Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2019 Ford F-150
The 2019 Ford F-150 has a moderate number of recalls and over 1,000 NHTSA complaints, with concerns mainly in powertrain and engine components. Recalls include issues with headlights, rearview cameras, and electrical systems. While it's generally sturdy, attention should be given to the impacted systems during inspection and test drive, ensuring these issues have been addressed. Documentation confirming past repairs is advantageous but limited data on the full extent of issues requires careful inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2019 Ford F-150 has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,023 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V373000 Daytime Running Lights May Not Dim/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V442000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V252000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V097000 Daytime Running Lights May Not Dim/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V805000 Excessive Sealant Adhesive on Battery Cable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V633000 Reduced Seat Back Strength/FMVSS 202 & 207 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V278000 Damage to Block Heater Connector may cause Fire NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V894000 Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 525 complaints
- Engine 260 complaints
- Unknown or Other 99 complaints
- Electrical System 82 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 54 complaints
- Back Over Prevention 43 complaints
Of the 1,023 complaints on file, 14 report a crash and 5 a fire; across all 1,023 complaints, owners report 21 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Transmission malfunctions
How to check: Shift through all gears during test drive; feel for hesitations.
Engine stalling risk
How to check: Check for erratic idling or stalling during cold start.
Battery cable loosening
How to check: Inspect battery cables for secure connections.
Camera display issues
How to check: Verify correct rearview camera operation before driving.
Headlight malfunctions
How to check: Manually switch headlights from auto to on.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for rough idling or stalling.
Red flag: Engine stalls or idles erratically.
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Monitor for hesitation or trouble shifting.
Red flag: Hesitant or jerky acceleration.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Check rearview camera display clarity.
Red flag: Distorted or blank camera display.
- 04
Steering and handling
What to check: Feel for steering stiffness or pull.
Red flag: Persistent pull or stiff steering.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth and responsive power.
Red flag: Engine struggles or misfires.
- 06
Headlight check
What to check: Switch headlights and verify proper dimming.
Red flag: Headlights fail to dim appropriately.
- 07
End of drive inspection
What to check: Look for leaks under the engine.
Red flag: Active oil or fluid leak.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the battery cable issue been fixed?
- Were any transmission repairs needed?
- Have the headlights been recalled or fixed?
- Is the rearview camera working correctly?
- What engine issues, if any, have you faced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair receipts
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty documents
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2019 Ford F-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2019 Ford F-150? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.