NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
144 reportsClear category filter195,000 miles · Jun 10, 2011
Suspension
MY 17 YR OLD SON HAS AN '06 FORD F-250 SD CC LARIAT 4X4 TRUCK, WHICH I PURCHASED 12/09. HE BEGAN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS FRONT END "DEATH WOBBLE" EVERYONE ELSE IS COMPLAINING ABOUT. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, WHICH COST $210. BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, MY SON COMPLAINED AGAIN A WEEK…
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MY 17 YR OLD SON HAS AN '06 FORD F-250 SD CC LARIAT 4X4 TRUCK, WHICH I PURCHASED 12/09. HE BEGAN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS FRONT END "DEATH WOBBLE" EVERYONE ELSE IS COMPLAINING ABOUT. A MECHANIC REPLACED THE BUSHINGS IN THE FRONT TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM, WHICH COST $210. BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM, MY SON COMPLAINED AGAIN A WEEK LATER AND HIS NEW TIRES PURCHASED FALL 2010 WERE BASICALLY BARE. SO I DROVE THE TRUCK THROUGH DOWNTOWN ATLANTA ON I-85, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE HOV LANE AT 58 MPH IN A CURVE. THE FRONT END BEGAN SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY I COULD BARELY MAINTAIN MY LANE AND HAD CARS BESIDE, FRONT & REAR OF ME. THIS WOBBLE CAUSED A HUGE CUP OF CHANGE IN THE DASH CUPHOLDER TO SPEW LIKE A BUSTED WATER PIPE. WE JUST PUT NEW BF GOODRICH TIRES ON, BUT I'M CONCERNED THESE WON'T LAST A YEAR EITHER. HOW CAN IT BE FIXED? I'M VERY WORRIED FOR MY SON'S SAFETY. THIS IS A LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN FOR FORD, AND THIS PARTICULAR WEBSITE HAS A BLETHERA OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME DEATH WOBBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405877
40,173 miles · May 21, 2011
Suspension
UPON HITTING BUMPS ON ROADWAY I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF TRUCK FOR APPROX 2 TENTHS OF A MILE UNTIL I SLOWED DOWN. FRONT END SHOOK VIOLENTLY SOMEBODY IS GOING TO DIE IN ONE OF THESE DEATH TRAPS,I HOPE ITS NOT ONE OF MY KIDS
NHTSA ODI #10403273
15,000 miles · Apr 14, 2011
Suspension
I OWN A 2006 F - 250 SD, BOUGHT USED WITH < 6K MILES. I DRIVE IT TO HAUL AND TOW SEVERAL ITEMS AND IT HAS BEEN A GOOD TRUCK. THE ONLY MAJOR ISSUE IS THAT IF I HIT A UNEVEN SURFACE, RAILROAD TRACKS OR BUMPS WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 50 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRONT END FEELS AS IF TS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY AN…
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I OWN A 2006 F - 250 SD, BOUGHT USED WITH < 6K MILES. I DRIVE IT TO HAUL AND TOW SEVERAL ITEMS AND IT HAS BEEN A GOOD TRUCK. THE ONLY MAJOR ISSUE IS THAT IF I HIT A UNEVEN SURFACE, RAILROAD TRACKS OR BUMPS WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 50 MPH, THE ENTIRE FRONT END FEELS AS IF TS ABOUT TO FALL OFF. IT SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND THE STEERING BECOMES ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPEN I THOUGHT THAT I HAD A FLAT. I STOPPED THE TRUCK ASAP WHICH WAS DIFFICULT. I GOT OUT AND NOTICED NOTHING VISIBLY WRONG. THIS HAPPENED AFTER CROSSING A RR TRACKS THAT IS FAILRY SMOOTH, AND LOCATED ON A FOUR LANE. TIRE PRESSURE IS CHECKED OFTEN (EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS) AND IS INFLATED TO THE STANDARD. I NOW KNOW IF I'M TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE I MUST SLOW DOWN TO AVOID AN INCIDENT FROM OCCURRING. IT APPEARS THAT MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN BUT HAVE FALLING ON DEAF EARS. IT WILL LIKELY TAKE A DEATH FOR SOMEONE TO ACT. TIRE PRESSURE IS NOT THE ISSUE. A SERIOUS AND UNDERMINED ISSUES REMAIN. I INVITE YOU TO COME AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND GO OVER THE SAME RR CROSSING I DID, THEN YOU MAY UNDERSTAND THE CONCERN. A RECALL HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR LESS AND NEEDS ATTENTION NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395888
130,000 miles · Dec 2, 2010
SteeringSuspension
2006 F250 SD DIESEL SHAKES EXTREMELY VIOLENTLY WHEN CRUISING AT 55MPH+ AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. TRUCK IS UNCONTROLLABLE, DIFFICULT TO AVOID OTHER CARS. SLOWING TO ABOUT 35 MPH WILL RESOLVE THE SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN 11 MONTHS, BOTH TOWING TRAILERS, EMPTY, ETC. TIRE PRESSURE, JOINTS, BEARINGS, DAMPENER…
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2006 F250 SD DIESEL SHAKES EXTREMELY VIOLENTLY WHEN CRUISING AT 55MPH+ AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. TRUCK IS UNCONTROLLABLE, DIFFICULT TO AVOID OTHER CARS. SLOWING TO ABOUT 35 MPH WILL RESOLVE THE SITUATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN 11 MONTHS, BOTH TOWING TRAILERS, EMPTY, ETC. TIRE PRESSURE, JOINTS, BEARINGS, DAMPENER, ALIGNMENT ETC ARE ALL FINE. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE EXTREMELY COMMON AMONG 2005-2006 F250 OWNERS, NO PERMANENT SOLUTION IS KNOWN BY FORD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368643
32,004 miles · Nov 23, 2010
SteeringSuspension
2006 FORD SUPERDUTY CREW CAB F-250 4X4 DIESEL THIS VEHICLE HAS ON MANY OCCASIONS STARTED WOBBLING SO BAD AFTER HITTING A BUMP THAT IT IS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO GET YOU TO DO SOMETHING BESIDES SLAP FORD MOTOR ON THE WRIST. I KNOW YOU HAVE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS…
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2006 FORD SUPERDUTY CREW CAB F-250 4X4 DIESEL THIS VEHICLE HAS ON MANY OCCASIONS STARTED WOBBLING SO BAD AFTER HITTING A BUMP THAT IT IS OUT OF CONTROL AND THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO GET YOU TO DO SOMETHING BESIDES SLAP FORD MOTOR ON THE WRIST. I KNOW YOU HAVE HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS JUST LIKE MINE ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. ALL FORD HAS DONE IS ISSUE A VAGUE TSB THAT DOES NOT EVEN ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I DEMAND A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE UNTIL THEY CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF MY OWN MONEY TRYING TO FIX MY TRUCK AND I STILL AM HAVING THIS PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MOST OF THE ISSUE IS IN THE STEERING BOX USED ON THIS VEHICLE AND FORD SHOULD RE-DESIGN AND FIX THIS ISSUE ON THEIR OWN DIME. ALOT OF US HAVE PAID $50,000 FOR A VEHICLE THAT WE ARE TOO SCARED TO PUT OUR FAMILY IN AND DRIVE. MY WIFE REFUSES TO EVEN RIDE IN IT ANYMORE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10367233
24,000 miles · Sep 28, 2010
Suspension
I HAVE A 2006 F250 SUPERDUTY XLT, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHAKES IN THE FRONT END WHEN I HIT A SMALL BUMP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ANYTHING OVER 50 MPH, SO BAD THAT I THINK MY DOORS ARE GOING TO POP OPEN. I DO LOSE BRIEF CONTROL, AND LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO GAIN CONTROL WITHOUT BRAKING. I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD REGARDING T…
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I HAVE A 2006 F250 SUPERDUTY XLT, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY SHAKES IN THE FRONT END WHEN I HIT A SMALL BUMP AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ANYTHING OVER 50 MPH, SO BAD THAT I THINK MY DOORS ARE GOING TO POP OPEN. I DO LOSE BRIEF CONTROL, AND LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR TO GAIN CONTROL WITHOUT BRAKING. I HAVE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM FORD REGARDING THIS ISSUE STATING TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. I HAVE COMPLIED WITH THIS BUT STILL IS A FACTOR REGARDLESS. I DO NOT HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO DO ANY EXPENSIVE UPGRADES OR REPAIRS. THIS IS A FORD ISSUE! THEY NEED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT KILLS MANY PEOPLE. THIS STARTED WHEN THE TRUCK WAS FAIRLY NEW AND IT ONLY HAS 38,000 MILES NOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM ALL OVER THE US THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED! I CAN'T GIVE A DATE BECAUSE IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358161
88,000 miles · Sep 28, 2010
SteeringSuspension
MY 2006 F250 SD FRONT END SHAKES VERY BAD OVER POT HOLES AND STOPS WHEN I GET UNDER 20 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10358146
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2010
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE A STOCK 2006 FORD F-250 WITH STOCK WHEELS AND TIRES AND AT STOCK HEIGHT. SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FROM BRAND NEW AROUND 60MPH THE TRUCK SHAKES AND WOBBLES VIOLENTLY. AND WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS IT HAS WITH SO MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357952
14,300 miles · Sep 27, 2010
Suspension
I HAVE OWNED MY 2006 FORD SD SINCE DECEMBER 2008. SHORTLY AFTER WINTER DURING HIGH WAY DRIVING I EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING IN THE FRONT END AFTER HITTING A POT WHOLE. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAS CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD EXPLAINING THAT I NEED TO KEEP THE TIRE PRESSURE AT…
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I HAVE OWNED MY 2006 FORD SD SINCE DECEMBER 2008. SHORTLY AFTER WINTER DURING HIGH WAY DRIVING I EXPERIENCED VIOLENT SHAKING IN THE FRONT END AFTER HITTING A POT WHOLE. I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD HAS CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD EXPLAINING THAT I NEED TO KEEP THE TIRE PRESSURE AT THE RECOMMENDED LEVEL OR IT WOULD CAUSE THE SHAKING. BUT THE AIR PRESSURE DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I BECAME TOO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ON ANY EXPRESS WAYS AND LIMITED DRIVING IT IN TOWN AND NON-EXPRESSWAY ROADS. AFTER A YEAR AND A HALF THIS VIOLENT SHAKING, I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I BECAME TO AFRAID THIS VEHICLE WOULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I STILL OWN THIS VEHICLE BUT I ONLY TRUST IT IN TOWN DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357936
60,000 miles · Sep 15, 2010
Suspension
I HAVE A 2006 FORD F250 CREW CAB DIESEL 4X4 TRUCK THAT HAS WHAT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WERE THE FRONT END SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AT ABOUT 55-65 MPH AFTER PASSING OVER AN UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD OR A BUMP. I MUST SLOW DOWN TO 35-40 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. I HAVE 75000 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND IT STARTED ABOUT 15000 MILES AGO. I H…
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I HAVE A 2006 FORD F250 CREW CAB DIESEL 4X4 TRUCK THAT HAS WHAT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WERE THE FRONT END SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AT ABOUT 55-65 MPH AFTER PASSING OVER AN UNEVEN PATCH OF ROAD OR A BUMP. I MUST SLOW DOWN TO 35-40 MPH TO MAKE IT STOP. I HAVE 75000 MILES ON THE TRUCK AND IT STARTED ABOUT 15000 MILES AGO. I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK AND THE PITMAN ARM WITH NO RELIEF. I DO NOT HAVE THE OLD PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355827
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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