Vehicle Guide

2016 Ford F-250 Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2016 Ford F-250, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a heavy-duty pickup built for towing, hauling, and worksite durability, positioned above the light-duty F-150. It’s ideal for contractors, RV and trailer owners, and drivers who need a truck that can handle high payloads and demanding conditions. For 2016, the F-250 remains part of the 2011–2016 Super Duty generation, offering proven powertrains and a wide range of trims from work-ready XL to upscale King Ranch and Platinum. In the HD truck market, it competes with the Ram 2500 and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, with a strong reputation for capability and aftermarket support.

Key Features

1) ENGINE OPTIONS: Most 2016 F-250 models came with a 6.2L gasoline V8 (paired with a 6-speed automatic), while the popular upgrade was the 6.7L Power Stroke turbo-diesel V8 for maximum towing and torque. 2) HEAVY-DUTY FRAME AND SUSPENSION: A fully boxed front frame section and robust suspension components help the truck manage large loads and trailer tongue weights with confidence. 3) TOWING AND TRAILER TECH: Available features include an integrated trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, tow/haul mode, and optional fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep depending on configuration. 4) CAB AND BED CHOICES: Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab are available with multiple bed lengths, letting buyers tailor the truck for fleet use, jobsite storage, or family-duty versatility. 5) TRIM AND COMFORT UPGRADES: Higher trims add luxury touches like premium leather, advanced infotainment options, and upgraded audio, making it a comfortable long-distance tow vehicle.

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2016 Ford F-250 reliability often find that these trucks can be long-lasting when maintained, but there are several 2016 Ford F-250 common issues to know before buying. 1) DEATH WOBBLE / FRONT-END SHIMMY: Some owners report steering shake after hitting bumps at highway speeds, often tied to worn or out-of-spec steering/suspension parts (track bar, ball joints, tie-rod ends, steering stabilizer) and alignment. This can show up anywhere from 50,000–120,000 miles depending on use, tires, and road conditions. 2) 6.7L POWER STROKE EMISSIONS/SENSOR ISSUES: On diesel models, EGR/DPF-related problems, NOx sensor failures, or DEF system warnings can occur, especially if the truck sees lots of short trips that prevent full regeneration. Symptoms include reduced power, warning lights, and regeneration frequency changes, commonly reported around 60,000–150,000 miles. 3) 6.2L GAS ENGINE SPARK PLUG/COIL MISFIRES: Gas models may develop misfires from worn plugs or failing ignition coils over time, sometimes felt as rough idle or hesitation under load. Expect ignition maintenance to become more common past 80,000–120,000 miles, particularly in towing service. 4) BRAKE WEAR AND CALIPER/SLIDE ISSUES: Heavy towing and city driving can accelerate brake pad/rotor wear, and sticking caliper slides can contribute to uneven braking or pulling. Many owners see brake service needs vary widely, but hard-use trucks may need attention as early as 30,000–60,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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