Some 2015-2022 F-150, 2017-2022 F-Super Duty and 2018-2022 Expedition/Navigator vehicles may exhibit poor air conditioning (A/C) performance. Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostic procedures have been updated to more accurately diagnose A/C performance concerns. Refer to the updated Diagnosis and Testing, and General Procedure in the WSM, Section 412-00 Climate Control System for diagnostic procedures
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford F-150 visibility problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford F-150 have filed 109 NHTSA complaints about the visibility, typically surfacing around 53,018 miles at roughly $350 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See visibility across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
109
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$350
| Model year | visibility complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 F-150 | 102 |
| 2013 F-150 | 149 |
| 2014 F-150 | 121 |
| 2015 F-150 | 73 |
| 2016 F-150 (this page) | 109 |
| 2017 F-150 | 40 |
| 2018 F-150 | 61 |
| 2019 F-150 | 16 |
| 2020 F-150 | 52 |
2fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 109 visibility 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 109 visibility 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 visibility complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 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 visibility 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.
Some 2015-2021 F-150, 2017-2021 F-Super Duty and 2018-2021 Expedition/Navigator vehicles equipped with a vista roof opening panel may exhibit a binding/sticking, glass stuck open or closed, noisy operation including chatter, rattling, or grinding. This may be due to the glass panel brackets cracking and/or breaking apart. The glass panel brackets are serviceable separately from the frame assembly and require the roof opening panel glass to be moved to the vent position. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure to replace the roof opening panel glass brackets
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2020 F-150 and 2017-2020 F-Super Duty vehicles equipped with a rear defroster may have factory installed or service replacement rear glass that uses rear defroster electrical terminals with a plastic overmolded cover. The rear glass defroster terminals are not serviceable and should not be removed or detached from the glass during diagnosis or repairs. If the rear glass defroster terminals are separated from the glass, the rear glass assembly must be replaced.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2010-2020 vehicles may exhibit distorted glass with a subtle orange peel pattern or streaking etched into the surface. This is caused by hydrofluoric acid which is used in some car wash solutions as a cleaning agent. Hydrofluoric acid can attack the glass and cause visual distortion and/or discoloration on the outer surface which cannot be removed by further cleaning. If this type of distortion is found, inspect the area of the glass that is covered by the cowl and/or molding. The portion of glass that is covered by the cowl or molding will not be affected by the acid. Hydrofluoric acid damage is not a defect in material or workmanship and is not a warrantable condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2015-2019 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a rattle and/or squeak noise from the vista roof opening panel while driving with the roof opening panel closed. This may be due to dirt and/or debris build up between the vista roof opening panel seal and the body. To correct the condition, follow the Service Procedure steps to clean and lubricate the vista roof opening panel seal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Ford f-150. While driving, the windshield wipers failed to turn off. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 46,000. The VIN was unknown.
Rear window shattered after rear defrost was on after about 5 minutes
While driving in a remote area no trees, people or anything that could have hit the window, when the rear windshield exploded. The evidence seems to point towards the rear defrost heating elements getting too hot. Its important to note that the heat defrost was not on at the time. Outside temperatures 55 degrees and sunny. The fix is not complete yet but I have an appointment at safelite…
Had visibility 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 visibility problem on the 2016 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 109 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $350 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the visibility typically fail?
Across the 74 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most visibility failures cluster between 27,811 and 62,100 miles, with the median around 53,018. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,811; a quarter make it past 62,100. 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 $350 for visibility 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 visibility?
No active recalls currently cover visibility 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.