Buy a used Ford F-150 and regret it if serious mechanic issues and likely collision-damage repairs are missed on the purchase of a pickup truck. Although used pickup trucks can offer reliable service and power, certain vehicle model years and engines have issues with shifting transmission gears, Eco Boost cam phasers, turbochargers, and 5.0L V8 high oil consumption. Additionally, issues with spark-plug problems, catalytic converter failures, and failing brake system components can all potentially affect safety, performance, and reliability. A used pickup truck that runs smoothly with good power and a tight ride on a test drive could have hidden issues that will be expensive to repair if not brought up to code.

Along with the engine and transmission, look closely at the frame of the truck for rust and underside rust, and at fuses and electrical. Check the suspension for excessive wear, the steering for fluid leaks or sticking, and the exhaust-system for damage. Structural rust can diminish truck strength, and worn suspension parts, missing electronics, or seized-up brakes all can lead to problems for the owner who buys the truck. All interior controls should be tested, warning lights checked, the engine and suspension should be listened to for squeals or clunks, and checks should be made for indicator lights, signs of abnormal maintenance, or hidden rust damage. Better still, have a qualified mechanic do the pre-purchase inspection and check out any abnormalities that do turn up.

1. Transmission Shifting and Component Failures

Failures across different F-150 generations display interesting patterns that should be observed during a test drive. The 6-speed automatic transmissions in the 2011 to 2013 F-150s suffer from lead frame failures which can result in anything from severe slip, to rough shifting, to total mechanical failure. The newer F-150s equipped with the 10 speed automatic transmission introduced in 2017 can often have issues with gear hunting, delayed engagement and harsh shifting while accelerating. These issues can turn the internet- and dealership-legendary buys into expensive repair jobs, and the potential buyer should be paying close attention to the conditions experienced by the transmission during the test drive, if any history of repairs are present.

Transmission Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Harsh shifts between lower gears
• Delayed transmission engagement
• Noticeable gear slipping during acceleration
• Clunking between second and third gears
• Temporary loss of power engagement

Once the mechanic has checked the transmission function in idle, take the truck for a drive. Test the truck on light and moderately heavy throttle to check for gear problems. Watch for the change between gears, especially two to three and three to four. If the gears seem to stumble or slip, or if you hear a clunk when the shift occurs, you could have a problem and need to get the truck diagnosed by a transmission specialist. Unfortunately, sometimes the transmission needs replacing, which is a huge unexpected expense to a new owner, so finding out about past transmission repairs in the service history is a good idea.

2. Cam Phaser and Timing Chain Rattle

The 3.5-liter Eco Boost V6 is prone to timing-system wear, including cam phasers and timing-chain tensioners, which can cause a loud, metallic rattle one to three seconds after a cold start. Typically called a cold-start rattle, this noise can be a sign of internal wear that could eventually lead to costly engine damage. Because this sound can disappear once the engine is running, a once-over before the truck has warmed up may not reveal the problem. As such, prospective F-150 buyers should be aware of the engine’s initial startup of the day and check out any suspicious noises.

Cold-Start Engine Noises That Matter:

• Metallic rattle after cold starting
• Noise lasts one to three seconds
• Possible cam phaser deterioration
• Timing-chain tensioner wear
• Diagnostic trouble codes require investigation

Test the timing assembly Start the engine when it is cold. Near the front of the engine, listen for knocking or rattling noises as the oil pressure builds. If you hear noises or if Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are being triggered, your cam phaser or timing-chain service might be in your future, and expensive. Ask for copies of service records if the timing has previously been serviced and if it has been checked and/or repaired. If the seller has warmed the engine up for you, see if it will run the test when cold. A good mechanic can diagnose strange noises and tell you if they indicate internal degradation.

3. EcoBoost Turbocharger Maintenance and Wear

Turbocharged Eco Boost models are known for towing and low-end torque power but need healthy maintenance to get there. Skipping or neglecting Oil Change intervals can speed turbo shaft bearing wear, oil feed lines and boost plumbing degradation, resulting in underperformance, seal degeneration, boost leaks and early turbo failure. It also can make for an expensive repair bill, particularly if the turbocharged F-150 was towed heavily or driven without routine maintenance performed to get the most out of the power. You should closely check the engine bay for a lightly ridden F-150 Eco Boost before purchase, test the engine under load, and if possible, review history records to determine if the turbocharging system has been properly maintained.

Turbocharger Problems to Identify Early:

• Oil leaks around turbocharger lines
• Damaged intercooler connections
• Unusual whining during acceleration
• Blue smoke from exhaust
• Stored underboost diagnostic codes

Start in the engine bay, if possible, and look for oil leaks around the turbocharger oil lines and intercooler connections. During the road test, listen for odd whooshing or whining noises upon acceleration when engine load is high. Blue exhaust smoke and oil in the intake plumbing as well as dumped underboost codes may indicate significant turbocharger wear. Find out the oil-change interval and if a turbocharger was ever repaired or replaced by the previous owner. A use scan and visual inspection by a qualified technician can determine whether the truck is experiencing an underboost condition and if it’s caused by a boost leak, insufficient lubrication, or a bad turbocharger. Don’t assume that a truck with low miles that roars when you get on it is running well.

4. 5.0L V8 Engine Oil Consumption

Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engines are renowned for their simplicity and linear power output, but in some model years have used too much oil. During a test drive, drivers have noted decreases in the engine oil level that do not result in obvious external leaks underneath the vehicle, so checking the oil level should be a key aspect when a used F-150 is being considered. Low oil levels will place additional demands on the lubrication system, while also raising the risk of internal engine damage, should this issue go uncorrected. Buyers should not simply take a seller’s word for it that the engine is running smoothly, but should check the oil level, look for service records, and question how often the engine required topping up.

V8 Oil Consumption Checks:

• Check the engine oil dipstick
• Inspect oil condition before driving
• Recheck oil after the road test
• Request complete oil service records
• Investigate unexplained oil-level drops

Before you start on the test drive, look under the hood and pull the engine dipstick to note oil level and condition. Recheck after the test and compare the readings. Short test drives may not show a developing consumption problem, so the car’s service history and driver’s maintenance record are still considerations. Is the vehicle almost always “topping off” between oil changes? Has the owner ever had an explanation for why that might be? (Unchecked, high-oil-consumption engines often lead to lubrication loss and damage to internal parts, possibly resulting in early failure.) If the level is extremely low or the vehicle has a pattern of unexplained losses, have a technician look the situation over before buying this truck.

5. Spark Plug and Ignition System Defects

The ignition-system weaknesses also differ from engine to engine within a given model-year. As a whole, the early 5.4-liter Triton V8s have notable ignition-system failures, notably spark plugs ejecting from the cylinder head or breaking off during spark plug service intervals. Eco Boost engines with the wrong spark plug gaps develop ignition coil problems, which worsen engine misfire and sputtering issues. Idle and acceleration performances should be scrutinized rather than admiring the exterior and mileage for model-year engine offerings. Also, all ignition-system maintenance records should be verified if your prospective F-150 has high miles.

Ignition-System Red Flags:

• Rough or uneven engine idling
• Hesitation during acceleration
• Frequent engine misfires
• Spark plugs breaking during removal
• Missing ignition maintenance documentation

Be aware of hesitation during the test drive, rough idling and any other symptoms of misfire. Get details about whether the plugs have been replaced at the proper service interval and whether the correct plugs with the correct torque have been installed. For the 5.4-liter Triton, note that if defective plugs are removed they can break off in the cylinder head or be driven further into the head (if the plugs aren’t knocked out of the head), leading to a misfire or issue with the impact gasket. With Eco Boost engines, be sure the plug gap is correct so that the loads aren’t transferred to the ignition coils. Ask about a rough idling condition and whether recall codes exist.

6. Frame Rust and Undercarriage Integrity

Frame and underbody condition should be primary concerns. Pickup trucks are subjected to punishing environmental conditions, such as snow, salt and off-road driving, that can lead to rapid corrosion of the underbody surface. Surface rust is a common condition on older used Ford F-150 trucks and may not be a deal breaker if the paint is still intact in most areas, but deep-seated corrosion that causes perforation of structural members or otherwise compromises the integrity of the truck’s frame is a serious concern. Visual appearance alone will not reveal the condition of the structural components. Look at the underside for signs of extensive corrosion, debris lodged within structural members or evidence of “body work” to cover up rust damage.

Structural Areas That Need Inspection:

• Frame rails and mounting points
• Undercarriage corrosion and rust
• Wheel wells and door bottoms
• Truck bed and crossmembers
• Fresh undercoating concealing possible damage

Examine the frame rails, underbody, wheel wells, bottom of doors and inside bed for rust or bubbling paint that could indicate the spread of rot. Look for heavy corrosion around the frame-rail bends in the vicinity of the cab and where the frame mounts to the rear suspension areas known for gathering moisture and stress. Watch for voids in the surface of frame members and crossmembers, or for the presence of new, heavy undercoating that might be hiding what silt settled in those locations. If you see wide-scale pitting, holes in frame components or crossmembers, or if you come across a lot of fresh-looking undercoating, have a mechanic check for damage.

7. Braking Hazards and Hydraulic System Deficiencies

Not all F-150 model years have the same safety record when it comes to braking, however. If a truck has brake master-cylinder problems, either internal brake-fluid loss or complete brake failure can occur in model years 2013-2018, severely limiting or eliminating stopping power to the wheels. With a defective or sagging brake booster, a driver might experience pedal travel that’s soft or spongy, with the need for more foot pressure to stop the truck. As braking effectiveness has significant safety implications, don’t make the mistake of forgetting to check for these issues when doing a used F-150 pre-purchase inspection.

Brake-System Warning Signs:

• Low brake-fluid reservoir levels
• Visible hydraulic fluid leaks
• Spongy or unusually soft brake pedal
• Excessive pressure needed to stop
• Rapid brake pad and rotor wear

Start by examining the brake-fluid reservoir and near components for leaks. Test the pedal firmness and feel during a road test, paying close attention to normal braking in compliance with road conditions. Any reduction of braking feel, pedal travel or warning lights should be reason to delay putting the truck on the road. Excessive rotor and brake-pad wear can also push up maintenance costs, so be sure to review the service history for brake work and parts replacements. If the master cylinder or brake-booster does not seem to be functioning properly, have it checked by a technician before purchasing. Since the consequences of brake problems are not simply a matter of dollars and cents, it’s especially wise to have the vehicle checked if you don’t have complete information about its history or you notice a strange pedal feel.

8. Electrical System and Interior Electronics Failures

As a modern Ford F-150 truck relies on numerous complicated electrical systems for convenience items, the safety equipment and even for the main functions of the truck itself, the electrical system on the truck can be a common source of problems. Common electrical issues that Ford trucks tend to have include one or more of the power-window regulators or motors working intermittently or not at all, and turn signal, parking light and headlight electrical problems caused by worn wiring or inoperative control switches. While each of these problems may seem to be relatively minor, electrical issues can be time-consuming to identify if there are multiple systems affected on the truck.

Electrical Features to Test Before Buying:

• Power windows and door locks
• Headlights and turn signals
• Dashboard displays and warning lights
• Power seats and climate controls
• SYNC infotainment system functionality

Test every interior display, each door lock, power window, seat, each seat adjuster, and every cooling and heating feature, including the SYNC infotainment system. Examine the vehicle’s headlights, taillights and turn signals, and pay close attention to flickering and intermittent operation of all electrical features. When you spot the light on the dash indicating the vehicle has a “check engine,” or other system warning, have the vehicle scanned to reveal any troublesome codes. A dead or weak battery will cause many noxious error messages as the vehicle struggles with the weak charge, so if you see warnings across the board in most systems, check the vehicle’s battery and starter first. Ask about prior electrical repairs, and verify safety features, but also get the vehicle scanned by a professional for errors before assuming replacing the battery will cure all woes.

9. Front-End Suspension and Steering Component Wear

Hit the rough stuff. Front suspension parts take a beating, and this is especially true of a Ford F-150 equipped with larger tires and a suspension lift. Worn-out wheel bearings, bushings, tie-rod ends, ball joints and control arm bushings will show up in condition of the tires and if your steering wheel vibrates or the truck pulls. If you notice loud pops, bangs or squeals while driving over bumps or rough pavement, there is a good chance that you are hearing worn suspension components and compromised damping ability. Pay particular attention to how the truck tracks in a straight line and how the steering wheel responds. Modified trucks need particularly close inspection.

Suspension and Steering Red Flags:

• Uneven tire wear patterns
• Steering-wheel vibration while driving
• Vehicle pulling to one side
• Clunks, pops, or squeaks
• Humming that changes with speed

Check the shock absorbers for signs of leaky fluid and observe the suspension action during a short test drive. Ensure the wheel maintains a straight-line position with minimal play or wandering. Listen for loud clunks and squeaks over rough roads and pay close attention to the wear pattern of the tires for signs of uneven pressure distribution. Listen for a low-pitched humming that varies in pitch with vehicle speed, a telltale sign of worn wheel bearings. If the truck has a lift kit or oversized tires, ask if the suspension system was altered by a professional and if the wearing parts have been replaced. A trained mechanic can identify broken or weakened joints, bushings, bearings or shocks before they become worse and provide the best suspension system for smoother handling.

10. Catalytic Converter Clogging and Exhaust System Degradation

With a lot of higher-mileage Ford F-150s and Ford F-150s with the 5.4-liter V8 engine, exhaust-system issues are a major concern. Exhaust system failure and clogged catalytic converters can occur even in fewer than 100,000 miles on some Ford trucks with the 5.4-liter V8 engine. Restricted catalytic converters can cause exhaust gases to become trapped in the engine, which can cause a range of issues, including loss of power, loss of fuel economy and engine heat issues. Exhaust leaks and restrictions can also be caused by other engine issues, so check the truck’s overall mechanical condition instead of assuming that a higher-mileage truck is OK.

Exhaust-System Problems to Investigate:

• Unusual exhaust-system rattles
• Damaged catalytic converter housings
• Severe corrosion around exhaust components
• Engine misfires and oil consumption
• Check-engine lights and OBD-II codes

17 Listen for any irregular rattling from the exhaust and look for external damage or heavy rusting to the catalytic-converter housing. Engine misfire issues and unaddressed oil-consumption complaints can ruin the converter’s internal honeycomb structure and may trip a check-engine-light alert and turn on a specific OBD-II fault code. A scan of the truck’s computer codes can isolate trouble codes related to the issue but may require further testing to pinpoint the root cause. A new converter can be costly, so a buyer should factor in the expense if such indications show up during an inspection. A pre-purchase inspection is especially important if the truck has high mileage or a history of engine trouble.