Dealer visit checklist
2019 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 2019 Ford F-150 problems to check
- 3.5L EcoBoost engines can develop carbon buildup on intake valves by 60,000–80,000 miles, requiring a walnut-blast cleaning costing $300–$500
- Transmission shudder on the 10-speed automatic (paired with both EcoBoost and 5.0L V8) is a known issue; a fluid flush with updated Ford-spec fluid often resolves it for $150–$250
- Sync 3 infotainment touchscreens can freeze or reboot spontaneously — typically a software update fixes it at no cost but can be annoying
- Rear differential leaks have been reported on higher-mileage examples; inspection at purchase is recommended as repairs run $400–$800
- Door latch recall (NHTSA 19V-680) affected many 2019 model year trucks — confirm the recall was completed on any vehicle you're considering
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.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles.
- 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.
- 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Explorer, Lincoln Aviator, 2020-2024 Escape, Lincoln Corsair, 2018-2024 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Transit Connect, 2019-2020 MKZ, MKX, Edge, Continental, F-150, Nautilus, Fusion, 2019-2023 Ranger, Mustang, 2020-2021 EcoSport, Expedition, Navigator, 2020-2022 Escape, F-250 SD, Corsair, 2020-2023 Aviator, Transit, 2020-2024 Explorer, 2021-2024 Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $29,000 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