NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
95 reports34,000 miles · Jun 30, 2021
Suspension
The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shaking with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with axle shafts needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure …
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The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started shaking with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with axle shafts needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated the failure recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who then replaced an unknown steering part however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
NHTSA ODI #11422902
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2021
Steering
Death wobble. Highway speeds in traffic, it happened at highway speed on interstate which put our safety and others at risk. We have taken it to the Ford dealership service department and waiting for repairs, not sure of diagnosis, waiting on parts. No previous warning at all. One of the most scary experiences we have ever h…
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Death wobble. Highway speeds in traffic, it happened at highway speed on interstate which put our safety and others at risk. We have taken it to the Ford dealership service department and waiting for repairs, not sure of diagnosis, waiting on parts. No previous warning at all. One of the most scary experiences we have ever had. Don’t know how we got through this without wrecking. Had to run off pavement into the grass to prevent loosing control. It was completely unexpected and took us totally by surprise.
NHTSA ODI #11422433
Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
My 2013 Ford F250 Superduty has the "DEATH WOBBLE" problems with the front steering/suspension. This problem should be fixed before it gets someone killed. My first occurrence happened while I was on US-64 West bound near Raleigh, NC while traveling at ~70mph (the posted speed limit). Narrowly avoid other vehicles while tryin…
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My 2013 Ford F250 Superduty has the "DEATH WOBBLE" problems with the front steering/suspension. This problem should be fixed before it gets someone killed. My first occurrence happened while I was on US-64 West bound near Raleigh, NC while traveling at ~70mph (the posted speed limit). Narrowly avoid other vehicles while trying to maintain control and get stopped.
NHTSA ODI #11419997
126,000 miles · Apr 26, 2021
SteeringSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING AT 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A BUMP AND IT SUDDENLY WENT INTO A DEATH WOBBLE TO THE POINT WHERE I COULD BARELY HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA ODI #11413916
129,000 miles · Apr 12, 2021
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HE HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT ALL STAR FORD - CANTON (17849 I-20, CANTON, TX 75103, (903) 567-4144) FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER STAR FORD -…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HE HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT ALL STAR FORD - CANTON (17849 I-20, CANTON, TX 75103, (903) 567-4144) FOR AN OIL CHANGE, AFTER PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE DEATH WOBBLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE SAME DEALER STAR FORD - CANTON AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 129,000.
NHTSA ODI #11407744
121,000 miles · Apr 5, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE DRIVING DOWN I-75 I NOTICED MY HUSBANDS FRONT TIRES WOBBLING AND SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN LESS THAN 30 MILES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SERVICED MANY TIMES TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT IT STILL PERSISTS. THIS IS SOMETHING FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR…
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN I-75 I NOTICED MY HUSBANDS FRONT TIRES WOBBLING AND SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN LESS THAN 30 MILES. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. WE HAVE HAD THE TRUCK SERVICED MANY TIMES TRYING TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT IT STILL PERSISTS. THIS IS SOMETHING FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR. IT IS PUTTING OUR LIVES AND OTHERS IN DANGER.
NHTSA ODI #11406383
150,000 miles · Mar 17, 2021
Steering
AT HWY DRIVING SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STARTS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIME AND SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND IT STILL IS NOT FIXED. AKA (DEATH WOBBLE)
NHTSA ODI #11403477
153,000 miles · Mar 8, 2021
SteeringStructureSuspension
VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS VIBRATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS LAST WEEKEND IT STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY THAT EVEN THE PHONE MOUNT ON THE WINDSHIELD CAME OFF, FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ON I75. AFTER CHECKING TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, VIBRATION CAME BACK BUT NOT AS SEVERE. HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT AND BA…
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VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS VIBRATED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THIS LAST WEEKEND IT STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY THAT EVEN THE PHONE MOUNT ON THE WINDSHIELD CAME OFF, FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ON I75. AFTER CHECKING TIRES AND TIRE PRESSURE GOT BACK ON THE ROAD, VIBRATION CAME BACK BUT NOT AS SEVERE. HAVE HAD THE TIRES CHECKED FOR ALIGNMENT AND BALANCE, NO ISSUES THERE. SEEMS TO ONLY BE A PROBLEM AT 60 MPH+
NHTSA ODI #11399728
61,000 miles · Feb 12, 2021
Suspension
CAB BUSHINGS NEED TO BE REPLACES AT 61K MILES. VEHICLE BODY MAKES A LOAD NOISE AND SHIFTS TO THE SIDE WHEN GOING OVER AN INCLINE. VEHICLE INSPECTED AT FORD SHOP AND NEEDS 16 CAB BUSHINGS REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #11395897
154,000 miles · Oct 29, 2020
SteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY, RAN OVER A PATCH IF WAVY CONCRETE ROAD WHEN THE FRONT END OF MY F250 BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OUT OF NOWHERE, I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND SIMPLY ALONG FOR THE RIDE. THANK GOD FOR ALERT TRUCK DRIVERS AROUND ME THAT GAVE ME SPACE WHEN THEY SAW I WAS STRUGGLING TO REGAIN CONTROL. I U…
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I WAS DRIVING 75 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY, RAN OVER A PATCH IF WAVY CONCRETE ROAD WHEN THE FRONT END OF MY F250 BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. OUT OF NOWHERE, I WAS NOT IN CONTROL OF MY TRUCK AND SIMPLY ALONG FOR THE RIDE. THANK GOD FOR ALERT TRUCK DRIVERS AROUND ME THAT GAVE ME SPACE WHEN THEY SAW I WAS STRUGGLING TO REGAIN CONTROL. I USED 15' OF LANE, SIDE TO SIDE, TO GET MY TRUCK BACK UNDER CONTROL BUT THE ONLY THING THAT WORKED WAS TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR. ONCE I REACHED 35 MPH, THE SHAKING CEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ISSUE. IMEDIATELY AFTER GETTING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I CHECKED THE TIRES AND REMOVED THE HUB CAPS TO CONFIRM EVERY WHEEL LUG WAS TIGHT AND SECURE. NO PLAY IN THE WHEELS SIDE TO SIDE NOR ANY VISIBLE IRREGULARITIES ANYWHERE. WITH RELUCTANCE, I DROVE ON THE SERVICE ROAD AND THE TRUCK RAN SMOOTH. I EASED BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND THE TRUCK RAN SMOOTH. WHEN I RESEARCHED MY EVENT ON THE WEB THIS EVENING, I FOUND THE ISSUE OF "DEATH WOBBLE". I WILL BE CONTACTING THE DEALERSHIP TOMORROW, BUT BASED ON WHAT I'VE READ FROM NUMEROUS REVIEWS AND COMMENTS, I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEM, NOR SHOULD I EXPECT AN ADMISSION FROM FORD OR EXPECT THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE. IT SURPRISES ME THAT AN ISSUE THIS GRAVE AFFECTS 2005-2017 YEAR MODELS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT. IT APPEARS THAT FORD IS PLACING THE BLAME BACK ONTO THE CUSTOMER'S MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AND TIRE ALIGNMENTS. HOW CAN THIS PROBLEM WHICH BEGAN IN THE 2005 MODEL STILL PLAGUE MY 2012 MODEL? WHAT CAN BE DONE TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE AND PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHERS?
NHTSA ODI #11372325
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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