2016 Ford F-150 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2016 F-150
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (57 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 57 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (6 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 6 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (5 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 5 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Check
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (4 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 4 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Check
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (3 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 3 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
2 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
14
Engine Red flag
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Engine Red flag
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Seat Belts Red flag
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
Seat Belts Red flag
If the left rear inflatable seat belt buckle separates from it's mounting bracket, the seat occupant may not be adequately restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Red flag
If the doors unlatch and open in a side impact collision, the occupants have an increased risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Seats Red flag
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Air Bags Red flag
If an adult is incorrectly classified as a child, the passenger frontal air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine Red flag
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel and feel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, possibly requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle.
Suspension Red flag
An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle.
Power Train Red flag
Unexpectedly downshifting into second gear may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2016 F-150–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2016 F-150. The most serious involve Engine (18V894000) and Engine (19V278000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2016 F-150?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (57 complaints) and Engine (6 complaints), out of 72 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 F-150?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 57 complaints for this model-year.