If a vehicle doesn’t meet our strict criteria, we won’t certify it. It’s that simple.
Each vehicle must pass a rigorous 169 point-by-point inspection by Ford factory-trained technicians. Only those vehicles that pass can become Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.
Each Ford Certified Pre-Owned vehicle also undergoes a comprehensive mechanical reconditioning process during certification. To ensure the highest standard of quality is met, only new, Genuine Ford, Motorcraft® or Ford-authorized replacement parts are used during this reconditioning.
The 169-point inspection is divided into the following areas:
Vehicle History
1. Ensure that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on vehicle and paperwork match
2. Recalls (OASIS) performed (including software updates for hybrid)
3. Vehicle History Report obtained
4. Scheduled maintenance performed
5. Vehicle has emissions sticker (applicable States)
Road Test
6. Engine starts, idles properly (cold/hot)
7. Remote start system operates (if equipped)
8. Engine accelerates and cruises smoothly
9. Engine noise normal (cold/hot and high/low speeds)
10. Automatic/manual transmission/transaxle operates/shifts normally (cold/hot)
11. Automatic/manual transmission/transaxle noise normal (cold/hot)
12. Shift interlock operates
13. Drive axle/transfer case operation, noise normal
14. Clutch operates (smoothly and with proper adjustment)
15. Steers normally (proper effort/response, centering, free play, does not pull)
16. Body, suspension (no squeaks, rattles, vibration)
17. Struts, shocks operate
18. Brakes/ABS operate (pedal effort appropriate, no pulling, pulsating)
Note: ABS may pulsate under hard braking
19. Cruise control operates
20. All gauges, speedometer, tachometer, odometer operate
21. Driver select/memory profile operates
22. No abnormal wind noise
Vehicle Exterior
Body Panels and Bumpers
23. Overall no evidence of flood, hail, fire or any major damage
24. No visible damage or misalignment of body panels, paint not mismatched or poor
25. Bumpers/fascia not visibly damaged, misaligned or poor paint
Doors, Hood, Decklid, Tailgate
26. Doors, hood, decklid/tailgate not visibly damaged; paint not mismatched or poor
27. Doors, hood, decklid, tailgate aligned properly (check jambs for overspray from repairs)
28. Automatic/manual hood release mechanisms, hinges, attaching devices, prop rod/gas struts operate
29. Power liftgate, power-sliding doors operate
Grill, Trim, Roof Rack
30. Grill, trim and roof rack components free from visible damage; attached
31. Deployable running boards operate, free from damage
Glass, Outside Mirrors
32. Windshield, side, rear windows free from visible cracks, visible pits, wiper marks
33. Replace wiper blades
34. Mirrors, hinge not cracked, visibly damaged
Exterior Lights
35. Front end headlights (including high/low, park, turn, fog) operate, alignment, and lenses not damaged
36. Back end (tail, brake, high-mount brake, turn, backup, license plate) lights operate, lenses not damaged
37. Side (side marker, mirror puddle lights)
38. Hazard lights operate, lenses not damaged
39. Auto on/off lighting feature operates
40. Trailer lamp connector operates
Vehicle Interior
Airbags / Safety Belts
41. Airbags intact, no codes, dash light works
(check steering wheel for abnormal wear, may indicate repaired with used steering wheel and airbag)
42. Safety belts operate, free from cuts or wear
Audio and Alarm Systems
43. Radio, cassette, CD, speakers, satellite radio
44. Antenna
45. Alarm/theft deterrent system
46. Navigation System (CDs present if applicable)
Heat / Vent / AC / Defrost
47. Air-conditioning systems, dual and rear climate operation
48. Heating system
49. Defog/defrost (front, rear, outside mirrors if appropriate)
Interior Amenities
50. Clock operates
51. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel (including power)
52. Steering column lock
53. Steering wheel controls
54. Horn
55. Warning chimes operate
56. Instrument panel lights, gauges, warning lights (pass bulb check)
57. Wipers (all modes/speeds/delays, no streaks)
58. Washers (spray pattern correct)
59. Interior courtesy, dome, map lights
60. Mirror controls (manual and power side mirrors, rearview auto-dimming)
61. Rear view camera system
62. SYNC system (test and perform master reset)
63. Rear entertainment system, including wireless headphones and remotes
64. Lighter, power outlet(s)
65. Ashtrays
66. Glove box, glove box light, center armrest/console
67. Sun visors, vanity mirrors and lights
68. Adjustable pedals
Carpet, Trim, Mats
69. Interior odor free
70. Carpet (check for rust under it due to flood damage)
71. Floor mats (clean, no stains or damage)
72. Door trim, panels attached
73. Headliner (clean, no stains or damage)
Seats
74. Upholstery clean; not stained, worn, cut, cracked
75. Seats/head restraint adjustments (manual/power)
76. Folding seats operate (manual/power), fold-down latches operate
77. Heated seats operate
78. Integrated child safety seats operate
Sunroof / Moonroof / Convertible Top
79. Sunroof/moonroof operates in all modes
80. Convertible top operates; not damaged; cover, rear window not damaged
Window, Door Locks
81. Handles, release mechanisms
82. Remote entry systems operation (key fobs, door keypads)
83. Door locks (manual, power modes)
84. Child safety locks operation
85. Window controls (manual, power, express modes)
86. Remote decklid and fuel door releases
Luggage Compartment
87. Luggage compartment carpet, trim, cargo net; clean, not damaged
88. Luggage compartment light works
89. Jack, spare tire tools operate
90. Spare tire correct size/type, no damage
91. Spare tire at least 50 percent tread depth remaining, correct pressure
92. Tire inflator kit present
93. Emergency trunk lid release operates
Vehicle Diagnostics
Module System Test
94. Perform Self Test for all CMDTC (no continuous DTC stored in vehicle-equipped modules)
Underhood
Fluids
95. Engine oil and filter (change)
96. Coolant (level, freeze point)
97. Brake fluid
98. Automatic transmission/transaxle fluid
99. Transfer case fluid, check condition and level (add or change as required)
100. Drive axle fluid, check condition and level (add or change as required)
101. Power steering fluid
102. Clutch fluid, check condition and level (add or change as required)
103. Washer fluid
104. Air-conditioning system charge, check condition
Engine
105. Check for fluid leaks
106. Hoses and lines: coolant, fuel, brake, steering, vacuum, A/C (check condition, leaks)
107. Belts (check for wear, cracks, fraying, proper adjustment)
108.Wiring (check condition)
109. Oil in air cleaner (possible excess blow-by, bad PCV)
110. Water in oil (check underside of oil filler cap)
111. Oil pressure (test with gauge if only warning light)
112. Cylinder compression/power balance (check if necessary)
113. Timing belt (inspect condition, change per maintenance schedule)
114. Engine mounts not broken/separated
115. Inspect Charge Air cooler for damage or leaks
Cooling System
116. Radiator, inspect for leaks, condition of tubes, fins
117. Pressure test radiator cap and cooling system
118. Cooling fans, clutches, motors operate
119. Water pump (free from leaks or unusual noise)
120. Coolant recovery tank level sensor works
121. Cabin air filter (change per maintenance schedule)
Fuel System
122. Fuel pump noise normal (no leaks if external pump)
123. Fuel pump pressure reading correctly
124. Fuel filter(s) (change per maintenance schedule)
125. Air filter (replace per maintenance schedule)
Electrical System
126. Starter operates
127. Ignition system (operation/scope)
128. Battery type, condition, fluid level, load test correct
129. Alternator output correct
130. Diesel pre-glow system operates
Hybrid
131. Hybrid cooling system for leaks, check level and condition
132. Hybrid: switchable powertrain mount (operation)
133. Hybrid entertainment and information display (operation)
134. Hybrid: 110v power outlet (operation)
Underbody
Frame
135. No visible damage to frame, signs of past repairs, no visible abnormal tire wear
136. Fuel lines, fuel tank, hoses and couplings not leaking
Exhaust System
137. Entire exhaust system (including catalytic converter) not damaged or leaking
138. Perform emission control test
Transmission, Transaxle, Differential, Transfer Case
139. Automatic transmission/transaxle not damaged or leaking
140. Manual transmission, transaxle, drive axle, transfer case, not damaged or leaking
141. 4x4 hub operation (engage and disengage properly)
142. Universal joints, CV joints, boots not damaged, leaking, or excessive wear/looseness, noise when accelerating or turning
143. Transmission mounts (not cracked, broken, oil soaked)
144. Differential/drive axles (not damaged or leaking)
Tires and Wheels
145. All tires and wheels match, correct size
146. Tread depth, at least 50 percent remaining
147. Normal tire wear, no alignment or sidewall problems
148. Tire pressures are correct
149. Tire Pressure Monitoring System operates
150. Wheels/finish free from damage, run-out normal
151. Wheel covers, center caps, free from damage
Suspension Steering
152. Rack and pinion, linkage, boots not visibly damaged, leaking
153. Control arms, ball joints, bushings not visibly damaged or worn
154. Tie-rods, idler arm operate to factory specs
155. Sway bars, links, bushings operate to factory specs
156. Springs have proper ride height (not sagged)
157. Struts, shocks not leaking
158. Wheel alignment correct (check if necessary)
159. Power steering pump and hoses (check operation, no leaks)
Brakes
160. Calipers, cylinders operate with no leaks
161. Pads, shoes, at least 50 percent thickness remaining
162. Rotors, drums, at least 50 percent thickness remaining; not scored; run-out within factory specs
163. Brake lines, hoses, fittings not worn or leaking
164. Parking brake operates, releases, adjusted properly
165. Master cylinder and booster, no leaks
Convenience
166. Owner guide present
167. Keys and key fobs present
168. HomeLink® buttons cleared
169. Fuel tank full
