Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2025 Ford F-150
The 2025 Ford F-150 has multiple recalls related to engine and brake issues, as well as complaints mainly focused on power train and forward collision avoidance systems. While it boasts some innovative features, potential buyers should be cautious of these potential recalls and complaints.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2025 Ford F-150 has 14 NHTSA recall campaigns and 109 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 7 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V655000 Front Row Seats Improperly Secured NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V578000 Fuel Tank May Leak or Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #26V104000 Trailer Lighting and Brakes May Not Function/FMVSS 108 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V823000 Loss of Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V540000 Instrument Panel Display Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V512000 Rear Axle Hub Bolt May Break NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V488000 Loss of Power Brake Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V344000 Engine Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V398000 Damaged Wire Harness May Cause Engine Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V309000 Loose Fasteners on Lower Intermediate Shaft NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V271000 Missing Dashboard Air Bag Warning Label/FMVSS 208 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V198000 Misaligned Engine Oil Plug NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #25V164000 Unexpected Vehicle Movement NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V851000 Incorrectly Installed Engine Cup Plug May Leak Oil NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 26 complaints
- Forward Collision Avoidance 24 complaints
- Electrical System 23 complaints
- Unknown or Other 22 complaints
- Service Brakes 18 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 11 complaints
Of the 109 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 109 complaints, owners report 3 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Power brake assist loss
How to check: Test the brakes under various conditions and check for warning lights.
Engine damage and failure
How to check: Listen for unusual engine noises and check repair history.
Reverse gear failure
How to check: Shift through all gears, especially reverse.
Intermediate shaft can detach
How to check: Inspect the steering for looseness or unusual play.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any abnormal sounds from the engine.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking noises
- 02
Idle
What to check: Observe engine for smooth operation without vibration.
Red flag: Rough idle or stalling
- 03
Local streets
What to check: Check for smooth shifting and acceleration.
Red flag: Jerking or delayed shifts
- 04
Highway speed
What to check: Test steering stability and brake response.
Red flag: Vibrations or poor braking
- 05
Reverse gear
What to check: Ensure smooth engagement when reversing.
Red flag: Hesitation or clunking sounds
- 06
Braking test
What to check: Feel for consistent brake pressure and response.
Red flag: Soft or unresponsive brakes
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the vehicle undergone recall repairs?
- Are there any known transmission issues?
- Can you provide a recent service history?
- Have there been any engine repairs?
- Are there any pending recalls?
- Has it been in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service records
- Recall repair documentation
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2025 Ford F-150 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2025 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.