NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
274 reports35,000 miles · Jun 18, 2013
Engine
ANY TIME I GET ON THE INTERSTATE PULLING MY 7000 GVW TRAILER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CODE IS ALWAYS THE SAME, UNDER/OVER BOOST AND THEN YOU LIMP ALONG FOR A FEW MILES AND IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME IT'S HARD TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON WITHIN 10-15 MILES OF …
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ANY TIME I GET ON THE INTERSTATE PULLING MY 7000 GVW TRAILER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. THE CODE IS ALWAYS THE SAME, UNDER/OVER BOOST AND THEN YOU LIMP ALONG FOR A FEW MILES AND IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN. DURING THIS TIME IT'S HARD TO MAINTAIN A CONSTANT SPEED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON WITHIN 10-15 MILES OF HIGHWAY USE AT AROUND 60 - 65 MPH. EVERY OWNER THAT I TALK TO THAT HAS THE 6.0 LITRE DIESEL TELLS ME THAT THEY ALL DO THIS AND THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO INSTALL A EGR DELETE KIT AT AROUND $1,200.00. THIS WILL CURE THE PROBLEM BUT WILL POLLUTE THE AIR MORE. IT'S JUST A BAD DESIGN AND FORD'S NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS THE NHTSA STEPS IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520484
75,000 miles · May 7, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER CHECKING THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER CHECKING THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A COOLANT LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKETS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #10511004
63,000 miles · Apr 22, 2013
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGAN SHAKING AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE SHAKING WOULD BECOME WORSE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT DID NOT C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGAN SHAKING AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED A TURN. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE SHAKING WOULD BECOME WORSE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT DID NOT CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.
NHTSA ODI #10509143
100,000 miles · Apr 19, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF THE REPAIR PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER REPAIRS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508815
76,000 miles · Mar 27, 2013
SteeringSuspension
FORD F250 2006 4X4 SUPER DUTY LT. WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL SIGNIFICANT SPEED REDUCTION. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND CAN BE REPRODUCED. GOING TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPENER AS THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER WHO WILL NOT SAY IF THE…
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FORD F250 2006 4X4 SUPER DUTY LT. WHEN DRIVING AND HITTING MINOR BUMPS IN THE ROAD THE FRONT END WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL SIGNIFICANT SPEED REDUCTION. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND CAN BE REPRODUCED. GOING TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPENER AS THAT IS LESS EXPENSIVE THAN TAKING IT TO THE DEALER WHO WILL NOT SAY IF THEY HAVE HEARD OF THE ISSUE. COULD BE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IF IT HAPPENS UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504659
55,000 miles · Mar 15, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-60 MPH OR WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 30-60 MPH OR WHEN DRIVING OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED, BALANCED AND ALIGNED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
NHTSA ODI #10503173
53,000 miles · Feb 11, 2013
SteeringSuspension
FRONT END WOBBLE AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-50 MPH AFTER DRIVING OVER BUMPS. NO REPAIRS HELP THE CONDITION, FRONT END ALIGNMENT, WHEEL BALANCING/TOTATION OR NEW TIRES. PROPER TIRE INFLATION. FORD DEALER IS AWARE OF CONDITON AND REPAIRS BUT WONT PROVIDE ANY OTHER ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10497697
87,500 miles · Jan 23, 2013
Wheels
2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY CREW CAB 4X4 WITH FACTORY 20X8 ALLOY WHEELS. RT FRONT WHEEL CRACKED WITH NO IMPACT. CRACK IS APROX 10" LONG AND RUNS JUST BELOW THE BEAD FOR ABOUT 10" DID NOT LOOSE AIR. I WAS TURNING RT AND FELT A STRANGE JOLT KIND OF LIKE THE TIRE ROLLING OFF A SMALL ROCK. ONLY FELT IT ONCE. CONTINUED DRIVING TO …
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2006 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY CREW CAB 4X4 WITH FACTORY 20X8 ALLOY WHEELS. RT FRONT WHEEL CRACKED WITH NO IMPACT. CRACK IS APROX 10" LONG AND RUNS JUST BELOW THE BEAD FOR ABOUT 10" DID NOT LOOSE AIR. I WAS TURNING RT AND FELT A STRANGE JOLT KIND OF LIKE THE TIRE ROLLING OFF A SMALL ROCK. ONLY FELT IT ONCE. CONTINUED DRIVING TO WORK. LATER INSPECTED THE WHEEL AND FOUND THE CRACK. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO RECALLS ON THESE WHEELS. CALLED FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO BE TOLD THEY COULD NOT HELP. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF POSTINGS ON SIMILAR WHEEL CRACKS ON INTERNET FORUMS. IT APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM ON THESE TRUCKS IN THE 85000 MILE RANGE. *TR ## VIN FAILED ##
NHTSA ODI #10494463
70,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Steering
STEERING STICKS ONLY TO THE RIGHT CAUSING NOT ONLY ME BUT MY WIFE TO WRECK AT VARIOUS DIFFERENT SPEEDS. AFRAID ONE DAY ONE OF US WILL ACTUALLY WRECK WITH ONE OF OUR KIDS IN THE VEHICLE WITH US AND SERIOUS INJURY OCCURS. JUST WONDERING WHAT IT COULD BE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493144
56,000 miles · Nov 29, 2012
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60-70 MPH WHEN HE TRAVELED OVER A POT HOLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CON…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60-70 MPH WHEN HE TRAVELED OVER A POT HOLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10486471
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.
Illustration