Dealer visit checklist
2022 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 2022 Ford F-150 problems to check
- Pro Power Onboard inverter software glitches requiring dealer resets on some configurations
- Tailgate assist mechanism can develop squeaks or misalignment issues over time
- 12-inch SYNC 4 infotainment screen has reported occasional freezing or connectivity drops
- 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo can develop carbon buildup on intake valves by 60,000-80,000 miles if not using Top Tier fuel regularly
- Some owners report transmission shudder or hesitation on the 10-speed automatic, particularly during low-speed maneuvering
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150, 2022 Maverick, Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles.
- STEERING:COLUMN: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles.
- WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 Raptor Series vehicles equipped with 37-inch tires.
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Bronco Sport and 2022 F-150 vehicles.
- AIR BAGS: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022 F-150 vehicles.
- VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 F-150 vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $42,000 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