Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Forest River Wildcat
The 2018 Forest River Wildcat has several recalls, primarily involving the electrical system and equipment. Buyers should be diligent in checking for compliance with recalls and understanding potential safety risks due to wiring and labeling issues. Despite minimal owner complaints, the tires and brakes need close scrutiny during inspection.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Forest River Wildcat has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #18V550000 Break-Away Safety Switch may be Improperly Wired NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V756000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V282000 Incorrect Federal Placards Issue/FMVSS 110, 567 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Suspension 1 complaint
- Wheels 1 complaint
Known issues to inspect
Incorrect wiring of safety switch
How to check: Verify break-away safety switch is wired to a constant power source.
Incorrect tire and rim information
How to check: Ensure the placard lists correct tire and rim combinations.
Incorrect weight ratings
How to check: Check GAWR and GVWR information for accuracy.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Pre-drive inspection
What to check: Confirm safety switch wiring is correct.
Red flag: Incorrect wiring detected
- 02
Initial movement
What to check: Verify trailer brakes engage properly.
Red flag: No braking when detached
- 03
Driving straight
What to check: Check for smooth suspension performance.
Red flag: Excessive bouncing or noise
- 04
Tire check after drive
What to check: Inspect tire condition and alignment.
Red flag: Mismatched tire sizes
- 05
Post-drive inspection
What to check: Check for worn or damaged brake components.
Red flag: Uneven or excessive wear
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the break-away switch recall been resolved?
- Are tire and rim combinations correct?
- What is the tire tread condition?
- Are the GAWR and GVWR labels correct?
- Were any suspension repairs done?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall completion records
- Maintenance records
- Tire replacement receipts
- Brake inspection reports
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Forest River Wildcat at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Forest River Wildcat? 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.