Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Ford E-150
The 2016 Ford E-150 generally holds up well as a used vehicle with few significant complaints or recalls. The primary concern involves the optional wheelchair lift, making it essential for buyers to be mindful of adaptive equipment condition when purchasing.
Known issues to inspect
Wheelchair lift failure
How to check: Inspect mobility lift for proper operation and wear.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for unusual engine noise on start-up.
Red flag: Loud knocking or rattling sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Look for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light remains on
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for smooth response and no noise.
Red flag: Spongy brakes or grinding noise
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for transmission shifts and engine noise.
Red flag: Rough shifts or whining sound
- 05
Cornering
What to check: Feel for pulling or steering issues.
Red flag: Pulling to one side or resistance
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the wheelchair lift had any issues?
- Any recent repairs or maintenance done?
- Have there been any accidents or damages?
- Are there any outstanding recalls?
- Why are you selling the van?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on 6/7/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2016 Ford E-150.