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2006 Ford F-350 Sd

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Ford F-350 Sd do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 73.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

120 reports with mileage · 7 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.

  • Steering. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

127 reports
26,000 miles · Aug 6, 2009
SteeringSuspension

2006 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY DUAL AXLE. VEHICLE SUFFERS SEVERE, VIOLENT, AND UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY / VIBRATIONS WHEN CROSSING UNEVEN PAVEMENT. MOST NOTABLY WHEN DOING SO WHILE IN A LEFT ANGLED TURN. MUST APPLY IMMEDIATE HEAVY BREAKING TO BELOW 20 MPH TO GET THE UNCONTROLLABLE VIBRATION TO STOP. HAVE NEARLY BEEN REAR-ENDED ON NUMER…

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2006 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY DUAL AXLE. VEHICLE SUFFERS SEVERE, VIOLENT, AND UNCONTROLLABLE SHIMMY / VIBRATIONS WHEN CROSSING UNEVEN PAVEMENT. MOST NOTABLY WHEN DOING SO WHILE IN A LEFT ANGLED TURN. MUST APPLY IMMEDIATE HEAVY BREAKING TO BELOW 20 MPH TO GET THE UNCONTROLLABLE VIBRATION TO STOP. HAVE NEARLY BEEN REAR-ENDED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS DUE TO THIS ISSUE. TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED AND VEHICLE SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY FACTORY STOCK. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE PURCHASE NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279629

34,000 miles · Jul 22, 2009
Steering

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE SHAKING VIOLENTLY. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY. HE REDUCED THE SPEED TO 40 MPH AND THE SHAKING CEASED. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE SHAKING VIOLENTLY. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY. HE REDUCED THE SPEED TO 40 MPH AND THE SHAKING CEASED. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT WILL NOT PROVIDE COMPENSATION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL AND THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE FAILURE COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO ADDITIONAL FAILURES REGARDING THE BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD, AND ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE STEERING DUE TO THE VIOLENT SHAKING. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10277958

30,000 miles · Jul 20, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2006 FORD F350 6.0L DIESEL PICKUP COOLANT HEATER RETURN LINE NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO FIREWALL LEADING TO COOLANT LEAKAGE AND/OR EXHAUST GAS LEAKAGE. THE CAB HEATER COOLANT RETURN LINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BOLTED IN TWO PLACES TO THE FIREWALL TO PROPERLY HOLD THE COOLANT LINE IN PLACE. ON MY TRUCK THE TWO NUTS THAT ATTACH THE LI…

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2006 FORD F350 6.0L DIESEL PICKUP COOLANT HEATER RETURN LINE NOT PROPERLY ATTACHED TO FIREWALL LEADING TO COOLANT LEAKAGE AND/OR EXHAUST GAS LEAKAGE. THE CAB HEATER COOLANT RETURN LINE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BOLTED IN TWO PLACES TO THE FIREWALL TO PROPERLY HOLD THE COOLANT LINE IN PLACE. ON MY TRUCK THE TWO NUTS THAT ATTACH THE LINE TO THE FIREWALL WERE NEVER INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY - AS EVIDENCED BY THE FACTORY PAINT NEVER BEEN SCRATCHED ON THE STUDS ON THE FIREWALL. WITHOUT PROPER ATTACHING OF THE LINE TO THE FIREWALL THE LINE THEN RESTS ON TOP OF THE TURBO EXHAUST PIPE EVENTUALLY WEARING THROUGH ONE OR BOTH OF THE COOLANT LINE AND EXHAUST PIPE. MY COOLANT LINE RUPTURED AT 30,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277510

38,000 miles · Jul 17, 2009
Steering

2006 FORD F350 4X4 STEERING SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND BODY SHAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277182

65,000 miles · Jul 9, 2009
SteeringSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING VIBRATED AND WOBBLED EXCESSIVELY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE DRIVER PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. SHE DROVE TO AN AUTHOR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING VIBRATED AND WOBBLED EXCESSIVELY. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IMMEDIATELY, THE DRIVER PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER. SHE DROVE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. CURRENTLY, THE AUTHORIZED DEALER IS REPLACING THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK AND DRAG LINK. THE VIN WAS UNABLE TO BE ENTERED INTO THE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

NHTSA ODI #10276278

15,301 miles · Jun 21, 2009
Suspension

I OWN AN 06' FORD F350 SD. I FIRST NOTICED AN EXTREME TIRE SHIMMY/BOUNCE AT AROUND 15,000 MI, WHEN A POT HOLE, BRIDGE EXPANSION OR ROUGH ROAD IS ENCOUNTERED. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 105,000 MI. AND THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME SOME EXTREME THAT I BELIEVE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED. THE BOUNCING IS SO EXT…

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I OWN AN 06' FORD F350 SD. I FIRST NOTICED AN EXTREME TIRE SHIMMY/BOUNCE AT AROUND 15,000 MI, WHEN A POT HOLE, BRIDGE EXPANSION OR ROUGH ROAD IS ENCOUNTERED. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 105,000 MI. AND THE PROBLEM HAS BECOME SOME EXTREME THAT I BELIEVE IT IS TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED. THE BOUNCING IS SO EXTREME THAT CONTROL OF THE TRUCK IS NEARLY LOST. FORD HAS SENT ME A LETTER CLAIMING IMPROPER TIRE PRESSURE IS THE PROBLEM, I HAVE ADJUSTED BUT TO NO HELP. THE TRUCK SHIMMYS/ SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY, AT EVERY BUMP ENCOUNTERED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION WHICH IS WIDE SPREAD AMONG SD OWNERS ACCORDING TO POSTINGS ON THE WEB. PLEASE HELP! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274553

93,000 miles · May 30, 2009
Steering

2006 FORD F350 4X4 STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER AUTHORIZED 2" REVTEK LEVELING KIT INSTALLED ON FRONT END. STOCK 20" WHEELS AND TIRES. ONLY FORD DEALER MAINTAINED SINCE NEW. STEERING IS INCONSISTENT. TWO PROBLEMS. FIRST: SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TRUCK WILL VEER LEFT CROSSING CENTERLINE. REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEE…

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2006 FORD F350 4X4 STEERING PROBLEMS. DEALER AUTHORIZED 2" REVTEK LEVELING KIT INSTALLED ON FRONT END. STOCK 20" WHEELS AND TIRES. ONLY FORD DEALER MAINTAINED SINCE NEW. STEERING IS INCONSISTENT. TWO PROBLEMS. FIRST: SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TRUCK WILL VEER LEFT CROSSING CENTERLINE. REQUIRES EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT TO CORRECT, WHICH FREQUENTLY RESULTS IN OVERCORRECTION TO RIGHT. POWER STEERING EFFORT APPEARS IN INCREASE AND DECREASE DURING EVENTS. INCIDENT REQUIRES LETTING OFF THE GAS AND SLOWING TO GET VEHICLE BACK IN CONTROL. SECOND: AFTER LOW SPEED 90 DEGREE TURNS (EG: LEFT OR RIGHT TURN AT AN INTERSECTION IN TOWN) STEERING WILL NOT WANT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE EFFORT. FREQUENTLY, AFTER STRAIGHTENING OUT TRUCK WILL VEER IN OPPOSITE DIRECTION. AT LOW SPEEDS VEHICLE IS CONTROLLABLE WITH EFFORT. JUST SPENT ANOTHER $741 AT FORD DEALER ON NEW POWER STEERING PUMP, ROTATE, BALANCE, ALIGNMENT. PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10272407

31,000 miles · May 24, 2009
Suspension

I HAVE A 2006 FORD F350 CREWCAB SUPERDUTY THAT HAS A SHIMMY / VIBRATION IN CAB OF TRUCK WHICH HAPPENS WHEN I HIT A DIP OR BUMP AND IF I SLOW DOWN SOMETIMES IT GOES AWAY QUICKLY WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND SOMETIMES I HAVE SLOW DOWN BELOW 30MPH. HOW SAFE IS THAT ON AN INTERSTATE? I DID RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORD SAYING THIS COMMON BUT I…

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I HAVE A 2006 FORD F350 CREWCAB SUPERDUTY THAT HAS A SHIMMY / VIBRATION IN CAB OF TRUCK WHICH HAPPENS WHEN I HIT A DIP OR BUMP AND IF I SLOW DOWN SOMETIMES IT GOES AWAY QUICKLY WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND SOMETIMES I HAVE SLOW DOWN BELOW 30MPH. HOW SAFE IS THAT ON AN INTERSTATE? I DID RECEIVE A LETTER FROM FORD SAYING THIS COMMON BUT I DISAGREE BECAUSE THIS IS MY THIRD SUPERDUTY AND THE LAST TWO I DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY HAD DIESEL ENGINES THIS IS GAS. MY DEALERSHIP TOLD FORD CUSTOMER REP THAT I NEED A ROAD WORTHY TEST OR THE DRIVE SHAFT IS OUT OF BALANCE SO THEY ARE GUESSING TOO. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT EVEN KNOW ABOUT THIS LETTER THAT FORD SENT TO SUPERDUTY OWNERS. FORD REP STATED THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP BELIEVES THE PROBLEM IS BECAUSE A GAS ENGINE IS TOO LIGHT AND THE SUPERDUTYS WERE MADE FOR DIESEL ENGINES. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW TRUE THIS IS BUT MY FIRST TWO SUPERDUTY TRUCKS I HAD WERE DIESEL AND I DID NOT EXPERIENCE THIS. I HAVE DRAFTED UP A LETTER TO SEND TO NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL AND TO FORD BUT I AM NOT VERY CONFIDENT ABOUT THE END RESULTS. MY WARRANTY HAS RUN OUT AND NOW IT IS ON MY NICKEL. I EVEN PUT NEW E RATED TIRES ON THE TRUCK IN DECEMBER AND HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP TWICE WHICH THEY SAID THE TIRES WERE OUT OF BALANCE AND NEEDED TO BE ROTATED. I HAVE LESS THAN 3,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES SO THAT DID NOT MAKE ANY SENSE. AS OF THIS DATE THE TIRES HAVE BEEN BALANCED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES WHICH ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE EITHER. I AM GOING TO GET A SECOND OPINION FROM MY MECHANIC THAT I HAVE BEEN USING FOR OVER 20 YEARS WHICH IS NOT A FORD DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM CAN BE RESOLVED SINCE I AM NOT GETTING MUCH HELP FROM FORD OR THE DEALERSHIP. THIS SHIMMY / VIBRATION DOES GET ME NERVOUS AT TIMES AND DO NOT FEEL I AM VERY SAFE IN KEEPING THIS BIG PICKUP UNDER CONTROL AND I DO NOT EXCEED THE SPEED LIMIT MORE THAN 5 MPH. I HAVE BEEN A FORD PERSON FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS AND NOW I MAY HAVE TO CHANGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10269838

18,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Suspension

I AM DISAPPOINTED IN THE FINDINGS ON THE F-350 SUPERDUTY FRONT SUSPENSION SHIMMY AS IT IS CALLED. I HAVE A 06 F-350 SD WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES ON IT. THE FRONT END HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED TWICE AND NEEDS IT AGAIN BUT FORD WILL NOT WARRANTY IT BECAUSE OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRING. THIS SEVERE SHIMMY IS REAL AND TO ALLOW A…

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I AM DISAPPOINTED IN THE FINDINGS ON THE F-350 SUPERDUTY FRONT SUSPENSION SHIMMY AS IT IS CALLED. I HAVE A 06 F-350 SD WITH ONLY 54,000 MILES ON IT. THE FRONT END HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REPLACED TWICE AND NEEDS IT AGAIN BUT FORD WILL NOT WARRANTY IT BECAUSE OF THE FACTORY WARRANTY EXPIRING. THIS SEVERE SHIMMY IS REAL AND TO ALLOW A FINDING THAT STATES THE TIRE PRESSURE IS TO BLAME IS COMPLETELY FALSE AND SO STUNNING. DOES THE ODI REALLY EXPECT THE VEHICLE OWNERS TO BUY THIS. LOOKS LIKE FORD HAD ITS HAND IN THIS ONE AGAIN. I WANT MY TRUCK FIXED AND I WILL NOT PAY FOR IT. FORD KNOWS THIS PROBLEM EXIST BUT IS NOT LARGE ENOUGH YET TO RECALL. WILL SOMEONE DIE FIRST? MY TRUCK IS THAT SEVERE IT WILL LEAVE THE ROAD IF YOUR NOT EXPECTING IT. THE TIRE PRESSURE IS CORRECT AND NO SUSPENSION MODIFICATIONS. I HAVE HAD THIS FRONT END COMPLETELY REBUILT TWICE EVERY YEAR SO FAR SINCE PURCHASE AND AS OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR IT NEEDS IT AGAIN. THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $1400.00 TO FIX IT EVEN THOUGH IT HAS REALLY NEVER BEEN FIXED FROM THE INITIAL REPAIR. PLEASE COME TAKE A RIDE AND CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE YOU WILL BE COMPLETELY SCARED BEFORE WE ARE DONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267644

75,000 miles · Apr 28, 2009
Suspension

EXCESSIVE FRONT END SHIMMY/WOBBLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267042

Official recalls

1

11V352000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

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

2

EA08007 · 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.