Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Ford F-350
The 2018 Ford F-350 has significant issues with steering and suspension, making careful inspection essential. Other areas to monitor include the wheels, electrical system, and engine. Despite these challenges, many owners report satisfactory performance after addressing these problems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Ford F-350 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 198 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #19V401000 Back Up Camera Display Image may be Reversed NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V894000 Block Heater Cable Splice Connector May Corrode NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Steering 101 complaints
- Suspension 77 complaints
- Wheels 25 complaints
- Structure 24 complaints
- Unknown or Other 20 complaints
- Electrical System 12 complaints
Of the 198 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 4 a fire; across all 198 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Steering looseness
How to check: Check for excessive play in the steering wheel.
Suspension noise
How to check: Listen for clunking or knocking sounds over bumps.
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electrical components for functionality.
Engine hesitation
How to check: Ensure smooth acceleration without stutters or drops.
Structural rust
How to check: Inspect undercarriage and body panels for rust.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual noises upon starting.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor for dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Any warning lights remain on
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test steering responsiveness and ease of turning.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 04
City driving
What to check: Check suspension for noise or roughness over bumps.
Red flag: Excessive noise or harshness
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure engine delivers smooth power without hesitation.
Red flag: Engine stutters or lacks power
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the steering been serviced or repaired?
- Any history of suspension issues?
- Have there been any electrical repairs?
- Has the vehicle experienced engine problems?
- Are there any known rust spots?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Accident history report
- Warranty information
- Title and registration
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Ford F-350 at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Ford F-350? 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.