Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2017 Ford F-250
The 2017 Ford F-250 shows notable complaints in steering and suspension, which represent the majority of owner concerns. There are two recalls: one for potential engine issues related to block heater corrosion and another for faulty door handle covers. While these are widespread issues, general attention during inspection is advised given the complaint volume.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2017 Ford F-250 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,153 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars, averaged across 6 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #18V894000 Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V331000 Door may Unlatch in a Side Impact Collision NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 717 complaints
- Suspension 587 complaints
- Unknown or Other 109 complaints
- Wheels 69 complaints
- Structure 66 complaints
- Electrical System 54 complaints
Of the 1,153 complaints on file, 12 report a crash and 13 a fire; across all 1,153 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Difficulty steering
How to check: Inspect for steering stiffness or unusual noises when turning.
Uneven suspension wear
How to check: Check for uneven tire wear and bouncing.
Block heater corrosion
How to check: Inspect the block heater cable for wear or corrosion.
Door latch failure
How to check: Ensure doors latch securely and handle covers fit well.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Loud knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check if the steering is smooth and responsive.
Red flag: Steering stiffness or resistance
- 03
Low-speed turn
What to check: Listen for suspension noises or clunks.
Red flag: Loud clunking noises
- 04
City driving
What to check: Feel for consistent brake response.
Red flag: Brakes are unresponsive or soft
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration response.
Red flag: Acceleration hesitation or lag
- 06
Cruising
What to check: Monitor for steering wheel vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations at constant speed
- 07
Parking
What to check: Ensure ease of steering at low speed.
Red flag: Steering is hard at low speeds
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the block heater been repaired?
- Any history of steering issues?
- Are there any suspension repairs?
- Have the door handles been checked?
- Has the engine been serviced regularly?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair history
- Title and registration
- Warranty information
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2017 Ford F-250 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2017 Ford F-250? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.