NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
25 reports104,000 miles · Jun 21, 2013
Steering
UPON MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND RETURNING ON COURSE, THE STEERING BEGAN TO OSCILLATE AS IF NOT BEING ABLE TO CENTER ITSELF, WOBBLING, FLOPPING RIGHT, LEFT. I STOPPED, TURNED WHEELS RIGHT AND LEFT UNDER RESISTANCE. I WAS ABLE TO WORK OUT THE WOBBLING AND CONTINUED. THERE WERE SIMILAR OCCURRENCES LATER. AT 1000 MILES LATER, I P…
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UPON MAKING A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND RETURNING ON COURSE, THE STEERING BEGAN TO OSCILLATE AS IF NOT BEING ABLE TO CENTER ITSELF, WOBBLING, FLOPPING RIGHT, LEFT. I STOPPED, TURNED WHEELS RIGHT AND LEFT UNDER RESISTANCE. I WAS ABLE TO WORK OUT THE WOBBLING AND CONTINUED. THERE WERE SIMILAR OCCURRENCES LATER. AT 1000 MILES LATER, I PULLED OUT FROM A STOP SIGN ON HARD LEFT TURN, WENT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT, AND STEERING LOCKED ON RETURN. I TURNED LEFT THEN RIGHT TO UNLOCK IT AND IT DID UNLOCK, BUT WOBBLED SO BAD I COULDN'T DRIVE OVER 10 MPH, UNTIL I STOPPED, TURNED MOTOR OFF, STARTED AGAIN, AND WORKED OUT THE RESISTANCE. I CAN USUALLY FEEL WHEN IT WILL OCCUR. JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK, CAN'T AFFORD REPAIR JUST YET. HELP! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521135
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel System, Diesel
2007 FORD F350. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. *SMD THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM STARTED IN THE FUEL TAN, DUE TO THE MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE TANK ITSELF. THE DEALER STATED THE FUEL TANK HAD BEEN COMPROMISED AND CONTAMINATED.
NHTSA ODI #10508034
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2013
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE THE TRACK BAR WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10503036
130,000 miles · Oct 16, 2012
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR PUMP AND OIL COOLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR PUMP AND OIL COOLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A SAFETY COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10480678
26,500 miles · Jun 28, 2012
SteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65MPH AND WENT OVER A EXPANSION JOINT ON A BRIDGE AND THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING SO BAD THAT IT RIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY HAND. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO MAKE THE SHAKING STOP, I THOUGHT I HAD A FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT,NEARLY HIT THE CAR IN THE LANE NEXT TO…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT AROUND 65MPH AND WENT OVER A EXPANSION JOINT ON A BRIDGE AND THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING SO BAD THAT IT RIPPED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY HAND. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO MAKE THE SHAKING STOP, I THOUGHT I HAD A FRONT TIRE BLOW OUT,NEARLY HIT THE CAR IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER THEY PUT A NEW STEERING DAMPENER ON IT AND SAID TRY IT, BUT IT WILL PROBABLY NOT BE ANY BETTER, THEN THE NEXT FIX IS TO PUT ON A BIGGER STEERING WHEEL SO I CAN HOLD ON BETTER WHEN IT HAPPENS. LOOK ON LINE THIS KNOWN AS THE "FORD WHEEL OF DEATH" THERE IS A BUNCH OF VIDEOS ON YOU TUBE ABOUT IT AND SOME ACTUALLY SHOW IT HAPPEN. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO MAKE FORD PAY FOR A PROPER FIX BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463493
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2011
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION LET'S THE VEHICLE WOBBLE IF YOU HIT A BUMP ON THE ROAD. ONLY WAY TO STOP THE WOBBLE IS TO SLOW TO UNSAFE SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY OR STOP COMPLETELY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10402520
20,000 miles · Nov 2, 2010
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A SEVERE WOBBLE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 65-70 MPH AND WHEN CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO THE FAILURE AS A DEATH WOBBLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE HIM TO MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED A SEVERE WOBBLE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING 65-70 MPH AND WHEN CARRYING HEAVY LOADS. THE CONTACT REFERRED TO THE FAILURE AS A DEATH WOBBLE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD CAUSE HIM TO MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. UPDATED 01/13/11*BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL AFTER SLOWING DOWN TO 45 MPH, WHICH DID TAKE SOME TIME. THE DEALER REFUSED TO ASSIST THE CONSUMER WITH THE COST. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE FRONT STEERING COMPONENTS MODIFIED AT HIS EXPENSE. UPDATED 04/04/11
NHTSA ODI #10363678
30,000 miles · Oct 15, 2010
EquipmentSteeringSuspension
2007 FORD F-350 CREW CAB SRW 4X4, STEERING OSCILLATION (WOBBLE). HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE TRUCK WAS ALMOST NEW. NOW HAVE 61 K MILES AND IT IS ALOT WORSE. AS THE 08 AND 09 INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED, THE STEERING WOBBLE HAPPENS WHEN CROSSING UNEVEN PAVEMENT, CONCRETE, DIPS IN THE ROAD, RAILROAD CROSSINGS (AT SLOW SPEED…
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2007 FORD F-350 CREW CAB SRW 4X4, STEERING OSCILLATION (WOBBLE). HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM SINCE TRUCK WAS ALMOST NEW. NOW HAVE 61 K MILES AND IT IS ALOT WORSE. AS THE 08 AND 09 INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED, THE STEERING WOBBLE HAPPENS WHEN CROSSING UNEVEN PAVEMENT, CONCRETE, DIPS IN THE ROAD, RAILROAD CROSSINGS (AT SLOW SPEEDS). HAPPENS WHILE EMPTY AND WHEN TOWING A FLATBED GOOSENECK TRAILER AND/OR MY 5TH WHEEL RV. THIS HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED BY FORD YET AND THEY DON NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX. I BELIEVE IT IS A BAD STEERING BOX?? THEY ONLY WANT TO USE US/ME AS "GUINEA PIGS" TO FIX. THEY TELL US TO REPLACE SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPERS, AND TIRES. I HAVE PUT TWO SETS OF MICHELINS ON TRUCK AND DOES NOT HELP AT ALL. ACCORDING TO INFO ON INTERNET THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GIVEN THE "DEATH WOBBLE" NICKNAME. I WOULD LIKE YOU ALL TO SEE IF FORD HAS TRIED ANYTHING OTHER THAN TELLING US DUMB VEHICLE OWNERS THAT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH AIR PRESSURE IN OUR FRONT TIRES. I HAD MY TIRES INSTALLED AND REBALANCED TWO TIMES AT THE LOCAL FORD DEALER AND DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THE TRUCK IS VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT ANY SPEED AND THERE NEEDS TO BE A WAY GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS BEFORE SOMEONE OR MORE PEOPLE GET HURT OR KILLED. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF HORROR STORIES AS TO THIS PROBLEM. I FOR ONE AM READY TO CONSULT LEGAL HELP. I JUST SPOKE WITH FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE (COMPLAINT #[XXX]) AND ONCE AGAIN THEY SAID TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALER AND MAYBE I'LL HAVE BETTER LUCK.????? PLEASE HELP AND RESPOND.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10360616
100,000 miles · Apr 12, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY WITH THE GAS NOZZLES HERE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. FUEL NOZZLE QUITS PUMPING AFTER APPROXIMATELY EVERY GALLON OF GAS THAT GOES IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10325246
10,000 miles · Jul 5, 2009
SteeringSuspension
FORD F350 CREWCAB 4X4 HIGH SPEED WHEEL WOBBLE ( DEATH WOBBLE) HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OF 65 OR HIGHER AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. FORD HAS LOOKED AT IT , SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUT AND FIX IT. THE WOBBLE HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SENSE THEN. FORD HAS SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE CORRECT, IT IS. THIS IS A…
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FORD F350 CREWCAB 4X4 HIGH SPEED WHEEL WOBBLE ( DEATH WOBBLE) HAPPENS AT SPEEDS OF 65 OR HIGHER AND HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD. FORD HAS LOOKED AT IT , SAID THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUT AND FIX IT. THE WOBBLE HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES SENSE THEN. FORD HAS SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE NEEDS TO BE CORRECT, IT IS. THIS IS A STOCK TRUCK AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE I CAN PROCEED AND WITH ANTI LOCK BRAKES THIS IS REAL SCARY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275802
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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