2016 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 287 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (28% of complaints); the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 287 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 .”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2026
“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.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2026
“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.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025
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“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!”Owner report · Suspension · Oct 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera failure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the error message instructed the contact to reach out to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,611.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While shifted to reverse(R), the back over prevention camera intermittently displayed an image of the rear of the vehicle, but occasionally the screen was black. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact was unable to speak with a representative. The failure mileage was approximately 18,300.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Sep 2025
“The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the back over prevention system was inoperable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Sep 2025
“Death wobble front shocks, steering dampner and new michelin tires have been installed vehicle will shake violently and have to bring speed down to get back under control.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2025
“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.”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · Jul 2025
“While driving, when bumps are ran over sudden violent shaking of front end and steering wheel occur. Steering stabilizer and worn front rt 4 wheel drive universal joint replaced with problem continuing to occur.”Owner report · Steering · May 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Dust may accumulate in the steering wheel clock spring, causing a disconnection in the electrical connection resulting in the driver's air bag not deploying as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering wheel clock spring, free of charge. Remedy parts are expected to become available in the 3rd Quarter of 2023. An interim notification letter informing owners of the safety risk was mailed on July 6, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S35.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 SD by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 287 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2016 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is steering (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2016 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,500 miles or less.
Does the 2016 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning back over prevention: sensing system: camera. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.