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Before you buy

2019 Ford F-150 inspection checklist

Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.

Inspect this F-150

Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.

Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.

Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.

Required checks

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Airbags owner reports: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Engine owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

    Power Train owner reports: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment investigation: Windshield trim molding Item detachment On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Engine recall: 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.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Engine recall: 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.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner recall: 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 recline

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Exterior Lighting:Headlights recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Equipment:Other:Labels recall: 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.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Back Over Prevention:Software recall: 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, 2020-20

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

    Exterior Lighting:Headlights recall: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer service campaign: Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle Reports of Transmission Shudder after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to stop performing this field service action until further notice.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away
  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

    Manufacturer warranty extension: In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine.

    Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection

    Looks okay / Concern / Walk away

Ask the seller

  • Has any named issue here ever been diagnosed or repaired on this car?
  • Can I see the maintenance and any recall-remedy records?
  • Will you allow an independent pre-purchase inspection?

Records to request

  • Service and oil-change history
  • Completed recall / campaign paperwork
  • Any dealer diagnostic reports

Why these checks are here

Airbags owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 6 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Engine owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Power Train owner reports

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019.

Warning signs: 10 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment investigation

Official record for model year 2019.

Warning signs: Windshield trim molding Item detachment On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Engine recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: 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.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Engine recall

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2019.

Warning signs: 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.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: 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 recline

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables recall

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Exterior Lighting:Headlights recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera recall

Official record for model year 2019.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Equipment:Other:Labels recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: 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.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Back Over Prevention:Software recall

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Warning signs: 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, 2020-20

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Exterior Lighting:Headlights recall

Official record covers model years 2018 through 2020.

Warning signs: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer service campaign

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle Reports of Transmission Shudder after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to stop performing this field service action until further notice.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Manufacturer warranty extension

Official record covers model years 2017 through 2020.

Warning signs: In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine.

Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition

Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“on 3/6/2020 I was in a serious car accident in the vehicle. which required surgeries for not only myself but also other drivers on the road. The driver air bags did not deploy, the turck was totaled and had body damage around the entire vehicle. There was a blood stain from my head hitting the driver door window but no air bag deployment. The gas pedal was not attached when reviewing the photos taken. The collision detection did not detect. we have asked Ford Motor Company to come and look at the car as it has been in a protective hold but the response from FMC was that due to covid they would not send anyone and we were left on out own. There were no warning messages, lamps, lights or indicators prior to the collision.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2022Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-150. The contact stated that during start-up, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the cam phasers were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. While the vehicle was idling, the vehicle sputtered and vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the spark plugs; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintAug 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“While driving on a straight roadway the right rear wheel hub broke off of the rear axle. This caused the truck to turn to the left out of control. The truck crossed over the center line while the entire wheel/tire separated from the wheel well of the truck. The wheel/tire traveled another 50 yards off the roadway into a field. The truck struck a hill on the other side of the road deploying the side airbags due to impact with a road sign. The wheel hub/axle was inspected by a mechanic and the insurance company. The wheel hub was determined to be a defective part by the mechanic and insurance company. The wheel hub had noticeable rust where the axle was connected to the wheel hub. The truck was totaled and removed by the insurance company.”
NHTSAcomplaintOct 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Windshield trim molding Item detachment On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.”
NHTSAinvestigationJan 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causing corrosion and damage. When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 18S45.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. During the previous repair, the block heater cable's splice connector may have been damaged. A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The recall began May 31, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S11.”
NHTSArecallAug 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. Also included are certain 2020 Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with rear outboard seats and manual seat back recliner mechanisms. The recliner mechanisms may be missing the third pawl required for seat back strength, resulting in a loose seat back. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems." A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C07.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and braking or steering assist. The engine could also stall. Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S40.”
NHTSArecallDec 2019Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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." DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019 F-150, Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 vehicles. Due to a poor electrical connection, the rearview camera may intermittently display a blank or distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." A rearview camera that displays a blank or distorted image can reduce the drivers view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C19.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. Ford will mail owners the warning labels, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 19, 2024. Owners may call Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24C39.”
NHTSArecallAug 2024Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. A software error may cause the rearview camera to display a blank image, or the image may remain on the display after the backing event has ended. A rearview camera that displays a blank image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle. A rearview image that continues to be displayed after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse may distract the driver. Both of these situations can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 4, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S72.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 vehicles previously repaired incorrectly under recall number 20V097. When the headlight switch is turned from "Autolamps" to "Headlamps On," the Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) may remain fully bright instead of dimming to parking lamps as intended. 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." Daytime Running Lamps that do not dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the body control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 6. 2026. Owners may contact customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C28. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 6, 2026.”
NHTSArecallSep 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Certain 2017-2020 Model Year F-150 Equipped with a 3.5L GTDI Engine Powertrain Control Module Reprogram for Cam Phaser Rattle Reports of Transmission Shudder after PCM Reprogram: Dealers are instructed to stop performing this field service action until further notice. This shudder is under investigation.”
NHTSAtsbApr 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up. These concerns should be addressed by the updated calibration provided in FSA 21B10. However, for peace of mind, Ford is providing an extended warranty for customers who receive the PCM update under program 21B10 prior to December 31, 2021 and continue to experience cam phaser noise after receiving that PCM update, A cam phaser that has developed an undesirable noise does not affect the vehicle safety, performance, or emissions. ”
NHTSAtsbJul 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“In some of the affected vehicles, an undesirable noise may develop from the cam phasers in the 3.5L GTDI engine. This noise might occur as a rattle when starting the engine after the vehicle was turned off for an extended period of time or as a knocking noise when the engine is idling after it is warmed up. These concerns should be addressed by the updated calibration provided in FSA 21B10. However, for peace of mind, Ford is providing an extended warranty for customers who receive the PCM update under program 21B10 prior to December 21, 2021 and continue to experience cam phaser noise after receiving that PCM update.”
NHTSAtsbJul 2021Open source record

The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.

Check this year at your mileage