NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
95 reports145,000 miles · Dec 1, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels
TRUCK WILL START TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE WHILE ON INTERSTATE AFTER GOING OVER RUFF ROAD OR BRIDGE JOINT. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO BREAK OFF. THIS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES. FIRST TIME I GOT NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. THE LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL AND WE PASSED OVER A BRIDGE JOINT. THE TRU…
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TRUCK WILL START TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE WHILE ON INTERSTATE AFTER GOING OVER RUFF ROAD OR BRIDGE JOINT. IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO BREAK OFF. THIS HAPPENED TO ME NUMEROUS TIMES. FIRST TIME I GOT NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. THE LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM SCHOOL AND WE PASSED OVER A BRIDGE JOINT. THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE SO MUCH THE KIDS STARTED TO SCREAM "DADDY DADDY!!" I APPLIED THE BREAKS AS CALMLY AS I COULD BUT I HAD 18 WHEELER ON BOTH SIDES AND JUST HAD TO KEEP APPLYING BREAKS UNTIL I GOT THE VEHICLE DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN THE SHAKING SUBSIDED. WITH BOTH MY GIRLS IN THEIR CAR SEATS AND BOTH WEEPING, ASKING IF WE WERE GOING TO DIE AND THAT THIS TRUCK IS SCARY. I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE HOME THE REST OF THE 15 MINUTE DRIVE. BOTH KIDS (4 AND 9) ARE NOW SCARED TO RIDE IN MY TRUCK AND WANT ME TO SELL IT. THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" WITH FORD SUPERDUTYS. FORD SEEMS TO HAVE A RECALL FOR 2017 AND NEWER BUT THIS DOES NOTHING FOR MY 2013. THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM AND IT IS NOT DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE OR CAUSED BY THE CUSTOMER, IT IS A DESIGN FLAW. I CAN SHOW YOU A PART OF ROAD WHERE THIS WILL OCCUR AT A HIGH FREQUENCY IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR OWN SUPERDUTY AND COME TEST IT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING TO FORCE FORD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, EVEN IF ITS A PARTS LIST TO BUY TO GET IT FIXED ON YOUR OWN. I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A REAL ANSWER AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11283092
93,000 miles · Oct 14, 2019
SteeringSuspension
I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS TRUCK LIKE 4 OR 5 MONTHS AGO. I WAS ON A BACK ROAD NM185 GOING 55 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND I COULDN'T STEER IT. THE TRUCK WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO GET CONTROL BACK BEFORE A VEHICLE WAS IN FRONT OF US IN THE OTHER LANE. IT WAS A VERY CLOSE C…
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I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS TRUCK LIKE 4 OR 5 MONTHS AGO. I WAS ON A BACK ROAD NM185 GOING 55 AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND I COULDN'T STEER IT. THE TRUCK WENT INTO THE OTHER LANE. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO GET CONTROL BACK BEFORE A VEHICLE WAS IN FRONT OF US IN THE OTHER LANE. IT WAS A VERY CLOSE CALL AND EXTREMELY SCARY. I HAD CHILDREN IN THE TRUCK THAT WERE ESPECIALLY SCARED. WE WENT 40 THE REST OF THE WAY HOME WITHOUT MORE ISSUES. I LATER HAD THE TRUCK TAKEN TO A SHOP WHERE THEY SAID THE TRACK BAR AND TIE ROD ENDS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH OF COURSE AREN'T COVERED IN MY WARRANTY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT IT DIDN'T HAPPEN WHEN IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA.
NHTSA ODI #11268270
121,000 miles · Sep 18, 2019
Air Bags
MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, IT RESETS WHEN I TURN THE TRUCK OFF. IT THEN TURNS BACK AFTER IT HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A FEW MINUTES. LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND IT STATES THAT THIS IS F250 PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11256538
85,500 miles · Jul 28, 2019
Steering
WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MPH THE TRUCK HIT A ROUGH SECTION OF ROAD AND THE FRONT TIRES BEGAN A SEVERE UNCONTROLLED SHIMMY THAT DIDN'T STOP UNTIL I HAD SLOWED TO ABOUT 10 MPH
NHTSA ODI #11240158
26,000 miles · Jun 27, 2019
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
I HAVE A 2015 F 250 SUPERDUTY, ORIGINAL OWNER, THAT I AM NOW EXPREIENCE WHAT IS REFERED TO AS A "DEATH WOBBLE.' THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME FOUR TIMES OVER THE PAST THREE MONTHS. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH, EITHER ON A CONCRETE FREEWAY, OR ON AN ASHPALT HIGHWAY, HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THEN THE TRUCK BOUNCES ARO…
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I HAVE A 2015 F 250 SUPERDUTY, ORIGINAL OWNER, THAT I AM NOW EXPREIENCE WHAT IS REFERED TO AS A "DEATH WOBBLE.' THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME FOUR TIMES OVER THE PAST THREE MONTHS. EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 70 MPH, EITHER ON A CONCRETE FREEWAY, OR ON AN ASHPALT HIGHWAY, HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THEN THE TRUCK BOUNCES AROUND. YOU DO NOT HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, STEERING INPUT CAUSES IT TO INCREASE THE WOBBLING AND BOUNCING. EACH TIME THE WOBBLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL I WAS BELOW 40 MPH AND BRAKING. ONE TIME I HAD AN EMPTY 16 FOOT FLAT BED TRAILER, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED THE TRAILER TO FLIP. THE THREE OTHER TIMES NO TRAILER. EACH TIME I FELT HEPLLESS IN CONTROLING THE VEHICLE AND SCARRNG THE *^%^*& OUT OF ME.IN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECAL ON THIS ISSUE?
NHTSA ODI #11223059
140,000 miles · May 29, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
HIGH PRESSURE PUMP WENT OUT CAUSING THE FUEL SYSTEM TO FELL.. RECEIVED AN ESTIMATE TO REPLACE THE PUMP AND FUEL SYSTEM. OVER 9,000 TO FIX.. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME WHEN THE PUMP WENT OUT.. CAUSING IT TO SHUT DOWN, WE HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST FORD DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11210662
90,000 miles · May 3, 2019
EngineService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS, REDUCED POWER MODE, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING WENDLE FORD AT 509-484-4800 (LOCATED AT 9000 N DIVISION ST, SPOKANE, WA 99218) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE ABS, REDUCED POWER MODE, AND CHECK ENGINE INDICATORS ILLUMINATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT CALLED THREE DIFFERENT DEALERS, INCLUDING WENDLE FORD AT 509-484-4800 (LOCATED AT 9000 N DIVISION ST, SPOKANE, WA 99218) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #11205559
121,000 miles · Apr 29, 2019
Suspension
BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN DECEMBER AND NOTICED IT HAD A SHAKE, TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY "FIXED' IT. PUT NEW SUSPENSION, AND BALANCED THE TIRES. NOW IN APRIL, IT STARTED TO SHAKE AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11204384
95,000 miles · Apr 15, 2019
SteeringSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH, I WENT OVER A BUMP (BRIDGE EXPANSION GAP) AND MY TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE. I BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE PASSING LANE AS I WAS ON A CURVE AND COULD NOT STEER MY TRUCK. I HAD TO ABRUPTLY…
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DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH, I WENT OVER A BUMP (BRIDGE EXPANSION GAP) AND MY TRUCK BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD NO CONTROL OVER STEERING AND WAS IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE 3 LANE INTERSTATE. I BEGAN DRIFTING TO THE PASSING LANE AS I WAS ON A CURVE AND COULD NOT STEER MY TRUCK. I HAD TO ABRUPTLY SLOW DOWN TO 35MPH BEFORE THE SHAKING SUBSIDED AND I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OVER MY TRUCK. THIS IS A WELL-KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED ISSUE WITH FORD AND THEIR SUPERDUTY LINE OF TRUCKS. ITS A SHAME PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO DIE BEFORE ACTION TAKES PLACE AS FORD WILL NOT OPENLY ADMIT TO A FAULT. THEIR FIX IS HALF HAZARD AND DOES NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11196217
220,000 miles · Apr 4, 2019
SteeringSuspension
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I EXPIERENCED WHAT IS BEING LABELED AS THE DEATH WOBBLE I ACTUALLY THOUGHT MY TRUCK WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER AND BY READING ALL THE POST THAT I HAVE FOUND ITS A COMMON OCCURENCE IN FORD F250S AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY FORD NOT OUT OF MY POCKET I JUST …
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE I EXPIERENCED WHAT IS BEING LABELED AS THE DEATH WOBBLE I ACTUALLY THOUGHT MY TRUCK WAS GOING TO ROLL OVER AND BY READING ALL THE POST THAT I HAVE FOUND ITS A COMMON OCCURENCE IN FORD F250S AND SHOULD BE HANDLED BY FORD NOT OUT OF MY POCKET I JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK AND WAS NOT [LANNING ON HAVING TO SINK MONEY I DONT HAVE IN IT BUT I HAVE TO BECAUSE IF NOT ITS GOING TO KILL ME OR SOMEONE PLEASE HELP
NHTSA ODI #11193738
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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