2023 Ford F-150: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 383 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and brakes. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 383
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 15
- 10 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Ford F-150: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which F-150 is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Ford F-150. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–22 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 5.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 12 mpg |
| 3.3L 6-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 20–21 mpg |
| 5.0L 8-cylFlex fuel | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg |
| 3.5L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD, RWD | 23–25 mpg |
- The 2023 Ford F-150 was sold in six versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A F-150 that averages well under the EPA 12 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Stop Safely Now no-start
200–2,000 miles
A/C lines freezing up
300–700 miles
Parking brake self-engaging
300–1,500 miles
Cold-weather front hub grinding
800–6,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Ford F-150, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission1172 crashes
Grinding, humming, or rumbling from the front end in freezing weather is the most common report. It starts about 2 miles after a cold start and fades or stops when the driver selects 4H, pointing to the front IWE hubs. Dealers often call it normal. PowerBoost hybrids can refuse to start with a Stop Safely Now message, often within the first 1,000 miles. Other reports cover harsh or slipping 10-speed shifts, sudden drops into neutral while the display shows Drive, rear axle bolt fractures tied to recall 23S65, and a parked truck rolling in reverse. Two complaints involve crashes.
Electrical793 crashes
No-start events with a Stop Safely Now warning lead this category, mostly on new PowerBoost hybrids with a few hundred to 2,000 miles. Battery and check engine lights may come on, scanners find no codes, and the truck often starts after sitting. Other patterns include loud pops and full-volume static through the B&O speakers, tire pressure readings dropping out, black or frozen instrument clusters, and rear windows that drop and won't close. Reports also cover highway shutdowns, a dash fire that burned the driver, crashes from unintended acceleration, and a Lightning losing range at about 38,000 miles.
Brakes253 crashes
The electronic parking brake applying itself while the truck is moving is the clearest pattern. It usually happens at low speed, often in trucks with under 1,500 miles. Several owners say recall 23S35 does not cover later builds. Brake fault warnings also appear, along with an electronic brake booster failure that keeps the truck stuck in Park and a booster that clicks and pops. The 3 crash reports describe a pedal that goes to the floor without stopping the truck, sudden surges while braking, and automatic emergency braking that failed to engage.
Steering161 crash
Many entries here describe the same cold-weather front hub noise filed under power train: a rumble-strip vibration or grinding below freezing that stops when 4H is engaged. True steering faults include a wheel that seized on a highway and led to a crash, a rack that stuttered and locked at speed near 6,000 miles, and a wheel locked at startup. Several owners report heated steering wheels left out by a chip shortage and never restored under program 22G06. Dash blackouts in towing mode, followed by power steering warnings, also appear.
Body and structure15No crashes
Water leaks are the main pattern. Water gets in around the passenger-side windshield cowl, the roof, or the floor near the brake pedal, soaking footwells and wiring and leaving a mold smell. Some owners say repairs were refused just outside warranty, or the leak came back after a dealer fix. Panoramic sunroofs shatter at highway speed with nothing striking them, and a rear window blew out when a door was closed. Rear doors that fly open, rear windows stuck down, and repeat Active Air Dam actuator faults also appear.
Exterior lights13No crashes
Moisture inside the tailgate light bar is the leading issue, tied to recall 23S30. Owners report condensation coming back after the recall repair and reverse lights that flicker. Cracked headlamps and taillights fill with water and burn out, and Ford has denied warranty claims by blaming outside damage. Other reports describe trailer lights and turn signals failing while towing, a melted third brake light, flickering fog lights from a failed LED driver module quoted at $700, and dim daytime running lights.
Acceleration and cruise control113 crashes
Sudden acceleration at parking-lot speeds is the most serious pattern. Several reports describe the truck surging after a shift from reverse to drive, sometimes while braking, and 3 complaints involve crashes. Some describe cruise control engaging at 15 mph by itself right after reversing. On the highway, set speeds jump 10 to 20 mph higher, adaptive cruise brakes hard for speed limit changes that aren't there, and cruise fails to hold speed downhill. A one-touch cruise button that is easy to bump also draws complaints.
Wipers and visibility11No crashes
Loss of airflow from the vents, including the defroster, is the dominant complaint. After about an hour of driving with the A/C on, the blower keeps running but little or no air comes out, and the windshield fogs. For some owners, a software fix or module replacement did not cure it, and the problem fades after the truck sits, which makes it hard for dealers to reproduce. Other reports cover sunroofs shattering at highway speed, wipers pausing mid-sweep on high, wiper drive keys falling out, loose sun visors, and a distorted windshield.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints F-150 owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
This is a bran new vehicle. Power train failure indicated on screen. The transmission started jacking off leaving me with no acceleration. The truck was put in the dealership shop and repair. I picked it up about 4 weeks later. Drove it about 20 miles and the same thing happened again twice with in the 20 miles I drove. It’s back in the dealership shop been there about 3 weeks wanting on different parts then the first time they repaired it with.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Battery is bad. Drove truck 4600 miles without issue, went to start truck and battery was dead. Needed to jump start truck, drove for 30 minutes, parked it and measured 12.2V. Charged truck overnight, measured 12.6V. Drove to work 30 minutes, parked 10 hours, drove home 30 minutes, measure battery at 11.08V. I could not start the vehicle and get out of the area I was in.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
Sporadically the vehicle will not start. 200 miles on the 2023 powerboost and this has happened 3 times. Vehicle says pull over safely now and will not allow me to put into gear. picture of battery on dash. Vehicle always sitting in heated insulated garage. Waited a day and then it starts. Ford mechanic does not see anything wrong and cannot duplicate the issue so no fix is available.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2023
Truck wouldn’t start (2000 miles). Dashboard had a “stop safety now” warning light as well as the check engine and battery lights on. All other electronics seemed to be working normally. After sitting all night, truck started normally and drove normally.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
I was slowing down for a corner and was going approximately 5 mph when the emergency brake activated without any action on my part. The truck came to a stop with 3 or 4 jerking motions. I released the brake and continued with my drive. The truck had about 1500 miles on the odometer at the time and I have had no problems since. This week I heard of the recall which doesn't cover my truck.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
When pressing on the break to come to a stop pulling in parking space, my F150 quickly accelerated cause a crash into a building my 2 year old truck has been declared a total loss from insurance.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
While driving on interstate vehicle lost all braking and steering. Numerous warning lights popped up. I almost was in a very bad accident. I was able to put transmission in manual and gear down and finally got steering back with no power and could maneuver off road. Truck then shut down and would not start again. Called Ford and not very helpful. Contacting attorney for help.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
My car should have been included in the recall to replace the heated steering wheel with this vehicle. Ford has decided that because they did not put a heating element in my steering wheel yet I got charged the $4000 for it and only got $140 credit. I do not think that is fair and should get it upgraded as the 2023 Ford F150 have except for my truck
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
How the 2023 compares with other F-150 years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 F-150 years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission117271
- Electrical7975
- Brakes2522
- Steering1621
- Body and structure1529
- Exterior lights1324
Where the 2023 fits in the F-150's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2023 is the third model year of the F-150's 14th generation (2021 on).
Recalls to confirm (10)
Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V729000Wipers and visibilityOct 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, 2021-2023 F-150, 2022 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, and F-450 SD vehicles. The moonroof wind deflector clips may be inadequately attached to the moonroof frame, which can result in the wind deflector detaching from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached wind deflector can become a road hazard and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the moonroof wind deflector as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 10, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SB7. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 30, 2025.
25V512000TransmissionAug 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2025 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Either of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. This is a phased recall. Ford owners will receive letters in multiple phases, beginning August 2025 through Winter 2025. Phase 1 will include 2023 F-150 model year vehicles. Phase 2 will include 2025 F-150 model year vehicles and Phase 3 will include 2024 F-150 model year vehicles. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed August 22, 2025. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S82. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V896.
25V315000Backup cameraMay 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco, F-150, 2021-2024 Edge, 2022-2025 Escape, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, F-600, 2022-2024 Expedition, 2022-2025 Transit, 2021-2023 Mach-E, 2024 Ranger, Mustang, 2021-2023 Lincoln Nautilus, 2022-2024 Navigator, and 2023-2024 Corsair vehicles. A software error may cause the rearview camera image to delay, freeze, or not display when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: A frozen or missing rearview camera image can reduce the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: The accessory protocol interface module (APIM) software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air update, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model and model years. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on June 26, 2025. Additional letters will be mailed once the final remedy is available on each phase. Owner notification letters were sent on October 8, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S49.
24V852000EquipmentNov 2024
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.".
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
23V896000TransmissionDec 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with the Trailer Tow Max Duty package and a 9.75-inch heavy duty axle with a 3/4 float axle design. The rear axle hub bolt may fatigue and break, which can result in damage to the axle hub splines.
Risk: Damaged axle hub splines can result in a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied or cause a loss of drive power. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right rear axle shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S65.
23V847000SteeringDec 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 and Ford SD F250, F350, F450, F550, and F600 vehicles. The steering wheel clock spring may have an insufficient weld, causing a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
Risk: A deactivated air bag will not deploy during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the clock spring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
23V509000BrakesJul 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles equipped with a single exhaust system. Contact with the rear axle housing may damage the wiring harness, causing the electric parking brake to activate unexpectedly.
Risk: Unexpected activation of the electric parking brake while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a protective tie strap, tape wrap, and replace the harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S35.
23V128000TransmissionFeb 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles. The front axle pinion may not have been heat-treated, which can cause it to fracture.
Risk: A fractured pinion can result in a loss of 4-wheel drive and may cause the front wheels to lock up, increasng the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front axle pinion gear set. If there is a broken front axle pinion, the entire axle assembly will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 21, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S07.
23V070000TransmissionFeb 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Bronco, and 2023 Lincoln Aviator vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. The transmission may contain a loose bolt which could prevent the transmission from engaging the park gear, although the gear shifter position may indicate that the vehicle has been shifted to "PARK.".
Risk: The inability to secure the vehicle in the park position can result in a rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transmissions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 25, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S06.
23V072000AirbagsFeb 2023
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 F-150 vehicles. The instrument panel top cover on the passenger-side may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the passenger instrument panel top cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 16, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C01.
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