Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Ford F-150
The 2016 Ford F-150 is a truck that earns a Carivo score of 7.5/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.3/10, while Technology at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.2/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.3/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
With 7.9/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $28,093–$33,159, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Ford F-150 sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. At 7.5/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Ford F-150 will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good truck should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Trucks
The 2016 Ford F-150 ranks #186 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 64% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,093 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 20%.
$0 — 14 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which F-150 Year Should You Buy?
Across the F-150 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Ford F-150 (14 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine 18/12/2018 · 18V894000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the…
Engine 08/04/2019 · 19V278000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall…
Seat belts / Pretensioner 31/08/2018 · 18V568000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the…
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the…
Seat belts / Rear/other 28/08/2017 · 17V526000
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 F-150, and 2017 F-250 and F-350 trucks equipped with a crew cab. The left rear inflatable seat belt buckle assembly may be inadequately attached to its mounting bracket. As such, these vehicles…
Showing 5 of 14 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2016 Ford F-150 that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Ford F-150
Is the 2016 Ford F-150 reliable?
We rate the 2016 Ford F-150's reliability 7.2/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
14 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Ford F-150 worth buying?
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #186 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 64% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Ford F-150 cost?
The 2016 Ford F-150 starts at $28,093 and ranges up to $33,159 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which F-150 years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest F-150 years we've rated are 2015 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Ford F-150 have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Ford F-150 are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine, Seat belts, Latches/locks/linkages, Seats (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Ford F-150
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More Ford Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Ford models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year