NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
30 reportsClear category filter156,000 miles · Aug 27, 2020
SuspensionVehicle Speed Control
WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE TRUCK HAS EXPERIENCE THE "DEATH WOBBLE". AT FIRST IT STARTED AT NORMAL MICHIGAN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUT IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND MORE REPEATABLE, AND OCCURRING A LOWER SPEEDS. ESSENTIALLY IF YOU HIT A TYPICAL HIGHWAY BUMP THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL FORCE YOU TO R…
Read full complaint
WITHIN THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE TRUCK HAS EXPERIENCE THE "DEATH WOBBLE". AT FIRST IT STARTED AT NORMAL MICHIGAN HIGHWAY SPEEDS, BUT IT HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT AND MORE REPEATABLE, AND OCCURRING A LOWER SPEEDS. ESSENTIALLY IF YOU HIT A TYPICAL HIGHWAY BUMP THE VEHICLE WILL BEGIN TO SHAKE COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL FORCE YOU TO RAPIDLY DECELERATE OR BRAKE QUICKLY ON A HIGHWAY UNTIL IT STOPS. THIS TRUCK HAS A STOCK SUSPENSION AND ABOUT 150K MILES. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SUSPENSION SHOP THEY CANNOT IDENTIFY ANY FAILED COMPONENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11351712
125,000 miles · Aug 18, 2020
SteeringSuspension
THE TRUCK DEVELOPS A SEVERE SHAKE/WOBBLE IN FRONT END WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE TRUCK IS HARD TO CONTROL AND HAS TO BE SLOWED CONSIDERABLY BEFORE IT STOPS THE WOBBLE AND CAN BE CONTROLLED.
NHTSA ODI #11350097
121,000 miles · Mar 4, 2020
SteeringSuspension
WHEN HITTING A BUMP WHILE TRAVELING ABOVE 65MPH, THE TRUCK WILL GO INTO AN UNCONTROLLABLE SHAPE (DEATH WOBBLE) UNTIL YOU SLOW TO BELOW 50MPH
NHTSA ODI #11316064
92,568 miles · Dec 2, 2019
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
A FORD TRUCK "DEATH WOBBLE" ALLEGES F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING LINKAGE AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. THE PROPOSED CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INCLUDES CURRENT AND FORMER OWNERS AND LESSEES OF 2005-2019 FORD F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS. HOWEVER, THE PLAINTIFF SAYS THE FORD DEALERSHIP DENIED THE WOBBLE PROBLEM AND …
Read full complaint
A FORD TRUCK "DEATH WOBBLE" ALLEGES F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING LINKAGE AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS. THE PROPOSED CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT INCLUDES CURRENT AND FORMER OWNERS AND LESSEES OF 2005-2019 FORD F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS. HOWEVER, THE PLAINTIFF SAYS THE FORD DEALERSHIP DENIED THE WOBBLE PROBLEM AND REFUSED TO REPAIR THE TRUCK UNDER WARRANTY. THE FORD TRUCK DEATH WOBBLE LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN THE U.S. DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA - WILLIAM LESSIN, ET AL., V. FORD MOTOR COMPANY.
NHTSA ODI #11286454
120,000 miles · Oct 31, 2019
SteeringSuspensionCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 56 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE WOBBLE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THEY REPLACED ALMOST ALL COMPONENTS IN THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK INCLUDING THE TRA…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 56 MILES PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY WHEN I EXPERIENCED A HORRIBLE WOBBLE OF THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED AND TOOK IT TO THE NEAREST DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS. THEY REPLACED ALMOST ALL COMPONENTS IN THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK INCLUDING THE TRACK BAR, STABILIZER, BEARINGS, AND ALL ASSOCIATED BUSHINGS. SEVERAL DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING ON A DIFFERENT ROAD AROUND 60 MILES PER HOUR AND EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11277335
171,521 miles · Mar 7, 2019
SteeringSuspension
MY FORD F350 SUPER DUTY 4WD HAS HAD THE FRONT END REBUILT 3 TIMES FOR WHAT IS COMMONLY CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 60 TO 75 MPH ON STRAIGHT DRY PAVEMENT THE FRONT END WHEELS WILL START AN OSCILLATING AND UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT THAT IS SO VIOLENT THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL. T…
Read full complaint
MY FORD F350 SUPER DUTY 4WD HAS HAD THE FRONT END REBUILT 3 TIMES FOR WHAT IS COMMONLY CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 60 TO 75 MPH ON STRAIGHT DRY PAVEMENT THE FRONT END WHEELS WILL START AN OSCILLATING AND UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT THAT IS SO VIOLENT THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO HOLD ON TO THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SHAKING OF THE VEHICLE IS SO PRONOUNCED THAT ITEMS FLY OUT OF DOOR POCKETS, THE CONSOLE AND CUP HOLDERS. VEHICLES BEHIND ME AND NEXT TO ME ARE FORCED TO APPLY THEIR BRAKES IN AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE TO A POSSIBLE COLLISION. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM OVER MULTIPLE YEAR MODELS AND FORD IS DOING NOTHING TO SOLVE IT. YOU CAN SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR "FORD DEATH WOBBLE" AND VIEW MANY VIDEOS TAKEN OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11184839
107,500 miles · Jul 2, 2018
SteeringSuspension
2013 F350 FRONT END VIOLENT SHAKING AFTER RUNNING OVER A BUMP ON HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH,THIS MADE THE TRUCK LOSE ALL STEERING CONTROL. WITH APPLIED BRAKING THE SITUATION ONLY GOT WORSE. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP ON THE CENTER LINE CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH OTHER VEHICLES AROUND. WE ONLY GAINED CONTROL OF THE SITUATION …
Read full complaint
2013 F350 FRONT END VIOLENT SHAKING AFTER RUNNING OVER A BUMP ON HIGHWAY GOING 60 MPH,THIS MADE THE TRUCK LOSE ALL STEERING CONTROL. WITH APPLIED BRAKING THE SITUATION ONLY GOT WORSE. THE VEHICLE ENDED UP ON THE CENTER LINE CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH OTHER VEHICLES AROUND. WE ONLY GAINED CONTROL OF THE SITUATION WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWED TO 45 MPH. THIS SITUATION OCCURRED TWICE IN ONE DAY.
NHTSA ODI #11105056
Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension
WHILE OUR TRUCK ON A NORMAL HIGHWAY WITH MINOR IRREGULARITIES AND SOME ROUGH SURFACES AT A SPEED OF 60 TO 70 MPH, THE TRUCK WILL START TO OSCILLATE TO THE POINT OF INDUCING A VIOLENTLY STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND AN UNCONTROLLABLE BOUNCE OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST 2-MONTHS WHEN I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK …
Read full complaint
WHILE OUR TRUCK ON A NORMAL HIGHWAY WITH MINOR IRREGULARITIES AND SOME ROUGH SURFACES AT A SPEED OF 60 TO 70 MPH, THE TRUCK WILL START TO OSCILLATE TO THE POINT OF INDUCING A VIOLENTLY STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND AN UNCONTROLLABLE BOUNCE OF THE FRONT WHEELS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE IN THE PAST 2-MONTHS WHEN I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY. THE TRUCK IS PRIMARILY DRIVEN IN TOWN, I AM NOW SCARED TO GO ON THE ROAD WITH THE TRUCK AS THE CONDITION SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE. I HAVE TO BRAKE QUICKLY AND STEER THE TRUCK TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO STOP THE OSCILLATION. THE SHAKING IS HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT BOTH TIMES WITH THE VEHICLE BEING VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. ONLY AFTER SLOWING TO APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DOES THE OSCILLATION STOP. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM, I AM PERPLEXED WHY FORD OR THE NTHSA HAVE NOT STEPPED FORWARD TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE, SOMEONE WILL BE HURT OR KILLED IF A SOLUTION IS NOT FOUND. WE HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK NOW TO TWO DIFFERENT CERTIFIED FORD DEALERSHIPS AFTER EACH INCIDENT EACH TIME WE WERE TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THIS SOMETIMES HAPPENS WITH THESE TRUCKS. THIS CAN'T SERIOUSLY BE TRUE? AFTER DOING RESEARCH I'VE FOUND THAT THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AS THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN TERMED BY THE MASSES IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN FOR MANY YEARS NOT FOR THE SELECT FEW CONSUMERS BUT FOR SO MANY.
NHTSA ODI #11025099
53,000 miles · Jul 24, 2017
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-350. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK WHEN MAKING CONTACT WITH A BUMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN THE SHAKING OCCURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHIL LONG …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD F-350. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHOOK WHEN MAKING CONTACT WITH A BUMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN THE SHAKING OCCURRED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PHIL LONG FORD OF MOTOR CITY (1212 MOTOR CITY DR, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905 (719) 694-3487) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE (DEATH WOBBLE). THE BALL JOINTS, TRACKING BAR BUSHINGS, SPRING MOUTH, STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK, AND ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA ODI #11010308
70,000 miles · Dec 20, 2016
Suspension
DEATH WOBBLE IN MOTION USUALLY ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI #10936446
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.
Illustration