NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
50 reportsClear category filter265,000 miles · Jul 21, 2025
SteeringSuspension
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self…
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The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the front passenger wheel drove over a small dip in the roadway and the vehicle started to shimmy. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer. The contact continued driving at a slower speed to allow the shimmy to self-correct. There was no warning illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, no cause for the failure was found and the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic checked for recalls related to the failure and advised the contact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for the failure (09L02) for severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 265,000.
NHTSA ODI #11675113
99,856 miles · Dec 29, 2023
EngineSuspension
The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke comi…
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The contact owns a 2006 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front of the vehicle started to wobble. While driving over a pothole, the vehicle wobbled violently. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving over 35 MPH. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact detected smoke coming from the vehicle. The engine warning light was illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who informed him there were no recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 99,856.
NHTSA ODI #11562586
Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2022
SteeringSuspension
Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occur…
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Vehicle has experienced "death wobble," a common and well documented occurrence in Ford F250 and F350 model trucks. This has occurred on multiple occasions since 2006, and most recently on 4/26/2022. The incident occurred while traveling approximately 45 MPH, and hitting a small bump in the road. When the "death wobble" occurs, the vehicle shakes violently and is difficult to control. This creates a hazardous situation for the occupants of the vehicle and other vehicles/pedestrians in the vicinity of the vehicle. Prior and current attempts to contact Ford service departments, typically involves Ford stating there is not a recall and any repair outside of warranty are the responsibility of owner. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. There is no warning prior to the "death wobble," and occurs when the vehicle is travelling at speed more than 45 MPH.
NHTSA ODI #11462633
Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2022
Suspension
8 years ago was crossing RR tracks and vehicle started violently shaking had to slow to 10mph for it to stop. Checked found nothing wrong finished drive home. Took to Ford dealership and they said some tricks shake when tire pressure is wrong and didn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Truck did this once more and after that wh…
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8 years ago was crossing RR tracks and vehicle started violently shaking had to slow to 10mph for it to stop. Checked found nothing wrong finished drive home. Took to Ford dealership and they said some tricks shake when tire pressure is wrong and didn't find anything wrong with vehicle. Truck did this once more and after that when I approach RR tracks I slow to 5- 10 mph to keep it from happening. Took it back to Ford 1 time and again they spoke about tire pressure but tire pressure was fine. In the last 2 weeks anytime I hit a bump the truck violently shakes I took to a mechanic shop and they said something was wrong with front end but not sure what. I called Ford and they said to bring it in. We will see what happens because this truck has done this off and on for the last 8 years, but now it does it all the time. It has been shaking so violently I wouldn't be surprised if other damages have happened from it.
NHTSA ODI #11452299
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2021
SteeringSuspension
My truck experiences what I have learned is called the death wobble. The condition occurs intermittently but usually at speeds above 50mph and seems to be initiated by hitting any small bump. The whole front end shakes violently like the tires have been half filled with lead causing them to rotate wildly out of round. The truck …
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My truck experiences what I have learned is called the death wobble. The condition occurs intermittently but usually at speeds above 50mph and seems to be initiated by hitting any small bump. The whole front end shakes violently like the tires have been half filled with lead causing them to rotate wildly out of round. The truck actually bounces up and down rapidly and the steering wheel shakes violently creating a very unsafe driving circumstance. My research into this issue uncovered that this is a well-known condition that has been reported multiple times by many different Ford truck owners and that it occurs on Ford trucks of various year make and model. I also am aware of Fords service letter 09L02 advising owners to maintain proper air pressure to combat the issue. It is my opinion that Fords efforts to address this issue are woefully inadequate and the NHTSA has allowed this manufacturer to produce and provide an unsafe vehicle to the public for way to long. This is a hazardous condition that needs to be properly addressed.
NHTSA ODI #11419405
60,000 miles · Mar 26, 2021
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE I10 EAST OF BENSON, AZ AT AROUND 75MPH, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WENT WILD, SHAKING, VIBRATING, LOSS OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE MEDIUM, WHERE I SKIDDED TO A STOP. I SEE FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS CALLED THE F350 DEATH WOBBLE! THE FORD F350 …
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DRIVING EAST ON INTERSTATE I10 EAST OF BENSON, AZ AT AROUND 75MPH, HIT A ROUGH PATCH OF ROAD AND THE VEHICLE WENT WILD, SHAKING, VIBRATING, LOSS OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC INTO THE MEDIUM, WHERE I SKIDDED TO A STOP. I SEE FROM THE INTERNET THIS IS CALLED THE F350 DEATH WOBBLE! THE FORD F350 AND ALL RELATED VEHICLES NEED TO BE TAKEN OFF THE ROADS, THEY ARE A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THIS ACCIDENT OR EVEN WORSE SOME INNOCENT FAMILY COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT! MY FORD F350 VEHICLE HAS AROUND 60,000 MILES, SUPERDUTY, 4X4. IT IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH A CAB OVER CAMPER.
NHTSA ODI #11404937
60,000 miles · Mar 11, 2021
Suspension
TRUCK VIBRATES UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER HITTING BUMPS OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I REPLACE THE BRAKES THREE TIMES AND THAT DIDN'T FIX IT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE IT HIT ABOUT 60K MILES. IT NOW HAS 108K I CAN NOT TRUST THIS TRUCK ANYMORE.
NHTSA ODI #11402525
135,000 miles · Mar 9, 2021
Suspension
ON 2/28/21 AND 3/6/21 WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, I EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE VIOLENT SHAKING EVENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING. BOTH EVENTS OCCURED AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH UPON CROSSING PAVEMENT JOINTS. THE SHAKING IS SO VIOLENT YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T CAUSE A WRECK. THE…
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ON 2/28/21 AND 3/6/21 WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, I EXPERIENCED TWO SEPARATE VIOLENT SHAKING EVENTS OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING. BOTH EVENTS OCCURED AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH UPON CROSSING PAVEMENT JOINTS. THE SHAKING IS SO VIOLENT YOU LOSE THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND JUST HOPE IT DOESN'T CAUSE A WRECK. THE SHAKING WILL NOT STOP UNTIL SPEED IS REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 20MPH, WHICH IN ITSELF IS DANGEROUS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. A PASSENGER IN MY TRUCK DURING FIRST INCIDENT SAID HE THOUGHT I HAD HIT A LOAD OF PIPES IN THE ROAD. DURING THE SECOND EVENT, NEARBY MOTORISTS LOOKED AT ME LIKE MY TRUCK WAS FALLING APART. I AM VERY UPSET THAT FORD AND NHTSA HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW. FIRST DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. A SECOND DEALER TIGHTENED VARIOUS FASTENERS ON FRONT SUSPENSION AND MADE STEERING BOX VERY TIGHT. I WAS ALSO GIVEN NEW ALIGNMENT SPECS (WHICH I GAVE TO TIRE INSTALLER), AND ADVISED INFLATING TIRES TO MUCH HIGHER PRESSURE THAN TRUCK WAS DELIVERED NEW WITH. IT IS UNWORKABLE BECAUSE IT RESULTS IN BRUTAL RIDE IF TRUCK IS OPERATED WITHOUT PAYLOAD. I BELIEVE THESE EVENTS ARE CAUSED BY UNDAMPED RESONANCE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. IT FEELS LIKE THE WHEELS ARE ALTERNATELY POUNDING UP AND DOWN, LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE. THE STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATES SO HARD YOU CAN'T HOLD ON.
NHTSA ODI #11399954
220,000 miles · Sep 28, 2020
SteeringSuspension
I WAS RIDING DOWN HWY55 AT ABOUT 65 TO 70 MPH AND TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE AND BOUNCE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE TRUCK BOUNCED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT. AFTER GATHERING MYSELF I GOT OUT TO CHECK TRUCK AND THERE WAS NO FLATS AND ALL LUGS WAS THERE. I THOUGHT MAYBE I RAN OVER SOMETHING BUT ABOUT 12 MILES DOWN T…
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I WAS RIDING DOWN HWY55 AT ABOUT 65 TO 70 MPH AND TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE AND BOUNCE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE TRUCK BOUNCED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT. AFTER GATHERING MYSELF I GOT OUT TO CHECK TRUCK AND THERE WAS NO FLATS AND ALL LUGS WAS THERE. I THOUGHT MAYBE I RAN OVER SOMETHING BUT ABOUT 12 MILES DOWN THE TRUCKS DOES IT AGAIN. BUT THERE ARE MANY CARS BEHIND AND ON THE SIDE OF ME. CARS AND TRUCKS ARE GOING DOWN THE OF ROAD TO GET OUT OF WAY. THIS IS SO A VERY FRIGHTEN AND HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU ARE NOT PREPARED OR AWARE OF ABOUT THIS TRUCK. FORD TO BE ON OF THE TOP TRUCK MANUFACTURE IT GREATLY SADDEN ME TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE VISUALLY AWARE OF THE TRUCKS DEATHLY DEFECT FOR OVER 15 YEARS. YOU HAVE NOT MADE AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE A SAFE DURABLE PRODUCT TO PROTECT YOUR ROYAL CUSTOMERS OR YOURSELVES. TECHNOLOGY HAS AFFORDED MANY SEEN APPLICATION TO DO SO. YET YOU HAVE IGNORE WHAT IS YOUR COMPANY FUTURE.
NHTSA ODI #11361469
200,000 miles · Jan 20, 2020
SteeringSuspension
DEATH WOBBLE, THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN I DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY SINCE DAY ONE WHEN I BOUGHT IT . THE DEALER WON'T FIX IT THAT , THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH IT .AND THE DEALER SAYS TO REMOVE AIR FROM THE TIRES AND IT SHOULD STOP THE SHAKING .
NHTSA ODI #11300513
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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