NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
149 reports145,000 miles · Jan 2, 2020
SteeringSuspension
'DEATH WOBBLE': WHILE DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD WAYS AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH TO 80 MPH IT SUDDENLY GOES INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE. THE SHAKE IS SO VIOLENT THAT OBJECTS ON THE SEATS AND IN THE BOX ARE THROWN AROUND, EVEN HEAVY OBJECTS SUCH AS 30 POUND PROPANE TANKS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKE IS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND REDUCE T…
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'DEATH WOBBLE': WHILE DRIVING ON PAVED ROAD WAYS AT SPEEDS OF 60 MPH TO 80 MPH IT SUDDENLY GOES INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE. THE SHAKE IS SO VIOLENT THAT OBJECTS ON THE SEATS AND IN THE BOX ARE THROWN AROUND, EVEN HEAVY OBJECTS SUCH AS 30 POUND PROPANE TANKS. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKE IS TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND REDUCE THE SPEED TO UNDER 40 MPH. BUMPS IN THE ROAD CAN INDUCE THE SHAKE IF THE SPEED IS AROUND 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11296612
165,000 miles · Dec 30, 2019
Service Brakes
ON 12-24-19 I WAS DRIVING ~55 MPH ON A 2 LANE ROAD AND HAD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR IN FRONT OF ME IN WHICH I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID THE WRECK. MY TRUCK SLOWED BUT NOT LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND I HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE SHOULDER TO AVOID CONTACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES. THE BRAKES MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR HAD BLOW OFF CAUSING M…
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ON 12-24-19 I WAS DRIVING ~55 MPH ON A 2 LANE ROAD AND HAD AN ACCIDENT OCCUR IN FRONT OF ME IN WHICH I HAD TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID THE WRECK. MY TRUCK SLOWED BUT NOT LIKE IT WAS SUPPOSED TO AND I HAD TO SWERVE OFF THE SHOULDER TO AVOID CONTACT WITH OTHER VEHICLES. THE BRAKES MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR HAD BLOW OFF CAUSING MY TRUCK TO LOOSE BRAKE FLUID AND THE USE OF MY BRAKES.
NHTSA ODI #11292084
150,000 miles · Dec 27, 2019
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE SWITCHING LANES AT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STOPPED SHAKING AND WAS DRIVEN TO ITS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT CALLED HOFFMAN FORD (5200 JONESTOWN RD, HARRISBURG, PA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-350. WHILE SWITCHING LANES AT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN THE CONTACT RELEASED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE STOPPED SHAKING AND WAS DRIVEN TO ITS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT CALLED HOFFMAN FORD (5200 JONESTOWN RD, HARRISBURG, PA 17112, (717) 657-1600) AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OBSERVE THE SUSPENSION FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AGGRESSIVELY FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRACK BAR ATTACHED TO THE BALL JOINT SHOULD TURN FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11291533
50,000 miles · Dec 22, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper
FREQUENTLY ON DAMP AND COLD DAYS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTS MALFUNCTIONING. THE WIPERS FAIL TO WORK. THE LIGHTS (HEAD, PARKING FOG, BLINKERS) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE TRUCK DON'T WORK. WHEN I REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE TRUCK THE RADIO AND ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN AFTER I TRY TO LOCK THE DOORS. SOMETIMES THE RADIO…
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FREQUENTLY ON DAMP AND COLD DAYS, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTS MALFUNCTIONING. THE WIPERS FAIL TO WORK. THE LIGHTS (HEAD, PARKING FOG, BLINKERS) ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE TRUCK DON'T WORK. WHEN I REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE TRUCK THE RADIO AND ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON EVEN AFTER I TRY TO LOCK THE DOORS. SOMETIMES THE RADIO RANDOMLY TURNS ON WHILE I'M NOT IN THE TRUCK. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK THE POWER STEERING SEEMS TO FREEZE UP AND THE TRUCK PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT. WHENEVER THE TRUCK IS TURNED ON THERE IS A LOUD HUMMING NOISE THAT COMES FROM UNDER THE HOOD.
NHTSA ODI #11290749
164,000 miles · Dec 14, 2019
Power Train
DRIVING ~ 55MPH ON HIGHWAY 146 AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSNISSON SWITCHED GEARS AND LOCKED UP REAR TIRES AND TRUCK DIED, HEARD A LOUD POP AND TIRES BEGAN ROLLING AGAIN. I RESTARTED THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL WHILE STILL ROLLING ON HIGHWAY, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED JUMPING GEARS THEN LOCKED INTO 5TH GEAR. I WAS…
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DRIVING ~ 55MPH ON HIGHWAY 146 AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TRANSNISSON SWITCHED GEARS AND LOCKED UP REAR TIRES AND TRUCK DIED, HEARD A LOUD POP AND TIRES BEGAN ROLLING AGAIN. I RESTARTED THE TRUCK IN NEUTRAL WHILE STILL ROLLING ON HIGHWAY, SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED JUMPING GEARS THEN LOCKED INTO 5TH GEAR. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME 30 MILES IN 5TH GEAR AND ONCE HOME I INSPECTED AND THE TRUCK HAD NO REVERSE. ONLY 5TH GEAR WORKED. I HAD IT REPLACED WITH A REMAN TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #11288986
225,000 miles · Dec 10, 2019
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD AND NOT CHANGING SPEED, THE TRUCK WILL RANDOMLY START TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. "DEATH WOBBLE". THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STOP WOBBLING IS TO DRAMATICALLY SLOW DOWN . IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND AT VARYING SPEEDS. WHEN IT HAPPENS I HAVE VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE IT'S EXTREMELY…
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WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT STRETCH OF ROAD AND NOT CHANGING SPEED, THE TRUCK WILL RANDOMLY START TO VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY. "DEATH WOBBLE". THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STOP WOBBLING IS TO DRAMATICALLY SLOW DOWN . IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND AT VARYING SPEEDS. WHEN IT HAPPENS I HAVE VERY LITTLE CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS
NHTSA ODI #11288109
225,000 miles · Dec 2, 2019
SteeringSuspension
FORD DEATH WOBBLE, DEFECT IN FRONT STEERING DAMPING SHOCK CAUSES TRUCK TO SEVERELY START SHAKING WHEN 1 WHEEL HITS RIPPLE IN ROAD. YOU CANT STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKING OF TRUCK WITHOUT ALMOST STOPPING TRUCK. IT SHAKES ENTIRE TRUCK. HAPPENS ON HIGHWAYS WITH RIPPLES IN PAVEMENT OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT SPEEDS AROUND 60 MPH OR HIGHER. F…
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FORD DEATH WOBBLE, DEFECT IN FRONT STEERING DAMPING SHOCK CAUSES TRUCK TO SEVERELY START SHAKING WHEN 1 WHEEL HITS RIPPLE IN ROAD. YOU CANT STOP THE VIOLENT SHAKING OF TRUCK WITHOUT ALMOST STOPPING TRUCK. IT SHAKES ENTIRE TRUCK. HAPPENS ON HIGHWAYS WITH RIPPLES IN PAVEMENT OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT SPEEDS AROUND 60 MPH OR HIGHER. FORD WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. DEALERSHIP PUTS AFTER MARKET DUAL STEERING STABILIZER KIT ON FRONT END AT PRICE OF $600.00
NHTSA ODI #11286274
47,000 miles · Nov 30, 2019
Steering
I HAVE SERIOUS SHIMMYING AND WOBBLING IN THE FRONT END OF MY PICKUP. WHEN TRAVELING 60 PLUS MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11283022
145,000 miles · Nov 11, 2019
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
TRUCK HAS STARTED THE INFAMOUS "DEATH WOBBLE" ABOUT THREW ME OFF THE HIGHWAY GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR WITH A TRAILER. TRUCK FEELS LIKE A WHEEL IS GOING TO COME OFF AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT HAPPENED 1 TIME AND I TALKED TO A MECHANIC ABOUT IT HE SAID TO GET A NEW STEERING STABILIZER SO I REPLACED IT WITH AN UPGRAD…
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TRUCK HAS STARTED THE INFAMOUS "DEATH WOBBLE" ABOUT THREW ME OFF THE HIGHWAY GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR WITH A TRAILER. TRUCK FEELS LIKE A WHEEL IS GOING TO COME OFF AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT HAPPENED 1 TIME AND I TALKED TO A MECHANIC ABOUT IT HE SAID TO GET A NEW STEERING STABILIZER SO I REPLACED IT WITH AN UPGRADE AND IT IS DOING IT EVERY TIME I GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND GET OVER 60 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11279414
72,332 miles · Oct 16, 2019
Engine
THE DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT JUST STARTED MAKING A LOUD EXHAUST LEAK.
NHTSA ODI #11269032
Official recalls
4Aug 13, 2014
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
Oct 30, 2013
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
Aug 23, 2013
Manning Equipment Inc. LLC (Manning) is recalling certain model year 2012 Ford F-350, F-450 and F-550 gasoline engined dual rear wheel chassis vehicles manufactured October 2011 through June 2012. The tailpipe on the exhaust system does not extend out beyond the edge of the body, allowing heat to build up in rear curbside storage compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Excessive heat build up in rear compartment could result in fire.
Remedy: Manning Equipment has notified owners, and dealers will install tailpipe extensions free of charge. The recall has already begun. Owners may contact Manning Equipment at 1-502-426-5210.
Dec 8, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, THEFT PROTECTION. THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.
Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE 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
1RQ14005 · Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Opened Jan 13, 2015 · Closed Mar 15, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
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