Dealer visit checklist
2020 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 2020 Ford F-150 problems to check
- 10-speed 10R80 transmission can exhibit shudder or harsh shifting, especially in early production — a software update or fluid flush often helps but some cases require deeper repairs
- 3.5L EcoBoost engines have documented carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection, which can cause rough idle and reduced performance around 80,000-100,000 miles
- Panoramic moonroof and door-seal water leaks have been reported on SuperCrew models, potentially leading to interior moisture and electrical issues
- Tailgate latch mechanism can fail or stick, a known issue Ford issued a TSB for — inspect operation before purchase
- Sync 3 infotainment touchscreen can freeze or reboot intermittently; a system update resolves most cases but check that the latest software is installed
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- TIRES:BEAD: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 trucks equipped with 17-inch spare tires.
- 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Explorer, Mustang, Transit, Expedition, Escape, Ranger and Edge, and Lincoln Nautilus and Corsair vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 F-150 vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL): Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ranger and F-150 vehicles equipped with 10-speed automatic transmissions and certain 2020 Expedition vehicles equipped with a "police" package.
- 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.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-150, Expedition, 2020-2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, and 2020-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $31,000 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