IllustrationWHEN GAINING SPEED ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT OF INSTABILITY - AFRAID TO DRIVE STOCK TIRES NOT THE PROBLEM HAVE CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT -TWICE CANNOT LOCATE ISSUE NO RECALL ISSUED
2007 Ford F-350
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2007 Ford F-350 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 93.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-350 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
325–50K
750–75K
475–100K
2100–150K
1150K+
26 reports with mileage · 10 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
36 reportsTHERE IS AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY INVOLVING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE WHICH IS SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS. I HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST TWO LETTERS FROM FORD CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THE ONE I HAVE BEFORE ME IS LISTED AS LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02. IT STATES THAT FORD AND NHTSA ARE STUDYING TH…
Read full complaint
THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY INVOLVING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE WHICH IS SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS. I HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST TWO LETTERS FROM FORD CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THE ONE I HAVE BEFORE ME IS LISTED AS LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02. IT STATES THAT FORD AND NHTSA ARE STUDYING THE ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY THAT DOES LITTLE GOOD FOR ME AS MY VEHICLE IS BASICALLY AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS RENDER THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THEY (THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS) HAPPEN WITH NO PROVOCATION AT TIMES AND THE VIBRATIONS BECOME SO VIOLENT THAT KEEPING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, ADDITIONALLY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE HAD THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS OCCUR AT SPEEDS FROM @20MPH TO 55MPH.
WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN I HAD A DIP IN THE ROAD AND THE TRUCK WOBBLED AND SHIMMIED SO I HAD TO REDUCE SPEED TO GET IT BACK UNDER CONTROL. TIRE PRESSER WAS CORRECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350 TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INJECTION PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE F…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350 TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE INJECTION PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
I WAS DRIVING ON AND OVERPASS/ EXIT RAMP AND PASSED OVER A STEEL DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. UPON DOING SO I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ON THE TRUCK AND HAD TO DECELERATE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. I RECEIVED AN INFORMATION BULLETIN FROM FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL "STEERING WOBBLE" AND MADE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF …
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON AND OVERPASS/ EXIT RAMP AND PASSED OVER A STEEL DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. UPON DOING SO I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ON THE TRUCK AND HAD TO DECELERATE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. I RECEIVED AN INFORMATION BULLETIN FROM FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL "STEERING WOBBLE" AND MADE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KILLED. THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH FORD IS NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE LINING OF THE FUEL TANK WAS COVERED WITH RUST WAS DELAMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW FUEL SYSTEM AND THE FUEL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE LINING OF THE FUEL TANK WAS COVERED WITH RUST WAS DELAMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW FUEL SYSTEM AND THE FUEL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,300. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES HAD PREMATURELY WORN AND CAUSED AN INCREASE IN STOPPI…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN A STOP SIGN. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKES HAD PREMATURELY WORN AND CAUSED AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED WORN BRAKE LINES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE LINES BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE VERY EXPENSIVE RIMS HAVE A LARGE CRACK IN AT LEAST ONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT OF COURSE THEY ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER CARE UNIT AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT INVESTIGATING THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO ONE I COULD TAL…
Read full complaint
THE VERY EXPENSIVE RIMS HAVE A LARGE CRACK IN AT LEAST ONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, BUT OF COURSE THEY ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I CALLED THE FORD CUSTOMER CARE UNIT AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING. WHEN I ASKED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT INVESTIGATING THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO ONE I COULD TALK TO. MANY OTHER FORD OWNERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE AND GETTING THE RESPONSE THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AND NOTHING PENDING. I REALLY FEEL THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH SO MANY OCCURRING AND FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. I DISCOVERED MY RIM FAILURE RIGHT AFTER I RETURNED FROM A TRIP TO COLORADO, HAULING MY CAMPER. IF IT HAD FAILED DURING THIS TRIP I FEEL CERTAIN MY SON AND I WOULD NOW BE DEAD. PLEASE HELP US IN GETTING FORD TO LOOK INTO THIS FURTHER. EVERYONE WHO HAS GONE TO A DEALER OR CALLED FORD IS BEING TOLD THEY HAVEN'T HEARD OF AN ISSUE AND THIS IS JUST NOT TRUE. CHECK THE WEBSITE WWW.NCFMA.ORG/NEWS/2010/03/02/SAFETY-ALERT-10-FORD-VEHICLES-STEEL-RIMSWHEELS/COMMENT-PAGE-1 FOR YOURSELF. THERE ARE SEVERAL WHO HAVE THIS ISSUE. *TR
I JUST RECIEVED A LETTER FROM FORD (LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02) TALKING ABOUT THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON FORD TRUCKS. THEY SAY TO CORRECT YOUR TIRE PRESSURE. I HAVE MY TIRE PRESSURE SET BY THE LOCAL DEALER ON A REGULAR BASIS AND BELIEVE ME THAT DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS SHIMMY PROBLEM. AT 40 TO 60 MPH IT CAN ACTUALLY TH…
Read full complaint
I JUST RECIEVED A LETTER FROM FORD (LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02) TALKING ABOUT THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON FORD TRUCKS. THEY SAY TO CORRECT YOUR TIRE PRESSURE. I HAVE MY TIRE PRESSURE SET BY THE LOCAL DEALER ON A REGULAR BASIS AND BELIEVE ME THAT DOES ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO PREVENT THIS SHIMMY PROBLEM. AT 40 TO 60 MPH IT CAN ACTUALLY THROW THE TRUCK SIDEWAYS. THIS LETTER (09L02) TO ME IS JUST A COVER UP OF A REAL PROBLEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN THERE SINCE NEW. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION TO THE HEAD. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSP…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION TO THE HEAD. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 11/04/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FREE SPINNING. THE GEAR BOX WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 11/14/11
Official recalls
111V352000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
Jul 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.