NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
50 reportsClear category filter5,000 miles · Feb 1, 2011
Suspension
THIS IS A COMPANY VEHICLE DRIVEN BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT EMPLOYEES. MANY OF THESE DRIVERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF A SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, USUALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, EXPANSION JOINT, ETC. THIS SHAKING WILL ONLY STOP BY LOWERING SPEED SOMETIMES TO AS LOW AS 10 MPH. WE HAVE TAKEN THE …
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THIS IS A COMPANY VEHICLE DRIVEN BY SEVERAL DIFFERENT EMPLOYEES. MANY OF THESE DRIVERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF A SUDDEN VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, USUALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD, EXPANSION JOINT, ETC. THIS SHAKING WILL ONLY STOP BY LOWERING SPEED SOMETIMES TO AS LOW AS 10 MPH. WE HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO SUCCESS IN SOLVING THE PROBLEM. THEY EVEN ADVISED US TO INSTALL AIRBAGS TO THE REAR SUSPENSION TO DISTRIBUTE WEIGHT TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN LOADED. WE ARE CURRENTLY ON OUR FOURTH SET OF QUALITY E-RATED TIRES (RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED) BUT ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10380530
135,000 miles · Jan 4, 2011
Suspension
APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY.WHILE TRAVELING ALONG HIGHWAYS 45-65MPH, AFTER HITTING A ROUGHER PORTION OF THE ROAD, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGIN TO HOP/SHAKE IN A HIGHLY UNSAFE MANNER TO WHICH THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYTIME I TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAYS WHICH IS EVER…
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APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AGO I PURCHASED A 2006 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY.WHILE TRAVELING ALONG HIGHWAYS 45-65MPH, AFTER HITTING A ROUGHER PORTION OF THE ROAD, THE FRONT WHEELS BEGIN TO HOP/SHAKE IN A HIGHLY UNSAFE MANNER TO WHICH THE VEHICLE IS ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLE. THIS HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYTIME I TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAYS WHICH IS EVERYDAY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE QUITE EXTENSIVELY ONLINE IN SUCH FORUMS AS THIS. MANY HAVE TRIED REPLACING PARTS BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I WANTED TO MAKE SURE NOTHING WAS OUT OF THE ORDINARY BEFORE I WASTE HUNDREDS OR THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO FIX. SAFETY IS OF THE MAIN CONCERN FOR MYSELF AND ESPECIALLY OTHERS ON THE ROAD DUE TO THE SIZE OF THE VEHICLE. I HAVE CONTACTED A LOCAL REPUTABLE FORD DEALER AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AS OF TODAY JANUARY 4 2011. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374098
104,986 miles · Oct 28, 2010
SuspensionTires
1. TRAVELING AT 65 MPH HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD 2. FRONT AXLE BEGINS OSCILLATING WITH SUCH VIOLENCE THAT CONTROL OF THE TRUCK IS DIFFICULT UNTIL SLOWED DOWN, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT YOU FEEL IT WILL COME APART. I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS. I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I'M TERRIFIED WHEN…
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1. TRAVELING AT 65 MPH HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD 2. FRONT AXLE BEGINS OSCILLATING WITH SUCH VIOLENCE THAT CONTROL OF THE TRUCK IS DIFFICULT UNTIL SLOWED DOWN, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT YOU FEEL IT WILL COME APART. I WAS TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS. I NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I'M TERRIFIED WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN ON A ICY ROAD. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED. 3. NOTHING. APPARENTLY THERE IS NO FIX AS IT IS UNKNOWN. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM BUT REFUSES TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. VEHICLE INFORMATION: ? 2006 ? FORD ? F350 ?? ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENT ? VIN - [XXX] ? TIRES BFG ALL TERRAIN 325/65 R18. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10362821
33,000 miles · Jun 16, 2010
SteeringSuspension
THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO ODI #10336687 FILED ON 6/16, 2010 CONCERNING "WHEEL SHIMMY" ON FORD F 350 TRUCKS. AFTER READING "DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS" CONCERNING THIS TOPIC, THE NHTSA SUMMARY WAS THAT IT SEEMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY UNDERINFLATED TIRES. IT APPEARS THAT THE NHTSA AND FORD, JUST LIKE BP OIL AND THE MINERAL DEP…
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THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO ODI #10336687 FILED ON 6/16, 2010 CONCERNING "WHEEL SHIMMY" ON FORD F 350 TRUCKS. AFTER READING "DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS" CONCERNING THIS TOPIC, THE NHTSA SUMMARY WAS THAT IT SEEMED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY UNDERINFLATED TIRES. IT APPEARS THAT THE NHTSA AND FORD, JUST LIKE BP OIL AND THE MINERAL DEPARTMENT ARE GREASING EACH OTHERS PALMS. FOR A SAFETY ARM OF THE GOVT. TO SAY THAT THIS IS A TIRE PRESSURE PROBLEM IS BULL! PLEASE CHECK OUT WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/FORD-F-350-SUPER-DUTY AND READ HUNDREDS OF POSTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE, ANOTHER OIL SPILL LIKE BP HAS CREATED, CRASHES WITH DEATHS LIKE TOYOTA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR? I CAN SEE THAT IT IS USELESS TO REPORT THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336691
33,000 miles · Jun 16, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I OWN A 2006 FORD F 350 SUPERDUTY 1 TON PICKUP WITH APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN HITTING A BUMP, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS OR GOING OVER A ROUGH ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS FROM 30-60+ CAUSING A POTENTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL. FORD HAS SENT OUT A MEMO…
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I OWN A 2006 FORD F 350 SUPERDUTY 1 TON PICKUP WITH APPROXIMATELY 40,000 MILES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN HITTING A BUMP, CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS OR GOING OVER A ROUGH ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AT SPEEDS FROM 30-60+ CAUSING A POTENTIAL LOSS OF CONTROL. FORD HAS SENT OUT A MEMO STATING THAT "YOU NEED TO CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE". I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET DATING BACK SEVERAL YEARS INTO THE 1990'S. FORD REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT AND FROM WHAT I HAVE READ ON THE INTERNET, TRYING TO FIND A FIX FOR THE PROBLEM, MANY HAVE HAD REALLY BAD SAFETY ISSUES INCLUDING ACCIDENTS INVOLVING WOMEN DRIVERS WITH CHILDREN AS PASSENGERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336687
24,200 miles · Oct 13, 2009
SteeringSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 TO 60 MPH AND WHEN HITTING BUMPS ON THE ROAD THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIMMIES. AROUND MAY SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT VEHICLE VIBRATION . THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT 4- WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED AS W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40 TO 60 MPH AND WHEN HITTING BUMPS ON THE ROAD THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE STEERING COLUMN SHIMMIES. AROUND MAY SHE RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT VEHICLE VIBRATION . THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT 4- WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED AS WELL AS A STEERING DAMPNER. UPDATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24200. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42500. UPDATED 11/04/09. *LJ UPDATED 11/05/09
NHTSA ODI #10287227
55,000 miles · Aug 31, 2009
Suspension
I OWN A 2006 F350 4X4 XLT AND WHEN I HIT A BUMP AT OVER 55MPH THE FRONT SHAKES AND FEELS LIKE IT IS COMING OFF. I KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NUMEROUS SUPER DUTY OWNERS HAVE. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND KNOW THAT THIS HAS CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY AND I AM SURE DEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10282412
10,000 miles · Aug 24, 2009
SteeringSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F350 CREW CAB 4X4 WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2005. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS; H…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F350 CREW CAB 4X4 WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2005. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST STEERING CONTROL WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS; HOWEVER, THERE WERE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACED AS WELL AS PREVIOUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
NHTSA ODI #10281566
7,000 miles · Aug 17, 2009
Suspension
I PURCHASED NEW A 2006 F350 4X4 3 YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS (SO THERE ARE MANY DATES THIS HAS OCCURRED) LEFT FRONT END DEATH WOBBLES WHEN TAKING A SWEEPING TURN TO THE LEFT AT ABOUT 70 MPH ON A FREEWAY WITH SOME BUMPS UNDER THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THIS WOBBLE IS SO BAD THAT I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST 30 M…
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I PURCHASED NEW A 2006 F350 4X4 3 YEARS AGO. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS (SO THERE ARE MANY DATES THIS HAS OCCURRED) LEFT FRONT END DEATH WOBBLES WHEN TAKING A SWEEPING TURN TO THE LEFT AT ABOUT 70 MPH ON A FREEWAY WITH SOME BUMPS UNDER THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THIS WOBBLE IS SO BAD THAT I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW THE VEHICLE TO ALMOST 30 MPH ON THE FREEWAY FOR IT TO GO AWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THIS TRUCK IN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS WOBBLE TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE ROTATED TIRES AND MADE SURE THE TIRES ARE INFLATED PROPERLY BY THE DEALER. TIRE INFLATION DOES NOT RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. AFTER PROPER INFLATION BY THE DEALER AND CHECKED BY ME, I STILL GET THE "DEATH WOBBLE". RECENTLY, I RECEIVED A GENERIC LETTER FROM FORD ACKNOWLEDGING THE FACT THAT THIS ISSUE IS NOT UNCOMMON AND THAT I SHOULD MAKE SURE MY TIRES ARE INFLATED PROPERLY. I HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE NOW SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FIND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT UNCOMMON. I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED. IT IS DANGEROUS TO ME AND MY FAMILY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280681
42,000 miles · Jun 5, 2009
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHIMMIED SEVERELY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER ACROSS THE ROAD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER ROUGH ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED AND SHIMMIED SEVERELY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VEER ACROSS THE ROAD WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER ROUGH ROAD SURFACES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION WAS FAULTY DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DESIGN DEFECT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CHECK THE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000. UPDATED 07/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/20/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10272981
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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