IllustrationDEATH WOBBLE STARTED AT HIGHER SPEED. HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. EVERYTHING IS TIGHT IN THE FRONT END. CHANGED BALL JOINTS BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS TRACK BAR AND BUSHING AND STEERING DAMPENER AND NOTHING HAS HELPED. HAPPENED ON 2 SETS OF TIRES.
2014 Ford F-250
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2014 Ford F-250 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 119.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-250 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
40–25K
1125–50K
1750–75K
1575–100K
23100–150K
5150K+
75 reports with mileage · 67 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
142 reportsTRUCK WHEN IT GETS UP TO ABOUT 63MPH OR HITS A POT HOLE ..SMALL BUMP IN ROAD IT DOES THE DEATH WOBBLE, IN OTHER WORDS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY, THE PROBLEM STATED IN JUNE OF 2018 AS CONTINUES TO THIS DAY
2014 F250 DIESEL EXPERIENCES MULTIPLE 'DEATH WOBBLES' WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH AND PASSING OVER EXPANSION JOINT ON BRIDGE OR OTHER LIKE CREVICES. FELT LIKE THE FRONT END WAS FALLING APART WITH VIOLENT FRONT END SHAKING, HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 35 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER AND HAD…
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2014 F250 DIESEL EXPERIENCES MULTIPLE 'DEATH WOBBLES' WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS OVER 60MPH AND PASSING OVER EXPANSION JOINT ON BRIDGE OR OTHER LIKE CREVICES. FELT LIKE THE FRONT END WAS FALLING APART WITH VIOLENT FRONT END SHAKING, HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 35 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK TRUCK TO DEALER AND HAD TO PAY $150.00 FOR DIAGNOSIS. FORD CLAIMS ALL FRONT END SUSPENSION PARTS NEED REPLACING AS WELL AS A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. THE TRUCK HAS JUST OVER 100K MILES ON IT AND IS MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES. IT'S JUST OUT OF AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND FORD ESTIMATES THE REPAIRS AT OVER $1,300.00 WITH NO GUARANTEES THAT THIS WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW BY FORD. I'VE OWNED FORD TRUCKS FOR MANY MANY YEARS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN ANY OF THE PAST SUPER DUTY'S THAT I OWNED.
BRAKES GET STUCK AND ONE SIDE OF BRAKES ARE NOT BRAKING AS SRONGLY AS OTHER SIDE. BRAKES HAVE GOTTEN STUCK WHILE DRIVING ON THE STREET AND ON HIGHWAY.
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.
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.
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
THREE TIMES WITHIN A WEEK MY TRUCK HAS EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, VIOLENT SHAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR ANY KIND OF SUDDEN MANEUVER THAT STARTED THE SHAKING. ALL THREE TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT IT HAPPENS FREQUE…
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THREE TIMES WITHIN A WEEK MY TRUCK HAS EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN, VIOLENT SHAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE WERE NO BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR ANY KIND OF SUDDEN MANEUVER THAT STARTED THE SHAKING. ALL THREE TIMES IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED. I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" AND THAT IT HAPPENS FREQUENTLY TO FORD TRUCKS AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES. I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A POTENTIAL TRAGEDY THAT APPEARS TO BE DELIBERATELY OVERLOOKED. I HOPE TO SEE A RECALL IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.
WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65MPH AND HIT A BUMP, TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL. HAD TO SLOWLY APPLY BRAKES AND PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD TO REGAIN CONTROL. IT WAS LIKE A DEATH SHAKE. THE TRUCK IS A 2014 F250 WITH ALL OF IT MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED JIM CLICK FORD OF SAHUA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED, AND SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURES RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED JIM CLICK FORD OF SAHUARITA & GREEN VALLEY AT 877-785-8628 (LOCATED AT 1030 W DUVAL RD, GREEN VALLEY, AZ), BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1RQ14005 · Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Opened Jan 13, 2015 · Closed Mar 15, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.