IllustrationGETTING THE DEATH WOBBLE, HAVE REPLACED THE SHOCKS AND DAMPER, NOT LUCK. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY SOMETIMES WHEN HIT A BUMP AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. ITS TERRIBLE.
2012 Ford F-250
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most F-250 years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-250 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 119.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-250 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
3825–50K
2550–75K
2975–100K
46100–150K
31150K+
198 reports with mileage · 68 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 125 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports5 fire reports4 injury reports
Steering complaints
112 reportsTRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 65 SOUTH FROM MONTGOMERY, AL HEADED HOME TO DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL, WAS CROSSING A BRIDGE THAT HAD BUMPS IN THE ROAD FROM WHAT I THINK WERE WHERE BRIDGE ROAD SECTIONS. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF A FOUR PART OF THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN I FELT THE BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2012 FO…
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TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE 65 SOUTH FROM MONTGOMERY, AL HEADED HOME TO DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL, WAS CROSSING A BRIDGE THAT HAD BUMPS IN THE ROAD FROM WHAT I THINK WERE WHERE BRIDGE ROAD SECTIONS. I WAS IN THE FAR LEFT LANE OF A FOUR PART OF THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHEN I FELT THE BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY 2012 FORD F250 FX4 STARTED A VIOLENT SHAKING IN THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK SO BAD I COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE! I THOUGHT THE FRONT END OF MY TRUCK WAS COMING LOOSE FROM THE VEHICLE! I COULD BARELY HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL! I REDUCED SPEED AS QUICKLY AS I COULD AS I MANEUVERED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE FAR RIGHT. THANK GOD WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT! A POLICEMAN STOPPED TO ASSIST ME ONCE I HAD THE VEHICLE STOPPED ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE AND I TOLD HIM I WAS ALREADY SEARCHING FOR THE NEAREST FORD DEALERS FOR HELP. LOCAL DEALERS WERE TELLING ME I WOULD NEED TO HAVE SEVERAL FRONT END SUSPENSION PARTS REPLACED, BUT WOULD HAVE TO ORDER PARTS AND BE SEVERAL DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD DO WORK. I GOOGLED WHAT HAPPENED AND FOUND OUT THIS WAS HAPPENING AT AN ALARMING RATE FOR A LOT OF FORD F250 AND F350 TRUCK OWNERS. IT IS CALLED THE "THE FORD F250/F350 DEATH WOBBLE"! APPARENTLY THIS IS A FORD DESIGN DEFECT THAT CAUSES THIS TO HAPPEN AT ANY MILEAGE ON VEHICLE. I DECIDED TO TRY TO SLOWLY DRIVE MY TRUCK BACK TO OUR HOME IN DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, FL AND WAS ABLE TO DO SO. THE TRUCK SEEMED TO BE OKAY AFTER THE INCIDENT AS I DROVE BACK HOME AT A SLOW SPEED. I HAVE BEEN FEARFUL SINCE TO DRIVE MORE THAN 60MPH WITH IT AND MY WIFE WIL NOT DRIVE THE TRUCK ANYMORE! FORD NEEDS TO FIX THIS!!
CURRENTLY HAVE 53K MILES. PROBLEM RARE, STARTED AT 10K OR LESS. WITH OUR WILTHOUT PICKUP CAMPER LOADS: AT 60MPH OR HIGHER WHEN HITTING BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINTS OR RR TRACKS (PARTICULARLY AT ANGLES) IN WHICH ONE WHEEL STRIKES IRREGULARITY FIRST, A VIOLENT WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE BEGINS. MUST IMMEDIATLY SLOW VEHICLE TO S…
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CURRENTLY HAVE 53K MILES. PROBLEM RARE, STARTED AT 10K OR LESS. WITH OUR WILTHOUT PICKUP CAMPER LOADS: AT 60MPH OR HIGHER WHEN HITTING BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINTS OR RR TRACKS (PARTICULARLY AT ANGLES) IN WHICH ONE WHEEL STRIKES IRREGULARITY FIRST, A VIOLENT WHEEL AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKE BEGINS. MUST IMMEDIATLY SLOW VEHICLE TO STOP IT. COMPLETE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN ACTIVE. TOTAL OF PERHAPS 6 OCCURRENCES. CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR INVESTIGATION. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP THIS TRUCK BETWEEN THE LINES ON THE ROAD. IT HAS ABOUT 4 INCHES OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND OVERCORRECTING THIS IS EVEN MORE DANGEROUS....I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT
THE TRUCK HAS WHAT THEY CALL THE DEATH WOBBLE ITS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS FOR COMPLAINTS OUT THE ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED IF ITS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. IT SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AS SOON AS YOU YOU HIT A BRIDGE CONNECT…
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THE TRUCK HAS WHAT THEY CALL THE DEATH WOBBLE ITS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS FOR COMPLAINTS OUT THE ON THE INTERNET THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED IF ITS NOT ALREADY HAPPENED. IT SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AS SOON AS YOU YOU HIT A BRIDGE CONNECTOR OR A BUMP OR ANY IMPERFECTION ON THE ROAD WHEN YOU DOING TIGER RATE OF SPEED APROX 60 TO 70 MPH. AND VERY DANGEROUS WHEN Y9OUR ON THE HIGHWAYS IT ALSO CAN HAPPEN IF THE WHEELS AREA AT A CERTAIN ANGLE AND YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. YOU HA E TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 10 OR 15 MPH AND CAN TO HIT THE BRAKES.OR GAS TO GET OUT OF IT.
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE ON THE HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. HAVING TO SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY TO 30 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IS NOT SAFE. OUR TRUCK IS UNDER FORD'S EXTENDED WARRANTY. FIRST THEY BLAMED IT ON THE TIRES SO WE HAD THEM REPLACED …
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WE HAVE EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE ON THE HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. HAVING TO SLOW DOWN RAPIDLY TO 30 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IS NOT SAFE. OUR TRUCK IS UNDER FORD'S EXTENDED WARRANTY. FIRST THEY BLAMED IT ON THE TIRES SO WE HAD THEM REPLACED AND THAT DID NOT FIX IT. NOW, THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE FRONT END TWICE WITHOUT A RESOLUTION. THE TRUCK NOW SHAKES SLIGHTLY AT ALL TIMES NO MATTER WHAT SPEED.
DEATH WOBBLE OCCURS OVER 60MPH. TOOK PLACE FIVE TIMES WITHIN 15 MINUTES.
EXPERIENCED 'DEATH WOBBLE' WHILE DRIVING A HIGHWAY 287 (SAME SPEED NO STOP AND GO WITH TRAFFICS). TRUCK WAS SUDDENLY VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND WOBBLING CAUSED MY HUSBAND ALMOST LOST CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE TUCK BUT SCARED HIM TO DEATH. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THE DEATH WOBBLE PROVIDED A Q…
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EXPERIENCED 'DEATH WOBBLE' WHILE DRIVING A HIGHWAY 287 (SAME SPEED NO STOP AND GO WITH TRAFFICS). TRUCK WAS SUDDENLY VIOLENTLY SHAKING AND WOBBLING CAUSED MY HUSBAND ALMOST LOST CONTROL. HE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE TUCK BUT SCARED HIM TO DEATH. WE HAD IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP AND THEY CONFIRMED THE DEATH WOBBLE PROVIDED A QUOTE.
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE PARKWAY, A STRAIGHT ROAD, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE TO THE POINT I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AND I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER. THEY KNEW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT AND CALLED IT THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION BUT SA…
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I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE PARKWAY, A STRAIGHT ROAD, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE AND WOBBLE TO THE POINT I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. THIS HAPPENED TWICE AND I TOOK IT TO MY FORD DEALER. THEY KNEW WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT AND CALLED IT THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THEY CHECKED EVERYTHING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION BUT SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. IT HAS DONE THIS 4 MORE TIMES. IT IS ALL I CAN DO TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND GET IT STOPPED. IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I CAN NOT MAKE IT HAPPEN, IT DOES IT WHEN IT WANTS TO. MY FORD DEALER WANTS ME TO DUPLICATE IT FOR THEM.
THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN (LAST WEEK) I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH (PULLING A TRAILER), CLEAR SKY, TEMP IN THE 50'S. FELT A SLIGHT SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IN THE FLOOR BOARD. WITHIN SECONDS IS WHEN A EXTREMELY VIOLENT SHAKING STARTED. I HAD TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER IMMEDIATELY. IT HAPPEN AGAIN THIS MORNING GO…
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THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPEN (LAST WEEK) I WAS GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY GOING 55MPH (PULLING A TRAILER), CLEAR SKY, TEMP IN THE 50'S. FELT A SLIGHT SHAKE IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND IN THE FLOOR BOARD. WITHIN SECONDS IS WHEN A EXTREMELY VIOLENT SHAKING STARTED. I HAD TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER IMMEDIATELY. IT HAPPEN AGAIN THIS MORNING GOING DOWN A DIFFERENT HIGHWAY ABOUT 60MPH, CLEAR SKY TEMP 42 OUTSIDE AND IT WAS THE WORST YET. MY ENTIRE ENTIRE 2012 FORD F-250 WAS VIOLENTLY SHAKING TO THE POINT IT WAS SO SUDDEN AND ABRUPT WE COULDN'T STOP FAST ENOUGH TO STOP THE SHAKING
Official recalls
111V582000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Dec 8, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE 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
1RQ14005 · Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Opened Jan 13, 2015 · Closed Mar 15, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.