2016 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Engine stalls at idle or a stop
- 30owner reports
- 55,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Apr 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
30 of the 183 reports of stalling on the 2016 F-150 describe stalls at idle.
Part of Engine stalls or loses power while driving (183 reports)
Tick what matches of 30 reports
Stalls at idle on other F-150 years
No other F-150 model year has enough reports of stalls at idle for a sheet of its own. See every F-150 year.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the throttle body (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 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.
A loss of signal between the transmission range sensor and the powertrain control module can cause the transmission to unexpectedly downshift into second gear.
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
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up. Open, led to recall 26V-237.
Unintended transmission downshift and rear wheel lock-up. Closed jan 30, 2026.
Low-pressure fuel pump failure. Closed sep 19, 2025, led to recall 25V-455.
Unintended transmission downshift. Closed jul 29, 2024, led to recall 24V-444.
Loss of motive power. Closed oct 31, 2024, led to recall 24V-635.
Unexpected transmission downshift. Closed oct 22, 2019, led to recall 19V-075.
Reduced power during hard acceleration. Closed apr 7, 2014.
Fuel tank strap failure due to corrosion. Closed aug 19, 2011, led to recall 11V-385.
Fuel tank strap corrosion/rust. Closed may 23, 2011.
Cng regulator leak. Closed feb 27, 2009.
Spark plug ejection from cylinder head. Closed jan 4, 2006.
Engine compartment fires. Closed aug 2, 2006, led to recall 05V-388.
Ford f-series dual fuel tank leakage. Closed nov 4, 1999, led to recall 93V-125.
Automatic transmission control. Closed aug 27, 1998, led to recall 97V-147.
Failure transmission park engagement/loc. Closed sep 16, 1997, led to recall 97V-147.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed aug 31, 1994.
Idle air spd ctrl vlv malf. Closed jul 30, 1993.
Transmission fluid fires. Closed jul 5, 1991.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 38,450 and 78,900 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Truck idles rough and stalls at idle. Truck must be placed in park, restarted, and then placed in drive. This creates a very dangerous situation in start and stop traffic, starting and stopping at intersections, etc. Iâm worried about the truck staling instead of paying attention to the surroundings. Based on my searches this is a very common problem that must be fixed before people are injured or possibly killed.”
Filed Aug 5, 2024
“Vehicle stalls out at an idle. Several forum postings on Ford forums that owners of 2015 to 2017 F150 5.0 truck have had the same issues. Several users have said ford has replaced the VVT solenoid, and the issue has been resolved.”
Filed Feb 14, 2024
“My truck continues to stall at stop signs, traffic lights and when just idling. This is unacceptable and a hazard to me and other traffic.”
Filed Jan 23, 2024
“After driving at highway speed for approx 1 hour, came to stop at red light. Vehicle idles rough, dropping to 250-300 rpm, then stalled in traffic, requiring restart. Third time this issue has occurred, all at stop signs or red lights.”
Filed Oct 27, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 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
- 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
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 27 reports
- Turbo failure or loss of boost 25 reports