NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
125 reportsClear category filter24,000 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension
WHEN YOUR DRIVING AROUND FIFTY MILES PER HOUR AND HIT A BUMP IT GOES INTO WHAT IS DESCRIBED AS THE DEATH WOBBLE THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER SEEN WINTER IT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION ONLY HAS 28 THOUSAND MILES I'M AN EX ASA MECHANIC SO I'M FAMILIAR WITH MECHANICS MY SON IN-LAW HAD A2011 SAME PROBLEM HE LIVED IN COLORADO AT THE TIME HE KEPT…
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WHEN YOUR DRIVING AROUND FIFTY MILES PER HOUR AND HIT A BUMP IT GOES INTO WHAT IS DESCRIBED AS THE DEATH WOBBLE THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER SEEN WINTER IT IS IN PERFECT CONDITION ONLY HAS 28 THOUSAND MILES I'M AN EX ASA MECHANIC SO I'M FAMILIAR WITH MECHANICS MY SON IN-LAW HAD A2011 SAME PROBLEM HE LIVED IN COLORADO AT THE TIME HE KEPT TAKING IT BACK TO A FORD DEALER THEY KEPT CHARGING HIM NEVER DID FIX IT 3000 DOLLARS LATER MY DAUGHTER MADE HIM SELL IT SHE WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT THIS IS REALLY RIDICULOUS THAT THEY DON'T STAND UP AND DO THE RIGHT THING
NHTSA ODI #11339210
52,000 miles · Jun 30, 2020
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
MY TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH ONE INCIDENT OF MY WIFE LOSING CONTROL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES. I GOT NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT AND THE TRUCK HAD THE DEATH WOBBLE AGAIN. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO FORD AND ALL THEY COULD TELL ME…
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MY TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH ONE INCIDENT OF MY WIFE LOSING CONTROL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED NEW TIRES. I GOT NEW TIRES AND AN ALIGNMENT AND THE TRUCK HAD THE DEATH WOBBLE AGAIN. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO FORD AND ALL THEY COULD TELL ME IS TO LOOK AT THE SERVICE ADVISORY AND DECIDE IF I WANTED TO PAY FOR THEM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I ONLY HAD 50,000 MILES ONE THE TRUCK AND COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY I WOULD HAVE TO COME OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND SCARY ISSUE THAT'S IS GOING TO END UP KILLING SOMEONE IF IT HASN'T ALREADY
NHTSA ODI #11331713
135,500 miles · Jun 24, 2020
Suspension
WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL, EXHIBITING VIOLENT SHAKING. I NOW KNOW THAT THIS IS KNOWN AS "DEATH WOBBLE". I NEEDED TO SLOW TO ABOUT 30 MPH WHILE FURIOUSLY GRIPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTH…
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WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL, EXHIBITING VIOLENT SHAKING. I NOW KNOW THAT THIS IS KNOWN AS "DEATH WOBBLE". I NEEDED TO SLOW TO ABOUT 30 MPH WHILE FURIOUSLY GRIPPING THE STEERING WHEEL TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. THIS IS TERRIFYING. AFTER REPLACING THE TRACK BAR, BUSHINGS, STEERING STABILIZER 3 TIMES, TIE ROD ENDS AND ALIGNING' IT STILL IS HAPPENING. I HAD FORD DEALER INSPECT AND THEY ACTED AS IF THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY SIMPLY WANTED TO REPLACE THE STEERING STABILIZER FOR A 4TH TIME. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I NOW KNOW THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCKS SINCE AT LEAST 2011 AND THERE IS NO WAY THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS. THERE IS A TSB #18-2268 ON THIS PROBLEM BUT MANY PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THAT THIS DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT A DUAL STEERING STABILIZER IS THE ONLY THING THAT WILL FIX THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS A PART THAT FORD DOES NOT MAKE AND MUST BE PURCHASED AS AFTER-MARKET FROM SOMEONE LIKE PMF, FOX, KELDERMAN OR PROCOMP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11330548
140,000 miles · Jun 8, 2020
Suspension
DEATH WOBBLE! FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS PHENOMENON BY CHANGING OUT SHOCKS, SWAY BARS, STEERING BOX ETC., THIS PAST SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH, WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, THE FRONT END WENT INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE (DEATH WOBBLE) WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I SLAMMED ON …
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DEATH WOBBLE! FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING THIS PHENOMENON BY CHANGING OUT SHOCKS, SWAY BARS, STEERING BOX ETC., THIS PAST SATURDAY, JUNE 6TH, WHILE ACCELERATING TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY, THE FRONT END WENT INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE (DEATH WOBBLE) WHERE I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND MOVED OFF THE ENTRANCE TO THE HIGHWAY FINALLY GETTING THE FRONT END UNDER CONTROL. FORD HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP SAYING EVEN HE CAN'T GET FORD TO HELP RESOLVE THIS PHENOMENON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11327690
146,000 miles · May 31, 2020
SteeringSuspension
WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I IN MY 2012 F-250 I GET DEATH WOBBLE, THE FRONT TIRES START SHAKING LIKE CRAZY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES LIKE YOU CAN'T IMAGINE, IT STARTS AROUND 50MPH AND GETS REALLY BAD ABOUT 60-65MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BALL JOINTS,TIE RODS, SHOCKS, WHEEL BEARINGS, STEERING STABILIZER, U JOINT…
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WHEN I'M DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I IN MY 2012 F-250 I GET DEATH WOBBLE, THE FRONT TIRES START SHAKING LIKE CRAZY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES LIKE YOU CAN'T IMAGINE, IT STARTS AROUND 50MPH AND GETS REALLY BAD ABOUT 60-65MPH. I HAVE REPLACED BALL JOINTS,TIE RODS, SHOCKS, WHEEL BEARINGS, STEERING STABILIZER, U JOINTS AND TRACK BAR BUSHING, NONE OF IT FIXED IT. I CAN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX IT. IT ABOUT RUNS YOU OFF THE ROAD IT'S SO BAD SOMETIMES AND YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI #11326654
Mileage unknown · May 27, 2020
Suspension
WHEN I HIT ABUMP IN THE ROAD STARTS SHAKING VIOLANTLY HAVE TO STOP NO MATTER ABOUGHT TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326130
Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2020
SuspensionUnknown Or Other
TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING OCCASIONALLY BEFORE END OF WARRANTY. SOMETIMES FROM A NOTICEABLE BUMP SOMETIMES FOR NO CLEAR REASON. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION BUT TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IT GOT WORSE TO THE POINT WE DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE MUCH AS IT BECAME ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AND HAPPEN…
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TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING OCCASIONALLY BEFORE END OF WARRANTY. SOMETIMES FROM A NOTICEABLE BUMP SOMETIMES FOR NO CLEAR REASON. TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION BUT TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. IT GOT WORSE TO THE POINT WE DID NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE MUCH AS IT BECAME ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE AND HAPPENS SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY. ONE TIME ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC WITH OUR GRANDDAUGHTERS IT WAS ALL WE COULD DO TO GET IT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE. WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO SEVERAL MECHANICS WHO HAVE REPLACED MOST OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, BRAKES, AND NEW TIRES...AGAIN. WE HAVE PUT SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS INTO REPAIRS WITH FORD UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE, REPAIR, OR EVEN ADMIT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM. UNSAFE FOR ANYONE. THESE ARE EXPENSIVE VEHICLES AND WE SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO USE THEM. HOW CAN YOU NOT ADMIT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE IT KILLS SOMEONE? SEE DEATH WOBBLE VIDEOS ONLINE. THE TRUCK SHAKES SO HARD ONE MECHANIC WHO TEST DROVE OURS WONDERED HOW ALL THE GLASS WASN'T BROKEN OUT OF IT. WE DO HAVE PROOF OF MULTIPLE REPAIRS TRYING TO MAKE THE TRUCK SAFE TO DRIVE AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11322362
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2020
EngineSuspension
EGR SISTEM FAILS TO SOON AND I HAVE DEAD WOBBLE FRONT SUSPENSION
NHTSA ODI #11318537
50,000 miles · Mar 15, 2020
SteeringSuspension
2012 F250 PURCHASED NEW AND NO MODIFICATIONS EVER. I HAVE ALWAYS RUN THE STOCK MICHELIN TIRES. BEGINNING IN OR ABOUT 2015 I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE STEERING WOBBLE WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH WHEN AT LEAST ONE OF THE TIRES HITS A GROOVE, BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS TO QU…
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2012 F250 PURCHASED NEW AND NO MODIFICATIONS EVER. I HAVE ALWAYS RUN THE STOCK MICHELIN TIRES. BEGINNING IN OR ABOUT 2015 I HAVE EXPERIENCED A SEVERE STEERING WOBBLE WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH WHEN AT LEAST ONE OF THE TIRES HITS A GROOVE, BUMP OR POTHOLE IN THE ROAD. THE ONLY WAY TO CONTROL THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS TO QUICKLY REDUCE THE SPEED AND PULLING ONTO THE SHOULDER.
NHTSA ODI #11318076
60,000 miles · Mar 14, 2020
Suspension
FORD F250 WITH DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE REPLACED ALL FRONT END COMPONENTS $1,700 AND NEW TIRES $1,200 TIIRES REBALANCED AND ROTATED. 4 TIMES TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. DO I HAVE TO DIE IN THE VEHICLE TO GET SOMEONES ATTENTION?
NHTSA ODI #11318004
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.
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