Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist - New Vehicle

This comprehensive pre-delivery inspection (PDI) checklist ensures every new vehicle meets manufacturer quality standards, FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), and dealer franchise requirements before handover to the customer. Designed for PDI technicians, service advisors, and dealer principals to systematically verify vehicle condition, safety systems, documentation, and customer-ready preparation. Complete this inspection for every new vehicle prior to customer delivery.

Industry: Automotive Dealership
Frequency: Per Vehicle
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: PDI Technician / Service Manager / Dealer Principal
Total Items: 35
Compliance: FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), NHTSA Safety Inspection Requirements, Dealer Franchise Agreement Standards, SAE International Vehicle Inspection Standards, UK DVSA Pre-Sale Inspection Requirements

Documentation & Compliance Verification

Verify all required documentation, recalls, and compliance items are complete before PDI begins. NHTSA requires all outstanding safety recalls be resolved before vehicle delivery.

NHTSA recall check completed and all open recalls resolved?
Monroney sticker (window sticker) present and accurate?
MSO/Title documentation complete and verified?
Warranty booklet and owner's manual present in vehicle?
Transport/delivery damage inspection report completed?
All keys, key fobs, and access cards accounted for?

Exterior Body & Paint Inspection

Systematic exterior inspection for paint defects, panel alignment, glass condition, and transport damage. Document all findings with photos.

Paint surface free of scratches, swirl marks, and overspray?
All body panels properly aligned with consistent gaps?
All glass (windshield, windows, mirrors) free of chips and cracks?
All exterior trim, moldings, and emblems properly attached?
All light lenses crack-free and properly sealed?
Undercarriage free of damage, fluid leaks, and debris?
All wheels and tires mounted correctly, no curb rash or damage?

Interior Condition & Equipment Check

Verify interior components, upholstery condition, and all standard/optional equipment is present and functional.

Seats, carpets, and headliner free of stains, tears, and damage?
Infotainment system powers on and all functions operational?
HVAC system tested in all modes (heat, cool, defrost, fan speeds)?
All power features functional (windows, locks, mirrors, seats)?
Safety systems verified: airbag light off, TPMS active, seatbelt pretensioners?
Spare tire/inflation kit and jack/tool kit present?

Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Inspect all mechanical systems and fluid levels per manufacturer PDI specifications. Correct any deficiencies before delivery.

Engine oil level correct and no leaks detected?
Coolant level at MIN/MAX mark in reservoir?
Brake fluid at correct level and no contamination?
All tire pressures set to vehicle placard specification (including spare)?
Battery load tested and meets manufacturer cold cranking amp (CCA) spec?
Brake pedal firm and vehicle stops straight on road test?
No warning or check engine lights illuminated after road test?

ADAS & Advanced Technology Verification

Verify all Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connected vehicle technology are properly calibrated and functional.

All ADAS features calibrated and activated (lane keep, AEB, blind spot)?
Backup camera image clear and guidelines accurate?
Connected app features and remote start verified (if equipped)?
Over-the-air (OTA) software updates checked and applied?

Customer Delivery Preparation

Final preparation steps to ensure vehicle is customer-ready for delivery.

Fuel tank full (or per dealership policy)?
Exterior washed, interior vacuumed, and windows cleaned inside/out?
All protective coverings (seat covers, floor mats, door sills) removed?
Customer delivery walkthrough checklist prepared for service advisor?
All PDI items resolved and vehicle cleared for delivery?

Related Automotive Checklists

Why Use This Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist - New Vehicle?

This pre-delivery inspection (pdi) checklist - new vehicle helps automotive dealership teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for pdi technician / service manager / dealer principal professionals, this checklist covers 35 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per vehicle.

Ensures compliance with FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards), NHTSA Safety Inspection Requirements, Dealer Franchise Agreement Standards, SAE International Vehicle Inspection Standards, UK DVSA Pre-Sale Inspection Requirements, India MoRTH Vehicle Standards, Australia ADR (Australian Design Rules). Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist - New Vehicle cover?

This checklist covers 35 inspection items across 6 sections: Documentation & Compliance Verification, Exterior Body & Paint Inspection, Interior Condition & Equipment Check, Mechanical & Fluid Systems, ADAS & Advanced Technology Verification, Customer Delivery Preparation. It is designed for automotive dealership operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per vehicle. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist - New Vehicle?

This checklist is designed for PDI Technician / Service Manager / Dealer Principal professionals in the automotive dealership industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.