Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Ford F-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH the contact heard a loud pop from the engine. The contact stated that immediately after hearing the noise smoke started to emanate from the engine. The vehicle caught fire. The driver sustained a hand injury. Medical attention was needed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The fire and police reports were available. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the warning light was reset; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the reductant heater had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in Ford Service Campaign Number: 20M01; however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the Service Campaign due to the mileage. The dealer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure within cylinder #2, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test; the diagnostic test showed that the rear knock sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer and the manufacturer that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The contact was referred to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that an unknown recall repair was completed on the vehicle however, two hours after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the DEF heater needed to be replaced and the contact would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage 120,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust filter assembly was clogged and needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the exhaust filter assembly. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 93,538.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the interlock brakes started grinding and then inadvertently activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was parked and restarted when it locked itself into idle mode and would not move. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the reduction heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel with error code P2002. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 106,000.
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.
Engine complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Ford F-250 SD, 11% of the model year's 290 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford F-250 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Ford F-250 SD, though it has 3 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-250 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.