2016 Ford F-150 vs 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
Two full-size trucks, compared on what actually matters when you're buying used:
what breaks, when it breaks, and what it costs you.
2016 Ford
F-150
7/10
The 2.7L EcoBoost or 5.0L V8 in a 2016 F-150 is a great truck; the 3.5L EcoBoost's ecosystem of transmission and brake issues is what you're really buying insurance against.
VS
2016 GMC
Sierra 1500
6/10
Great truck to live with — until the collapsed lifter turns it into a $4,500 lesson in why 'Displacement on Demand' should have stayed on the drawing board.
Milo scores the 2016 Ford F-150 higher — 7/10 against 6/10.
By the numbers
Green is the better number — higher on every score, lower on failures, complaints and recalls.
| Ford F-150 |
GMC Sierra 1500 |
| Known failure points | 7 | 8 |
| NHTSA complaints | 37 | 47 |
| Safety recalls | 14 | 7 |
| Service bulletins | 12 | 12 |
| Reliability | 62 | 58 |
| Cheap to own | 58 | 55 |
| Fun factor | 68 | 62 |
| Holds value | 72 | 72 |
| Enthusiast cred | 58 | 55 |
The most expensive thing that goes wrong
2016 Ford F-150
Transmission range sensor / powertrain control module signal loss causing unexpected downshifts and wrench light (6R80 auto)
$300–$2,00030k–80k mi
2016 GMC Sierra 1500
AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter collapse on 5.3L L83 — takes out the camshaft and often scores a cylinder
$3,500–$6,50060k–120k mi
If you buy one, buy this one
✅ 2016 Ford F-150
A 2016 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat or XLT with the 5.0L V8 (naturally aspirated, fewer turbo/carbon complications) or the 2.7L EcoBoost, optioned with Max Trailer Tow (53B), and full service records showing all applicable recalls completed and on-time spark plug service.
✅ 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
2016 Sierra 1500 SLT Crew Cab 4x4 with the 5.3L, All-Star Edition package, Z71 off-road, and — critically — an AFM disabler already installed and documented oil-consumption test passed. In salt-belt states, insist on a Southern truck.
Narrowed it down? Get the full report
This comparison is model-level.
Milo's report goes car-level — the one you're actually looking at:
- A line-by-line negotiation script
- The pre-purchase inspection checklist
- VIN-specific open recalls
- What it's really worth right now
- Your next 15,000 miles, forecast
- Hidden features & money-savers
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Scores and findings blend documented NHTSA recalls and complaints with
patterns synthesized from owner communities. Always inspect the specific vehicle and
verify open recalls by VIN before buying.