If a pre-owned vehicle is less than five years old and has less than 50,000 actual miles on the odometer, then it’s eligible to undergo our demanding 115-point quality check inspection process. On Ford F-Series trucks and E-Series vans, only vehicles up through the 150 series are eligible for certification; 250 series and higher are ineligible. Anything found to be below standards or deficient is repaired or replaced using only genuine Motorcraft replacement parts. Only vehicles that pass this rigorous inspection become Ford Quality Checked Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.

Powertrain

This category contains all the hardware and functional components related to the engine, transmission and driveline. The following points are checked:

1. Engine starts properly (cold/hot)
2. Engine idles properly
3. Engine accelerates and cruises smoothly
4. Engine noise normal (cold/hot and high/low speeds)
5. Fluid leaks (record what is leaking, where)
6. Hoses, lines: coolant, fuel, brake, steering, vacuum, A/C (check condition, leaks)
7. Belts (check wear, cracks, fraying, proper adjustment)
8. Power steering pump (check for leaks, noise)
9. Master cylinder and booster (check for leaks)
10. Engine mounts not broken/separated
11. Cylinder compression/power balance readings
12. Radiator (perform pressure check, inspect for leaks, condition of tubes, fins)
13. Water pump (free from leaks or unusual noise)
14. Coolant recovery tank level sensor works
15. Fuel pump pressure reading correctly
16. Fuel filter (replace per maintenance schedule)
17. Air filter (replace per maintenance schedule)
18. Battery type, condition, fluid level, load test correct
19. Alternator output correct (check voltages)
20. Ignition system works
21. Starter operates
22. No active or stored engine control system codes (perform system check)
23. Emission controls work
24. Engine oil and filter (change)
25. Coolant (freeze point)
26. Entire exhaust system not damaged or leaking
27. Automatic transmission/transaxle fluid
28. Auto/manual operation/shifts/noise normal (cold/hot)
29. Shift interlock operates
30. Clutch operates (smoothly and with proper adjustment)
31. Drive axle/transfer case operation, noise normal
32. Automatic transmission/transaxle not leaking
33. Manual transmission, differential, transfer case, no leaks; check fluid levels; fill/change as required
34. Universal joints, CV joints, boots not damaged, leaking, or excess wear/looseness

Chassis

A vehicle's chassis refers to all the components of the suspension, steering and braking systems attached to the frame. Tires are also included. The following points are checked:

1. Steers normal (proper response, centering, free play)
2. Struts, shocks operate
3. Chassis lubricated (per maintenance schedule)
4. Rack and pinion, linkage, boots not visibly damaged, leaking
5. Control arms, ball joints, bushings not visibly damaged or worn
6. Sway bars, links, bushings operate to factory specs
7. Springs have proper ride height (not sagged)
8. Struts, shocks not leaking
9. Wheel alignment correct
10. ABS brakes operation (pedal effort/height appropriate, no pulling, pulsating)
11. Brake fluid
12. Power steering fluid
13. Calipers, cylinders operate with no leaks
14. Pads, shoes, at least 50% thickness remaining
15. Rotors, drums, at least 50% thickness remaining; not scored; run-out within factory specs
16. Brake lines, hoses, fittings not worn or leaking
17. Parking brake operates, is adjusted
18. All tires and wheels match, correct size
19. Tread depth, at least 50% remaining
20. Normal tire wear, no alignment or sidewall problems
21. Tire pressures are correct

Accessories

These are a vehicle's numerous functional components outside of the drive train and chassis, including comfort, convenience and safety features. The following points are checked:

1. All gauges, speedometer, tachometer, odometer
2. Speed control
3. No evidence of flood, hail, fire or any major damage
4. Headlights aligned, auto on/off
5. Fog, driving lights
6. Parking lights
7. Hazard lights
8. Turn signal, side marker lights
9. Brake lights, high-mount brake light
10. License plate lights
11. Reverse lights
12. Airbags intact, no codes, dash light works
13. Safety belts operate, free from cuts or wear
14. Radio, cassette, CD, speakers, antenna
15. Alarm/theft deterrent system
16. Air conditioning and heating systems
17. Seats and head restraints operate
18. Integrated child safety seats operate
19. Heated seat operates
20. Defog/defrost (front, rear, outside mirrors if appropriate)
21. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, column lock
22. Steering wheel controls
23. Horn
24. Wipers and washers operate in all modes, no streaks
25. Lights (instrument panel, courtesy, dome, map)
26. Mirror controls (rearview, side mirrors)
27. Lighter, power outlet's)
28. Ashtrays
29. Glove box, glove box light
30. Sun visors, vanity mirror and light
31. Moonroof operates in all modes
32. Convertible top and cover operate; not damaged
33. Door locks and handles (manual, power modes)
34. Window controls (manual, power modes)
35. Remote decklid and fuel door releases
36. Luggage compartment light works
37. Jack, spare tire tools operate
38. Hood release, prop rod/gas struts operate
39. Washer fluid

Quality

This general category covers everything related to the appearance of a vehicle, specifically the important areas of fit and finish such as sheet metal and upholstery. The following points are checked:

1. Ensure that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on vehicle and paperwork match
2. Gather all service bulletins and recalls (OASIS) to ensure that any problems have been corrected; check any scheduled maintenance that has been performed
3. No visible damage or misalignment of body panels and bumpers paint not mismatched or poor
4. Doors, hood, decklid/tailgate not visibly damaged; paint not mismatched or poor quality
5. Grill, trim and roof rack components free from visible damage; attached
6. Windshield free from visible cracks, visible pits, wiper marks
7. Side/rear windows free from cracks, pits
8. Mirrors not cracked, visibly damaged
9. Replace wiper blades
10. Carpet (check for rust under it due to flood damage)
11. Floor mats
12. Door trim, panels attached
13. Fold-down latches work
14. Headliner
15. Upholstery clean; not stained, worn, cut, cracked
16. Luggage compartment carpet, trim, cargo net; clean, not damaged
17. Weather stripping intact, not leaking
18. Spare tire correct size/type, at least 50% tread remaining, no sidewall damage, air pressure correct
19. No visible damage to frame, signs of past repairs, no visible abnormal tire wear
20. Fuel lines, fuel tank, hoses and couplings not leaking
21. Wheels/finish free from damage, run-out normal