NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
60 reports1,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN MINUTES OR MORE BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONED. MOST RECENTLY, THE CONTACT TAPPED THE STARTER SOLENOID REPEATEDLY TO ST…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONTACT WAITED TEN MINUTES OR MORE BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTIONED. MOST RECENTLY, THE CONTACT TAPPED THE STARTER SOLENOID REPEATEDLY TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE STARTER SOLENOID ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. .. ..UPDATED 10/21/14 *BF UPDATED 4/1/15 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10638105
150,000 miles · Jun 20, 2014
Engine
EGL COOLER FAILURE, WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSED BY COOLANT ENTERING INTO THE EMISSION SYSTEM. "ON ALL 6.0 ENGINES THE EGL COOLER WILL FAIL." THIS PROBLEM IS SO "MASSIVE" WITH SO MANY "MASSIVE COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS" THAT FORD HAS DONE TWO THINGS 1) DESIGNED A BY-PASS KIT AND 2) RE-DESIGNED THE ENGINE…
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EGL COOLER FAILURE, WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE CAUSED BY COOLANT ENTERING INTO THE EMISSION SYSTEM. "ON ALL 6.0 ENGINES THE EGL COOLER WILL FAIL." THIS PROBLEM IS SO "MASSIVE" WITH SO MANY "MASSIVE COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS" THAT FORD HAS DONE TWO THINGS 1) DESIGNED A BY-PASS KIT AND 2) RE-DESIGNED THE ENGINE TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM (6.7 ENGINE). WHEN THE EGL COOLER FAILS, FORD OFFERS TWO SOLUTIONS TO THE CUSTOMER 1) INSTALL THE BY-PASS KIT AND THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED (AT A COST OF $4500) OR 2) REPAIR THE EGL COOLER TO BRING IT "BACK TO FACTORY" (AT A COST OF $4300). FORD TELLS CUSTOMERS THAT IF OPTION 2 IS CHOSEN, THE "EGL COOLER WILL FAIL AGAIN". ALL QUOTES USED ARE DIRECT QUOTES FROM FORD'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604676
42,000 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA ODI #10562948
73,911 miles · Dec 27, 2013
Steering
PRONOUNCED AND SEVERE SHIMMY AND OSCILLATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROADWAY AND ON UNEVEN DRIVING SURFACES. FORD DEALER CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED A TRACKING BAR AND THE STEERING DAMPER. THESE REPAIRS HELPED BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE ISSUE. NEW OEM TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2,0…
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PRONOUNCED AND SEVERE SHIMMY AND OSCILLATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN TRAVELING OVER SMALL BUMPS OR DIPS IN THE ROADWAY AND ON UNEVEN DRIVING SURFACES. FORD DEALER CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM AND REPLACED A TRACKING BAR AND THE STEERING DAMPER. THESE REPAIRS HELPED BUT DID NOT ELIMINATE THE ISSUE. NEW OEM TIRES WERE INSTALLED 2,000 MILES AFTER THE FORD REPAIR. AS OF DEC 2013 THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 78,578 MILES WHICH IS ONLY 5,000 MILES SINCE THE REPAIR AND 3,000 MILES SINCE NEW OEM TIRES AND THE SAME SEVERE SHIMMY AND OSCILLATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL IS OCCURRING AGAIN. IN DEC 2013 I RECEIVED SPECIAL FIELD ACTION LETTER 09L02 FROM FORD CONCERNING THIS VERY ISSUE. HAVING COMPLIED WITH ALL POINTS IN THE SPECIAL FIELD ACTION LETTER 09L02 THE SAME PROBLEM EXISTS AND CONTINUES TO WORSEN. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD NEEDS TO ADDRESS WITH A RECALL NOTICE AND THE 09L02 LETTER IS INDICATIVE THAT THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557407
37,188 miles · Nov 26, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE OIL COOLER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE ERG VALVE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE OIL COOLER WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE ERG VALVE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,188.
NHTSA ODI #10553871
35,000 miles · Nov 26, 2013
SteeringSuspension
RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING MY FORD F250 TRUCK, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FORD'S DEATH WOBBLE' ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY, THE FRONT END STARTS WOBBLING TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO BRAKE AND PULL OVER JUST TO STAY IN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. WHEN THIS DEATH WOBBLE' OCCURS, IT CAUSES THE DRIVER H…
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RECENTLY, WHILE DRIVING MY FORD F250 TRUCK, I HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FORD'S DEATH WOBBLE' ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROADWAY, THE FRONT END STARTS WOBBLING TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE TO BRAKE AND PULL OVER JUST TO STAY IN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE. WHEN THIS DEATH WOBBLE' OCCURS, IT CAUSES THE DRIVER HAS TO FIGHT THE STEERING WHEEL AND APPLY BRAKING JUST TO STAY IN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS A REAL SAFETY CONCERN!!!! *TR RECENTLY, I HAVE READ SEVERAL ARTICLES IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS WITH FORD'S FRONT END AND THEIR SOLUTIONS TO FIX THE FRONTS ENDS. AS USUAL, FORD COMES UP WITH EXCUSES AND NOT A SOLUTION TO REPAIR THEIR PRODUCTS. THERE IS PLENTY OF DOCUMENTATION (U-TUBE VIDEO) ON-LINE DOCUMENTING THE SERIOUS OF THIS COMPLAINT. IT IS TIME THAT YOUR AGENCY TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND SEE THAT FORD ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY TO REPAIR THEIR VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553836
147,000 miles · Sep 25, 2013
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKES ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKES ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE AIR COMPRESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10545289
10,600 miles · Sep 13, 2013
SteeringSuspension
I HAVE A 2007 F 250 DIESEL AND EVERY TIME I AM DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMP AT 45MPH TO 65MPH MY TRUCK SHAKES LIKE CRAZY IT HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A FIX BUT NOTHING IS DONE I AM AFRAID THAT ONE DAY THIS WILL COST AN ACCIDENT I HOPE THE THIS MATER IS TAKEN CARE SOON THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543396
120,000 miles · May 29, 2013
SteeringVehicle Speed ControlWheels
GOING ALONG AROUND 55 TO 60 MPH AND RUN ACROSS VERY MILD BUMP AND THE FRONT WHEELS WILL BEGIN TO SHIMMY SO BAD IT JERKS THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKES AND SLOW WAY DOWN TO GET IT TO STOP SHAKING. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FEELING AND IS NOT TIRE PRESSURE LIKE FORD CLAIMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514037
88,000 miles · Nov 21, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING COOLANT TO SPRAY OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD GASKET MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING COOLANT TO SPRAY OVER THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE HEAD GASKET AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA ODI #10485428
Official recalls
2Mar 26, 2019
Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Transit Van, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2007 Ford F-250-based shuttle vehicles equipped with Freedman GO-3S foldaway seats. When the back seat cushion is rotated from the stowed position to the upright position, the seat cushion may not remain locked into place when under load, such as in a crash or a sudden stop.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, if the seat back moves, the seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Vantage has notified owners, instructing them to contact Freedman for a repair kit, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Freedman customer service at 1-800-443-4540.
Jul 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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