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2012 Ford F-250

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most F-250 years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Ford F-250 are substantially higher than the model-year median of 119.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

198 reports with mileage · 68 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Suspension. Review the 125 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports5 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

266 reports
280,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
Suspension

THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND PEOPLE WHO HAVE REFERRED TO THIS AS THE 'DEATH WOBBLE.' I HAVE HAD REPAIRS TO MY TRUCK 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS TO FIX THIS CAUSING ME APPROXIMATELY $1000 EACH TIME. MOST RECENTLY MONDAY JULY 9, 2018. THE…

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THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY SHAKE VIOLENTLY CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE TRUCK WHILE DRIVING. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND PEOPLE WHO HAVE REFERRED TO THIS AS THE 'DEATH WOBBLE.' I HAVE HAD REPAIRS TO MY TRUCK 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS TO FIX THIS CAUSING ME APPROXIMATELY $1000 EACH TIME. MOST RECENTLY MONDAY JULY 9, 2018. THE 'REPAIR' SEEMS TO BE ONLY TEMPORARY AND EACH TIME I HAVE IT FIXED IT LASTS 6-9 MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNWILLING TO HELP NOR IS FORD CUSTOMER COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING 55-65 MPH AND AFTER HITTING A BUMP.

NHTSA ODI #11110864

174,000 miles · Jul 9, 2018
Suspension

THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT TIMES AFTER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. OUR TRUCK WENT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS HOWEVER THEY SAID SINCE IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED CONSISTENTLY NOTHING COULD BE DONE. IT HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE - MUCH WORSE. LAST SUMMER IT GOT SO BAD IT WAS SCARY TO DRIVE SO WE TO…

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THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT TIMES AFTER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. OUR TRUCK WENT BACK TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WHILE UNDER WARRANTY FOR THIS HOWEVER THEY SAID SINCE IT COULD NOT BE REPRODUCED CONSISTENTLY NOTHING COULD BE DONE. IT HAS GRADUALLY GOTTEN WORSE - MUCH WORSE. LAST SUMMER IT GOT SO BAD IT WAS SCARY TO DRIVE SO WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO PUT NEW SUSPENSION PARTS IN THE FRONT END. AFTER A COUPLE THOUSAND IN REPAIRS AND MANY NEW PARTS, IT STILL SHAKES SO VIOLENTLY WE CANNOT DRIVE IT SAFELY. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS - THEY ARE ALL OVER THE INTERNET AND ON THIS SITE SO WHY CAN THIS NOT BE FIXED? I DROVE MY GRAND-DAUGHTERS IN IT ONE DAY TWO WEEKS AGO AND AFTER NOT HAPPENING FOR DAYS IT HAPPENED AND IT'S A WONDER WE DID NOT HIT THE ONCOMING CAR HEAD ON. SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE IN ONE OF THESE TRUCKS AND THEN MAYBE FORD WILL STEP UP AND AT LEAST TELL THOSE OF US THAT OWN THEM HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM! IT SEEMS LIKE IT RARELY HAPPENS AT 40 MPH OR BELOW BUT HAPPENS QUICKLY AT 55 MPH OR MORE. IF SOMEONE DIES FROM THIS "DEATH WOBBLE" IT SHOULD BE FORD'S RESPONSIBILITY.

NHTSA ODI #11110173

46,000 miles · Jun 18, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

2012 F250 BOUGHT NEW 2013 46,000 MILES. DRIVING ON ROAD. NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. SHUTS DOWN. DEALER INFORMS ME, WATER IN FUEL, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. $9700 REPAIR BILL!

NHTSA ODI #11102270

205 miles · Jun 6, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

THE F250, 2012, 6.7L, DIESEL EMISSIONS SYSTEM EMITS DIESEL PARTICLES INTO THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK. THE PARTICLES ARE FINE AND ARE A HEALTH RISK. THE PARTICULATE FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PARTICLES CAN BE SEEN ON THE DOOR JAMS LEADING INTO THE TRUCK. THESE PARTICLES ARE FINE MIST AND ENTER INTO THE CAB AS W…

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THE F250, 2012, 6.7L, DIESEL EMISSIONS SYSTEM EMITS DIESEL PARTICLES INTO THE CABIN OF THE TRUCK. THE PARTICLES ARE FINE AND ARE A HEALTH RISK. THE PARTICULATE FILTER HAS BEEN CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PARTICLES CAN BE SEEN ON THE DOOR JAMS LEADING INTO THE TRUCK. THESE PARTICLES ARE FINE MIST AND ENTER INTO THE CAB AS WELL BECAUSE THE CAB ISN'T AIR TIGHT AND THE PARTICLES INTO THE CAB AND WHEN BREATHED IN CAN CAUSE NOT ONLY LUNG DAMAGE, BUT CANCER. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED.

NHTSA ODI #11100293

70,000 miles · Feb 18, 2018
Suspension

FRONT SUSPENSION SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM IS REFERRED TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT ALL HAVE FAILED. THERE ARE WEBSITES, FACEBOOK PAGES,AND FORUMS DEVOTED TO THIS PROBLEM. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO D…

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FRONT SUSPENSION SHAKES VIOLENTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM IS REFERRED TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BY THE FORD DEALERSHIP SERVICE MANAGER. THE FORD DEALERSHIP HAS MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM BUT ALL HAVE FAILED. THERE ARE WEBSITES, FACEBOOK PAGES,AND FORUMS DEVOTED TO THIS PROBLEM. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE FORD WILL ISSUE A RECALL????

NHTSA ODI #11073450

76,000 miles · Feb 15, 2018
Engine

THE VEHICLE TOLD ME TO PULL OVER SAFELY, THEN IT SLOWED DOWN. I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND IT SHUT DOWN. IT WOULD NOT START.

NHTSA ODI #11073036

76,000 miles · Jan 31, 2018
Steering

DRIVING AT 55 MPH, HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND FRONT END AND STEERING SHOOK VIOLENTLY. UNABLE TO CONTROL STEERING, MADE VIOLENT MANEUVER INTO MEDIAN.

NHTSA ODI #11066085

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2018
Unknown Or Other

EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR SHUT DOWN MY TRUCK 2 TIME ON THE ROAD AT NIGHT ON HIGHT WAY TO DANGER

NHTSA ODI #11064396

128,000 miles · Jan 17, 2018
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE IN THE MIDDLE TWO LANES TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAD PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHILE PASSING THE OTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE IN THE MIDDLE TWO LANES TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE THAT HAD PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPENED THE DRIVER'S DOOR. WHILE PASSING THE OTHER VEHICLE, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ONCE THE SPEED SLOWED DOWN TO 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DESOTO AUTOMALL (3039 SE 70, ARCADIA, FL 34266) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CALLED THE "FORD DEATH WOBBLE". THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11063319

120,000 miles · Dec 11, 2017
Structure

SUNROOF BROKE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE. THE PLASTIC RAILS USED TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE SUNROOF BROKE AND THE SUNROOF IS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION.

NHTSA ODI #11054045

Official recalls

1

11V582000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Dec 8, 2011

FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 F-250, F-350, F-450 AND F-550 HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 114, “THEFT PROTECTION.” THE TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITHOUT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL DUE TO BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH PROBLEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS WILL ALLOW THE OPERATOR TO INADVERTENTLY SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH OR INJURY TO A NEARBY PEDESTRIAN.

Remedy: FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK SWITCH FUNCTION AND REPLACE THE SWITCH IF NECESSARY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE 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

1

RQ14005 · 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.