NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
51 reportsClear category filter265,000 miles · Jul 21, 2025
SteeringSuspension
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self…
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The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked for recalls related to the failure and advised the contact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for the failure (09L02) for severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
NHTSA ODI #11675113
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occur…
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Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occurs, the vehicle shakes violently and is difficult to control. This creates a hazardous situation for the occupants of the vehicle and other vehicles/pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. Prior and current attempts to contact Ford service departments, typically involves Ford stating there is not a recall and any repair outside of warranty are the responsibility of owner. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There is no warning prior to the "death wobble," and occurs when the vehicle is travelling at speed more than 45 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11462633
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2021
SteeringSuspension
My truck experiences what I have learned is called the death wobble. The condition occurs intermittently but usually at speeds above 50mph and seems to be initiated by hitting any small bump. The whole front end shakes violently like the tires have been half filled with lead causing them to rotate wildly out of round. The truck …
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My truck experiences what I have learned is called the death wobble. The condition occurs intermittently but usually at speeds above 50mph and seems to be initiated by hitting any small bump. The whole front end shakes violently like the tires have been half filled with lead causing them to rotate wildly out of round. The truck actually bounces up and down rapidly and the steering wheel shakes violently creating a very unsafe driving circumstance. My research into this issue uncovered that this is a well-known condition that has been reported multiple times by many different Ford truck owners and that it occurs on Ford trucks of various year make and model. I also am aware of Fords service letter 09L02 advising owners to maintain proper air pressure to combat the issue. It is my opinion that Fords efforts to address this issue are woefully inadequate and the NHTSA has allowed this manufacturer to produce and provide an unsafe vehicle to the public for way to long. This is a hazardous condition that needs to be properly addressed.
NHTSA ODI #11419405
60,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE I10 EAST OF BENSON, AZ AT AROUND 75MPH, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WENT WILD, SHAKING, VIBRATING, LOSS OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE MEDIUM, WHERE I SKIDDED TO A STOP. I SEE FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS CALLED THE F350 DEATH WOBBLE! THE FORD F350 …
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DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE I10 EAST OF BENSON, AZ AT AROUND 75MPH, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WENT WILD, SHAKING, VIBRATING, LOSS OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE MEDIUM, WHERE I SKIDDED TO A STOP. I SEE FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS CALLED THE F350 DEATH WOBBLE! THE FORD F350 AND ALL RELATED VEHICLES NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROADS, THEY ARE A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT OR EVEN WORSE SOME INNOCENT FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT! MY FORD F350 VEHICLE HAS AROUND 60,000 MILES, SUPERDUTY, 4X4. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH A CAB OVER CAMPER.
NHTSA ODI #11404937
220,000 miles · Sep 28, 2020
SteeringSuspension
I WAS RIDING DOWN HWY55 AT ABOUT 65 TO 70 MPH AND TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE AND BOUNCE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE TRUCK BOUNCED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT. AFTER GATHERING MYSELF I GOT OUT TO CHECK TRUCK AND THERE WAS NO FLATS AND ALL LUGS WAS THERE. I THOUGHT MAYBE I RAN OVER SOMETHING BUT ABOUT 12 MILES DOWN T…
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I WAS RIDING DOWN HWY55 AT ABOUT 65 TO 70 MPH AND TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE AND BOUNCE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE TRUCK BOUNCED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT. AFTER GATHERING MYSELF I GOT OUT TO CHECK TRUCK AND THERE WAS NO FLATS AND ALL LUGS WAS THERE. I THOUGHT MAYBE I RAN OVER SOMETHING BUT ABOUT 12 MILES DOWN THE TRUCKS DOES IT AGAIN. BUT THERE ARE MANY CARS BEHIND AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. CARS AND TRUCKS ARE GOING DOWN THE OF ROAD TO GET OUT OF WAY. THIS IS SO A VERY FRIGHTEN AND HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU ARE NOT PREPARED OR AWARE OF ABOUT THIS TRUCK. FORD TO BE ON OF THE TOP TRUCK MANUFACTURE IT GREATLY SADDEN ME TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE VISUALLY AWARE OF THE TRUCKS DEATHLY DEFECT FOR OVER 15 YEARS. YOU HAVE NOT MADE AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE A SAFE DURABLE PRODUCT TO PROTECT YOUR ROYAL CUSTOMERS OR YOURSELVES. TECHNOLOGY HAS AFFORDED MANY SEEN APPLICATION TO DO SO. YET YOU HAVE IGNORE WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY FUTURE.
NHTSA ODI #11361469
200,000 miles · Jan 20, 2020
SteeringSuspension
DEATH WOBBLE, THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN I DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY SINCE DAY ONE WHEN I BOUGHT IT . THE DEALER WON'T FIX IT THAT , THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT .AND THE DEALER SAYS TO REMOVE AIR FROM THE TIRES AND IT SHOULD STOP THE SHAKING .
NHTSA ODI #11300513
150,000 miles · Sep 25, 2019
Steering
TRUCK HAS A STEERING PROBLEM.MOST OF THE TIME TRUCK TRAVELS STRAIT.SOME TIMES AFTER MAKING A TURN RIGHT OR LEFT THE TRUCK CONTINUES TRAVEL IN THAT DIRECTION! I HAVE TO YANG HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL BACK IN OPPOSITE DIRRECTION TO GET TRUCK BACK IN ITS LANE!ALSO SOMETIMES THE TRUCK OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE TRUCK TAKE OFF TO THE RIG…
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TRUCK HAS A STEERING PROBLEM.MOST OF THE TIME TRUCK TRAVELS STRAIT.SOME TIMES AFTER MAKING A TURN RIGHT OR LEFT THE TRUCK CONTINUES TRAVEL IN THAT DIRECTION! I HAVE TO YANG HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL BACK IN OPPOSITE DIRRECTION TO GET TRUCK BACK IN ITS LANE!ALSO SOMETIMES THE TRUCK OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE TRUCK TAKE OFF TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT AN I HAVE T PULL THE WHEEL IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO GET TRUCK BACK IN IT'S LANE!OTHER TIMES GOING THAN THE ROAD THE TRUCK HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD AN TRUCK WILL EITHER GO RIGHT OR LEFT AN STEERING WHEEL HAS TO BE PULL THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO GET IT BACK IN IT'S LANE! I NOTICE THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE AN NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT! MECHANICS SAY IT'S THE STEERING PUMP OR STEERING BOX WHICH HAS NOT CORRECTED ANY BODY'S TRUCK THAT THAT HAS BOTH THESE PARTS REPLACE! THIS CAN CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT FORD SHOULD FIX THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #11258188
99,987 miles · Aug 5, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT APPROX 60 MPH, HIT PATCH IN ROAD, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, DEATH WOBBLE, ALMOST CAUSED CRASH WITH 6 OTHER VEHICLES. WENT STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP TOLD IT WAS STEERING SHIMMY SHOCK FAILURE. ALIGNMENT. PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET, ALTHOUGH HAD SAME TRUCK IN SHOP FOR FRONT END REPAIRS IN JANUARY 2019.
NHTSA ODI #11241718
50,500 miles · May 24, 2017
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE TOWING MY LARGE CAMPER, ON THE FREEWAY, I HIT A BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO STOP THE TRUCK WITHOUT WRECKING. I HAD TO STOP IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER RESUMING TRAVEL, THE FRONT END WOULD SHIMMY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I HAD T…
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WHILE TOWING MY LARGE CAMPER, ON THE FREEWAY, I HIT A BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO STOP THE TRUCK WITHOUT WRECKING. I HAD TO STOP IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER RESUMING TRAVEL, THE FRONT END WOULD SHIMMY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME AT 40 MPH...ROUGHLY ANOTHER 75 MILES. I THINK I HAVE SEEN AN ADVISORY LETTER FROM FORD, TO OWNERS, CONCERNING THIS. THERE ARE MANY, MANY INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING. ONE CAN FIND DOZENS OF EXAMPLES OF THIS HAPPENING IF ONE LOOKS ON LINE. NEITHER FORD NOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. WE WERE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10991433
125,000 miles · May 26, 2016
SteeringSuspension
FORD F-350 2006 OSCILLATION I HAVE FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT BEFORE RE THE VIOLENT OSCILLATION THAT HAPPENS WITH OUR FORD F-350 TRUCK. WE HAVE HAD MORE EVENTS AT SLOWER SPEEDS AND THE SHAKING IS ALMOST UNMANAGEABLE NOW. WEDNESDAY MAY 11 APPROX 1PM EXITING THE BOURNE BRIDGE MA. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 40MPH AND EXITING THE…
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FORD F-350 2006 OSCILLATION I HAVE FILED A PREVIOUS COMPLAINT BEFORE RE THE VIOLENT OSCILLATION THAT HAPPENS WITH OUR FORD F-350 TRUCK. WE HAVE HAD MORE EVENTS AT SLOWER SPEEDS AND THE SHAKING IS ALMOST UNMANAGEABLE NOW. WEDNESDAY MAY 11 APPROX 1PM EXITING THE BOURNE BRIDGE MA. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX 40MPH AND EXITING THE BRIDGE. THERE WAS A ROUGH CONSTRUCTION PATCH ON THE ROAD RIGHT WHERE THE ROAD CONNECTS TO THE BRIDGE. AS I HIT THE ROUGH PATCH, THE OSCILLATION BEGAN AND THE TRUCK SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY APPROACHING THE ROTARY. THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND CARS IN THE LANE BESIDE ME THAT COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. MAY 20, 2016 AT APPROX 5PM. MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING WEST ON HIGHWAY ROUTE 6, CAPE COD MA AT APPROX 55MPH. AS HE PASSED EXIT 6, HE HIT A ROUGH PATCH AND THE TRUCK BEGAN OSCILLATING VIOLENTLY. HE WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL IT AND SWERVED IN BOTH LANES OF THE WESTERLY 2-LANE HIGHWAY ALSO RUBBING AGAINST THE CURB. LUCKILY THE TRAFFIC STOPPED WHEN SEEING HIS TRUCK OUT OF CONTROL AND NO ONE WAS HURT OTHER THAN MY HUSBAND BEING TOTALLY SHAKEN. THE TIRES HAVE BEEN INFLATED AS RECOMMENDED BY FORD WHEN THE SENT A LETTER RE THIS DEFECT. THIS TRUCK IS DANGEROUS, NOT ONLY TO US BUT OTHERS WHO ARE ON THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE PLYMOUTH FORD DEALER WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED, FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FORD HEAD OFFICE. EVEN THOUGH THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE TRUCKS ARE DEFECTIVE, THEY SAY THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THEM. OUR TRUCK IS OSCILLATING REALLY BADLY AND IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, NOT ONLY FOR THOSE OF US DRIVING THESE DEFECTIVE FORD F-350 2006 TRUCKS, BUT FOR THE OTHER INNOCENT LIVES ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA ODI #10871068
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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