NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
74 reportsClear category filter88,000 miles · Dec 2, 2019
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65-70 MPH ON CA-99 ON 11-30-2019 BETWEEN BAKERSFIELD AND FRESNO I EXPERIENCED SEVERAL "DEATH WOBBLES." THIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM AT FUTURE FORD IN SACRAMENTO, CA. ON 03OCT19 BY REPLACING STEERING DAMPER AND TRACK BAR. ALSO AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. EVIDENTLY THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS ON CE…
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DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED 65-70 MPH ON CA-99 ON 11-30-2019 BETWEEN BAKERSFIELD AND FRESNO I EXPERIENCED SEVERAL "DEATH WOBBLES." THIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THIS PROBLEM AT FUTURE FORD IN SACRAMENTO, CA. ON 03OCT19 BY REPLACING STEERING DAMPER AND TRACK BAR. ALSO AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE. EVIDENTLY THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS ON CERTAIN OCCASIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11286418
98,000 miles · Nov 24, 2019
Steering
2014 F 250 SUPERDUTY. ON HIGHWAY 75 MPH CAME OFF OVER OVERPASS AT EXPANSION JOINT TO ASPHALT AND TRUCK STATED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. LET OFF OF GAS PEDAL AND MANAGED TO GET OVER TO SLOW LANE, PROBLEM STRAIGHTENED ITSELF OUT ON ITS OWN WHEN I SLOW TO ABOUT 25-30 MPH. HAD TIRES CHECKED AND REBALANCED. HAS HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES…
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2014 F 250 SUPERDUTY. ON HIGHWAY 75 MPH CAME OFF OVER OVERPASS AT EXPANSION JOINT TO ASPHALT AND TRUCK STATED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. LET OFF OF GAS PEDAL AND MANAGED TO GET OVER TO SLOW LANE, PROBLEM STRAIGHTENED ITSELF OUT ON ITS OWN WHEN I SLOW TO ABOUT 25-30 MPH. HAD TIRES CHECKED AND REBALANCED. HAS HAPPENED A FEW MORE TIMES, AGAIN SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN ONLINE IT'S CALLED THE FORD DEATH WOBBLE. TAKING TO SHOP HOPEFULLY CAN MAKE IT SAFE AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11281993
96,000 miles · Nov 11, 2019
SteeringSuspension
2014 FORD F250 VIN # [XXX]. THE DEATH WOBBLE OCCURRED 1ST TIME ON 11/3/19 WITH MY SON DRIVING AROUND 10:00 A.M. ON 11/09/19 APPROXIMATELY 11:00 P.M WITH MYSELF DRIVING HOME. WENT OVER A BRIDGE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED THIS SUMMER ABOUT 3 MILES FROM HOME ON ST, RT. 729, SABINA, OHIO 45169. ABOUT 1/2 FROM BURRISTOWN RD. WHICH I …
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2014 FORD F250 VIN # [XXX]. THE DEATH WOBBLE OCCURRED 1ST TIME ON 11/3/19 WITH MY SON DRIVING AROUND 10:00 A.M. ON 11/09/19 APPROXIMATELY 11:00 P.M WITH MYSELF DRIVING HOME. WENT OVER A BRIDGE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED THIS SUMMER ABOUT 3 MILES FROM HOME ON ST, RT. 729, SABINA, OHIO 45169. ABOUT 1/2 FROM BURRISTOWN RD. WHICH I TURNED TO THE RIGHT. I WAS SLOWING DOWN FOR MY TURNOFF AND COMPLETE SHAKING OF THE TRUCK. IT HAS HAD A SHAKE OVER BUMPS AND BRIDGES BUT NOTHING LIKE THE WHOLE TRUCK VIOLENTLY SHAKING. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH BEDFORD FORD IN WASHINGTON C.H., 43160 ON WEDNESDAY 11/13/19 TO REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES AND TO LOOK AT THE FRONT END. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11279335
110,000 miles · Sep 12, 2019
SteeringSuspension
WHEN IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (60MPH +) MY TRUCK WILL VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND WOBBLE IF A SMALL BUMP IS HIT. IT LOOSES STEERING CONTROL AND IS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO SAFE. YOU HAVE TO COME TO A STOP TO GET THE SHAKING AND OUT OF CONTROL WOBBLE TO STOP.
NHTSA ODI #11255037
178,000 miles · Aug 28, 2019
Steering
THIS PROBLEM START IN 12/2018. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN START SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLE. THE ONLY WAY TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM IS TO SLOW DOWN AND PULLOVER IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND STOP. THIS OPTION IS SOMETIMES NOT AVAILABLE AND THE SITUATION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AFTER SPENDING A GREAT DEA…
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THIS PROBLEM START IN 12/2018. WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE VEHICLE WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN START SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLE. THE ONLY WAY TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM IS TO SLOW DOWN AND PULLOVER IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND STOP. THIS OPTION IS SOMETIMES NOT AVAILABLE AND THE SITUATION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. AFTER SPENDING A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED. OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS, THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED MANY, MANY TIMES. I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, AND IT SEEMS TO BE A ISSUE THAT FORD IS WELL AWARE OF. MULITPLE PEOPLE HAVE REFERRED TO IT AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". AS RECENTLY AS THE PAST WEEK I WAS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE. I BROUGHT THE TRUCK IN ON MONDAY, AUG 26TH PICKED UP TUESDAY, AUG 27TH, DROVE OFF THE LOT, GOT ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE "DEATH WOBBLE" HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS ISSUE IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I FEEL SOMEONE COULD GET SERIOUSLY HURT OR EVEN KILLED. I HAVE SPENT $5,758.87 IN REPAIRS SINCE DECEMBER AND PROBLEM STILL NOT FIXED. TRIED DOWNLOADING RECEIPTS, DO NOT THINK I WAS ABLE TO DOWNLOAD OFF OF THEM
NHTSA ODI #11251957
103,000 miles · Aug 19, 2019
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
2014 FORD F250 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED AND SENT METAL THROUGHOUT MY FIELD SYSTEM. WAS DRIVING TO HOUSTON GOING 80 MPH ON IH 10 AND MY TRUCK CAME TO A STOP AND POWER STEERING TURNED OFF SO I COULD BARELY GET IT OFF THE HIGHWAY. 18 WHEELERS WERE GOING BY ME GOING OVER 80 MPH. WE WERE ALMOST KILLED. WAS LEFT IN 106 DEGREE …
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2014 FORD F250 HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED AND SENT METAL THROUGHOUT MY FIELD SYSTEM. WAS DRIVING TO HOUSTON GOING 80 MPH ON IH 10 AND MY TRUCK CAME TO A STOP AND POWER STEERING TURNED OFF SO I COULD BARELY GET IT OFF THE HIGHWAY. 18 WHEELERS WERE GOING BY ME GOING OVER 80 MPH. WE WERE ALMOST KILLED. WAS LEFT IN 106 DEGREE HEAT FOR OVER 2 HRS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCK. FORD DEALER IN HOUSTON WHERE IT WAS TOWED (100 MILES) WANTS $14,000.00 TO FIX THE TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI #11245134
49,500 miles · Aug 13, 2019
SteeringSuspension
MY FORD TRUCK TYPICALLY EXPERIENCES THE DEATH WOBBLE WHEN TRAVELING MORE THAN 50 MPH AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE TIRES HITS A GROOVE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE ONLY WAY I KNOW TO CONTROL THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS BY QUICKLY REDUCING SPEED, WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC
NHTSA ODI #11243736
114,000 miles · Aug 11, 2019
Steering
WHEN DRIVING AT 40MPH AND ABOVE, THE PICKUP SOMETIMES GOES INTO A VIOLENT STEERING SHAKE OR "DEATH WOBBLE" AS I'VE SEEN IT REFERED TO. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG FORD SUPERDUTY PICKUPS, AND FORD APPARENTLY HAS NO REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11243079
99,028 miles · Aug 10, 2019
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FORD DEATH WOBBLE ON MY 1997 F350 AND MY 2014 F250. AT 45 MPH PLUS, HITTING SOMETIMES IMPERCEPTIBLE BUMPS CAN CAUSE THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING TO DEVELOP A VERY VIOLENT VIBRATION. I ALMOST LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE TO BRAKE VERY HARD TO GET IT TO STOP. I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO CRASH OR BE HIT FROM BEHIND WHE…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FORD DEATH WOBBLE ON MY 1997 F350 AND MY 2014 F250. AT 45 MPH PLUS, HITTING SOMETIMES IMPERCEPTIBLE BUMPS CAN CAUSE THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING TO DEVELOP A VERY VIOLENT VIBRATION. I ALMOST LOSE CONTROL AND HAVE TO BRAKE VERY HARD TO GET IT TO STOP. I AM AFRAID I AM GOING TO CRASH OR BE HIT FROM BEHIND WHEN BRAKING. FORD MADE SOME SUSPENSION REPAIRS UNDER MY EXTENDED WARRANTY, BUT THESE REPAIRS MADE THE PROBLEM MUCH WORSE. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK AND THEY BLAMED MY TIRES, SAYING THEY ARE ALMOST WORN OUT. I COMPLAINED THAT I SHOULD HAVE SEVERAL THOUSAND MORE MILES ON THESE TIRES AND THERE WAS EITHER A DESIGN PROBLEM OR SOMETHING BROKEN. THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND TOLD ME THERE IS NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO CHANGE MY TIRES. I PUT NEW TIRES ON FOR $1,300 AND I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. IT IS LESS SEVERE AND HAPPENS LESS FREQUENTLY, BUT IT IS STILL DEFINITELY THERE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY TRUCK BUT HAVE NO CHOICE.
NHTSA ODI #11243039
70,000 miles · Aug 9, 2019
SteeringSuspension
FRONT END DEATH WOBBLE. NEW TIE RODS- STABILIZER-SHOCKS TIRES AND STILL DOES IT WHEN HITTING BRIDGE END DAM- CHUG HOLE-BUMP IN ROAD OR JUST ROUGH ROAD. WHAT IS THE CURE? CHEVY. OR GMC DOES NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11242858
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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