NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
127 reports70,100 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HOWEVER THE WHEELS DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND BECAME LOOSE. THE CONTACT MADE A STOP AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST HAD FAILED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, HOWEVER THE WHEELS DID NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY THE DEALER OR MECHANIC TO DETERMINE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,100.
NHTSA ODI #10521428
7,858 miles · Jun 23, 2013
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
WAS DRIVING MY 2006 F350 SD LARIAT DUALLY WITH ONLY 7,858 MILES, HAULING A GOOSENECK TRAILER WITH A HORSE INSIDE AND STEERING STARTED TO SHIMMY ONCE I GOT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED (55 MPH) ON I-85N ENROUTE TO A HORSE SHOW. PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GOT NO RESPONSE. I COULD NOT STOP THE 15,000# OF TRUCK, TRAILER AND HORSE BUT W…
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WAS DRIVING MY 2006 F350 SD LARIAT DUALLY WITH ONLY 7,858 MILES, HAULING A GOOSENECK TRAILER WITH A HORSE INSIDE AND STEERING STARTED TO SHIMMY ONCE I GOT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED (55 MPH) ON I-85N ENROUTE TO A HORSE SHOW. PLACED MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND GOT NO RESPONSE. I COULD NOT STOP THE 15,000# OF TRUCK, TRAILER AND HORSE BUT WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD AND CRUISE INTO A LARGE EMPTY PARKING LOT AND SLOW DOWN ENOUGH WHERE I COULD SAFELY APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD OR INJURING MY HORSE. TIRES WERE FINE BUT THERE WAS A DISTINCTIVE SMELL OF BURNING PAD AGAINST RED HOT METAL AND TREMENDOUS SMOKE WAS BILLOWING OUT FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WHERE THE ROTOR IS SEATED. BRAKE CALIPER SEIZED ONTO THE ROTOR, WARPING IT AND DESTROYING THE BRAKE PAD. POST POLICE ESCORT, HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND $2,400 LATER (WHICH INCLUDED NEW BATTERIES AND 2 NEW FRONT TIRES), ALL THE OFFENDING ITEMS WERE REPLACED. I SPECIFICALLY ASKED THAT THE REAR CALIPERS AND BRAKE MECHANISM BE CHECKED AND THEY ASSURED ME THEY DID AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. HOWEVER, COMING DIRECTLY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP, MY DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL BRAKE SEIZED WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. AGAIN, HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND ANOTHER $1,600 LATER (THIS AMOUNT INCLUDES 4 MORE TIRES), REPLACING EVERYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH THE REAR BRAKES. IN MY RESEARCH ON THIS MATTER, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED BUT A COMMON PROBLEM POSSIBLY DUE TO FAULTY HCU (HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT) EQUIPMENT. COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT ON A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE. THIS IS MOST DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. A FIRE ALSO COULD HAVE EASILY STARTED AS THE BRAKE FLUID PUMPED BACK INTO THE MAIN ENGINE AREA OF THE TRUCK. THOUGH I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT THIS DANGER WILL NOT RECUR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521287
122,902 miles · Apr 19, 2013
Electrical System
THE TRUCKS SPEEDOMETER STARTED INTERMITTENTLY WORKING ABOUT 3 DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE TRUCK IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT SPEED I'M AT THE ONLY THING SO FARE THAT I HAVE NOTED IS IF THE HEATER IS IN IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508759
85,034 miles · Apr 5, 2013
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 55MPH ON A 2006 F350 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WHEN I WENT OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE. THOUGH I HAD EXPERIENCED A FLAT BUT EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN …
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WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A RATE OF SPEED OF 55MPH ON A 2006 F350 SUPER DUTY 4X4 WHEN I WENT OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT END TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY ALMOST CAUSING ME TO HIT A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT HAND SIDE. THOUGH I HAD EXPERIENCED A FLAT BUT EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION. TIRE PRESSURE ON ALL WHEELS IS FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10507287
145,000 miles · Feb 15, 2013
SteeringSuspension
I OWN A 2006 FORD F-350 KING RANCH CREW CAB FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. A FEW TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A SHAKE AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 60MPH+. WE RECEIVED A LETTER NOTING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BRAKES AND 2 TIRES (OTHER 2 HAD B…
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I OWN A 2006 FORD F-350 KING RANCH CREW CAB FOUR WHEEL DRIVE TRUCK. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. A FEW TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A SHAKE AFTER HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 60MPH+. WE RECEIVED A LETTER NOTING A POTENTIAL PROBLEM. WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BRAKES AND 2 TIRES (OTHER 2 HAD BEEN REPLACED PREVIOUSLY) AND WHEN WE DROVE IT HOME IT STARTED "THE DEATH WOBBLE" (AS THE DEALER CALLS IT-AND AS I SEE MANY OTHERS ON THE INTERNET). THE TRUCK STARTED EXPERIENCING VIOLENT FRONT-END SHAKING. DURING AN EPISODE OF LEFT-TO-RIGHT SHAKING, THE TRUCK IS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. WITH MY HAND PLACED ON THE 12:00 POSITION ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE SHAKING VIOLENTLY TURNS THE STEERING WHEEL TO WHERE MY HAND IS GOING BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN 10:00 AND 2:00. SLOWING DOWN TO 30MPH HAS STOPPED EACH OF THE THREE EPISODES. THIS TRUCK HAS DEALER INSTALLED TIRES AND DOES NOT HAVE A LIFT KIT ON IT. AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES EQUAL MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATION. THEY ACTED AS IF THIS IS AN UNCOMMON PROBLEM AT FIRST, AND SAID THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A LETTER THAT WENT OUT. THEN THE NEXT VISIT THEY SAY SO COMMONLY, THAT IT IS THE DEATH WOBBLE AND WILL COST $1500. IT APPEARS THAT FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS BLAMED TIRE PRESSURE, GIANT AFTERMARKET TIRES, AND LIFT KITS FOR THIS PROBLEM. MY TRUCK HAS NONE OF THESE POSSIBLE CAUSES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10498268
128,000 miles · Dec 6, 2012
Engine
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED WITH THE C…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED DUE TO THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONFIRMED WITH THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #10487548
26,663 miles · Nov 5, 2012
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 HD WITH PRO-COMPETITION EXTREME ALL TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE LT 37X13.50X17 (N/A) D RATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 HD WITH PRO-COMPETITION EXTREME ALL TERRAIN TIRES, SIZE LT 37X13.50X17 (N/A) D RATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WAS SHREDDED. A TOW DRIVER WAS NOTIFIED WHO REMOVED THE FAILED TIRE AND REPLACED IT WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS 26,663 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE WAS 22,062.
NHTSA ODI #10483430
23,000 miles · Oct 1, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, DESPITE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTOR UNIT NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY, DESPITE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK, FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTOR UNIT NEEDED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 23,000. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/15/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10478200
61,547 miles · Sep 20, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Diesel
WAS DRIVING ON A HEAVY TRAFFIC HIGHWAY, IN THE MIDDLE LANE, AND TRUCK JUST QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS UNJUSTIFIABLE!! OVER $5000.00 IN REPAIRS TO GET TO GET THIS TRUCK TO RUN! WHY HASN'T FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS NOTORIOUS PROBLEM ON THESE DIESEL ENGINES?! I WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE A CLASS ACT LAWSUIT OVER THIS, I DO BELIEVE THERE…
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WAS DRIVING ON A HEAVY TRAFFIC HIGHWAY, IN THE MIDDLE LANE, AND TRUCK JUST QUIT RUNNING. THIS IS UNJUSTIFIABLE!! OVER $5000.00 IN REPAIRS TO GET TO GET THIS TRUCK TO RUN! WHY HASN'T FORD ISSUED A RECALL ON THIS NOTORIOUS PROBLEM ON THESE DIESEL ENGINES?! I WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE A CLASS ACT LAWSUIT OVER THIS, I DO BELIEVE THERE ARE ENOUGH FORD OWNERS VERY UNHAPPY REGARDING THESE CONTINUING ISSUES.
NHTSA ODI #10477501
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
2006 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CLIENT IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TURBO…
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2006 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY. ATTORNEY WRITES ON BEHALF OF CLIENT IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE BILLOWING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, A WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPLACED THE TURBO UNDER WARRANTY. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS PROMPTLY TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, WHERE THE TURBO WAS REPLACED AGAIN. THREE MONTHS LATER THE TURBO WAS REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME. ON APRIL 20, 2012 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AGAIN. HE NOTICED SMOKE AND THE VIBRATION WAS GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE EACH TIME THE TURBO FAILED. WHEN HE WENT BACK TO THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST $212.00. ON APRIL 23, 2012 THE TRUCK BEGAN BILLOWING A THICK CLOUD OF SMOKE UPON BEING STARTED. THE NEXT DAY, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO STALL AS THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO MAKE HIS WAY TO THE DEALER. UPON HIS ARRIVAL AT THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE FINALLY STALLED FOR GOOD AND WOULD NOT RE-START. THE TOTAL COST FOR THE REPAIRS WERE $ 5,715.41. *JB UPDATED 09/26/12
NHTSA ODI #10476343
Official recalls
1Jul 13, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Exterior Lighting:tail Lights
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 RANGER TRUCKS BUILT FROM JANUARY 25, 2011, THROUGH APRIL 25, 2011 AT THE TWIN CITIES ASSEMBLY PLANT, AND SERVICE PARTS DISTRIBUTED TO DEALERS FOR CERTAIN 2004 THROUGH 2011 MODEL YEAR RANGER TRUCKS, 2002 THROUGH 2005 MODEL YEAR EXCURSION VEHICLES, AND 2002 THROUGH 2007 MODEL YEAR F-250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 TRUCKS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WAS SHIPPED WITH A SUBCOMPONENT (SLIDER) THAT MAY EXPERIENCE DEFORMATION. A MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH WITH A DEFORMED SLIDER MAY MALFUNCTION CAUSING THE TURN SIGNAL, TAIL LIGHTS, HAZARD WARNING SIGNAL FLASHERS AND/OR BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO ACTIVATE.
Consequence: NON-FUNCTIONING LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SWITCHES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA08007 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Mar 14, 2008 · Closed Mar 31, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Suspension:front
THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED BASED ON 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE.ODI WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ALLEGED LOSS OF CONTROL AND THE LOSS OF CONTROL OCCURREDAT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR.AT THE TIME THESE COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, ODI WAS ALSO AWARE OF THE TSB 07-10-10 AND EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS THAT DISCUSSED THE SHIMMY CONDITION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI HAS CONFIRMED, BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, WARRANTY DATA, TESTING CONDUCTED BY VRTC, AND ODI INSPECTION OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES, THAT THE OWNERS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SHIMMY EVENTS ON THEIR VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI HAS ALSO CONFIRMED THAT OWNERS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAINTAIN THEIR TIRES AT THE PRESSURES RECOMMENDED BY FORD ON THE TIRE LABEL.FURTHER, ODI HAS FOUND THAT IN ORDER FOR SHIMMY TO OCCUR, TIRE PRESSURES MUST BE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW (AT LEAST 20%) THOSE SPECIFIED ON THE VEHICLE TIRE LABEL.ODI CONSIDERS THESE UNSAFE TIRE CONDITIONS TO BE THE RESULT OF ONE OF THREE TYPICAL SITUATIONS.THE TIRES ARE BEING IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED, THE OWNERS ARE INTENTIONALLY SETTING THE TIRE PRESSURES LOW TO ENHANCE RIDE QUALITY, OR AFTERMARKET TIRES (NOT DESIGNED FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE) ARE INSTALLED TO CHANGE THE APPEARANCE OR FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE INTENDED AND DESIGNED TO BE USED AS HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES AND AS SUCH REQUIRE THAT THE TIRES BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE LOADS FOR WHICH THE VEHICLE IS DESIGNED AND MARKETED.IN ORDER FOR THE TIRES TO BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING THESE LOADS, THE PROPER TIRE PRESSURE MUST BE MAINTAINED.IN LIGHT OF THE INFORMATION GATHERED IN THIS INVESTIGATION AND FORD'S AGREEMENT TO NOTIFY SUBJECT VEHICLE OWNERS (NOW AND EVERY TWO YEARS UNTIL THE VEHICLES REACH TEN YEARS FROM THEIR PRODUCTION DATE) ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURES ON THEIR VEHICLES, FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE07057 · Violent Front End Oscillation
Opened Nov 15, 2007 · Closed Mar 14, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
Suspension:front
ODI HAS RECEIVED 78 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS OF SEVERE SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY AND OSCILLATIONS COMMENCING AFTER THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TRAVELED OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE. THE MAJORITY OF THESE INCIDENTS OCCURRED AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH OR GREATER.THIRTEEN OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THAT THE VEHICLE CHANGED DRIVING LANES UNCONTROLLABLY.FOUR OF THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY ODI ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE AS A RESULT OF THE VIOLENT SUSPENSION AND STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS.IN ONE CASE THE CONSUMER ALLEGES THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROAD SURFACE, IT CRASHED INTO A WOODED AREA.ADDITIONALFACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE OPENING OF THIS EA WERE EARLY WARNING FIELD REPORTS,SUBMITTED BY FORD, DESCRIBING SUSPENSION SHIMMY / OSCILLATIONSAND A FORD TSB (07-10-10) DESCRIBING THE SUSPENSION SHIMMY ISSUE AND HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.FORD HAS DESCRIBED SHIMMY AS SELF-EXCITED OSCILLATION OF THE STEERING WHEELS WITH ACCOMPANYING WHEEL TRAMP.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA) TO DETERMINE IF THE SHIMMY CONDITION THAT OCCURS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CREATES A CONDITION WHERE THE VEHICLE BECOMES DIFFICULT TO CONTROL OR STARTLES THE DRIVER, THUS PRESENTING A SAFETY RISK.
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