Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford F-150 electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Ford F-150 have filed 128 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
128
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 F-150 | 106 |
| 2013 F-150 | 229 |
| 2014 F-150 | 106 |
| 2015 F-150 | 110 |
| 2016 F-150 (this page) | 128 |
| 2017 F-150 | 68 |
| 2018 F-150 | 106 |
| 2019 F-150 | 59 |
| 2020 F-150 | 55 |
1crash
15fires
6injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 128 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 128 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of softwar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 F-Super Duty and 2015-2020 F-150/Mustang vehicles may require replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) for various reasons. While performing a programmable module installation (PMI) using the Integrated Diagnostic Service (IDS) scan tool, an error message may state: Configuration Failed, Would You Like To Retry? This may be due to improper module replacement steps. Make sure that the original module is installed in the vehicle, delete the vehicle session, then start a new vehicle session. Once the session starts, run the PCM PMI and install the new PCM only when the scan tool instructs. Finish the PMI by following the prompts given by IDS. If the original PCM is not
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2017-2022 F-250-F-550, 2015-2020 F-150 and 2018-2022 Expedition vehicles without push button start and passive entry may exhibit a condition where it is difficult to insert the ignition key and/or turn it to the accessory position when removing the ignition lock cylinder per the functional lock cylinder service procedure in Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 501-14. This may be due to debris or contamination in the ignition lock cylinder. If this concern occurs, use a suitable shop vacuum to dislodge or remove debris or contamination by placing the vacuum hose over the lock cylinder, without the key installed, for 30 seconds. Insert the ignition key and reattempt turning it to the accessory
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
While exiting the interstate, making a hard swooping left hand turn, make truck shutdown completely. At approximately 40mph and turning, I suddenly had to fight the lack of power steering. As soon as I felt it stop it powered back up. This issue continued intermittently until I was able to safely come to a stop.
Truck will stall/shut off at a stop while towing. Red battery light will show on dashboard. Car will turn over then shut down again by itself within a few seconds. This happened 3 times at this point- once while in gas station in line to get gas (stationary) once at intersection (stationary at stop light), another time after stopping vehicle to get gas. At first event 30 minutes after it not…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 128 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 81 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 18,000 and 52,500 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 52,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.