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-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 45-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle, which reset the vehicle. The vehicle then went into LIMP Mode. The contact stated that the RPM failed to exceed 2,500 RPM. The vehicle was idling. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to a Ford dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the turbo. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the turbo charger was good for approximately three to four years; no assistance was provided. …
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the cylinder was not operating as needed, and there was engine damage. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer, Summerville Ford (9700 Dorchester Rd, Summerville, SC 29485); where it was diagnosed and determined that there were metal shavings in the fuel system in the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. There was black smoke while driving and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the turbo charger, body mounts, and coolant pump were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. …
vehicle was taken to Seaside Auto Repair, Satellite Beach FL to be looked at for problems it was having on the 24th of March. On 3/31/22 the using federal agency rec'd call to pick up vehicle at the shop as they could not figure out the problem and how to fix it. The agency picked up vehicle from shop. Agency started vehicle and drove to the Pest Mgmt Shop at Patrick AFB, As the vehicle crossed the main gate, the driver heard a strange noise coming from the driver side of the hood near the side mirror, sound got faster. As he approached Anvil Ave, all power to the vehicle went down leaving him with only brake and steering control. At the same time the driver saw flames spew from the driver side panel of the hood. He pulled over, exited vehicle and contacted base fire dept.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the "Engine Power Reduced" message was displayed and the vehicle downshifted while running very rough before the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and caused metal fragments to enter the fuel system. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reductant heater needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 52,500.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the diesel particulate filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
My vehicle was purchased from Shottenkirk Ford new in 2016. They perform my maintenance regularly. Recently, I experienced a leak and took it in; I had it towed to them. Shottenkirk wanted $1200 because they stated that the water pump needed to be replaced. After replacing the water pump, the leak was worse. Shottenkirk wanted $1200 to replace parts they said needed replacing in the transmission cooling portion. They tried to get me to trade in my vehicle for a new one. I could not afford that. After they did that repair, they said there was still a small leak. I tried to head straight home, but the vehicle would not shift into third gear, stranding me in highway traffic. I had to have the vehicle towed back to them. Now, they state that the transmission needs repair and they want $9000. …
A main computer communication cable failed (rubbed through) due to rubbing due from the use of the parking brake. I noticed all my gauges were not working. I happened to be very close to the Ford dealer, so I pulled in the lot and turned the truck off to see if the issue would reset. Upon trying to start the truck, everything was dead. I got the service manager and left the truck. When he called me to tell me what he found, I immediately recall reading about this same issue several times on the Ford Truck Enthusiast web site, and the fix was simply moving the communication cable so it doesn't rub.
The cp4 injection pump destructed and took out the whole fuel system with it. Cause upwards of $12,000 in repairs this is a issue ford needs to address and get took care and take some responsibility on there own
My wife and I were pulling a 40' fifth wheel from AZ to Idaho. On the Montana side of 4th of July pass I suddenly get a trouble code. The exhaust filter is full. My wife and I are both handicapped so in the mountains pulling our rv scared us both. I pulled over when I could and called Ford. The guy tells me to just drive it at a constant speed over 45 and it should clean itself. My question was I've been traveling over 45 for miles so why is it full? No explanation, however, he tells me if it doesn't clean out then the trk will go into limp mode and that's not good. But also says we should be ok for the 200 remaining miles until we get to Idaho. Well here's the problem. My understanding is that this component is part of the emission system and is not something that is life nor death if it isn't working. …
Engine complaints in other F-350 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2016 Ford F-350 SD?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2016 Ford F-350 SD, 12% of the model year's 209 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Ford F-350 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2016 Ford F-350 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-350 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 2 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.