2016 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet
Transmission fails or needs replacement
- 32owner reports
- 112,083median miles
- $8,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
585 of the 2,057 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 32 of those describe transmission failure.
Tick what matches of 32 reports
Transmission 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, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
This is the end of the road for a transmission: the car stops moving under its own power, or a shop says the unit has to be replaced or rebuilt. Half of the owners here mention a warning light or message, and a quarter mention it happening again or to a second unit.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (32 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers 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.
All 14 recalls on the 2016 Ford F-150, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain 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.
Unintended transmission downshift. Closed jul 29, 2024, led to recall 24V-444.
Unexpected transmission downshift. Closed oct 22, 2019, led to recall 19V-075.
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.
Transmission fluid fires. Closed jul 5, 1991.
What owners paid
6 of the 32 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,200 to $8,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 72,000 and 138,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“I participated in Safety Recall 26V237 -2016 F-150 Ford Truck transmission issues. Under the recall, Ford completed a transmission programming update to resolve the safety concerns. The campaign DID NOT resolve the transmission issues. The truck is still a hazzard to drive & needs further repairs or transmission replacement. Please do not allow Ford to remain unaccountable for the failure to correct the issue.”
Filed Sep 18, 2026
“Truck down shifts randomly, causes a shutter, and has a hard time accelerating. I had a sensor replaced inside of my transmission along with new transmission fluid put in and it failed to fix my problem.”
Filed Feb 20, 2026
“Transmission failure resulting in replacing transmission. Vehicle was shuddering when driving. This happened multiple times causing excessive shaking when driving on the hwy.”
Filed Feb 5, 2026
“The transmission will go into limp mode at high speeds. Failing to correct itself. I will pull over and shut off vehicle then restart the vehicle and it works fine until it happens again. This has happened several times. I had transmission looked at and in the drain pan were pieces of metal and debris. I have had transmission issues frequently. I am now having to replace the transmission for a safety precaution.”
Filed Jan 20, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 32 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
- 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