2016 Ford F-250 Sd Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Steering11728.5%
- Suspension11127.1%
- Airbags358.5%
- Engine327.8%
- Fuel system276.6%
- Electrical245.9%
- Other / unspecified153.7%
- Driver assistance153.7%
- Powertrain (other)143.4%
- Visibility71.7%
- Body & structure41.0%
- Exterior lighting30.7%
- Brakes30.7%
- Seat belts20.5%
- Interior & seats10.2%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Death wobble at highway speeds
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
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.
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!
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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 .
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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)
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
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 .
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.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
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.
Death Wobble on several occasions very scary! speed over 50 mph vehicle began violently shaking had to get off roadway very dangerous almost uncontrolable!
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
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.
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.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
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.
OTHER ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS OCCURING, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF
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.
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.
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
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Trailer lights failure lights come on during travel.
THE DASH CLUSTER CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AS RADIO AND AIR CONDITIONING. *TR
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.
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.
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE, 2,500 MILES ON THIS CAR!
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.
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.
Drivers side seat belt will not click in and I believe that is a safety problem
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .