Is the 2016 Ford 6.7 diesel a good engine?

Yes — the 2016 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke is widely regarded as a strong, durable diesel that excels at towing and heavy-duty use, provided you stay on top of routine maintenance and aware of age-related wear risks.

In the 2016 Super Duty lineup, Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 remains a high-torque, high-output engine designed for tough work. It delivers about 440 horsepower and roughly 860 lb-ft of torque, pairing with Ford’s heavy-duty automatic transmissions to haul heavy loads and handle demanding daily driving. This article weighs its strengths, potential issues, and what owners should watch for as these engines age, with practical guidance for buyers and current owners alike.

Performance and capability

The 2016 Power Stroke is built for real-world towing and payload tasks, with a broad torque band that helps accelerate in low gears and manage heavy loads without over-revving. It benefits from modern emissions controls and a robust construction that underpins long-term durability in highway work and construction scenarios.

What follows highlights the core strengths that matter most to buyers and users of heavy-duty pickups.

• High torque at low to mid RPM enables confident towing/hauling with minimal gear hunting.


• Strong horsepower for highway merging and acceleration when not towing.


• Rugged, purpose-built drivetrain pairing (engine + heavy-duty automatic transmission) tuned for reliability in work applications.


• Effective exhaust aftertreatment that keeps emissions in check while maintaining performance.

In practice, these performance traits translate to a capable tow vehicle that can handle large trailers and heavy workloads while still serving as a daily driver when unladen.

Reliability and common issues

As with any aging diesel, reliability hinges on maintenance history and how the truck was treated. The 6.7L Power Stroke has a reputation for strong durability when serviced regularly, but certain wear items and fuel-system components have been known to pose problems, especially on higher-mileage examples or those that haven’t had timely upkeep.

The following issues are commonly discussed by owners and technicians, particularly for earlier model-year examples and high-mileage trucks:

• High-pressure fuel system components (HPFP/CP4 family) failures, which can be costly to repair and require careful diagnostic attention.


• Intermittent issues with fuel delivery or injector wear that can affect performance and efficiency.


• EGR cooler and cooling-system-related concerns, including leaks or cooling efficiency issues that can affect long-term reliability if not addressed.


• Turbocharger wear or wastegate/actuator irregularities that can impact boost response and efficiency.


• General wear items common to diesel engines (oil leaks, gasket wear, sensor wear) as the engine accrues miles.

With proactive maintenance, many 6.7L Power Strokes remain productive well past the 150k–250k mile mark, but potential buyers should scrutinize service history and look for documented diesel-specific maintenance and any recalls or service bulletins addressed by previous owners.

Maintenance and care tips

Maintaining a 2016 6.7L Power Stroke requires diligence and adherence to Ford’s recommended service intervals, plus attention to diesel-specific needs to maximize longevity and performance.

The following maintenance focus areas help preserve reliability and performance over time:

• Regularly change engine oil with the recommended synthetic diesel oil and replace the oil filter at the manufacturer-specified intervals.


• Replace fuel filters on schedule and use quality diesel fuel to minimize contaminants that can affect fuel-system components.


• Monitor and service cooling system components, including the EGR and associated coolers, to prevent overheating and coolant leaks.


• Keep the aftertreatment system (DPF/DEF-related components) in good condition and address any fault codes promptly to avoid performance degradation.


• Inspect and service high-wear items such as injectors, turbocharger components, hoses, and seals as part of routine maintenance, especially on higher-mileage units.

A disciplined maintenance plan, performed by a diesel-specialist technician when possible, helps mitigate common wear issues and supports long-term reliability.

Real-world ownership considerations

Fuel economy and daily driving

In real-world use, the 6.7L Power Stroke delivers solid daily usability for a full-size diesel pickup, with performance advantages in towing and highway cruising. Fuel economy is heavily influenced by payload, towing, and driving style; expect lower mileage when towing heavy loads and in frequent stop-and-go driving, and relatively better efficiency when driven lightly and on long highway trips. Typical real-world numbers tend to place combined efficiency in the low-to-mid teens for mixed use, with highway-only or light-duty scenarios achieving higher figures and heavy towing pulling it down noticeably.

Resale value and warranty considerations

Vehicles with documented maintenance histories and lower-mileage examples tend to hold value better in the used-truck market. Ford’s Power Stroke engines have benefited from extended service bulletins and recall campaigns over the years, which can influence resale confidence when a seller can show documented coverage and service records. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a diesel-trained technician remains the best safeguard for a used 2016 model.

Bottom-line verdict: The 2016 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke is generally regarded as a good engine for buyers who need serious torque and towing capability, and who are prepared for prudent diesel maintenance. It isn’t a “set-it-and-forget-it” powerplant; it rewards attentive care with long service life, while neglect or skipped maintenance can lead to costly issues. If you’re shopping used, prioritize service history, recent dealer service bulletins, and a professional diagnostic prior to purchase.

Summary

The 2016 Ford 6.7L Power Stroke stands out for its towing prowess, strong low-end torque, and durable construction. Its reliability is solid when properly maintained, but potential buyers and current owners should be mindful of diesel-specific maintenance needs and the possibility of HPFP/injector and cooling-system concerns as the vehicle ages. With careful upkeep, these engines can deliver reliable, high-capacity performance for many miles.

For anyone weighing a used 2016 Super Duty with the 6.7L Power Stroke, the key takeaway is clear: strong capability and durability, balanced by the need for disciplined maintenance and proactive attention to wear-prone diesel components. A thorough inspection and complete maintenance history are your best bets for a confident ownership experience.

What year 6.7 powerstrokes to stay away from?

The 6.7 Powerstroke years to avoid are primarily 2011-2014 due to issues with the turbocharger's ceramic bearings, an early plastic oil pan on some models, and other first-generation problems. While 2020-2021 models had some 10-speed transmission issues, they are less problematic and have a stronger engine bottom end than earlier models.
 
This video explains the common issues with 6.7 Powerstroke engines: 53sPower Stroke MaintenanceYouTube · May 12, 2023
Years to avoid

• 2011-2014: These are generally considered the least desirable years due to several first-generation issues. 
  • Turbocharger: Early models used ceramic bearings in the turbo which are prone to failure; a switch to steel bearings occurred later in this generation. 
  • Oil pan: Some early 2011 models had a plastic oil pan that could leak, but this was changed to steel in 2012. 
  • Other problems: These years also had potential issues with the CP4 fuel pump, radiators, and the crankcase ventilation system. 
• 2020-2021: These models are best avoided for their problems with the 10-speed transmission. 
  • The 2022 model year and newer have an updated 10-speed transmission that is more reliable. 

You can watch this video to learn about the different generations of 6.7 Powerstroke engines: 3:00Flying WrenchesYouTube · Jan 29, 2025
More reliable years 

• 2015-2019: This second generation is often recommended because it addressed many of the first generation's issues, including the switch to a more robust steel-bearing turbo. 
• 2022 and newer: These models offer a stronger bottom end and have an updated and more reliable 10-speed transmission. 

How reliable is a 2016 6.7 Power Stroke?

The 6.7L Power Stroke is built for longevity – Many owners report reaching well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Regular servicing, especially for components like the turbocharger, exhaust systems, and fuel injectors, can extend the engine's lifespan even further.

What year to avoid Ford F250 Super Duty?

Years to potentially avoid for the Ford F-250 Super Duty include 2004–2006 due to engine problems with the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel and gasoline engines, 2008 for serious steering and brake issues, 2011 for the "death wobble" and transmission problems, and 2017–2019 for "death wobble" related to suspension issues. Additionally, some models have specific issues like the 2013 with its transmission downshift and potential 2015-2017 models with early 10-speed transmission or aluminum body problems. 
Engine and drivetrain issues 

• 2004–2006: Both gasoline and diesel engines have problems. Gasoline engines can have spark plugs ejecting, while the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel is prone to issues with the engine oil cooler, EGR cooler, and head gaskets. 
• 2011: This year is noted for transmission problems, including rough and jarring shifts. 
• 2015–2017: Some reports mention issues with the early 10-speed transmission and the first-generation aluminum bodies, though the 6.2L gas engine is considered reliable in these years for those who don't tow heavy loads. 
• 2020–2021: These years saw some problems with the 10-speed transmission, potentially related to supply chain issues during that time. 

You can watch this video to learn about the engine and transmission issues in Ford Super Duty trucks: 1mFlying WrenchesYouTube · Apr 26, 2024
Steering and suspension issues 

• 2002: The steering system can fail, with the idler arm potentially tearing away from its mounting point. 
• 2008: This model year has serious steering and brake problems, including sudden brake failure. 
• 2011: Known for the "death wobble" phenomenon. 
• 2017–2019: These years are particularly susceptible to the "death wobble," which is a violent shaking of the front end. Ford has since issued recalls and offered steering damper upgrades for some models. 

This video explains the potential brake failure in 2025 model year Ford Super Duty trucks: 59sJB ReviewsYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
Other problems

• 2013: May have transmission downshift issues if a specific recall has not been completed. 
• 2013–2016: Some models with the MyFord Touch infotainment system are known to have glitches. 
• 2006: Can stall unexpectedly while in motion, leading to loss of power steering and brakes. 

What years did the 6.7 Power Stroke have issues?

The worst years
While the second and third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke engines are considered to be the best, the first generation — model years 2011 to 2014 — is widely regarded as the worst. That's due primarily to a series of issues that plagued several of the motor's accessories.