NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
102 reportsClear category filter120,500 miles · Oct 21, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE IN THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH IF YOU HIT ANY SORT OF BUMP THE FRONT END STARTS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 25MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME OVER 15 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERE ACCIDENTS A COUPLE TIMES. I HAVE …
Read full complaint
DEATH WOBBLE. WHILE IN THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH IF YOU HIT ANY SORT OF BUMP THE FRONT END STARTS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY AND HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 25MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME OVER 15 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN SEVERE ACCIDENTS A COUPLE TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE SHOP TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT GO AWAY. AFTER READING FOR HOURS ONLINE THERE IS NO EFFECTIVE FIX FOR THIS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A DANGEROUS DESIGN DEFECT THAT FORD WILL NOT ADDRESS. PLEASE HELP
NHTSA ODI #11269973
63,500 miles · Oct 21, 2019
SteeringSuspension
I DRIVE A 2011 FORD F250SD,WHILE DRIVING 65-70MPH ON FREEWAY, DROVE OVER ROUGH PATCH AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY, STEERING WAS EXTREMLY HARD TL CONTROL, "DEATHWOBBLEL "IS WHAT IT IS CALLED ,WOULDN'T STOP SHAKING ASUNTILL SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES AND SLOWING DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPEND TO ME IN MY1989 …
Read full complaint
I DRIVE A 2011 FORD F250SD,WHILE DRIVING 65-70MPH ON FREEWAY, DROVE OVER ROUGH PATCH AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY, STEERING WAS EXTREMLY HARD TL CONTROL, "DEATHWOBBLEL "IS WHAT IT IS CALLED ,WOULDN'T STOP SHAKING ASUNTILL SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES AND SLOWING DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPEND TO ME IN MY1989 F250 WITH OVER 250000 MILES ON IT BUT THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY 63765 MILES .FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO AND LAST NITE IT HAPPENED 3 TIME IN A SPAN OF LESS THEN 10 MILES VERY UNSAFE HOPE FORD COME UP WITH A FIX BECAUSE SEEMS TO ME THERE IS MORE THEN FEW PEOPLE WITH THE ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11269825
175,000 miles · Sep 3, 2019
Steering
MY TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE INTERNET CALLS THIS THE DEATH WOBBLE AND APPARENTLY IT IS AFFECTING A LOT OF FORD F250 TRUCKS.
NHTSA ODI #11252976
214,000 miles · Aug 27, 2019
SteeringSuspension
TRUCK DEVELOPED WHAT IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN I HIT A BUMP ON HIGHWAY, USUALLY AT SPEEDS AROUND 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHOLE TRUCK SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL I SLOW DOWN TO 35. REPLACED TRACKBAR, DRAGLINK, TIE RODS, STEERING DAMPNER, HAD THE FRONT END ALIGNED BY TWO DIFFERENT SHOPS, STILL DOES IT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPEN…
Read full complaint
TRUCK DEVELOPED WHAT IS CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN I HIT A BUMP ON HIGHWAY, USUALLY AT SPEEDS AROUND 65 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHOLE TRUCK SHAKE VIOLENTLY UNTIL I SLOW DOWN TO 35. REPLACED TRACKBAR, DRAGLINK, TIE RODS, STEERING DAMPNER, HAD THE FRONT END ALIGNED BY TWO DIFFERENT SHOPS, STILL DOES IT. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL YEARS, I WILL PUT THE DATE OF THE LATEST BELOW.
NHTSA ODI #11246730
174,000 miles · Aug 5, 2019
SteeringSuspension
WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A HARD BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE FRONT TIRES BEGIN TO WOBBLE. THIS IS CAUSES THE WHOLE VEHICLE TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND IT WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT TO A STOP. THE INTERNET CALLS THIS EVENT A DEATH WOBBLE.
NHTSA ODI #11241723
128,000 miles · Mar 5, 2019
SteeringSuspension
AT 125,000 MILES, I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE "DEATH WOBBLE". HITTING A ROUGH SPOT ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY ON A CURVE, THE TRUCK WILL RANDOMLY BEGIN TO SHAKE. IT BEGINS IN THE FRONT, SHAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY UNTIL I AM ABLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO STOP IT. I HAVE REPLACED FRONT STABILIZER (STEERING DAMPER), DRAG LI…
Read full complaint
AT 125,000 MILES, I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE "DEATH WOBBLE". HITTING A ROUGH SPOT ON THE HIGHWAY, ESPECIALLY ON A CURVE, THE TRUCK WILL RANDOMLY BEGIN TO SHAKE. IT BEGINS IN THE FRONT, SHAKES THE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY UNTIL I AM ABLE TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO STOP IT. I HAVE REPLACED FRONT STABILIZER (STEERING DAMPER), DRAG LINK, TIE ROD END, ALIGNMENT, TIRE ROTATION, TRACK BAR BUSHING, BALL JOINT, TIE RODS AND ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. IT STILL WILL RANDOMLY START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AFTER I HAVE HIT A ROUGH SPOT AND ESPECIALLY IN A CURVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING ELSE TO REPLACE. I HAVE HAD TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS WORK ON THE VEHICLE AND WE HAVE TOGETHER SEARCHED THE WEB FOR OTHER CURES, BUT THERE ARE NONE TO BE FOUND. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY TRUCK ON THE HIGHWAY...THE SHAKING BECOMES SO VIOLENT THAT I BECOME A TRAFFIC HAZARD AND DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TO HANDLE IT SAFELY. THE MOST RECENT EVENT WAS TODAY, 3/5/2019 BUT IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING, IN BETWEEN STAYS AT THE MECHANIC, SINCE NOVEMBER.
NHTSA ODI #11184443
64,000 miles · Jan 22, 2019
Steering
WHILE DRIVING 55-65 MPH THE STEERING STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY, YOU ARE UNABLE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT. IN ORDER TO STOP THIS YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO 15-20 MPH AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE LOSING CONTROL HOPING NO ONE RUNS INTO YOU FOR HAVING TO STOP QUICKLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS NOT KNOWING WHEN IT IS GOING HAPPE…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING 55-65 MPH THE STEERING STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY, YOU ARE UNABLE TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT. IN ORDER TO STOP THIS YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO 15-20 MPH AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE LOSING CONTROL HOPING NO ONE RUNS INTO YOU FOR HAVING TO STOP QUICKLY. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS NOT KNOWING WHEN IT IS GOING HAPPEN. THIS IS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH FORD TRUCKS THAT STEERING STABILIZER KITS ARE LISTED ON LINE UNDER DEATH WOBBLE. DO YOU MEAN THAT PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE FORD IS MADE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS? THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE FORD DEALERSHIP SAID I NEEDED NEW TIRES. THIS DID NOT HELP.
NHTSA ODI #11171468
82,107 miles · Nov 4, 2018
SteeringSuspension
FOR THE SECOND TIME FIRST AT 42,000 NOW AT 82 000 AT HIWAY SPEED OF 66 MPH THE VIOLENT STEERING DEATH WOBBLE HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ONLY WAY IS TO HOLD ON SO TIGHT AND SLOW TRYING TO GET OFF THE TRAVEL LANES ..THIS SO DANGEROUS AND UNFORESEEN. INSPECTED FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION ,ALL IN TOLERANCE. FIRST TIME I USED MY ESP…
Read full complaint
FOR THE SECOND TIME FIRST AT 42,000 NOW AT 82 000 AT HIWAY SPEED OF 66 MPH THE VIOLENT STEERING DEATH WOBBLE HAS HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ONLY WAY IS TO HOLD ON SO TIGHT AND SLOW TRYING TO GET OFF THE TRAVEL LANES ..THIS SO DANGEROUS AND UNFORESEEN. INSPECTED FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION ,ALL IN TOLERANCE. FIRST TIME I USED MY ESP WARRANT PAYING THE DEDUCTIBE.
NHTSA ODI #11145248
132,000 miles · May 28, 2018
Steering
WHEN DRIVING ABOUT 60 MILES PER HIT BUMP IN ROAD VEHICLE WENT INTO A VIOLENT SHAKING DID NOT STOP UNTIL I ALMOST CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP . I NOTICED THAT AS A RESULT THE FRONT TIRES WERE SCUFFED. THESE TIRES HAVE LESS THAN 6000 MILES ON THEM.
NHTSA ODI #11098320
105,000 miles · May 3, 2018
SteeringSuspension
WHILE GOING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE WHOLE TRUCK WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP OR ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO HOLD AND THE TRUCK EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL. SLOWING DOWN TO 30 MILES AN HR WILL STOP THE SHAKING. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED AT 105K MILES. IT HAPPENS QUITE FREQ…
Read full complaint
WHILE GOING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE WHOLE TRUCK WILL START TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A SMALL BUMP OR ROUGH SPOT IN THE ROAD MAKING THE STEERING WHEEL DIFFICULT TO HOLD AND THE TRUCK EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL. SLOWING DOWN TO 30 MILES AN HR WILL STOP THE SHAKING. THIS PROBLEM JUST STARTED AT 105K MILES. IT HAPPENS QUITE FREQUENTLY AND MAKES THE TRUCK ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO USE. LOCAL MECHANIC CAN NOT FIND ANY ISSUE WITH SUSPENSION OR STEERING. AFTER LOOKING AT THE INTERNET THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RAMPANT WITH FORD OFFERING NO SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11091485
Official recalls
2Feb 24, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Dec 29, 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD 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
1RQ14005 · Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Opened Jan 13, 2015 · Closed Mar 15, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Illustration