2016 Ford F150
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 Ford F150.
What to watch for on the 2016 Ford F150
Sunroof Drain Plugs (2015-2017)
Sunroof drain tubes can detach, causing water to pour into the cabin through the A-pillar. Ford issued a TSB. Check for water stains on headliner or floor mats.
10R80 Harsh Shifting (2018-2020)
10-speed automatic can develop harsh 1-3 and 5-6 shifts. Ford issued multiple TSBs. Adaptive learning reset and fluid flush often improve behavior.
2 more known problems on the 2016 F150
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2016 Ford F150 price ranges
The 2.7L EcoBoost is the pick of the generation — reliable, efficient, and powerful. The 2015-2017 5.0L with 6-speed is the simplest combo. 2018+ has better interior tech but more transmission concerns.
Recalls on the 2016 Ford F150
Engine
Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
Engine
During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Seat belts: pretensioner
If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within…
11 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 103 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2016 Ford F150 at a glance
- Trims
- King RanchLariatLimitedPlatinumXLXLT
- Engine
- 3.5L 6-Cylinder Turbo, 5.0L 8-Cylinder, 2.7L 6-Cylinder Turbo, 3.5L 6-Cylinder
- Transmission
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD, 4WD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Truck
Ford F-150 (13th Gen) Buyer's Guide
Aluminum Body and EcoBoost
The 13th-gen F-150 (2015-2020) was revolutionary — the first full-size pickup to switch from steel to aluminum body panels, saving 700 lbs. Combined with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6, it changed the truck market forever.
Powertrain: The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (365 hp) is the performance choice. The 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (325 hp) is the efficiency champion — lighter, quicker off the line, and proven reliable. The 5.0L Coyote V8 (385 hp) is the traditionalist's choice with 6-speed (2015-2017) or 10-speed (2018+). The 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 (base) is adequate but underpowered. The 2018 refresh brought the 10-speed automatic across most engines.
What to look for: The 2.7L EcoBoost is the sweet spot — lighter than the 3.5L, more reliable long-term, and plenty of power. The 2015-2017 5.0L with 6-speed auto is the simplest, most proven combo. Check for sunroof leaks, 10-speed shifting issues on 2018+ models, and rust on the aluminum body (rare but possible).
About the 13th Gen
The 2015-2020 Ford F-150 is the thirteenth generation of Ford's long-running full-size pickup, a significant redesign that shed hundreds of pounds by switching to an aluminum-alloy body while retaining a steel frame. This weight reduction improved fuel economy and towing capacity across the lineup. Engine offerings expanded to include a 3.3L V6, a 2.7L twin-turbo V6, a 3.5L twin-turbo V6, a 5.0L V8, and for the first time in an F-150, a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 introduced for 2018. A 6-speed automatic was standard early in the run, with a 10-speed automatic arriving on the 3.5L in 2017 and spreading to most engines by 2018. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional. Body styles included Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew configurations with various bed lengths. Trims ranged from work-oriented XL and XLT to luxury-focused Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, and Limited; the high-performance Raptor variant also debuted in this generation.
Buyers interested in this generation should weigh the fuel savings and improved payload of the lighter aluminum body against the slightly higher repair costs for aluminum panels, which require specialized repair techniques. The 2.7L EcoBoost offers strong fuel economy, while the 5.0L V8 appeals to traditionalists and those needing consistent heavy-hauling capability. The diesel, though efficient, can add complexity and cost. As a used vehicle, the 2015-2020 F-150 suits buyers who want a modern, capable truck with a broad range of powertrain choices, though early examples of the 10-speed transmission and twin-turbo engines have been known for occasional issues. Overall, this generation is considered a solid, well-rounded full-size pickup that brought significant material advancements to the segment.
In-depth generation guide
We've written a detailed buyer's guide covering this generation's known issues, engine variants, and what to inspect.
Ford F-150 (13th Gen) Buyer's Guide: 10R80 Transmission and EcoBoost Issues (2015-2020)→Other Ford F150 years
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Frequently asked questions
Which F-150 engine is most reliable in the 13th gen?
The 2.7L EcoBoost has proven very reliable with few widespread issues. The 5.0L V8 (2015-2017 with 6-speed) is the simplest, most proven choice. Avoid early 3.5L EcoBoost for cam phaser concerns.
Is the aluminum body a problem?
No — the aluminum body has held up well overall. It doesn't rust like steel, but galvanic corrosion can occur at joints. The weight savings (700 lbs) means better fuel economy and payload.
2.7L vs 5.0L vs 3.5L?
The 2.7L is the sweet spot for most buyers — 325 hp, best fuel economy, and proven reliability. The 5.0L is for traditionalists who want V8 sound. The 3.5L is for those who need max towing (up to 13,200 lbs).
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.