2020 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2020 F-150
5
Power Train complaints Check
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (33 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 33 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (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
Suspension complaints Check
Listen for clunks over bumps and look for uneven tire wear. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Check
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (1 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 1 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
1 additional complaint was filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
11
Tires Check
The damage can cause the tire to rapidly lose air pressure or detach from the wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior Lighting Check
DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
If the transmission selection does not match the indicated gear selection, and the parking brake is not applied, unintended vehicle movement can occur, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
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.
Visibility Check
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Back Over Prevention Red flag
A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle.
Exterior Lighting Check
Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
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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.
2020 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 2020 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the 2020 F-150. The most serious involve Electrical System (19V805000) and Back Over Prevention (20V575000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2020 F-150?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (33 complaints) and Engine (5 complaints), out of 41 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2020 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 33 complaints for this model-year.