2018 Ford F-150 used car buying checklist
A 2018 F-150 listing is not complete without its engine, transmission, cab, bed, drivetrain, and towing history. Those details change both value and what should be inspected.
Check a F-150 listing freeWhat to inspect before buying
Exact configuration
Decode the VIN and verify engine, drivetrain, cab, bed, payload, and installed equipment.
Towing and work use
Inspect the hitch, bed, rear suspension, brakes, and records for signs of sustained heavy use.
Frame and underbody
Look for corrosion, repairs, impact evidence, leaks, and damaged mounting points.
Four-wheel drive
If equipped, engage each mode according to the owner’s manual and check for warnings or noise.
Ask the seller
- 1What is the full engine, transmission, and axle configuration?
- 2What did the truck regularly tow or carry?
- 3Has the frame, bed, or cab had structural repair?
- 4Can I see maintenance records tied to the VIN?
NHTSA recall campaigns
NHTSA currently returns 19 campaigns for this year, make, and model.
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. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from the "Autolamps" switch position to "Headlamps On." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment."
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles with manual and power release tailgates. The tailgate latches may unlatch unexpectedly while driving.
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. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
A model-level search cannot tell whether a specific vehicle is affected or repaired. Verify the VIN on the NHTSA recall site.
Use this guide on the actual listing
Enter its asking price and mileage for an instant screen you can save or share. Then upload listing photos if the car still looks worth your time.
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This checklist is educational and does not predict the condition of a specific vehicle. Always verify records, obtain a vehicle-history report, and arrange an independent pre-purchase inspection.