FRONT END VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AROUND 60MPH WHICH TURNS INTO A REAL BAD SHIMMY SOMETIMES. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY. HAVE RECEIVED A COUPLE OF NOTICES FROM FORD MOTOR CO. THAT TELL ME THEY ARE AWARE AND TO JUST SLOW DOWN WHEN IT HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAD THE TRUCK SINCE 2011. NO SPECIFIC DATES…
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FRONT END VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AROUND 60MPH WHICH TURNS INTO A REAL BAD SHIMMY SOMETIMES. STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY. HAVE RECEIVED A COUPLE OF NOTICES FROM FORD MOTOR CO. THAT TELL ME THEY ARE AWARE AND TO JUST SLOW DOWN WHEN IT HAPPENS. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAD THE TRUCK SINCE 2011. NO SPECIFIC DATES.
NHTSA ODI #11053449
120,155 miles · Jul 20, 2016
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AND GOING OVER A BUMP BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRUCKS FRONT END STARTS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL. NOTE ONLY DRIVING POSTED SPEED LIMIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE (3) OCCASIONS MOSTLY RECENTLY 7/17/16 AND 7/19/16 WHILE TRAVELING S/B ON INTERSTATE 95 AND TRAVELING N/B ON I…
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WHILE DRIVING AND GOING OVER A BUMP BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE TRUCKS FRONT END STARTS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL. NOTE ONLY DRIVING POSTED SPEED LIMIT. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THREE (3) OCCASIONS MOSTLY RECENTLY 7/17/16 AND 7/19/16 WHILE TRAVELING S/B ON INTERSTATE 95 AND TRAVELING N/B ON INTERSTATE 95. THE DEFECT CAUSES YOU TO DRIVE AT REDUCED SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY. HAVE DONE RESEARCH AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCK WITH STRAIGHT FRONT AXLES. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10886051
32,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE FRONT END BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EFFORT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTIN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE FRONT END BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE EFFORT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A FIELD ACTION NOTIFICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER (LETTER NUMBER: 09L02 ) PERTAINING TO A POSSIBLE 'DEATH WOBBLE' . THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10560393
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
53,000 miles · Feb 11, 2013
SteeringSuspension
FRONT END WOBBLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-50 MPH AFTER DRIVING OVER BUMPS. NO REPAIRS HELP THE CONDITION, FRONT END ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCING/TOTATION OR NEW TIRES. PROPER TIRE INFLATION. FORD DEALER IS AWARE OF CONDITON AND REPAIRS BUT WONT PROVIDE ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10497697
63,000 miles · Aug 2, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension
TRUCK HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT IT. A SHIMMY AND VIBRATION WHENEVER GOING OVER ANY TYPE OF IMPERFECTION ON THE ROADWAY. FROM A CONSTANT VIBRATION UP TO A SEVERE ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY. TRUCK WILL EVEN HOP SIDEWAYS WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL PATCH JOB ON THE HWY. I HAVE BOUGHT NEW TIRES, KEEP MY TIRE PRESSURE CONSTAN…
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TRUCK HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT IT. A SHIMMY AND VIBRATION WHENEVER GOING OVER ANY TYPE OF IMPERFECTION ON THE ROADWAY. FROM A CONSTANT VIBRATION UP TO A SEVERE ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY. TRUCK WILL EVEN HOP SIDEWAYS WHEN GOING OVER A SMALL PATCH JOB ON THE HWY. I HAVE BOUGHT NEW TIRES, KEEP MY TIRE PRESSURE CONSTANT AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP IF A FIX IS KNOWN. THE LAST SET OF TIRES WERE RUINED DUE TO CUPPING. AT $1300.00 A SET, I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE TO REPLACE AGAIN AFTER ONLY 15,000 MILES, BUT MORE THEN THAT, I WOULD HATE TO BE THE ONE CAUSING AN ACCIDENT RESULTING IN INJURY AND EVEN DEATH. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF FORD HAS COME UP WITH A REMEDY TO THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469018
31,000 miles · Jul 17, 2012
Suspension
VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. NOT MUCH HIGHWAY DRIVING HOWEVER ONCE DRIVING OVER 55MPH VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY. HAVE HAD VEHICLE CHECKED WITH VARIOUS MECHANICS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465983
154,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT IS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS TRUCK ALL MOST KILLED ME AGAIN TODAY. IT GOES INTO A "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IF YOU ARE OVER 55MPH. IF YOU ANRT EXPECTING IT TO HAPPEN AND IT IS THE 1ST TIME YOU EXPERIENCE IT YOU WILL WRECK! …
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I HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW AND HAVE READ THOUSANDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS THAT IS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS TRUCK ALL MOST KILLED ME AGAIN TODAY. IT GOES INTO A "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IF YOU ARE OVER 55MPH. IF YOU ANRT EXPECTING IT TO HAPPEN AND IT IS THE 1ST TIME YOU EXPERIENCE IT YOU WILL WRECK! I HAVE CONTACTED SEVERAL DEALERS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW ABOUT OR HEARD ABOUT IT BUT THERE IS THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE AND ALSO HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD STATING TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURES! I HAVE DONE WHAT THEY SAID + HAD NEW SHOCKS, HAD NEW TIRES, STRUTS CHECKED, BALL JOINTS CHECKED, AND REAR SUSPENSION LOOKED AT. NOTHING IS WRONG ...THIS IS CLEARLY A FACTORY PROBLEM AND IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE PEOPLE START DIEING FROM IT! IS FORD GOING TO RAISE MY CHILDREN WHEN THIS MAKES ME WRECK AND DIE ...NO THEY ARE NOT SO THEY NEED TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF. REPORTS SAY THAT THEY HAVE CHANGED THE SET UP ON NEWER HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS BECAUSE OF THIS SO WHY AREN'T THEY TAKING CARE OF THE ONE'S THEY ALREADY SOLD TO THE PUBLIC! PLEASE HELP...YOU CAN FIND TONS OF INFO IF YOU SEARCH " DEATH WOBBLE OR DEATH SHAKE! *TR
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
2
EA08007 · 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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