Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2023 Ford F-150
The 2023 Ford F-150 exhibits concerns predominantly in the powertrain and electrical system, reflected by numerous recalls and complaints. While engine issues are noted, they are less prevalent. The recall data shows serious concerns, but with limited certainty regarding their frequency, so thorough inspection is advised.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2023 Ford F-150 has 13 NHTSA recall campaigns and 419 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 8 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V578000 Fuel Tank May Leak or Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V489000 Obstructed Rearview Camera Image/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V104000 Trailer Lighting and Brakes May Not Function/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V729000 Moonroof Wind Deflector May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V512000 Rear Axle Hub Bolt May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V315000 Rearview Camera Image May Not Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V852000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V896000 Rear Axle Hub Bolt May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V847000 Driver's Air Bag May Become Deactivated/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V509000 Unexpected Activation of Electric Parking Brake NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V128000 Front Axle Pinion Not Heat-Treated NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V072000 Passenger Air Bag May Deploy Improperly/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V070000 Loose Bolt in Transmission May Cause Rollaway NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 160 complaints
- Electrical System 86 complaints
- Unknown or Other 65 complaints
- Service Brakes 39 complaints
- Engine 28 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 28 complaints
Of the 419 complaints on file, 18 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 419 complaints, owners report 11 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
failure to engage park gear
How to check: Ask for recent transmission service records.
integrated trailer brake issues
How to check: Test trailer connections if possible.
unexpected parking brake activation
How to check: Inspect wiring near rear axle.
faulty rear camera display
How to check: Check camera functionality in reverse.
improper airbag deployment
How to check: Check passenger airbag recall completion.
loss of airbag connection
How to check: Verify steering column recall completion.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or knocks.
Red flag: Persistent loud noises
- 02
Warm-up
What to check: Monitor dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Active service or warning lights
- 03
First minute driving
What to check: Test steering response and feel.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check for smooth gear shifts.
Red flag: Jerky or delayed gear shifting
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for sufficient acceleration power.
Red flag: Lacks power or hesitates
- 06
Braking
What to check: Assess brakes for smoothness and noise.
Red flag: Brakes squeal or feel uneven
- 07
Parking
What to check: Test park gear engagement and release.
Red flag: Difficult to shift to or from park
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel tank recall been addressed?
- Are there any outstanding safety recalls?
- Has the trailer brake issue been resolved?
- Have there been any transmission repairs?
- Is there a service history available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Complete service history
- Recall repair documentation
- Current state inspection report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2023 Ford F-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2023 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.