2016 Ford F-250 Reliability - Consumer Reports
2016
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ford F-250

Unlock Ratings
The heavy-duty F-250 Super Duty has many strong points. The Ford-built Powerstroke 6.4-liter turbodiesel V8 gets the best fuel economy among heavy-duty diesel trucks while having plenty of towing and payload-hauling capability. Cabin space is generous, with a large backseat and abundant storage, and noise levels are lower than competitors.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2016
New 2022
Used 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Ford F-250

Reliability

We expect the 2022 F-250 will have about average reliability when compared to the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2019, 2020 and 2021 models. Select the used car model year to see reported issues with those similar past models.

Overall Reliability
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2016 Potential Trouble Spots
The 2016 Ford F-250 has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Research Years * Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electric System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Integrity
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Power Equipment
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
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Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2021 vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Ford F-250 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

CD player

"Systems within the ford product line are not interchangeable or cross programmable."

Karl B., TX (2016 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.2-L V8)
Display screen freezes up

"Loses bluetooth connection with Iphone, radio and screen freezes then defaults to AM radio"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)
Display screen goes blank

"Back up camera is intermittent"

Anonymous, (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)

"last month dealer repaired"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.2-L V8)
Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Cannot receive an incoming call using the control on the steering wheel. Causes an incoming call to be canceled. Also, voice commands that it accepted one day are not accepted the next day"

Salvatore G., CT (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Routine software updates

"had to have dealer install"

Anonymous, IL (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.2-L V8)
Software update fixes

"soft would not update. It took weeks and multipliers to the dealer. They had to call Ford engineers, who were very slow to respond."

Anonymous, IA (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Speakers

"XM radio quality is extremely poor and is magnified with the poor quality speakers. XM quality is much better streaming the music via Iphone and bluetooth"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)
Voice control commands

"Does not respond to a simple command to call home 75% of the time. Hove to go thru several paths to get the call thru. Better to just pick up my cell and make the call"

Salvatore G., CT (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"See the previous answers. Voice commands work one day then do not work the following day. The Ford system sucks. They should copy the one on the Subaru's"

Salvatore G., CT (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"Voice commands are very difficult to use because you have to memorize the appropriate commands to activate a feature. Most of the time it misinterprets the command. No longer ever use this feature."

Michael P., CA (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)
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Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"This is the same problem as the other. The systems are connected."

Anonymous, OK (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"The new diesel motors have a system that re-burns the exhaust to control the emissions. If the vehicle is shut off or idled during this process, carbon will build up eventually causing the whole system to shut down requiring repairs at considerable expense to correct according to the manual. When the warning light came on, we had to drive around for 200 km before the light would go out. When the dealership was contacted, they said the time required for this process varied buy they felt what w"

Janice R., AB (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Fuel injection system

"Lost power due software issues"

Ron F., GA (2016 Ford F-250 Platinum 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"MIL came on at 178 miles, dealership made adjustments. MIL came on again at 342 miles. Dealership made electronic adjustments to injector minimum fuel rate, fuel rail max pressure and reset crankshaft position sensor. Light has been off for nearly 1000 miles"

Tom P., MI (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"low speed hesitation,no code ,dealer useless"

Stanley K., IL (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.2-L V8)
Fuel pump

"not sure which part of the fuel system is at fault and causes hesitation won't hesitate with ford mechanic test drive would have been nice if they at least checked fuel pressure etc. but all I got is sorry no code can't help you"

Stanley K., IL (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.2-L V8)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Check engine lights come on. Error code is P207F. They can't fix it. Been in three times for between two and three weeks each time. I get a loner truck when this happens."

Anonymous, OK (2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch 6.7-L V8 diesel)
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Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Although the alignment was off, it was able to be corrected. On the way home from the shop, the check engine light illuminated, when I immediately returned to the shop, it was discovered that the DEF Heater fault was present. It was cleared by the shop (who drove it the day I picked it up with no issues) for me to pick up. The owner of the shop informed me that there was a previous issue with the DEF Heater failing prematurely and should be covered by an extended warranty period, but when I researched the issue, my 2016 F-250 was not covered. This repair will cost approximately $1250 and is common with F-250's of my year."

Anonymous, (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Shocks or struts

"Lift kit shocks were installed by previous owner and one was broken. Same as my comment for the springs."

Anonymous, CO (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Springs or torsion bars

"Previous owner installed a lift kit and when I added a 5th wheel hitch, the installer indicated there were two broken springs. We never drove it off road during that year since we bought it up until the discovery of the broken springs, so we assume the dealer sold it that way."

Anonymous, CO (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Steering wheel vibration

"at 23000 miles, steering wheel started shaking violently, Ford called it the death wobble Parts replaced under 3/36 warranty. ,"

Robert J., TX (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
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Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Rough shifting

"Already discussed."

David O., PA (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)
Slipping transmission

"My F250 has a 6 speed electronic transmission coupled to the 300 hp V8 engine. When you are in the 6th gear and you need to increase your speed by stepping down sharply on the accelerator to put it in a lower gear nothing happens. The transmission goes out of gear but will not go into another gear until you let up on the accelerator and when you do you are going slower, not faster. As far as I know all the 2016 and 2017 F250 models with this transmission engine combination are the same, as I dro"

David O., PA (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)
Transmission computer

"In sixth gear at 40+mph if you step down on the accelerator to pass the engine revs up but it does not engage a lower gear. When you let up on the accelerator it does engage a gear but by then you are going slower. What a waste of a 300 hp engine in not being able to put the power to the wheels in a common passing situation! This problem is on all the 2016 and 2017 models with the 300 hp V8 engine matched to the 6 gear electronic transmission and Ford will do nothing to correct it. If it kills enough people maybe? And it could still be on the 2018 models as I don't know."

David O., PA (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)
Transmission leaks

"There was a leak at the area around the plug, The dealer replaced the pan and plug (under warranty) and no further problem"

Anonymous, IN (2016 Ford F-250 XL 6.2-L V8)
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Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

4WD/AWD components

"4WD hub lock out failed. Auto hubs would not unlock."

Anonymous, NY (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)
Driveline vibration

"there are front end known issues with this model. do not recommend, dangerous to drive"

Anonymous, (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Driveshaft or axle

"U joint broke on front driveline. seemed odd."

Robert V., OK (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Water ran down the inside of windshield when going through car wash"

James C., MI (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)

"Windsheild leak caused a sort circuit in fuse box for sync"

Gerald P., ON (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

"Windshield leaks above driver side grab handle"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

What Owners Say

Water pump

"leak with the water pump"

Anonymous, TX (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

"water pump went out at about 26,000 miles. covered under warranty and received a free rent car during repair"

Steve C., TX (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"There was a chip in roof originally. Took back 4 times and the repaint job worse than original problem. Still not good. They can't seem to be able to fix lousy job."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Ford F-250 6.7-L V8 diesel)
Rust

"Rust bubbles above both rear wheels on the side of the bed."

Anonymous, NY (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Normal routine brake wear

"Normal routine break wear"

Anonymous, NY (2016 Ford F-250 XLT 6.2-L V8)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Oil leak was caused by a porous plate on the back of engine. Had to take transmission out 3 times b4 they found original factory part problem."

Anonymous, WI (2016 Ford F-250 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"The truck was making a whining sound as it would shift gears. I took it to my local garage then they said to take it to ford dealership. The truck set there for 3 weeks with them trying to figure out on how to repair it. I received the rebuilt version."

John R., IA (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.2-L V8)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Warning lights

"Ignition fault"

Anonymous, CA (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Air conditioning system decreased in efficacy, the shop said that this was also a common occurrence with the year of my truck, 2016."

Anonymous, (2016 Ford F-250 Lariat 6.7-L V8 diesel)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

Compare 2016 Models

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This score shows whether the model had more or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all 17 trouble spots.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EQUIPMENT, STEERING, SUSPENSION
Dec 09, 2020
If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
What should you do:
Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20E090000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 102
Hide Recall Details
TIRES
Apr 26, 2016
A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks manufactured April 5, 2016, to April 11, 2016. The tires installed during assembly of the affected vehicles may have sustained damage to the inner sidewall, possibly resulting in a loss of air or a tire rupture.
What should you do:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires for damage and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 23, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S17.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 16V246000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2288
Hide Recall Details
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