IllustrationWHEN DRIVING 60MPH, OUT OF NO WHERE THE FRONT END STARTED WOBBLING LIKE CRAZY. WE ALMOST GOT IN AN ACCIDENT. AFTER SLOWING DOWN IT STOPPED. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN ON OUR WAY HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ON A ONE LANE HIGHWAY. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND SCARY. THANK GOD MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING.
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 reportsWHILE TRAVELING TO OKLAHOMA , I WAS GOING 70 MPH AND HIT A BUMP AND EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT SHAKING AND HAD TO SLOW TO 45 TOO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS WAS ON 10/13/2019. I LATER LEARNED THAT THIS IS SO COMMON IN FORDS THAT IT HAS THE NICKNAME ' DEATH WOBBLE"
WHILE DRIVING OVER 50 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY ANY UNEVEN SURFACE IN THE ROAD CAUSES THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE TRUCK TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY INCLUDING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE SHAKING IS TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY.
DRIVING TO DALLAS, TX. ON FREEWAY AND HIT A SMALL BUMP. TRUCK WENT INTO FRONT END SPEED WOBBLE. HAD TO SLOW TO ABOUT 30 MPH BEFORE I COULD REGAIN CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES ON A CROWDED FREEWAY.
WE HAVE A F-250 KING RANCH SUPER DUTY 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN WE ARE GOING OVER 60 MPH AND WE HIT A BUMP IT GOES INTO A DEATH SHAKE. IT DOESNT MATTER IF IT IS A HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY ROAD IF YOU HIT A BUMP YOU BETTER HOLD ON CAUSE YOUR GOING INTO A DEATH SHAKE LIKE NO OTHER. IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL. YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN T…
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WE HAVE A F-250 KING RANCH SUPER DUTY 4 WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN WE ARE GOING OVER 60 MPH AND WE HIT A BUMP IT GOES INTO A DEATH SHAKE. IT DOESNT MATTER IF IT IS A HIGHWAY OR COUNTRY ROAD IF YOU HIT A BUMP YOU BETTER HOLD ON CAUSE YOUR GOING INTO A DEATH SHAKE LIKE NO OTHER. IT IS VERY HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL. YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO BELOW 30 MPH BEFORE IT WILL STOP. VERY DANGEROUS! I HAVE SEEN ON THE WEBSITE THIS IS COMMON AND FORD WONT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED 15 TIMES SO FAR. WE USUALLY LEAVE IT PARKED AT OUR HOUSE BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. SO WE PAY A BIG NOTE TO LEAVE IT PARKED.
MY FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY STARTED WHAT MANY REFER TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AT 65,000 MILES. THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THIS OCCURRED WHEN MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK (WITH ME IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) TO VISIT COLLEGES. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (78 MPH) WE WENT OVER A CONCRETE TO ASPHALT TRANSITION AND THE ENT…
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MY FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY STARTED WHAT MANY REFER TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AT 65,000 MILES. THE FIRST INSTANCE OF THIS OCCURRED WHEN MY 18 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK (WITH ME IN THE PASSENGER SEAT) TO VISIT COLLEGES. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED (78 MPH) WE WENT OVER A CONCRETE TO ASPHALT TRANSITION AND THE ENTIRE FRONT END STARTED VIOLENTLY BOUNCING OR WOBBLING BACK AND FORTH LIKE A SHOPPING CART WHEEL WOULD. SHE OBVIOUSLY PANICKED AND I HAD TO TELL HER TO SLOW THE TRUCK TO 25 MPH (ON A HIGHWAY) TO REGAIN CONTROL. WE ENDED UP IN MEDIAN AS THERE WAS TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL DURING THE EVENT. THIS PARTICULAR TRIP WAS FROM HOUSTON TO LUBBOCK AND I DROVE THE REMAINDER OF THE TRIP TO AND FROM EXPERIENCING THE SAME DEATH WOBBLE ANOTHER 4 TIMES. I TOOKE THE TRUCK IN AND HAD REPLACEMENT PARTS PUT IN AND CONDITION CONTINUED. RETURNED THE TRUCK TO LEGACY FORD IN ROSENBERG, TX FOR FIX AND THEY INDICATED THAT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TRUCK IS 100% STOCK WITH GOOD MICHELIN TIRES. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH WILL YIELD HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS EXACT PROBLEM.
WHILE TRAVELING ON A FREEWAY AT AROUND 65 MPH, IF I HIT ANY MINOR BUMP OR UNEVEN SURFACE DURING A SWEEPING CURVE, THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE TRUCK AND STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY UNTIL I PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.
MY 2012 F-250 HAS 126,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A STEERING VIBRATION AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND ROUGH ROADS. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING DOWN A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY AND DROVE OVER SOME ROUGH AREAS IN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTED VIBRATING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD LITTLE…
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MY 2012 F-250 HAS 126,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A STEERING VIBRATION AT ABOUT 50-55 MPH WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS AND ROUGH ROADS. ABOUT A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING DOWN A MOUNTAIN HIGHWAY AND DROVE OVER SOME ROUGH AREAS IN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 50 MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTED VIBRATING AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD LITTLE CONTROL AND ALMOST WENT OFF THE SIDE OF OF THE HIGHWAY WHICH HAS ABOUT A 2000 FOOT DROP. I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD BE ABLE TO STOP BUT GOT IT SLOWED DOWN AND THE VIBRATION WENT AWAY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SCARED. THE PAST FEW DAYS I HAVE BEEN READING ONLINE ABOUT FORD'S F-250 "DEATH WOBBLE". I AM CERTAIN THIS IS WHAT I EXPERIENCED AND HAVE CHECKED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND FOUND NO OBVIOUS PROBLEM. WITH AS MANY COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ ABOUT THIS ISSUE I'M SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANY TALK OF A RECALL. I AM A RETIRED ASE CERTIFIED MASTER TECH DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THE TRAC BAR & BALL JOINT WEARING PREMATURELY AND NOT ENOUGH POSITIVE CASTER WHICH IS NON ADJUSTABLE FOR THIS MODEL. I CAN SEE THESE COMPONENTS POSSIBLY CAUSING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE S KILLED!
AT APPROX 60 TO 75 MPH UPON HITTING UNEVEN PAYMENT OR BUMPS IN ROAD THE FRONT WHEELS START AN UNCONTROLLABLE WOBBLE , STEERING WHEEL SHAKES SO BAD CAN KEEP HANDS ON TO STEER AND NO STEERING IS POSSIBLE, IF BRAKES APPLIED ONLY GETS WORST, MUST COAST DOWN TO A STOP , U CANNOT STEER. I REPLACE ALL SHOCKS AND STEERING DAMPENER, STIL…
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AT APPROX 60 TO 75 MPH UPON HITTING UNEVEN PAYMENT OR BUMPS IN ROAD THE FRONT WHEELS START AN UNCONTROLLABLE WOBBLE , STEERING WHEEL SHAKES SO BAD CAN KEEP HANDS ON TO STEER AND NO STEERING IS POSSIBLE, IF BRAKES APPLIED ONLY GETS WORST, MUST COAST DOWN TO A STOP , U CANNOT STEER. I REPLACE ALL SHOCKS AND STEERING DAMPENER, STILL HAD WOBBLE AFTER WARDS. FORDS ANSWER IS TO CARRY WEIGHT IN THE REAR, AND NOT TO DRIVE ABOVE 60 MPH. THIS IS UNSAT. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED THE CASTER SETTING WHICH IS NOT ADJUSTABLE IS ONLY 1 DEGREE FORWARD AND NEEDS TO BE 3 DEGREES FORWARD. FORD SAYS THIS MAKES IT HARDER TO TURN IN A PARKING LOT. PLEASE HELP FORD DO AM RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. IN ALL 8 OF MY WOBBLES THREE I CAME ACROSS THE CENTER LANE BEFORE I COULD STOP AND THE OTHERS OFF ROAD IN THE DITCH.
EXPERIENCING A SEVERE FRONT END SHIMMY, ALSO KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE REPLACED TIRES AND ALMOST ALL FRONT END COMPONENTS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED, AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO CURE IT. HAPPENS WHENEVER I HIT A SMALL BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE TRUCK MUST BE BROUGHT TO A …
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EXPERIENCING A SEVERE FRONT END SHIMMY, ALSO KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. I'VE REPLACED TIRES AND ALMOST ALL FRONT END COMPONENTS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I BOUGHT THE TRUCK USED, AND NO ONE CAN SEEM TO CURE IT. HAPPENS WHENEVER I HIT A SMALL BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AS THE TRUCK MUST BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP TO END THE WOBBLE
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.