Worth the Inspection

2019 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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.

5known issues
9open recalls
31point checklist

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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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?

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Known issues for the 2019 F-150

5

Power Train complaints Check

Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (40 complaints filed for this model-year.)

based on 40 NHTSA complaints

Engine complaints Check

Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (8 complaints filed for this model-year.)

based on 8 NHTSA complaints

Electrical System complaints Check

Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (3 complaints filed for this model-year.)

based on 3 NHTSA complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Check

Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (3 complaints filed for this model-year.)

based on 3 NHTSA complaints

Wheels complaints Check

Inspect tire tread and age, and note any vibration at highway speed. (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

9

Exterior Lighting Check

DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA 20V097000 →

Electrical System Red flag

Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

NHTSA 19V805000 →

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.

NHTSA 18V894000 →

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.

NHTSA 19V633000 →

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.

NHTSA 19V278000 →

Back Over Prevention Check

A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA 22V252000 →

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.

NHTSA 24V852000 →

Back Over Prevention Red flag

A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.

NHTSA 25V442000 →

Exterior Lighting Check

Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA 26V373000 →

Verify on NHTSA →

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.

2019 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.

We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.

Book a pro inspection DEMO

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Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2019 F-150. The most serious involve Electrical System (19V805000) and Engine (18V894000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.

What are the most common complaints about the 2019 F-150?

The top complaint areas are Power Train (40 complaints) and Engine (8 complaints), out of 50 total complaints.

What should I check before buying a used 2019 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 40 complaints for this model-year.

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