2018 Ford F-150 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2018 F-150
5
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (57 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 57 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Check
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (13 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 13 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Check
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (5 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 5 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Check
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (4 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 4 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Check
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (2 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 2 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
1 additional complaint was filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
19
Exterior Lighting Check
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Latches/Locks/Linkages Check
Unexpected tailgate opening may allow unrestrained cargo to fall out of the truck bed and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Tires Red flag
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss.
Suspension Red flag
An incorrectly installed ball joint may cause the ball joint stud to break, which can compromise front wheel control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine Red flag
When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire.
Seats Red flag
A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Engine Red flag
A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
Seat Belts Red flag
A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
Power Train Red flag
Despite the transmission shift lever being placed in 'Park' and the instrument panel display indicating 'Park,' the vehicle may roll away after it has been exited if the parking brake has not been applied, increasing…
Power Train Red flag
If the gear shift cable clip becomes unseated or dislodged, the gear shift lever position may indicate that the transmission is in 'Park' when it may be in a different gear.
Engine Red flag
Without a proper supply of lubrication, the engine will fail, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Unidentified or unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in a way that was not intended by the driver, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
Structure Red flag
If the structural integrity is reduced, in the event of a rollover crash, there may be an increased risk of injury .
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A loss of brake fluid may result in a change in brake pedal travel, increased pedal effort and reduced front brake function, requiring greater effort and distance to stop the vehicle.
Equipment Red flag
Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
A brake fluid leak can cause reduced brake function and extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior Lighting Check
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction, increasing the risk of crash or injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2018 F-150–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 19 recalls for the 2018 F-150. The most serious involve Tires (21V155000) and Suspension (21E027000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2018 F-150?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (57 complaints) and Engine (13 complaints), out of 75 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2018 F-150?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 57 complaints for this model-year.