Check a VIN

2016 Ford F-150 transmission complaints

Page 11 of 22: complaints 281 to 310 of 618, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 Ford F-150 transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Transmission · CA

While driving at 65 mph the Orange drive selection indicator on the dashboard started flashing. In addition, the column listing the gears on the right side of the screen started flashing as well. Now there is no orange drive selection indicator light and no column listing the gears on the right side of the screen. I attempted to use the tiptronic shifting switch on the shifter and I was getting no response. When I brought the vehicle to a halt while still in drive, the vehicle moved into neutral. I had to shift the vehicle into "M" manual mode to get it to shift into a driving gear. The vehicle still drives and is able to automatically travel through the gears however I have no way of visually confirming if I'm in drive. I ran a diagnostic scan and the results were as followed "P0705 transmission range sensor a circuit (PRLDN input). When I place my vehicle in park the radiator fans turn on high until I shut the vehicle off. I'm at a gas station now, I can turn the truck on however I am unable to turn the engine back on. I can hear a clicking noise coming from the center console next to the shifter. After 2 min of this noise the orange drive selection light has returned on and is illuminating "P". I can turn the truck engine on, however when I shift I to "D" drive the orange selector light turns off. When I shift back to "P" park, the orange light returns. I shift to "D" press the accelerator and the engine RPM increases. However the vehicle does not move forward. When I shift to "M" the vehicle is in gear and begins to move forward. I still have no control over tiptronic shifting while in "M".

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · ME

I began noticing the illuminated instrument cluster indicating that I was in drive, flash from drive, to manual, and my truck began changing gears. Truck wouldn’t start after so I changed the battery. A few days later it was driving fine then the lights began to flash once again. My rear wheels seemed to lock up while I was driving about 50 mph, I believe it shifted into first gear and the truck jolted forward. I received a “wrench” icon that stated to “see manual”. Truck began driving fine once again. I contacted 4 local Ford dealerships and all claimed they have never heard of anything like this.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Transmission · SC

Transmission downshifting unexpectedly 6 to 1 during hwy speed. Also unexpected hard down shifts. No codes or warnings before or after events. Started having issue June 12th 2025. Does it once or twice daily since it began. Started case with Ford Motor Company. Talked with mechanic and tells me the 6spd transmission in ford have that issue. Mine doesn’t seem to be on recall list. Needs to be fixed, drive grand children around in this vehicle and is my daily driver for work. Thanks for all your help in the matter.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed highway speeds, the vehicle stalled after the transmission shifted to the sixth gear. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure recurred while accelerating and shifting to the sixth gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The contact’s husband went underneath the vehicle to maneuver the gear shifter cable and the vehicle was able to start. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and started to decelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road where the vehicle was turned off. After waiting and after several attempts the vehicle was restarted, and the contact continued driving. The failure had occurred several times intermittently. The contact stated that the gear indicator lights on the instrument panel failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer transferred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, causing the vehicle to dramatically decelerate. The contact then pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The “Service Transmission” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the powertrain control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V075000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Jun 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 168,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, while accelerating the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an output shaft speed sensor fault related to Customer Satisfaction Program: 17E01 and 24E03; however, the VIN was not included. The contact stated that several local dealers were contacted however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Transmission · CA

Transmission will slip upon accelerating and down shift without shifting. Causes the truck to pause until it shifts back into gear. This has happened multiple times.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 119,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping. There was an unknown recording alerting the contact of the issue. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and confirmed there was no recall coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that while the mechanic was driving the vehicle, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the failure was due to the turbo charger and the transmission. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · Transmission · AZ

After passing a car on a two lane highway 120 miles from home a wrench light came on and the transmission got stuck in 5th gear. We pulled over, stopped the truck and then it got stuck in 3rd gear and then the check engine light came on. The truck then proceeded to on into limp mode. At that point with the transmission clunking we and the truck shutting down we didn't feel safe driving the vehicle to our weekend destination nor did we feel safe driving it home as we had no idea if the transmission would completely fail. These were two lanes roads with not much shoulder and steep cliffs along the road in many areas and it was very unpopulated so any number of things could have happened to put us at risk. We had the truck towed 120 mileshome and taken to the nearest Ford Dealership, which was Larry H Miller Ford in Mesa, Arizona. The wrench and check engine light did go off but the service center was able to find the codes when they checked and it was determined to be lead frame failure. They removed and replaced the lead frame. There was no warning or codes prior to this happening - only on the day it happened.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Transmission · 215,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 215,000.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Transmission · MN

Transmission will unexpectedly downshift on its own while driving at highway speeds causing significant RPM increase and wheel slowdown.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Transmission · TX

Throttle body failure lead to loss of power right as I pulled out into traffic. Serious safety issue. No light appeared on the dash after turning truck off and back on and the same thing happened again.

Filed May 28, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · PA

After vehicle warms up. There is a "shudder" in either the engine or the power train. It is random and makes the truck vibrate. RPM gauge also fluctuates.

Filed May 23, 2025 · Transmission · UT

Truck Shifts from 6th gear to 1st gear at freeway speeds. This only takes place for a matter of seconds and then shift back to 6th gear. During down shift all throttle response is gone and then regains throttle as if it was resetting. My fear is its going to happen and lock up the truck causing a major accident. I recently had the trucks transmission serviced (Fluid, filter and flushed) thinking old fluid may be causing the issue. But sadly the problem is still there with nothing looking broke or out of place according to FORD. Then today i find my trucks year is apart of a Investigation opened into nearly 1.3 million Ford F-150 trucks over unexpected gear shifts [XXX] . This is a major safe concern not to mention very expensive repair,. Looks like ford is back to old ways, this similar Problem was in the 2012-14 model I believe and eventually ford recalled the vehicles. Now i ask what about the rest of us???? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 20, 2025 · Transmission · SC

Truck suddenly downshift into 5th gear and bucked for second starting out to get up to 60 mph Wrench light comes on transmission at 60 mph. holding back due to communications from the output sensor and the PCM. Took it to a ford dealer and had transmission flushed it was diagnosed with code PO722. Dealer said earlier years of these type of transmission on F150 had same problems.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the transmission warning light was intermittently flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the transmission unexpectedly downshifted while driving at various speeds. In addition, the vehicle occasionally shut off while driving, with the "Transmission not in Park" message displayed on the instrument panel, while the gear shifter was in park(P). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the molded lead frame had caused the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Transmission · KY

Transmission issue. Driving in 3rd or 4th gear at about 40 MPH when vehicle dropped down into 1st gear. Additionally, Multiple occasions of 1st and 2nd gear not being available while vehicle is at full stop, only 3rd gear and higher.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted from 6th gear to 1st gear, with the service vehicle's soon-to-be warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V444000 (POWER TRAIN) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Transmission · MO

Driving on freeway at 70mph and suddenly the truck shifted to a lower gear causing my RPM's to shoot to over 6,000rpm. I was able to get to the shoulder and turn off vehicle. I waited about 10 minutes and restarted the truck. When it happened the wrench light came on and then went away before I got to the shoulder. I checked for stored codes and it was showing PO720 Out put speed sensor (lead frame in transmission).

Filed May 7, 2025 · Transmission · 114,476 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while exiting a highway at an undisclosed speed, the transmission downshifted hard, and the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that simultaneously, the power train warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the molded lead frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 114,476.

Filed May 6, 2025 · Transmission · MI

Transmission Lead Frame Failed.

Filed May 4, 2025 · Transmission · IA

Seems like it doesn’t know what gear to be in. At a stop it’s in high gear then slams into low gear then check engine light

Filed May 3, 2025 · Transmission · FL

My truck while driving will downshift into 1st gear. There are no warnings before hand. This puts me and other drivers in harms way. This has happened 4-5 times previously and then it has happened 2 this past week. When it happens my truck just stops and because my foot is on the gas the engine will rev until I put my foot on the brake. I have been very fortunate that no one has rear ended me. I do have an appt with my Ford Dealership for this coming Tuesday. At this point I’m afraid to drive it until this matter has been taken care of. I have read where there was a recall on the 2014 F150 for the same thing. I’m not sure what else you need from me at this time. Also it usually happens when I driving between 40-50mph, but this last time I was going 35mph.

Filed May 2, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Transmission has torque converter shudder

Filed May 1, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a handheld diagnostic machine and retrieved a code indicating a failure with the catalytic convertor. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. In addition, the contact became aware of an unknown recall repair for the powertrain control module software was reprogrammed. The contact had experienced the failure several times. The contact stated the failure reoccurred 30,000 miles after each software reprogramming. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Transmission · DE

The transmission down shift at high speeds

Filed Apr 26, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Vehicle will down shift while traveling at hi way speed. It will almost make you skid.

Filed Apr 25, 2025 · Transmission · OH

I have had the torque converter replaced/repaired due to a failing torques converter that caused a "rumble strip" sensation while driving and also have had to have both front and rear differentials repaired due to failed bearings. The truck has also exhibited a "groaning" sound when idling in a parking lot, or coming to a stop that dealership could never determine what cause was. I have also had a indicator light flash in my dash indicating a failed Traction Control Device, which never appeared in any diagnostics. I believe these items can also contribute to the issue at hand in the investigation of PE25002. This has happened multiple times, but I first noticed July 2021.

Filed Apr 23, 2025 · Transmission · MN

I Was Highway Driving this afternoon so speed was about 65mph with Cruise Control On, and suddenly the truck downshifted through the gears like it went into low gear and almost lost control of the Vehicle but was able to safely pull over to the side of the road. Warning light came on as this happened that looked like a wrench(never seen before). Talked to my mechanic right away and confirmed the code that triggered the “Wrench”icon and showed 'bad lead frame in the transmission’… I have never had such an experience with a vehicle ( other then that something severely breakdown because of broken part or flat) to cause such an unsafe situation and thus reason for making this my first ever Report to the federal safety agency. So hopefully gets documented and seen by the proper authority’s to remedy this before someone could easily have lost control and been severely injured. After doing just a little checking on this it appears that Ford has had several issue like this with recall’s to earlier year models :-( …. thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2016 Ford F-150?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history