NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
102 reportsClear category filter46,687 miles · Apr 30, 2014
Steering
PULLING OUT FROM A STOP, TURNED LEFT AT ABOUT 25 MPH VERY TIGHT PULL ON STEERING TO LEFT, PULLING WHEEL TO LEFT (FELT LIKE LOSS OF PWR STEERING) WHEN IT CAME BACK TRUCK SHOT TO RIGHT. FELT LIKE THERE WAS 20/30DEG PLAY IN WHEEL THEN CAME OUT OF IT. HAD IT CHECKED COULD NOT FIND ANY THING THIS STARTED APPOX 3/4 MONTHS AGO. PULLIN…
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PULLING OUT FROM A STOP, TURNED LEFT AT ABOUT 25 MPH VERY TIGHT PULL ON STEERING TO LEFT, PULLING WHEEL TO LEFT (FELT LIKE LOSS OF PWR STEERING) WHEN IT CAME BACK TRUCK SHOT TO RIGHT. FELT LIKE THERE WAS 20/30DEG PLAY IN WHEEL THEN CAME OUT OF IT. HAD IT CHECKED COULD NOT FIND ANY THING THIS STARTED APPOX 3/4 MONTHS AGO. PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEEL GOT VERY TIGHT AGAIN , STOPPED TURNED WHEEL WAY LEFT, WAY RIGHT, WAY LEFT THEN STARTED GOING EASY AGAIN. CALLED FORD DEALER TODAY AND SAID BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH STEERING BOXES ON THESE TRUCKS, IT WILL COST ABOUT 1100.00 TO REPAIR. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM INTERNET HAS HUNDREDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS, AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE IF FORD DOESN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INJURED VERY BAD OR KILLED. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10585636
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2014
Steering
MY TRUCK HAD A EARLIER CRASH DUE TO A FAULTY STEERING BOX IN DECEMBER 2013. THE BODY SHOP REPLACED THIS- WITH A FACTORY STEERING BOX. WE NOTICED A LITTLE TIGHTNESS ON ONE SIDE AND HAD THE BODY SHOP LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WE HAD THE TRUCK GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH (3/8/14) AND IT TOOK 3 MEN TO TRY …
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MY TRUCK HAD A EARLIER CRASH DUE TO A FAULTY STEERING BOX IN DECEMBER 2013. THE BODY SHOP REPLACED THIS- WITH A FACTORY STEERING BOX. WE NOTICED A LITTLE TIGHTNESS ON ONE SIDE AND HAD THE BODY SHOP LOOK AT IT AGAIN. THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. WE HAD THE TRUCK GOING THROUGH A CAR WASH (3/8/14) AND IT TOOK 3 MEN TO TRY TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEN THE TRUCK CAME OUT OF THE WASH. ONCE AGAIN WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO HAVE THIS DEFECTIVE PART REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568306
146,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Steering
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING ON THE TRUCK GOT TIGHT AND FELT LIKE IT HAD LOST POWER STEERING. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AND HAVING THE STEERING PUMP CHANGED. HOPE THIS CORRECTS THE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566225
65,100 miles · Feb 17, 2014
Steering
VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DEVELOPED BETWEEN 30-45 DEGREES OF FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS SIGN OF A PROBLEM OR WEAR. TRUCK WAS DIAGNOSED TO HAVE A STEERING BOX FAILURE AND IS BEING REPAIRED NOW. MECHANIC STATED IT COULD HAVE, WITHOUT WARNING, FAILED COMPLETELY WITH NO STEERING AT ALL OR…
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VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DEVELOPED BETWEEN 30-45 DEGREES OF FREE PLAY IN THE STEERING MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER. THERE WAS NO PREVIOUS SIGN OF A PROBLEM OR WEAR. TRUCK WAS DIAGNOSED TO HAVE A STEERING BOX FAILURE AND IS BEING REPAIRED NOW. MECHANIC STATED IT COULD HAVE, WITHOUT WARNING, FAILED COMPLETELY WITH NO STEERING AT ALL OR COULD HAVE LOCKED. EITHER SYMPTOM IS A SAFETY ISSUE. COST TO REPAIR APPROX. $1100.00.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564623
95,000 miles · Dec 31, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD WITH 95,000 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 55 MPH OR FASTER THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10558024
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2013
SteeringCrashInjury
WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE STEERING LET LOOSE AND WE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK CRASHED INTO A POLE IN THE LOT, AND WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. HAD THIS BEEN A PARKING LOT WITH CARS AND OR PEOPLE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQ…
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WE WERE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AT A SLOW RATE OF SPEED WHEN THE STEERING LET LOOSE AND WE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE TRUCK. THE TRUCK CRASHED INTO A POLE IN THE LOT, AND WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED DUE TO LOSS OF STEERING. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. HAD THIS BEEN A PARKING LOT WITH CARS AND OR PEOPLE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES. THE IMPACT FROM HITTING THE POLE, CAUSED MY WIFE'S NECK TO SNAP BACK AND SHE HAS SOME STRAIN IN HER NECK. ACCORDING TO THIS LINK FORD HAS BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THEIR STEERING AND "DEATH BUMP" ACTION CAUSING THE TRUCKS TO SHIMMY OUT OF CONTROL- WE DID NOT HAVE ANY WARNING- JUST COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING> THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557946
200,000 miles · Sep 21, 2013
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK STARTED TO DO THE DEATH WOBBLE AND SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND JERK THE WHEEL TO GET IT TO STOP. ITS INCREASINGLY GETTING WORSE AND NOW DOING IT AT LOWER SPEEDS AROUND 25- 30MPH. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED WRECKS WITH VEHICLES REAR ENDING ME, OR WOBBL…
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DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK STARTED TO DO THE DEATH WOBBLE AND SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND JERK THE WHEEL TO GET IT TO STOP. ITS INCREASINGLY GETTING WORSE AND NOW DOING IT AT LOWER SPEEDS AROUND 25- 30MPH. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED WRECKS WITH VEHICLES REAR ENDING ME, OR WOBBLING IN THEIR DIRECTION. IT ALSO HAPPENED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH CHILDREN PLAYING, I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HIT THE KIDS! THE BRAKES ALSO FAIL WHILE BEAKING AND HITTING A BUMP. THE TIRES ARE AT THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE AND THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AS I HAVE SEEN WHILE DOING MORE RESEARCH. IM AFRAID THIS WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE TRUCK TO ROLL OR WRECK. DONT LET THE LOSS OF LIFE OPEN THIS INVESTIGATION AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10544800
12,500 miles · Jul 21, 2013
SteeringSuspension
I BOUGHT A 2006 FORD F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 IN 2008 WITH 11,300 MILES. SIX MONTHS AFTER BUYING TRUCK, I NOTICED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 MPH IF I HIT A SERIES OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END STARTS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND MUST SLOW DOWN TO 35-40 MPH TO STOP THE SHAKING. I STILL HAVE THE TRUCK FORD SENT ME A LETTER S…
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I BOUGHT A 2006 FORD F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 IN 2008 WITH 11,300 MILES. SIX MONTHS AFTER BUYING TRUCK, I NOTICED ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60-70 MPH IF I HIT A SERIES OF BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END STARTS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND MUST SLOW DOWN TO 35-40 MPH TO STOP THE SHAKING. I STILL HAVE THE TRUCK FORD SENT ME A LETTER SAYING THERE ARE NO ISSUES BUT TO MAKE SURE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED AND BALANCED. THAT DOES NOT STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKING. I HAVE NOT HAD IT REPAIRED BECAUSE I HAVE READ SO MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS WHERE THEY HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND STILL HAVE THE ISSUE. I AM WAITING FOR FORD TO RECALL AND CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE 32,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK NOW AND I AM VERY CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10526035
76,000 miles · Mar 27, 2013
SteeringSuspension
FORD F250 2006 4X4 SUPER DUTY LT. WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL SIGNIFICANT SPEED REDUCTION. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND CAN BE REPRODUCED. GOING TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPENER AS THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER WHO WILL NOT SAY IF THE…
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FORD F250 2006 4X4 SUPER DUTY LT. WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL SIGNIFICANT SPEED REDUCTION. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND CAN BE REPRODUCED. GOING TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPENER AS THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER WHO WILL NOT SAY IF THEY HAVE HEARD OF THE ISSUE. COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504659
55,000 miles · Mar 15, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-60 MPH OR WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-60 MPH OR WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10503173
Official recalls
1Jul 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.
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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