2016 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 27owner reports
- 56,749median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jun 2, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
344 of the 2,057 complaints on this car are about the engine. 27 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 27 reports
Engine failure on other F-150 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (22 reports) and the turbo (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The incorrect location could put the heater too close to hot engine components, possibly resulting in a damaged cable.
During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged.
Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage.
All 14 recalls on the 2016 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the F-150
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Reduced power during hard acceleration. Closed apr 7, 2014.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed aug 31, 1994.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed jul 30, 1993.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 90,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Ford F-150 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Some 2016 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 5.0L engine and built on 13-Jan-2016 and through 16-Jul-2016 may exhibit an audible knock noise from the engine only after the engine is at normal operating temperature and between 1500 and 2500 engine RPMs If cylinder ...
WHEN SERVICING A 2.7L OR 3.0L ECOBOOST ENGINE, IF THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY IS REMOVED, CORRECT REASSEMBLY IS CRITICAL TO PREVENT POTENTIAL ENGINE FAILURE.
What owners wrote
“Timing chain tensioner broke causing a complete engine blown while in the dealershipâs possession.”
Filed Mar 17, 2025
“My 2016 Ford f150 engine failed. The Ford dealership found the turbo & the valves failed. 2 pistons cracked due to excessive carbon build up & the valves failed. The motor failed causing engine to stop suddenly.”
Filed Feb 6, 2025
“Engine failue. Yet another 2.7l V6 ecoboost that blew up. Known engine failure/design from Ford you are already investigating. Ford refused to cover new engine replacement cost (EVEN WHILE UNDER WARRANTY!). $10,000 out of pocket expense.”
Filed Oct 3, 2023
“With regard to your inquiry into ford bronco engine failures IT IS NOT A ISOLATED PROBLEM ! My 2016 has the same engine. At 3000 miles it almost shook off my truck while driving. Ford had to replace entire engine At 30,000 mile mark engine failed again and ford had to replace half the engine These engines are dangerous junk”
Filed Jun 3, 2022 · 3,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 27 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 339 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 183 reports
- Doors, latches or locks fail 159 reports
- Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 128 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 107 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 105 reports
- "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 95 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 92 reports
- Rear window shatters or explodes 90 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 82 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 57 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 41 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 35 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 33 reports
- Windshield wipers stop working 33 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 32 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 30 reports
- Loses power when accelerating 29 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 25 reports