NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
28 reportsClear category filter50,000 miles · Jan 16, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,000. UPDA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS 50,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250,000. UPDATED 2/26/14*CN
NHTSA ODI #10560282
52,000 miles · Jul 6, 2012
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65-70 MPH MY VEHICLE WILL GO INTO A VIOLENT SHIMMY IF IT HITS ANY SORT OF ROAD BUMP (SUCH AS BRIDGE EXPANSION). THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY IN THIS VEHICLE. IT WILL NOT GO AWAY UNTIL I SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN TO 45 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464515
66,000 miles · Mar 5, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringVehicle Speed Control
I PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED FROM A PRIVATE DEALER IN AUG 2011 WITH 66,000MI. ON IT! FROM THE DEALER THIS ISSUE STARTED. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 2 DZ TIMES NOW AND FORD REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE ISSUE AS A FORD ISSUE! THEY TELL ME ITS THE TIRE PRESSURE AND I HAVE HAD IT TO THEM 3 TIMES TO FIX THIS ISSUE, THEY HAVE RE INFLATED MY TIRE…
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I PURCHASED THE TRUCK USED FROM A PRIVATE DEALER IN AUG 2011 WITH 66,000MI. ON IT! FROM THE DEALER THIS ISSUE STARTED. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 2 DZ TIMES NOW AND FORD REFUSES TO ACCEPT THE ISSUE AS A FORD ISSUE! THEY TELL ME ITS THE TIRE PRESSURE AND I HAVE HAD IT TO THEM 3 TIMES TO FIX THIS ISSUE, THEY HAVE RE INFLATED MY TIRE PRESSURE TO " FACTORY RECOMMENDED PRESSURE" AND WITHIN 5 MILES ITS SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND START AGAIN, THIS WILL CAUSE A DEATH EVENTUALLY!! I WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THIS TRUCK AND THAT IS WHAT IT WAS BOUGHT FOR, A SAFE FAMILY VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10450303
32,008 miles · Jan 9, 2012
SteeringSuspension
THE F350SD HAS A SHIMMY WHEN YOU HIT A DIP IN THE ROAD OR A BUMP. THIS IS VIOLENT ENOUGH FOR CONCERN THAT IT'LL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT DOESN'T GO AWAY ON IT'S OWN YOU HAVE TO COME TO A STOP OR GET TO ABOUT FIVE MILES AN HOUR FOR IT TO RESET. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE HAD THE LOCAL FRONT END SHOP REPLACE THE FRONT S…
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THE F350SD HAS A SHIMMY WHEN YOU HIT A DIP IN THE ROAD OR A BUMP. THIS IS VIOLENT ENOUGH FOR CONCERN THAT IT'LL CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT DOESN'T GO AWAY ON IT'S OWN YOU HAVE TO COME TO A STOP OR GET TO ABOUT FIVE MILES AN HOUR FOR IT TO RESET. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. I HAVE HAD THE LOCAL FRONT END SHOP REPLACE THE FRONT STEERING COMPONENTS, EVEN THOUGH THE COMPONENTS CAME WITH IN SPEC THAT FORD SAYS IS SAFE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION NEEDS BE TAKEN. THIS HELPED FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS BUT NOW I'M BACK TO THE SAME OLD PROBLEM. FORD SAYS TO TAKE IT TO A FORD AUTHORIZED DEALER AND HAVE THEM CHECK IT OUT. I'LL DO IT ONE MORE TIME, THIS IS REPETITIVE, THEY DON'T SEE A PROBLEM IN THEIR PRODUCT SO WHY AM I WASTING MY TIME. EVERYBODY SAYS ITS YOUR TIRE PRESSURE, WRONG, I RUN IT AT MAX AND I'VE EVEN TRIED RUNNING IT FIVE POUNDS HIGHER THAN RECOMMENDED. WOULD SOMEONE PLEASE HELP US AND GET THIS FIXED RIGHT. I KNOW FORD WONT EVER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM FOR THE CHANCE OF A LAWSUIT. SO I GUESS IT'S UP TO THE HIGHWAY SAFETY COUNCIL TO HELP. I'LL GIVE ALL OF YOU A RIDE AND SHOW YOU HOW BAD IT IS. AND THEN I CAN GIVE YOU ALL THE DOCUMENTS SHOWING FORD SAYS THE FRONT END ARE WITHIN SPEC. YOU KNOW ITS BAD WHEN IT SHIMMIES YOU OFF THE ROAD, THIS IS AS BEST YOU CAN DO TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443185
156,000 miles · Dec 16, 2011
SteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK NORMALLY LIKE ANY OTHER DAY, WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 45MPH WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE FRONT END SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY, THAT IT PULLED SO HARD TO WHERE I HAD TO BRAKE VERY QUICKLY AND STOP THE TRUCK IMMEDIATELY. THIS PROBLEM THAT EXIST HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. I HAVE IT AT A MECHANIC, I ALSO CAN NOT…
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I WAS DRIVING MY TRUCK NORMALLY LIKE ANY OTHER DAY, WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 45MPH WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE FRONT END SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY, THAT IT PULLED SO HARD TO WHERE I HAD TO BRAKE VERY QUICKLY AND STOP THE TRUCK IMMEDIATELY. THIS PROBLEM THAT EXIST HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET. I HAVE IT AT A MECHANIC, I ALSO CAN NOT DRIVE IT, VERY DANGEROUS. I GOT ONLINE AND OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME TROUBLE AND HAVE LABELED IT THE FORD DEATH WOBBLE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC ON 12.14.11 WERE IT IS STILL AT AND ON THAT SAME DAY I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD THAT THERE MIGHT BE A RECALL SOON DUE TO EXCESSIVE SHAKING AND TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. FRONT END ALIGNMENT, TIRE SIZE ETC. THIS NEEDS IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, ON THE INTERNET BACK IN 2007 THEY HAD AT LEAST 61 COMPLAINTS. WHATEVER IS CAUSING THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE LOSES CONTROL AND SERIOUSLY HURTS SOMEONE OR THEMSELVES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440214
10,000 miles · Dec 8, 2011
SteeringSuspension
DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD THE FRONT TIRES SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO SHIFT LANES AND NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE SHAKING WOULDN'T STOP UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN. TOOK 2 HAND STRUGGLING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE TRUCK UNDER CONTROL. THIS HA…
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DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD THE FRONT TIRES SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO SHIFT LANES AND NEARLY HIT ANOTHER CAR. THE SHAKING WOULDN'T STOP UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWED DOWN. TOOK 2 HAND STRUGGLING WITH THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE TRUCK UNDER CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. TODAY THE TRUCK IS STILL TOTALLY STOCK WITH 33500 MILES. PLEASE HAVE FORD ISSUE A RECALL! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10439094
1,000 miles · Dec 7, 2011
SteeringSuspension
SEVERE SHIMMY WHEN TRUCK WAS NEW. FORD REFUSES TO FIX SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM . CAN NOT DRIVE ON HIGHWAY OVER 45 MPH .THEY NEED VIBRATION DAMPER ON FRONT END. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438837
Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2011
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
LOST FAN BELT TRAVELING 65/MPH THEREBY LOST ALL STEERING AND BRAKES .WAS ON SECONDARY HIGHWAY COASTED INTO A SMALL TOWN AND USED MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. MY WIFE PANICKED JUST LUCKY I WAS DRIVING ,HAVING BEEN A MECHANIC FOR 35 YEARS HAD ENOUGH SENSE TO NOT PANIC AND USE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428263
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
2005 FORD F-350. LETTER ON BEHALF OF REGARDING HER CONCERNS WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE 6.0 LITER DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLE; REPLY ATTN: KIM CORDELL/BLOUNTVILLE, TN OFFICE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. SHE ALSO STATED FORD HAS IGNORED THE FRONT END AND STEERING PR…
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2005 FORD F-350. LETTER ON BEHALF OF REGARDING HER CONCERNS WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE 6.0 LITER DIESEL ENGINE VEHICLE; REPLY ATTN: KIM CORDELL/BLOUNTVILLE, TN OFFICE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO WAS REPLACED FOUR TIMES. SHE ALSO STATED FORD HAS IGNORED THE FRONT END AND STEERING PROBLEMS AS WELL. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10425009
120,000 miles · Sep 8, 2011
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUMPS IN THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSE A VIOLENT SHIMMY. TRUCK HAS STOCK SUSPENSION AND OEM TIRES. TIRE PRESSURE IS PER FORD SPECIFICATION (AS INDICATED ON THE DOOR PILLAR). SEEMS NTSB HAS INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED THE ISSUE IS DUE TO SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THIS IS NOT THE CAS…
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WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUMPS IN THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSE A VIOLENT SHIMMY. TRUCK HAS STOCK SUSPENSION AND OEM TIRES. TIRE PRESSURE IS PER FORD SPECIFICATION (AS INDICATED ON THE DOOR PILLAR). SEEMS NTSB HAS INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED THE ISSUE IS DUE TO SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS OR LOW TIRE PRESSURE. THIS IS NOT THE CASE WITH THIS TRUCK. ALL STOCK AND DEADLY. NTSB NEEDS TO REOPEN THEIR INVESTIGATION BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424388
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.
Illustration