NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
67 reportsClear category filter100 miles · Apr 8, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE A FORD F-250 PICK UP. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW, IT HAS HAD A HARD SUSPENSION. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BEEFIER THAN THE F-150S I HAVE DRIVEN ALL MY LIFE. THE 250 HOWEVER, WILL SHIMMY AND VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP OR HIGHWAY SEAM AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 75 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER …
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I HAVE A FORD F-250 PICK UP. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW, IT HAS HAD A HARD SUSPENSION. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BEEFIER THAN THE F-150S I HAVE DRIVEN ALL MY LIFE. THE 250 HOWEVER, WILL SHIMMY AND VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP OR HIGHWAY SEAM AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 75 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL AND FORD SENT A LETTER SAYING IT MAY BE THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. IT IS NEITHER. THIS TRUCK IS HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.*TR
NHTSA ODI #10324426
30,000 miles · Mar 14, 2010
SteeringSuspension
2005 F250 4X4 SUPERDUTY 5.4L CREW CAB, HAS VERY DANGEROUS FRONT WHEEL BOUNCE ON HIGHWAY OR NEAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS(50-70)MPH, THE TRUCK WAS IN STOCK CONFIGURATION WHEN THIS STARTED, APPROX. 26,000 MILES HAVE SINCE PUT LIFT KIT ON TRUCK AND HAS HELPED BUT THE BOUNCE TENDENCY IS STILL THERE.LARGER WHEELS AND TIRES HAVE HELPED OUT LOT,…
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2005 F250 4X4 SUPERDUTY 5.4L CREW CAB, HAS VERY DANGEROUS FRONT WHEEL BOUNCE ON HIGHWAY OR NEAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS(50-70)MPH, THE TRUCK WAS IN STOCK CONFIGURATION WHEN THIS STARTED, APPROX. 26,000 MILES HAVE SINCE PUT LIFT KIT ON TRUCK AND HAS HELPED BUT THE BOUNCE TENDENCY IS STILL THERE.LARGER WHEELS AND TIRES HAVE HELPED OUT LOT, WITH THE FACTORY WHEELS/TIRES ON ITS A FOR SURE THING WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND COME ACROSS SERIES OF BUMPS OR A POTHOLE. I AVOID THE HIGHWAY WHEN POSSIBLE DUE TO THE VERY VIOLENT BOUNCE WHEN THIS OCCURS, PLEASE HAVE FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM. SELLING THIS TRUCK WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM, AND I HAVE TRIED DEALER SUGGESTIONS I.E AIR PRESSURE, ALIGNMENT... WAITING FOR FORD TO CORRECT THIS WITH RECALL, BUT NONE THAT I'M AWARE OF, WILL DEATH TO A MOTORIST PROMPT RECALL? I HOPE NOT, THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10319537
50,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010
SteeringWheels
1) @50,000 MILES, NORMAL CITY DRIVING, SPEED LESS THAN 30 MPH. 2) LEFT TIEROD BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIE ROD DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NO LONGER HAD STEERING CONTROL. THE TIE ROD LOOKS LIKE THE CASTELLATED NUT WAS OVER TORQUED CAUSING THE STUD TO BREAK OFF AND THE TAPERED SHAFT TO FALL OUT OF THE SP…
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1) @50,000 MILES, NORMAL CITY DRIVING, SPEED LESS THAN 30 MPH. 2) LEFT TIEROD BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIE ROD DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NO LONGER HAD STEERING CONTROL. THE TIE ROD LOOKS LIKE THE CASTELLATED NUT WAS OVER TORQUED CAUSING THE STUD TO BREAK OFF AND THE TAPERED SHAFT TO FALL OUT OF THE SPINDLE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF THE BALL JOINT IN THE TIE ROD WEARING OUT. I'M LUCKY IN THIS CASE IT HAPPENED AT A SLOW SPEED AND NO TRAILER IN TOW. IF I WAS MOVING FASTER WITH A TRAILER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE WAS STILL ABLE TO STEER. THE TRUCK SWERVED OUT OF THE LANE MOMENTARILY WHILE I REGAINED SOME CONTROL. IN THE ACT OF DROPPING DOWN, THE TIE ROD MADE CONTACT WITH THE BEAD AREA OF THE FRONT RIM. AS A RESULT THE WHEEL RIM WAS ALSO RUINED. IT WAS INTERESTING THAT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER BOTH MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS KIND OF PROBLEM BEFORE. 3) THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE FOR ~$750, NOT INCLUDING THE DAMAGED WHEEL. I HAVE THE OLD PART AND CAN SUPPLY PICTURES IF NEEDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10316816
62,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Steering
I HAVE A FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. AFTER HITTING A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD, MY STEERING COLUMN SHOOK VIOLENTLY, BACK AND FORTH. I WAS TRAVELING ONLY 30 MI PER HOUR. TOOK TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBABLY COULD BE MY TIRES. BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER,, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IF I WAS TRAV…
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I HAVE A FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. AFTER HITTING A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD, MY STEERING COLUMN SHOOK VIOLENTLY, BACK AND FORTH. I WAS TRAVELING ONLY 30 MI PER HOUR. TOOK TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBABLY COULD BE MY TIRES. BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER,, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IF I WAS TRAVELING ANY FASTER, I TRULY BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FIRE APPARATUS FOR OVER 29 YEARS. AND I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. I DO NOT TRUST FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10315150
60,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
SteeringInjury
WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 70 MPH. AND HITTING UNEVEN ROAD THE TRUCK SHIMMIES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE TO SLOW TO ABOUT 40MPH. BEFORE IT STOPS. I WAS TOLD I HAVE THE WRONG TIRES ON THE TRUCK. THE TIRES ON THE TRUCK ARE THE ONES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304787
50,000 miles · Jan 31, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I CURRENTLY OWN A FORD F 250 PICKUP TRUCK, WHEN I AM DRIVING 40 TO 50 MPH MY TRUCK STARTS TO SHACK VIOLENTLY. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THIS AND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM . WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED MY TRUCK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM? MUST SOMEBODY GET HURT OR WORSE KILLED DUE TO FORDS…
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I CURRENTLY OWN A FORD F 250 PICKUP TRUCK, WHEN I AM DRIVING 40 TO 50 MPH MY TRUCK STARTS TO SHACK VIOLENTLY. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THIS AND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM . WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED MY TRUCK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM? MUST SOMEBODY GET HURT OR WORSE KILLED DUE TO FORDS NEGLECT OF THIS PROBLEM? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303457
29,000 miles · Jan 12, 2010
Power TrainSteering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TRANSMISSION WAS CRACKED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AS WELL AS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO DECELERATE TO 30 MPH TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIR…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TRANSMISSION WAS CRACKED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AS WELL AS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO DECELERATE TO 30 MPH TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE INFLATION PRESSURE TO CORRECT THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION HIMSELF SINCE THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PAY THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
NHTSA ODI #10299121
45,000 miles · Oct 8, 2009
Steering
I OWN A 2005 F250 SUPER DUTY, MY TRUCK EXPERIENCES THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN EVER I GO OVER AN UNEVEN OR A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. I LIVE IN ARKANSAS, AND OUR ROADS ARE NOT THE BEST. SO THIS HAPPENS JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE THING. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. APPARENTLY WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TRUCK I W…
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I OWN A 2005 F250 SUPER DUTY, MY TRUCK EXPERIENCES THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN EVER I GO OVER AN UNEVEN OR A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. I LIVE IN ARKANSAS, AND OUR ROADS ARE NOT THE BEST. SO THIS HAPPENS JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE THING. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. APPARENTLY WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TRUCK I WAS ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT OTHERWISE I WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10286754
60,000 miles · Aug 17, 2009
SteeringSuspension
2005 FORD F250 FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD INCLUDING SPEED BUMPS, AT ANY SPEED. SHAKES SO BAD THAT VEHICLE WANTS TO LEAVE THE ROAD SIDEWAYS. SHAKES LIKE A DOG WAGGING OFF WATER. REPLACED STEERING STABILIZER, SHOCKS, TIRES AND HAD FRONT ENT CHECKED. STILL SHAKING. GETTING READY TO TURN IN TO CLUNKE…
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2005 FORD F250 FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD INCLUDING SPEED BUMPS, AT ANY SPEED. SHAKES SO BAD THAT VEHICLE WANTS TO LEAVE THE ROAD SIDEWAYS. SHAKES LIKE A DOG WAGGING OFF WATER. REPLACED STEERING STABILIZER, SHOCKS, TIRES AND HAD FRONT ENT CHECKED. STILL SHAKING. GETTING READY TO TURN IN TO CLUNKER PROGRAM. NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN, THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280693
29,000 miles · Jul 27, 2009
Steering
I HAVE A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK. IT HAS JUST OVER 29,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME DEVELOPED A SEVERE SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS JUST OVER 70. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. NOW, WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR BRIDGE JOINT, THE SEVERE SHAKING STARTS. IT IS VERY VIOLENT A…
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I HAVE A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK. IT HAS JUST OVER 29,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME DEVELOPED A SEVERE SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS JUST OVER 70. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. NOW, WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR BRIDGE JOINT, THE SEVERE SHAKING STARTS. IT IS VERY VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW AND CORRECT ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, BUT IT CONTINUES TO DO THE VIOLENT SHAKING WITH THE LAST EVENT ON JULY 26, 2009. IT STARTED ON JULY 18, 2009. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278427
Official recalls
3Jul 13, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Jun 10, 2005
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH 6.0L DIESEL ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE STALLING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AND MAY OR MAY NOT RESTART.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SHOULD THE ENGINE STALL, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPGRADE THE FUEL INJECTION CONTROL MODULE (FICM) WIRE HARNESS OR REPLACED, AND/OR HAVE A NEW INJECTION CONTROL PRESSURE (ICP)) SENSOR CONNECTOR INSTALLED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Jun 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND CHASSIS CAB VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L GASOLINE ENGINES, THE FUEL JUMPER LINE MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT END FORM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE FUEL LINE MAY SEPARATE AT THE CONNECTION TO THE MAIN FUEL BUNDLE. IF THE FUEL LINE SEPARATES, AN OPERATOR MAY NOTICE A GASOLINE ODOR AND/OR FUEL ON THE GROUND, LOSS OF POWER, AND THE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY STALL. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXTERNAL RETENTION CLIP AT THE FUEL JUMPER LINE TO THE MAIN FUEL BUNDLE CONNECTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA08007 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Mar 14, 2008 · Closed Mar 31, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE07057 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Nov 15, 2007 · Closed Mar 14, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
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