NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
114 reports24,000 miles · Mar 28, 2011
Fuel System, Diesel
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350 DIESEL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART DESPITE THE ATTEMPTS OF THE CONTACT AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATED AND THE INTERIOR PAINT HAD CLOGGED THE ENGI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350 DIESEL. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART DESPITE THE ATTEMPTS OF THE CONTACT AND WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL TANK WAS DELAMINATED AND THE INTERIOR PAINT HAD CLOGGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, FUEL FILTERS AND SEVERAL FUEL INJECTORS DECEMBER 2007. THE FAILURE RECURRED MARCH 2011 AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTERS, FUEL INJECTORS, AND EGR VALVE WERE REPLACED AT A COST OF $4,200. THE CONTACT THEN CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT REGARDING THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 06/01/11*LJ UPDATED 06/02/11
NHTSA ODI #10393114
95,906 miles · Mar 4, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
ISSUE 1 - FUEL SPILLING OUT OF COOLANT SYSTEM. FUEL SPILLING ONTO EXHAUST COMPONENTS AND COATING ENGINE AND UNDERSIDE OF VEHICLE. CREATED A FIRE HAZARD. CREATED AN ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH IF A FIRE HAD STARTED.
NHTSA ODI #10388628
7,694 miles · Jan 10, 2011
SteeringSuspension
WHEN I'M DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 TO 70 AND GO OVER A BUMP IN ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER TO HAVE SERVICED AND THEY TOLD ME "THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FROM A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK." WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP! I HAVE PAPER WORK DOCUMENTING THE TRUCK WENT TO DEALER FOR STEERI…
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WHEN I'M DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 TO 70 AND GO OVER A BUMP IN ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL. I HAD BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER TO HAVE SERVICED AND THEY TOLD ME "THERE IS NO PROBLEM, THAT'S WHAT YOU GET FROM A HEAVY DUTY TRUCK." WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP! I HAVE PAPER WORK DOCUMENTING THE TRUCK WENT TO DEALER FOR STEERING OUT OF CONTROL. SINCE THEN THE SHAKING HAS CAUSED ME TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS AND OTHER PARTS TRYING TO STOP THE PROBLEM. THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN ON NEW VEHICLE, MUCH LESS ONE THAT COSTS $45.000. THIS REALLY MAKES ME MAD.
NHTSA ODI #10377298
55,000 miles · Jan 10, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK ON THE VEHICLE WAS ERODING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK ON THE VEHICLE WAS ERODING AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LOOSE POWER INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10375484
83,000 miles · Nov 17, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, FOUR FUEL INJECTORS MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE EXHAUST TO EMIT SMOKE AND THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, FOUR FUEL INJECTORS MALFUNCTIONED WHICH CAUSED THE EXHAUST TO EMIT SMOKE AND THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10366617
72,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE A 2005 F350 WITH A 4 INCH LIFT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE "FORD DEATH WOBBLE" 4 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. 3 TIMES IT WAS @ ~40 MPH AND 1 TIME IT WAS AT 75. SCARED ME TO DEATH. MY BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I HAVE TO COAST TO GET IT TO STOP. I HAD THE SHOCKS REPLACED (72K ON TRUCK) SO THE 1ST SHOP I WENT TO TOL…
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I HAVE A 2005 F350 WITH A 4 INCH LIFT. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE "FORD DEATH WOBBLE" 4 TIMES IN THE LAST WEEK. 3 TIMES IT WAS @ ~40 MPH AND 1 TIME IT WAS AT 75. SCARED ME TO DEATH. MY BRAKES DON'T WORK WHEN IT HAPPENS AND I HAVE TO COAST TO GET IT TO STOP. I HAD THE SHOCKS REPLACED (72K ON TRUCK) SO THE 1ST SHOP I WENT TO TOLD ME THAT WOULD FIX IT. NO SUCH LUCK... I PICKED IT UP AND RIGHT AFTER IT DID IT AGAIN. I JUST TOOK IT TO A COMPANY WHO WANTS $700 TO REPLACE THE PITMAN ARM AND GEAR BOX. I HAVE NOT DONE THIS YET. THEN I HAD A LOCAL 4X4 GUY TELL ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK AND PUT A 2ND ONE ON IT. I HAVE ALREADY SPENT $500 ON SHOCKS. THE STABILIZERS WILL BE $150. NO ONE HAS A CLEAR ANSWER OF WHAT THE ISSUE IS BUT THEY WANT ME TO KEEP SPENDING $ ON TRYING TO FIGURE IT OUT. I TALKED TO FORD AND THEY SEEM TO BE LIKE I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT. THERE IS A GUY ONLINE WHO SELLS AN AFTERMARKET STABILIZER SYSTEM FOR ~$900 BUT I THINK FORD SHOULD FIX IT THIS PROBLEM SINCE ITS A DESIGN ISSUE. PLEASE HELP ME. I DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY TO KEEP TROUBLESHOOTING THIS. FORD SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT IF YOU GO OUT ON THE WEB, MANY OTHER OWNERS OF MY TRUCK AND THE YEARS AND MODELS AROUND IT ARE DESCRIBING THE SAME ISSUE. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. THE SHAKING IS EXTREMELY VIOLENT AND I AM LUCKY THAT THE TRUCK HAS BEEN ON A STRAIGHTAWAY WITH NO CARS AROUND ME EACH TIME ITS HAPPENED....OTHERWISE I COULD HAVE FLIPPED IT AND KILLED MYSELF OR SOMEONE ELSE OR SOMEONE DEAR TO YOU... PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND SEE THE STORIES ON THE WEB ABOUT PEOPLE WHO HAVE INJURED THEMSELVES AND OTHERS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10366399
39,000 miles · Oct 13, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. WHILE STOPPED WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND SHE HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM SURGING FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. WHILE STOPPED WITH HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO SURGE FORWARD. THE RPMS INCREASED EXCESSIVELY AND SHE HAD TO APPLY EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM SURGING FORWARD. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE EGR COOLER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 39,000.
NHTSA ODI #10360309
60,000 miles · Sep 8, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. WHILE TRAVELING 15 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BEGAN TO RUN HOT AND WAS MAKING A WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE HEAD GASKET AND EGR COOLER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60000.
NHTSA ODI #10354484
80,000 miles · Aug 20, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EGR OIL COOLER FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING OUTSIDE OF FACTORY WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10350748
81,000 miles · Jul 12, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE SMELL OF COOLANT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE EGR OIL COOLER WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,000. UPDATED 9/13/10 *CN UPDATED 09/27/10
NHTSA ODI #10342642
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