NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 27, 2023
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy t…
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Ford super duty has been in shop for death wobble numerous times and when we get vehicle back still is the issue. Very unsafe and hard to stable once it starts. Even auto shop people when thought fixed drove and scared them. Whole truck shakes uncontrollably. Very poor on Ford for no recall with this happening. Why buy truck if you can’t drive it for work duties.
NHTSA ODI #11509238
168,000 miles · Jan 6, 2020
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON INTERSTATE 10 CROSSING OVER SIEGEN LANE, TRUCK PASSED OVER SMALL BUMP IN INTERSTATE AND STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK ALMOST TO THE POINT OF NO CONTROL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT MY TRUCK. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND ALL TIRES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I STARTED AGAIN THE VEH…
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WHILE TRAVELING EAST BOUND ON INTERSTATE 10 CROSSING OVER SIEGEN LANE, TRUCK PASSED OVER SMALL BUMP IN INTERSTATE AND STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE ENTIRE TRUCK ALMOST TO THE POINT OF NO CONTROL. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO INSPECT MY TRUCK. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND ALL TIRES WERE IN GOOD CONDITION. WHEN I STARTED AGAIN THE VEHICLE WAS FINE. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF 12 INCIDENTS OF WHAT I HAVE COME TO KNOW FROM RESEARCH AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE TAKEN MY TRUCK THE THE FORD DEALERSHIP ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO CORRECT THE ISSUE TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND FORD CANNOT FIGURE OUT THE ISSUE. THIS IS THE MOST UNNERVING EXPERIENCE. THIS WAS A $70000 VEHICLE WHICH HAS BEEN KEPT UP TO DATE ON ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN WRECKED OR EVER TAKE OFF ROAD. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN ENGINEERING AND SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI #11298690
70,000 miles · Jul 25, 2019
SteeringSuspension
VEHICLE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 70,000. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-65 MPH ANY MINOR BUMP WILL CAUSE TRUCK TO BEGIN TO VIBRATE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES IT WORSE UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN BELOW 35MPH. THE TRUCK IS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED DURING THIS EVENT. I HAVE TAKEN …
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VEHICLE MILEAGE APPROXIMATELY 70,000. AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 35-65 MPH ANY MINOR BUMP WILL CAUSE TRUCK TO BEGIN TO VIBRATE THROUGHOUT THE STEERING SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENTLY WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. APPLYING THE BRAKES MAKES IT WORSE UNTIL THE TRUCK SLOWS DOWN BELOW 35MPH. THE TRUCK IS NOT ABLE TO BE STEERED DURING THIS EVENT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL REPUTABLE MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE ASSURED ME THIS DISCREPANCY IS IN MANY F-250S AND NO ONE HAS THE COMPLETE SOLUTION. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY HAVE NO INTEREST OR EXPECTATION OF A RECALL. THEY DID TELL ME TO TAKE IT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A QUOTE TO REPLACE- TIE RODS, TIE ROD ENDS, BALL JOINTS, DRAG LINK, AND 'STEERING COMPONENTS'. THEY SAID IT WAS THE SECOND TRUCK BROUGHT IN THIS WEEK. THE WOULD WARRANTY THE PARTS BUT NOT THE PROBLEM AND THIS WOULD HELP ELIMINATE WHICH COMPONENTS WERE THE CULPRIT. SO IN EFFECT I'D BE PAYING TO REBUILD THE FRONT END AND NOT NECESSARILY FIX THE MOST DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE IN I'VE HAD IN A VEHICLE. NHTSA PLEASE DO A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AND HELP HOLD FORD ACCOUNTABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11234703
48,000 miles · Feb 20, 2019
SteeringSuspension
OWNED TRUCK FOR LESS THAN A YEAR, I HAD LESS THAN 50,000 MILES ON TRUCK AND HAD 'DEATH WOBBLE' ON HIGHWAY MULTIPLE TIMES. AFTER A $1000+ BILL FROM THE DEALERSHIP, IT STILL HAPPENS BUT NOT TO THE SAME EXTENT AS ORIGINALLY.
NHTSA ODI #11181289
90,000 miles · Nov 26, 2018
Suspension
EXPERIENCING WHAT IS KNOWN AS "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE PAVEMENT, VEHICLE BEGINS SHAKING (SOMETIMES VIOLENTLY). MUST APPLY BRAKES AND SLOW SPEED TO REMEDY
NHTSA ODI #11153747
80,000 miles · Nov 21, 2018
SteeringSuspensionWheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE WOBBLE WAS TO REDUCE THE SPEED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO WOBBLE VIOLENTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE WOBBLE WAS TO REDUCE THE SPEED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONE OTHER TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KENLY FORD INC (500 S GARNER AVE, KENLY, NC 27542) WHERE THE STEERING ARM AND TORSION BAR WERE REPLACED, AND AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11153140
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2017
Suspension
DEATH RATTLE YOU HIT BUMP IN HIGHWAY AND STARTS TO SHAKE ALL OVER, LIKE THE WHEELS ARE GOING TO FLY OFF.
NHTSA ODI #11054883
98,000 miles · Oct 26, 2016
SteeringSuspension
AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 40-60 MPH THE FRONT OF THE TRUCK SHAKES/VIBRATES VIOLENTLY. THE TRUCK BECOMES DANGEROUS AND IS NO LONGER STEERABLE UNLESS YOU STOP COMPLETELY.
NHTSA ODI #10919144
20,000 miles · Apr 11, 2016
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
SEVERAL TIMES, AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, GENERALLY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH, I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME "SHIMMY" IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING LIMITED CONTROL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND AFTER REPLACING SEVERAL PARTS THEY WERE STILL NOT AB…
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SEVERAL TIMES, AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, GENERALLY AT SPEEDS OVER 50 MPH, I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME "SHIMMY" IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING LIMITED CONTROL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND AFTER REPLACING SEVERAL PARTS THEY WERE STILL NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP AND HAD SEVERAL OTHER PARTS REPLACED AND STILL NO RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. BALANCING AND TIRE PRESSURE HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED BY THE DEALER AS WELL AS OTHER CERTIFIED MECHANICS. DUE TO THE LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN THIS WOBBLE OCCURS, I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE
NHTSA ODI #10854813
29,000 miles · Mar 14, 2016
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension
THE VEHICLE HAS 34,000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. THIS ISSUE FIRST BEGAN ON I95 @ 29,000MI. WHEN HITTING A BUMP, SUCH AS BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE BOUNCING OFF THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSING ABS ACTIVATION. THE SHAKING GETS WORS…
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THE VEHICLE HAS 34,000 HIGHWAY MILES ON IT. THIS ISSUE FIRST BEGAN ON I95 @ 29,000MI. WHEN HITTING A BUMP, SUCH AS BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS BECAUSE THE TIRES ARE BOUNCING OFF THE ROAD SURFACE CAUSING ABS ACTIVATION. THE SHAKING GETS WORSE UNTIL IT COMES ALMOST TO A STOP. VERY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY IN LANE 1 AT 75 MPH WITH CARS ALL AROUND. THE PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE TRACK BAR. THIS PROBLEM IS UNSAFE AND WELL DOCUMENTED ON SITES SUCH AS YOUTUBE. THE TRACK BAR ISSUE DOES OCCUR ON SOLID AXEL 4X4 VEHICLES WITH HIGH MILEAGE (200,000) BUT NOT ON LOW MILEAGE TRUCKS LIKE MY F250. I HAVE REPLACED TRACK BAR BALL JOINT AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT HAS NOW WORE OUR AGAIN CAUSING A RECURRENCE OF THE ISSUE. VERY DANGEROUS EFFECTING STEERING AND BRAKING. I CAN SEND VIDEO OF THIS OCCURRING IF NEEDED.
NHTSA ODI #10849651
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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