Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH on the freeway, another vehicle driver pulled beside the contact on the front passenger's side of the vehicle, and informed the contact that there was smoke coming from the vehicle, and the contact became aware of smoke coming from the rear passenger's side seats. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off, and then exited the vehicle. The contact became aware of the smoke and poured water between the seats of the vehicle, opened the rear passenger's side door, pulled the rear passenger down, and noticed flames were coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact sustained minor burns to the left and right hands. Medical attention was not needed. The contact called the emergency services, but a police report was not filed. …
This vehicle 2016 ford F150 is known to have shorting issues. From literally all wiring harnesses. I had a small fire in my truck due to this issue, caused melting of the ribbon cable in my seat heater control module, which is a known issue from Ford. I have shorting in my turn signal switch (no wipers). Is that safe? I am a research scientist and engineer, I can tell you now it is not safe. If i need to prove it, I can do so with ease and write the necessary literature. If I cant use my AC sometimes, the windows fog, then i cant use the wipers to unfog them, how is this not a visibility issue? Not to mention all the shorts. I have a 40 gallon fuel tank, if any shorts get near it, is that going to be a fun experience for me? Please give Ford a penalty, the average owner of this truck pays thousands a year in repairs. I paid $17,800.00 in 2025 to repair this piece of shit. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? While parked, the rear defrost button was engaged. Shortly afterwards (1-2min) the backseat filled with smoke. I had my family immediately exit the vehicle and the rear window exploded. I checked the area and found an electrical wire draped over the rear passenger seat. It was melted and had clearly exploded up and over the seat. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, had my children remained in the vehicle, they would have been sprayed with glass or burned from the electrical short. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, however, I looked online and found this has happened to others. I called Ford service center and they informed me their were no recalls out on the truck. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH and exiting the highway, the transmission erroneously downshifted causing the vehicle to abruptly decelerate with the check engine warning light illuminated. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally however, the failure reoccurred and the vehicle stalled and would not immediately restart. After disconnecting and reconnecting the battery cables, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a transmission software update but the failure persisted along with several additional electrical failures. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission leadframe was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 40-45 MPH, the contact heard a loud exploding sound coming from under the hood. The contact stated that she was able to drive to her destination. The contact stated that upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the rear sliding window motor had exploded. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 46,750.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto his driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was experiencing the failure listed in TSB: 20-2051 and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact the VIN was not under recall. No further assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 67,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle began to lunge forward. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,302.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while purchasing a warranty for the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 149,000 and at the time of purchasing the warranty, it was discovered that the mileage was 146,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 106,000; and at the time of the registration, it was discovered that the mileage was over 300,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 136,900. The contact later discovered that the mileage on the title was 189,000.
Electrical complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 187 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Ford F-150, 9% of the model year's 2,080 complaints. The component named most often is instrument panel › speedometer/odometer (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford F-150 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 Ford F-150, though it has 13 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Ford F-150 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 17 fires and 7 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.