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
99,987 miles · Aug 5, 2019
SteeringSuspensionWheels
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT APPROX 60 MPH, HIT PATCH IN ROAD, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, DEATH WOBBLE, ALMOST CAUSED CRASH WITH 6 OTHER VEHICLES. WENT STRAIGHT TO DEALERSHIP TOLD IT WAS STEERING SHIMMY SHOCK FAILURE. ALIGNMENT. PAY FOR OUT OF POCKET, ALTHOUGH HAD SAME TRUCK IN SHOP FOR FRONT END REPAIRS IN JANUARY 2019.
NHTSA ODI #11241718
128,000 miles · Apr 24, 2018
Wheels
CRACKED POLISHED FORGED ALUM 20" WHEEL. ORIGINAL FORD EQUIPMENT. DID NOT HIT POT HOLE. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING! WHEEL IS CRACKED/SPLIT OPEN SPOKE TO SPOKE PARALLEL WITH TIRE BEAD. TIRE IS FINE. WHEEL IS OBVIOUSLY UNSAFE!
NHTSA ODI #11089841
50,500 miles · May 24, 2017
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHILE TOWING MY LARGE CAMPER, ON THE FREEWAY, I HIT A BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO STOP THE TRUCK WITHOUT WRECKING. I HAD TO STOP IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER RESUMING TRAVEL, THE FRONT END WOULD SHIMMY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I HAD T…
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WHILE TOWING MY LARGE CAMPER, ON THE FREEWAY, I HIT A BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT WAS ALL I COULD DO TO STOP THE TRUCK WITHOUT WRECKING. I HAD TO STOP IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER RESUMING TRAVEL, THE FRONT END WOULD SHIMMY AT ABOUT 45 MPH. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME AT 40 MPH...ROUGHLY ANOTHER 75 MILES. I THINK I HAVE SEEN AN ADVISORY LETTER FROM FORD, TO OWNERS, CONCERNING THIS. THERE ARE MANY, MANY INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING. ONE CAN FIND DOZENS OF EXAMPLES OF THIS HAPPENING IF ONE LOOKS ON LINE. NEITHER FORD NOR THE LOCAL FORD DEALER SEEMS TO BE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. WE WERE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10991433
139,141 miles · Oct 22, 2014
Wheels
WHILE PARKED, A CRACK IN THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS NOTICED. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM SPOKE TO SPOKE ON THE 20" FACTORY FORD RIM. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM NOT THO ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS SITUATION. IN MOST CASES SUCH AS MINE THE RIMS ARE CRACKING IN THE SAME PLACE AND IN MOST CASES…
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WHILE PARKED, A CRACK IN THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE ALUMINUM WHEEL WAS NOTICED. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM SPOKE TO SPOKE ON THE 20" FACTORY FORD RIM. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I AM NOT THO ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS SITUATION. IN MOST CASES SUCH AS MINE THE RIMS ARE CRACKING IN THE SAME PLACE AND IN MOST CASES THERE WAS NO DAMAGE NOTED TO THE WHEEL FROM POTHOLES OR IMPACTS, THE RIM IS DEFECTIVE AND CRACKING. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THERE IS NO RECALL AT THIS POINT AND THE TRUCK IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER THIS APPEARS TO BIG A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AS IF THE WHEEL WOULD CONTINUE TO CRACK, IT WOULD NOT HOLD AIR AN THE TIRE COULD GO FLAT IMMEDIATELY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND A PICTURE OF THIS TO SHOW THE ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL PICTURES ON THE INTERNET OF THE SAME WHEEL (5 SPOKE 20" ALUMINUM WHEEL 2006 F-350 TRUCKS). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10649276
33,000 miles · May 26, 2010
Wheels
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON APRIL 10, 2008, THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIMS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE RIMS AND …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH ON APRIL 10, 2008, THE LEFT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE RIMS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE RIMS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED AND A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 33,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10332404
28,790 miles · Apr 18, 2008
Wheels
I RECENTLY HAD A FLAT TIRE ON MY F-350 PICKUP. I NEEDED A SLEDGE HAMMER TO REMOVE THE TIRE! I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID, WE NORMALLY BEAT IT OFF THE TRUCK OURSELVES. SO I CONTACTED 2ND DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLED IT, THEY SAID…
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I RECENTLY HAD A FLAT TIRE ON MY F-350 PICKUP. I NEEDED A SLEDGE HAMMER TO REMOVE THE TIRE! I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID, WE NORMALLY BEAT IT OFF THE TRUCK OURSELVES. SO I CONTACTED 2ND DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLED IT, THEY SAID THEY HAD TO BEAT THE RIM OFF THE TRUCK AS WELL. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND ASKED THEM IF I COULD BRING IT IN AND HAVE THEM BEAT THE TIRES AND RIMS OFF AND PUT SOME KIND OF ANTICEASE ON THE RIMS SO THEY WON'T RUST AND FREEZE ON THE TRUCK. I EXPLAINED TO HER THAT WHEN I WAS BEATING THE RIM OFF OF MY TRUCK I HAD CRAWLED OUT FROM UNDER THE TRUCK, IT FELL OFF THE JACK, IT CRACKED MY DRIVEWAY, AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I TOLD FORD THIS SOUNDED LIKE A PRETTY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHAT WOULD THEY DO ABOUT THE COMPLAINT. THEY REFERRED ME TO THE MAINTENANCE GUIDE,TO ROTATE THE TIRES EVERY 5000 MILES. IT DOESN'T MENTION IT BEING DANGEROUS IF YOU DON'T ROTATE YOUR TIRES, JUST TO REDUCE TIRE WEAR ROTATE THE TIRES EVERY 5000 MILES. I THINK THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. NOT THE CUSTOMERS EXPENSE. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE TRUCK IN AND MAYBE I COULD WORK SOMETHING OUT WITH THE DEALERSHIP. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO WORK IT OUT, BUMPER TO BUMPER SHOULD MEAN BUMPER TO BUMPER. NOT JUST WHAT THEY THINK SHOULD BE COVERED. APPARENTLY A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM. IF YOUR ON THE ROAD AND HAVE A FLAT IT COULD COST 2-300 DOLLARS TO BE TOWED IN,HAVE THE TIRES REMOVED TO CHANGE THE FLAT. SINCE THE RIM HAS TO BE BEAT OFF THE TRUCK. A WHEEL PULLER MIGHT WORK, SOMETHING YOU DON'T CARRY WITH YOU WHEN TRAVELING. THIS PUTS THE CONSUMER IN A VERY HAZARDOUS CONDITION. ALL FORD WAS INTERESTED IN WAS THE TIRE MIGHT NOT WEAR PROPERLY IF TIRES ARE NOT ROTATED. IT DOESN'T MENTION THE RIMS BEING FROZE UP BECAUSE I DID NOT ROTATE THEM. THERE IS ONLY 29,000 MILES ON MY VEHICLE. WHAT DO YOU THINK? CONCERNED CONSUMER. *TR
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.
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