Dealer visit checklist
2018 Ford F-150 checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2018 Ford F-150 problems to check
- Aluminum body panels can dent and scratch more easily than steel and are costly to repair without a specialized shop
- 10-speed automatic transmission (on 2.7L and 3.5L EcoBoost trims) may exhibit rough or delayed shifts, with some units requiring valve body or software updates
- EcoBoost engine carbon buildup on intake valves is a known issue on direct-injection variants, typically surfacing around 60,000-80,000 miles
- Sync 3 infotainment system can freeze or reboot unexpectedly, though software updates often resolve the issue
- Rear differential and transfer case seals can develop leaks on higher-mileage examples, particularly on 4WD models used in towing or off-road conditions
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality.
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates.
- TIRES: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150, 2018-2020 F-250, F-350, and 2019 Escape vehicles equipped with Continental tires.
- SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT: Tenneco Automotive (DRiV) is recalling certain MOOG K500359 ball joints, for aftermarket installation on 2015-2018 Ford F-150 trucks.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles equipped with 3.5L GTDI V6 engines.
- SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms.
- ENGINE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $27,500 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away