Pre Purchase Inspection for 2023 Ford F-150

Ford recalled 2021 to 2023 F-150s with a single exhaust because a wiring harness can rub on the rear axle. That can make the electric parking brake turn on by itself while you drive. Ford's filing with NHTSA covers 870,701 trucks and estimates about 1 percent have the defect. Dealers add a tie strap and tape wrap and replace the harness if needed.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 23V-509, look at the harness along the rear axle, and road test the truck while watching for parking brake warnings.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-509 · NHTSA Part 573 report 23V-509

Trucks with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and the 9.75-inch heavy duty rear axle can break a rear axle hub bolt. Ford says that can damage the hub splines, which can cause a loss of drive, or a rollaway in park if the parking brake is off. The 2021 to 2023 trucks are recall 23V-896 and 2023 to 2025 trucks are recall 25V-512. The fix is new rear axle shafts on both sides.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for both recalls, look for gear oil at the rear hubs, and listen for clunks when shifting and on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-896 · NHTSA recall 25V-512

On some 2021 and 2022 trucks, underbody heat and noise insulators can come loose and rub the aluminum driveshaft until it cracks. Ford covered this in recalls 21V-986 and 22V-623. Dealers inspect the driveshaft, repair it as needed and fasten the insulators.

WE CHECK We look under the truck for loose shields and rub marks on the driveshaft and check the VIN for both recalls.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 21V-986 · NHTSA recall 22V-623

Several recalls touch the 10-speed. On some 2021 trucks a false low fluid pressure code can drop the truck into neutral (22V-188, and 25V-169 for trucks repaired wrong the first time). A 2026 recall (26V-402) says the park pawl on some 2021 trucks can engage while moving, and Ford expected the final fix in April 2027. Some 2024 trucks have a valve body that can cause reverse failure or movement in neutral (25V-164).

WE CHECK We scan the transmission for codes, check the VIN for each recall, and road test for harsh or missed shifts and clean engagement into park and reverse.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-188 · NHTSA recall 25V-169 · NHTSA recall 26V-402 · NHTSA recall 25V-164

Ford recalled 2021 and 2022 trucks because the wiper motor can stop working (22V-142, expanded as 22V-842). Separate recalls cover wiper arms that can break on some 2021 trucks (22V-250 and 23V-163).

WE CHECK We run the wipers at every speed and check the VIN for the wiper recalls.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-142 · NHTSA recall 22V-842 · NHTSA recall 22V-250 · NHTSA recall 23V-163

Some 2024 trucks were built with the wrong fastener on the lower steering shaft (24V-329) or the wrong rack in the steering gear (25V-022). Either can lead to a loss of steering control. An earlier recall (21V-407) covered steering gears with internal damage on some 2021 trucks.

WE CHECK We check the VIN for each steering recall, turn the wheel lock to lock, and feel for binding or clunks on the road test.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-329 · NHTSA recall 25V-022 · NHTSA recall 21V-407

In September 2026 Ford recalled some 2023 to 2027 F-150s because the fuel tank may not be secured and can leak or come loose (26V-578). Owner letters were due to go out September 21, 2026. Separately, some 2024 trucks with the 3.5L EcoBoost can have a misaligned engine cup plug that leaks oil fast (24V-851).

WE CHECK We look at the fuel tank straps and for fuel smell or wet spots, look for oil under the engine, and check the VIN for both recalls.

SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-578 · NHTSA recall 24V-851