
All 27 reports naming fuel system

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

24
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .

NHTSA ID 11747897 · filed Jul 2, 2026

The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.

NHTSA ID 11725818 · filed Mar 20, 2026
All 24 reports naming electrical

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving on highway 70 mph. Drove a rough spot on highway. Pot hole patch. Death wobble started. Had to preform emergency stop to end death wooble. This is the 10th time this has happened.

NHTSA ID 11659551 · filed May 7, 2025

Death Wobble on several occasions very scary! speed over 50 mph vehicle began violently shaking had to get off roadway very dangerous almost uncontrolable!

NHTSA ID 11608447 · filed Aug 14, 2024
All 15 reports naming other / unspecified

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

15
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the rear-view camera intermittently functioned properly but recently started displaying a blue screen. The local dealer was contacted starting in December 2025, but the contact was informed that parts for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention) recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID 11729466 · filed Apr 6, 2026

The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.

NHTSA ID 11725818 · filed Mar 20, 2026
All 15 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle goes to different gear randomly while driving will go into fifth gear when taking off first thing during first start up of the day.

NHTSA ID 11696278 · filed Oct 29, 2025

Normal driving on highway. I drove over a rough section of road and the truck began shaking uncontrollably. Was able to slow down and the shaking stopped.. I've spent over $4000. 00 to fix problem. Within 6 months the issue returned. Have told Ford dealship. They will not fix problem. This is the 5th time I've reported the issue.

NHTSA ID 11623480 · filed Nov 4, 2024
All 14 reports naming powertrain (other)

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The failure of the APIM has completely disabled the Rearview Backup Camera, which is a federally mandated safety feature (FMVSS No. 111). Operating a heavy-duty F-250 without a functional backup camera creates a significant blind-spot hazard and an immediate safety risk to pedestrians and property. King Ford has confirmed the failure. Service Director Jamie Churchwell has acknowledged the damage as "Consequential Damage" resulting directly from the attempted software update for Safety Recall 22S35. It is currently being reviewed by the Ford District Parts and Service Manager (as reported by the dealer) for a "Related Damage" warranty claim . The vehicle’s screen and backup camera were functioning perfectly prior to the recall service. The failure occurred at the dealership during the application of the manufacturer’s recall software update.

NHTSA ID 11725818 · filed Mar 20, 2026

OTHER ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS OCCURING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF

NHTSA ID 11520244 · filed May 3, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the body mount on the vehicle was deteriorating. The owner stated that there was a rattling sound coming from the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the body mount was deteriorating. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting for an appointment with the local dealer. The manufacture was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 48,194.

NHTSA ID 11560711 · filed Dec 18, 2023

SUNROOF EXPLODED AT 0530 IN THE MORNING THE TRUCK IS ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD AND THE SUNROOF HAS NEVER BEEN OPENED DEALER SAYING FORD DOES NOT COVER UNDER BUMPER TO BUMPER NOR UNDER THE EXTENSIVE EXTENDED WARRANTY WE PURCHASED

NHTSA ID 11003006 · filed Jul 5, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Trailer lights failure lights come on during travel.

NHTSA ID 11726154 · filed Mar 22, 2026

THE DASH CLUSTER CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING. *TR

NHTSA ID 11328183 · filed Jun 10, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicle has 44,000 miles, has never been wrecked in any way. Recently the advance trac system began displaying a fault at random. The light would come and go. At the time the fault light was active the turn signals did not operate normally. A message noted to service advance trac system. ( which is related to the abs) I noticed, once, the abs activate momentarily for no apparent reason. I narrowed the fault down to the steering wheel angle sensor. I had a Ford service center confirm the issue was the steering angle sensor. The sensor was on a backorder. I called around and other dealers confirmed. A week later while entering a cloverleaf and slowing down the system faulted, illuminated the error, and the abs activated. The brake system applied brakes unevenly pulling the vehicle to the left then right and aggressively slowing down without driver brake input. I had to fight to control the vehicle to prevent losing control or get rear ended. The roads were clean, dry, and it was daylight. Upon that i could see the complete loss of steering wheel angle sensor input. The dash can show this readout. Without the steering wheel angle input the system, which is to prevent accidents, nearly caused one. I tried turning off the advance trac via the traction control button, this was ineffective. I had to remove the abs pump fuse to get home safely. This system should not in any way be able to cause this severe loss of vehicle control simply due to the loss of one sensor. This is absolute unsafe software protocall. Attatched are images of the sensor reading then no place holder for it when it does not read.

NHTSA ID 11570420 · filed Feb 6, 2024

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, 2,500 MILES ON THIS CAR!

NHTSA ID 11000844 · filed Jun 23, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While driving the morning of 13 Jan 2025 my Airbag sensor light on the dashboard illuminated. Shortly after that me and my wife smelled smoke in the vehicle cabin and then we heard a loud explosion and the seatbelt instantly tightened around my chest and waist. It was after I was able to stop safely and research the incident that I realized my drivers side “pretensioner” detonated while I was driving.

NHTSA ID 11635741 · filed Jan 13, 2025

Drivers side seat belt will not click in and I believe that is a safety problem

NHTSA ID 11554503 · filed Nov 10, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK GRAY SMOKE BILLOWING OUT THE WINDOWS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED THE SEATS WERE ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NOTICED WIRES IN THE SEAT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNHOOKED THE VEHICLE BATTERY, BUT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL COLLISION LOT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

NHTSA ID 10980457 · filed Apr 25, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .