Is the 2016 Ford F-250 SD reliable?

The 2016 Ford F-250 SD has 15 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: excellent. Most common issue: SUSPENSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Ford F-250 SD?

Top problems: SUSPENSION (4 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (3 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (2 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Ford F-250 SD?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): TIRES:SIDEWALL, STEERING, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Ford dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Ford F-250 SD?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Ford F-250 SD is approximately $1,478/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Ford F-250 SD

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Excellent Reliability

Quick Summary

The 2016 Ford F-250 SD has 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.4x the segment average of 37. The most common issue is suspension problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: i was driving down the highway and all of a sudden twice within 10 miles of each other my truck started violently shaking alost sending me into another lane and losing control. had to slow down almost to a stop before it would quit. *tr. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

27%

• I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TWICE WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING ALOST SENDING ME INTO ANOTHER LANE AND LOSING CONTROL. HAD TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT. *TR
• VEHICLE EXPERIENCES SEVERE BOUNCE BETWEEN 70-75 MPH. FORD HAS CONFIRMED ISSUE AND HAS STATED IT IS A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE". ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO DEALER AND FORD AT TIME OF PURCHASE. BOUNCE IS VERY PRONOUNCED AND VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE DURING OPERATION.
• AT 82000 MILES HAD A SHIMMING IN THE FRONT END OCCUR. WAS NOT ALWAYS PRESENT WHILE DRIVING BUT AT TIMES THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD START SHAKING MAKING IT HARD TO MAINTAIN IN THE ROAD.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TWICE WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING ALOST SENDING ME INTO ANOTHER LANE AND LOSING CONTROL. HAD TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT. *TR”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

TIRES:SIDEWALL26/04/2016

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.

Risk: A rapid loss of air or a tire rupture while the vehicle is being driven may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Ford F-250 SD

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,478

Full coverage / month

$123

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-12%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1478

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Ford F-250 SD Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

20K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

IOLM (Intelligent Oil Life Monitor) may signal earlier. Older 5.4L Triton engines have specific service needs — check the manual.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Ford New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Ford. If you're buying a used 2016 F-250 SD, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Ford dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 15 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
SUSPENSION: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TWICE WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING ALOST SENDING ME INTO ANOTHER LANE AND LOSING CONTROL. HAD TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT HOME, THE CONTACT NOTICED DARK GRAY SMOKE BILLOWING OUT THE WINDOWS OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND NOTICED THE SEATS WERE ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND NOTICED WIRES IN TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: THE STEERING WHEEL IS SHAKING BADLY TO THE POINT THAT THE CAR NEEDS TO BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY. IT IS EXTREMELY HARD TO DO WHEN IT HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY. IN ADDITION TO STEERING WHEEL SHAKE, BOTH FRONT WHEELS ARE WOBBLING AND THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN TWICE WITHIN 10 MILES OF EACH OTHER MY TRUCK STARTED VIOLENTLY SHAKING ALOST SENDING ME INTO ANOTHER LANE AND LOSING CONTROL. HAD TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP BEFORE IT WOULD QUIT. *TR
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Ford dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)