2021 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Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date.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 Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.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 2021 F-150
0
NHTSA has no recalls or complaints on file for this model-year.
Open recalls
29
Power Train Red flag
A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground.
Visibility Red flag
In the event of a crash, if the windshield separates from the vehicle, it can increase the risk of injury.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that does not deploy properly during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic Red flag
Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Seat Belts Red flag
A misrouted seatbelt may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Power Train Check
Driveshaft separation may result in a sudden loss of drive power, or unintended vehicle movement if the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Check
Loss of trailer brake functionality could result in extended stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
An improperly attached fuel tank increases the risk of a fuel leak and potential for fire.
Power Train Red flag
A fractured driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power, or a loss of vehicle control if the driveshaft contacts the ground.
Visibility Check
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Visibility Check
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Parking Brake Red flag
Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power.
Electrical System Check
Disabled reverse lights cannot alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
A loss of drive power increases 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.
Electrical System Check
Loss of trailer brake functionality can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Red flag
An unexpected shift into neutral will cause a loss of drive power and increase the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Exterior Lighting Check
Inoperative reverse lights may fail to alert others that the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Visibility Red flag
A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Check
Trailer lights or brakes that do not function can reduce the driver’s ability to control the trailer and decrease the trailers visibility to other road users, increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Check
Park system damage may result in a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Back Over Prevention Check
An obstructed rearview camera image can reduce the driver's rear visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 27-point checklist
27
0 / 27 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.
2021 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.
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Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 29 recalls for the 2021 F-150. The most serious involve Power Train (21V986000) and Visibility (21V090000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 F-150?
NHTSA shows no owner complaints on file for the 2021 F-150.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 F-150?
Run through the full inspection checklist below and get an independent pre-purchase inspection before any money moves.