NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
295 reports7,000 miles · Jul 19, 2006
Service Brakes, Electric
THE ELECTRIC BRAKES ON THE CONSUMER'S 2005 FORD F-250 WON'T ENGAGE . *KB THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE BUILT IN ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT HE HAD A BRAKING PROBLEM WITH HIS TRAILER BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE WHILE SITTING STILL. AFTER CHECKING THE TRAILER BRAKES AND FINDING …
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THE ELECTRIC BRAKES ON THE CONSUMER'S 2005 FORD F-250 WON'T ENGAGE . *KB THE CONSUMER PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE BUILT IN ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT HE HAD A BRAKING PROBLEM WITH HIS TRAILER BECAUSE HE WAS UNABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE WHILE SITTING STILL. AFTER CHECKING THE TRAILER BRAKES AND FINDING OUT THAT EVERYTHING WAS FINE THE CONSUMER CHECK THE TRUCK AND FOUND THAT IT HAD ONLY 3 VOLTS MAX OUT. THE CONSUMER THOUGHT HE HAD A BAD BRAKE CONTROLLER AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER CHECKED THE CONTROLLER AND FOUND THAT EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE EARLIER MODEL 2005 REQUIRED THAT THE VEHICLE BE MOVING IN EXCESS OF 15 MPH BEFORE RECEIVING ENOUGH POWER TO WORK THE ELECTRIC BRAKES. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE LATER MODEL 2005 PLUS ALL THE ONES SINCE HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO GIVE MAX POWER EVEN AT A STAND STILL. NOW THE CONSUMER HAS TO PAY EXTRA MONEY TO MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK AS IT SHOULD. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163691
4,869 miles · Jul 11, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainInjury
I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. IN SEPT. 2005 I LEASED A F250 AND SINCE IT HAS GIVEN ME NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. EXHAUST PROBLEMS (3 TIMES FOR THAT) INJECTOR FAILED, MANY LITTLE BUGS THAT THE DEALER CANT FIX. ON 6-24-06 ON I-94 DOING A 65-68 MPH, THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR A SECOND THEN SUDDENLY THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I LOST CONTROL, SKI…
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I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. IN SEPT. 2005 I LEASED A F250 AND SINCE IT HAS GIVEN ME NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. EXHAUST PROBLEMS (3 TIMES FOR THAT) INJECTOR FAILED, MANY LITTLE BUGS THAT THE DEALER CANT FIX. ON 6-24-06 ON I-94 DOING A 65-68 MPH, THE ENGINE HESITATES FOR A SECOND THEN SUDDENLY THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND I LOST CONTROL, SKIDDING ALMOST HITTING 3 OTHER CARS AND THE WALL ON THE SHOULDER. FINALLY AFTER STEERING TO THE SHOULDER - STOPPED AND BASICALLY HAD A PANIC ATTACK, SAW MY LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY EYES. SAT FOR A COUPLE MINUTES THEN GOT OUT TO LOOK AT THE WHEELS AND UNDER THE TRUCK FOR ANY CLUES AS TO WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED. I START UP AND STROLL ALONG THE SHOULDER TO THE NEAREST EXIT THE TOW / HAUL LIGHT IS FLASHING ON AND OFF. DRIVE ABOUT 30 MPH ON A CITY ROAD WITH MY FLASHERS ON.. NOT BUT A 1/8 OF A MILE IT LOCKS UP AGAIN AND THEN FREES UP, AND ROLLS. I AM NOW FREAKING OUT. AND NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON . CALLED FORD ROADSIDE I AM A WRECK! I'LL NEVER PUT MY 4 MONTH DAUGHTER IN IT. FIRST DIAGNOSIS 3 DAYS LATER AFTER THE LOCK UP HAPPENED TO THE MECHANIC TEST DRIVING THE TRUCK THEY GUESS THE RANGE SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION AND TWO DAYS LATER CALLED TO TELL ME IT WAS READY. 1 HOUR LATER THE SERVICE TECH CALLED ,SAID WE NEED TO KEEP IT LONGER 2 WKS LATER THEY DIAGNOSE THAT A MAIN WIRING HARNESS WAS LEANING AGAINST THE EXHAUST AND BURNED UP SHORTING THE COMPUTER & TOLD THE TRANS TO SHIFT. I TOLD THEM I DO NOT WANT THE TRUCK. I DON'T FEEL SAFE AND WON'T RISK MY LIFE OR MY FAMILY. FORD LEGAL FINALLY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AFTER MANY CONTACTS TO THEM AND UPON THEIR DECISION 3 WKS AFTER THEY TOWED IT I MUST ACCEPT THIS VEHICLE, BECAUSE IT IS "SUPPOSEDLY" FIXED. I FEEL THAT FORD IS NOT TAKING THIS CASE SERIOUSLY, AND I WONT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS TRUCK AGAIN. MY SERVICE DIRECTOR AMONG MANY OF THE SERVICE AGENTS AT THE DEALERSHIP AS WELL AS THE FORD FACTORY REP. SAY THAT THEY WOULD NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IN THIS TRUCK IF IT WERE THEIR TRUCK, AND WOULD NOT DRIVE IT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10162167
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2006
Air BagsCrash
HELLO, MY NAME IS [XXX]. I HAVE A CO WORKER, [XXX], THAT HAS EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT IN HIS F-250 FORD PICK UP ABOUT A MONTH AGO. BASICALLY, IT WAS A ACCIDENT WHERE HE WAS HIT, SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR, AND THEN INTO A DITCH. THE CATCH IS HIS AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, TOTALING HIS TRUC…
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HELLO, MY NAME IS [XXX]. I HAVE A CO WORKER, [XXX], THAT HAS EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT IN HIS F-250 FORD PICK UP ABOUT A MONTH AGO. BASICALLY, IT WAS A ACCIDENT WHERE HE WAS HIT, SLID INTO ANOTHER CAR, AND THEN INTO A DITCH. THE CATCH IS HIS AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED, EVEN THOUGH HE WAS TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, TOTALING HIS TRUCK IN THE DITCH. LUCKILY, NEITHER HE NOR HIS CHILD WERE HURT. THE CATCH IS HE HAS SHARED HIS STORY AND FOUND TWO OTHERS THAT EXPERIENCED THE SAME RESULTS. I ASKED HIM WHY HE DIDN'T GET A LAWYER ON IT. HIS REPLY WAS A LAWYER TOLD HIM IT WOULD COST HIM MORE THAN HE'D EVER RECEIVE FOR HIS TIME. THE LAWYER ALSO SAID THAT UNLESS SOMEONE IS KILLED THERE IS NO REAL RECOURSE. SO, HE IS OUT THE MONEY HE HAS BEEN PAYING ON THE TRUCK FOR THE LAST 1+ YEAR. MY REAL PROBLEM IS NOT WHAT HE IS OUT OF POCKET FOR THE VEHICLE. RATHER, WHY ARE THE BAGS NOT DEPLOYING. THESE ARE SAFETY ITEMS THAT HAVE A PREMIUM PRICE ATTACHED TO THEM, AND SOMETHING THAT IS TOUTED AS MAKING A VEHICLE SAFER. THE FACT THAT THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AS ISOLATED AS ONE WOULD THINK IS ALSO DISCONCERTING. ALSO, WHY SHOULD ANYONE LOOSE THEIR LIFE DUE TO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I GUESS THAT I JUST DO NOT SEE THE "BIG PICTURE CC: FORD MOTOR COMPANY E-MAIL [XXX] NHTSA COMPLAINT VIA E-MAIL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10160198
54,000 miles · May 31, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
MY 2005 FORD F-250 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, THERE IS A MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER, THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAUGES GO TO 0 AND THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SHUT DOWN AND THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO DEALERS 5 TIMES FOR REPAIR. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10158647
126,000 miles · May 30, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE CHECKING THE OIL, WATER WAS NOTICED ON THE UNDER SIDE OF THE HOOD. THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE INNER COOLER. THEN, AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR ANOTHER 1500 MILES THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE HEADS OR HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT IS UNCERTAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10158560
7,500 miles · May 18, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
5/13/06 I CAME HOME FROM ABOUT A 75 MILE DRIVE, PULLING A HORSE TRAILER IN MY 2005 F250 6.0 POWER STROKE. I WENT IN THE HOUSE AND LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, MY GIRLFRIEND ASKED WHY IS YOUR TRUCK STEAMING? I COULD TELL IT WAS SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET A FEW ITEMS OUT AND NOTICED THE PAINT BUBBLING ON THE HOOD. I UNHOOKED THE T…
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5/13/06 I CAME HOME FROM ABOUT A 75 MILE DRIVE, PULLING A HORSE TRAILER IN MY 2005 F250 6.0 POWER STROKE. I WENT IN THE HOUSE AND LESS THAN 10 MINUTES LATER, MY GIRLFRIEND ASKED WHY IS YOUR TRUCK STEAMING? I COULD TELL IT WAS SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO GET A FEW ITEMS OUT AND NOTICED THE PAINT BUBBLING ON THE HOOD. I UNHOOKED THE TRAILER AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE TRUCK ABOUT 100 FEET, LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER THE TRUCK WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. A TOTAL LOSS. IT HAD LESS THAN 8000 MILES. I HAD TOOLS, TOOLBOX, CAR SEAT, AND OVER $2800 IN TIRES WHEELS AND LIFT THAT WERE 2 MONTHS OLD. I HAD FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE. THEY OFFERED ME $12000 LESS THAN A NEW TRUCK, AND THAT INCLUDED THE REST OF MY PROPERTY. TODAY I TALKED TO SOMEONE THAT LIVES 20 MILES FROM ME, THEY HAD AN 2004 F250 POWERSTROKE. SAME THING HAPPENED TO THEM 11 MONTHS AGO, PARKED THE TRUCK A FEW MINUTES LATER IT'S ON FIRE. THANKS FORD! *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157829
3,400 miles · May 18, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
F-250 SD 4X4 SHORT BED PU 5.4L GAS ENGINE 4.10 REAR END LACKS POWER TO TOW A 5TH WHEEL (7800 LBS.) UP GRADES ON NATIONAL HIGHWAYS. VEHICLE STRUGGLES AT 45 MPH TO MAKE THE HILLS ENGINE REQUIRES OVER 4000 RPM TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE SPEED. VEHICLE GETS 6 MPG WHILE TOWING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10157820
28,371 miles · May 5, 2006
Steering
BROKEN STEERING BOX ON A 2005 FORD F-250 HAS 28,500 MILES, DENIED WARRANTY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156855
4,000 miles · Mar 1, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND THROUGH INTERSECTIONS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE CONTINUES AT THE SAME SPEED OR LOOSES SPEED RAPIDLY AND STALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TH…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND THROUGH INTERSECTIONS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE MALFUNCTIONS. AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE CONTINUES AT THE SAME SPEED OR LOOSES SPEED RAPIDLY AND STALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON FOUR OCCASIONS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLE TWICE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE IS BEING TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A FIFTH TIME. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER THEY INSTALLED A FLIGHT RECORDER IN THE TRUCK WHICH CAPTURED THREE FAILURES. THE DEALER HAS THE RECORDER AND NOW THE CONSUMER IS WAITING FOR THEM TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION TO THE STALLING PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10151566
57,500 miles · Jan 18, 2006
Service Brakes, Electric
THE FORD ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER IN MY 05 FORD SUPERDUTY F250 STOPS WORKING WHEN I ENCOUNTER ROUGH PAVEMENT. IF I AM COMING TO A STOP, AND THE INTERSECTION IS ROUGH, THE LED INDICATOR ON THE BRAKE CONTROLLER DROPS TO ONLY ONE LIGHT ILLUMINATED OUT OF TEN POSSIBLE, AND THE TRAILER BRAKES STOP WORKING. I CAN GAIN TRAILER BRAKE…
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THE FORD ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLLER IN MY 05 FORD SUPERDUTY F250 STOPS WORKING WHEN I ENCOUNTER ROUGH PAVEMENT. IF I AM COMING TO A STOP, AND THE INTERSECTION IS ROUGH, THE LED INDICATOR ON THE BRAKE CONTROLLER DROPS TO ONLY ONE LIGHT ILLUMINATED OUT OF TEN POSSIBLE, AND THE TRAILER BRAKES STOP WORKING. I CAN GAIN TRAILER BRAKES BACK BY EITHER FULLY RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RE-APPLYING OR BY REACHING DOWN AND GRABBING THE MANUAL SLIDE CONTROL ON THE BRAKE CONTROLLER. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WITH ALL THREE TRAILERS I TOW. IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING AND BOUND TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT SOME POINT WHEN I AM TRYING TO STOP A 15,000LB LOAD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CONTROLLER ONCE, AND SINCE HAS SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM FOUND. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10148037
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.