NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
45 reportsClear category filter46,000 miles · Jan 12, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
MY 2016 F350 SUPER DUTY 4WD DISESAL HAS A DEATH WOBBLE WITH ONLY 46,OOO MILES. THE DEALERSHIP AT SEMINOLE FORD, SEMINOLE OKLAHOMA 405-382-2222 TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 1200 TO FIX THIS. I WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY YESTERDAY AND MY VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOIN…
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MY 2016 F350 SUPER DUTY 4WD DISESAL HAS A DEATH WOBBLE WITH ONLY 46,OOO MILES. THE DEALERSHIP AT SEMINOLE FORD, SEMINOLE OKLAHOMA 405-382-2222 TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY 1200 TO FIX THIS. I WAS DRIVING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY YESTERDAY AND MY VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK. I IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. I WILL FORWARD THE BILL WHEN I RECEIVE IT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND A FACTORY DEFECT THAT I SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, I HAD THE VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP ONE MONTH AGO AND HAD TO PAY FOR A NEW DEF HEATER AT THE TUNE ALMOST $1,000. AT THAT TIME THEY DID THEIR MULTI-POINT INSPECTION WHICH SHOWS THAT THE PARTS THAT FAILED WERE ALL FINE. PLEASE HELP ME AS FORD IS TRYING TO SCREW ME OVER ON A 70K TRUCK WITH MINIMAL MILES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD PAY FOR NOT THE CONSUMER.
NHTSA ODI #11387670
155,800 miles · Apr 9, 2018
Steering
SHAKES STEERING WHEEL AROUND 40MPH, BUT SPORADICALLY.
NHTSA ODI #11084225
86,000 miles · Jul 6, 2015
Steering
THE DEATH WOBBLE THAT YOU SAY HAD ONLY 76 COMPLANTS IS [XXX] ! OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS IT HAS HAPPENED OVER 18 TIMES WITH NEW CORRECT SIZE TIRES @ CORRECT PRESSURE ! I HAVE HAD TO MAKE RAPID LANE CHANGES SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO IT WILL STOP ! IF YOU THINK THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM MAYBE YOU SHOULD G…
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THE DEATH WOBBLE THAT YOU SAY HAD ONLY 76 COMPLANTS IS [XXX] ! OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS IT HAS HAPPENED OVER 18 TIMES WITH NEW CORRECT SIZE TIRES @ CORRECT PRESSURE ! I HAVE HAD TO MAKE RAPID LANE CHANGES SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO IT WILL STOP ! IF YOU THINK THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM MAYBE YOU SHOULD GO TO WORK FOR FORD ,ON SECOND THOUGHT ITS APPARENT YOU ALREADY DO ! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10732051
75,000 miles · Apr 3, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AND WAS ORIGINALLY VERY PLEASED. SUDDENLY WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE AS OTHER HAVE DESCRIBED. THE VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE FRONT END. THIS USUALLY OCCURS WHEN YOU ARE APPROACHING THE SPEED OF 60MPH. WE DO NOT HAVE TO HIT A BUMP FOR IT TO HAPPEN. THE OTHER COMPLAINT, IS…
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PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE LESS THAN A YEAR AGO AND WAS ORIGINALLY VERY PLEASED. SUDDENLY WE ARE NOW EXPERIENCING THE DEATH WOBBLE AS OTHER HAVE DESCRIBED. THE VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE FRONT END. THIS USUALLY OCCURS WHEN YOU ARE APPROACHING THE SPEED OF 60MPH. WE DO NOT HAVE TO HIT A BUMP FOR IT TO HAPPEN. THE OTHER COMPLAINT, IS THAT WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE FOR THE YEAR, RAN GREAT, LOOKED GREAT, VERY PLEASED UNTIL THIS LAST MONTH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SEEMS TO SPUTTER. PUT SOME HIGH QUALITY FUEL INJECTOR CLEANER IN THE TRUCK, THINKING IT MAY BE A INJECTOR STICKING. NOPE, DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. LIGHT NEVER WENT OFF. TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP, THEY TESTED IT AND CAME BACK WITH YOUR FUEL TANK IS DETERIORATING PUTTING LITTLE METAL SHARDS IN YOUR ENGINE. YOU ARE LOOKING AT A POTENTIAL FULL ENGINE REBUILD COSTING A MINIMUM OF $6000. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR ANY VEHICLE MANUFACTURER TO NOT RECALL A VEHICLE THAT HAS A SERIOUS KNOWN PROBLEM. WE ARE STUCK WITH THIS TRUCK THAT IS NOT WORTH THE [XXX] PAPER THE TITLE IS WRITTEN ON. IT IS TIRING OF READING ALL THESE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND NO ONE IS DEFENDING THE CONSUMERS. AT WHAT POINT, DOES THE MANUFACTURER NEED TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE TO OWN UP TO THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND FIX THE PROBLEMS? WHEN MY CHILD IS KILLED BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE STEERING PROBLEMS IN THE FRONT END OR THAT IT STOPS RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY OR DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE FUEL TANK DETERIORATED FOR NO REASON AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703474
102,000 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineService BrakesSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE FAULTY. THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN SOME INSTANCES, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE FAULTY. THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10610472
50,440 miles · Jan 6, 2014
SteeringSuspensionCrash
I WAS IN OAKLAND CALIFORNIA I880 NORTH NUMBER FOUR LANE PULLING MY CAR TRAILER WITH A LOAD WHEN THE "DEATH WOBBLE" OCCURRED, BEFORE I COULD GRAB THE TRAILER BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, THE RIG STARTED A WHIP AND THE TRAILER STRUCK THE "K" RAIL. I SLOWED TO ABOUT 10MPH BEFORE THE SHIMMY STOPPED. THE FENDER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF T…
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I WAS IN OAKLAND CALIFORNIA I880 NORTH NUMBER FOUR LANE PULLING MY CAR TRAILER WITH A LOAD WHEN THE "DEATH WOBBLE" OCCURRED, BEFORE I COULD GRAB THE TRAILER BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE, THE RIG STARTED A WHIP AND THE TRAILER STRUCK THE "K" RAIL. I SLOWED TO ABOUT 10MPH BEFORE THE SHIMMY STOPPED. THE FENDER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRAILER WAS DESTROYED AND BLEW BOTH TIRES ON THE TANDEM AXLE TRAILER. LUCKILY NO ONE ELSE WAS INVOLVED AND NO ONE WAS HURT. THIS TRUCK NOW IS ON IT'S THIRD SET OF THE FACTORY B.F. GOODRICH RUGGED TRAIL T/A RADIALS ON THE FRONT. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE ALIGNED WITH EACH TIRE CHANGE AND HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH TIRE PRESSURES, IT DOES NOT MATTER, AFTER ABOUT TEN THOUSAND MILES ON A SET OF TIRES IT SHIMMIES AGAIN. I HAVE RESORTED TO THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF MY 30 YEAR OLD CHEVY HALF TON AND OVERLOADING IT BY UP TO 50% OUT OF FEAR FOR THIS TRUCK. BECAUSE OF SHEAR NUMBERS INVOLVED, NOTHING WILL EVER BE DONE BY THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS VEHICLE TYPE'S DEFECTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558662
16,000 miles · Jan 1, 2014
SteeringSuspension
FRONT END OF TRUCK WOBBLES-SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL WHEN GOING OVER EXPLANATION JOINT ON OVERPASS. DOES NOT STOP WOBBLE UNTIL VEHICLE IS SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 30MPH. FEAR OF GETTING REAR-ENDED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558052
130,000 miles · Dec 25, 2013
Steering
FORD TRUCKS HAVE A SEVERE SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT WILL MAKE THE TRUCK CHANGE LANES OR GO OFF THE ROAD,MY WIFE HAD TO STOP IN THE FAST LANE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STOP SHAKING,WE HAD IT TOWED TO FORD AND WERE TOLD THIS IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF TRUCKS AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX ? WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT MUST DIE …
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FORD TRUCKS HAVE A SEVERE SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT WILL MAKE THE TRUCK CHANGE LANES OR GO OFF THE ROAD,MY WIFE HAD TO STOP IN THE FAST LANE BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT STOP SHAKING,WE HAD IT TOWED TO FORD AND WERE TOLD THIS IS A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF TRUCKS AND THAT THERE IS NO FIX ? WHAT IS THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE THAT MUST DIE BEFORE YOU ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ? THE TRUCK HAS NEW TIRES OF FACTORY SPECS. ?*TR
NHTSA ODI #10557224
70,100 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HOWEVER THE WHEELS DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HOWEVER THE WHEELS DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR MECHANIC TO DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,100.
NHTSA ODI #10521428
85,034 miles · Apr 5, 2013
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 55MPH ON A 2006 F350 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WHEN I WENT OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE. THOUGH I HAD EXPERIENCED A FLAT BUT EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN …
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WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 55MPH ON A 2006 F350 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WHEN I WENT OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE. THOUGH I HAD EXPERIENCED A FLAT BUT EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. TIRE PRESSURE ON ALL WHEELS IS FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10507287
Official recalls
1Jul 13, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
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
2EA08007 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Mar 14, 2008 · Closed Mar 31, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE07057 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Nov 15, 2007 · Closed Mar 14, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
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