This truck has the problem known as the “death wobble.” I bought the vehicle from Johnson City Ford in Johnson City Tennessee after they said they had inspected it and everything was fine on the truck. It was used so I bought the extended warranty. The truck started shaking so violently I couldn’t drive it. I took it back …
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This truck has the problem known as the “death wobble.” I bought the vehicle from Johnson City Ford in Johnson City Tennessee after they said they had inspected it and everything was fine on the truck. It was used so I bought the extended warranty. The truck started shaking so violently I couldn’t drive it. I took it back to this Ford place. They replaced the universal joint under my warranty. I left didn’t get it home and it started again shaking. I took it back to them and they confirmed the death wobble and said there were no recalls and they want 3600 dollars to fix the problem. I called Ford corporate and they said there were no recalls or programs to help with this problem.
NHTSA ODI #11467253
11,000 miles · Aug 18, 2017
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
WHEN GAINING SPEED ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT OF INSTABILITY - AFRAID TO DRIVE STOCK TIRES NOT THE PROBLEM HAVE CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT -TWICE CANNOT LOCATE ISSUE NO RECALL ISSUED
NHTSA ODI #11016131
189,000 miles · Jun 7, 2016
SteeringSuspensionWheels
THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY INVOLVING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE WHICH IS SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS. I HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST TWO LETTERS FROM FORD CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THE ONE I HAVE BEFORE ME IS LISTED AS LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02. IT STATES THAT FORD AND NHTSA ARE STUDYING TH…
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THERE IS AN ISSUE THAT IS KNOWN TO THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY INVOLVING THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE WHICH IS SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS. I HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST TWO LETTERS FROM FORD CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. THE ONE I HAVE BEFORE ME IS LISTED AS LITERATURE PROGRAM 09L02. IT STATES THAT FORD AND NHTSA ARE STUDYING THE ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY THAT DOES LITTLE GOOD FOR ME AS MY VEHICLE IS BASICALLY AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS RENDER THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS THEY (THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS) HAPPEN WITH NO PROVOCATION AT TIMES AND THE VIBRATIONS BECOME SO VIOLENT THAT KEEPING CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, ADDITIONALLY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE IS IMPOSSIBLE. I HAVE HAD THE SEVERE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT WHEEL VIBRATIONS OCCUR AT SPEEDS FROM @20MPH TO 55MPH.
NHTSA ODI #10873035
60,000 miles · Jan 11, 2016
Steering
WAS DRIVING 60MPH ON INTERSTATE WHEN I HAD A DIP IN THE ROAD AND THE TRUCK WOBBLED AND SHIMMIED SO I HAD TO REDUCE SPEED TO GET IT BACK UNDER CONTROL. TIRE PRESSER WAS CORRECT.
NHTSA ODI #10819569
71,000 miles · Feb 22, 2014
SteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING ON AND OVERPASS/ EXIT RAMP AND PASSED OVER A STEEL DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. UPON DOING SO I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ON THE TRUCK AND HAD TO DECELERATE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. I RECEIVED AN INFORMATION BULLETIN FROM FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL "STEERING WOBBLE" AND MADE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF …
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I WAS DRIVING ON AND OVERPASS/ EXIT RAMP AND PASSED OVER A STEEL DIVIDER ON THE HIGHWAY. UPON DOING SO I TEMPORARILY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING ON THE TRUCK AND HAD TO DECELERATE AND MOVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. I RECEIVED AN INFORMATION BULLETIN FROM FORD ABOUT THIS POTENTIAL "STEERING WOBBLE" AND MADE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I FEEL AS THOUGH THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND FORD SHOULD BE DOING SOMETHING BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED OR KILLED. THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH FORD IS NOT BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565456
58,000 miles · Oct 13, 2011
SteeringCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION TO THE HEAD. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 FORD F350. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED, CAUSING HER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASH INTO A WALL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION TO THE HEAD. A PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE NOR WAS THE VEHICLE INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 11/04/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS FREE SPINNING. THE GEAR BOX WAS DEFECTIVE. UPDATED 11/14/11
NHTSA ODI #10430086
10,000 miles · Mar 24, 2011
Steering
ANYTIME I PULL A TRAILER MY TRUCK SHAKES REALLY BAD. IT SHAKES MODERATELY WITHOUT A TRAILER. IT HAPPENS CONSTANTLY. I HAVE HAD FORD DEALER REPLACE BALL JOINTS THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN THIRTY THOUSAND MILES. I THINK IF I DIDN'T GET THEM REPLACED I WOULD END UP WITH DEATH WOBBLE I READ ABOUT. BBB AUTOLINE(LEMON LAW) INDEPENDENT IN…
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ANYTIME I PULL A TRAILER MY TRUCK SHAKES REALLY BAD. IT SHAKES MODERATELY WITHOUT A TRAILER. IT HAPPENS CONSTANTLY. I HAVE HAD FORD DEALER REPLACE BALL JOINTS THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN THIRTY THOUSAND MILES. I THINK IF I DIDN'T GET THEM REPLACED I WOULD END UP WITH DEATH WOBBLE I READ ABOUT. BBB AUTOLINE(LEMON LAW) INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR WROTE THE TRUCK IS "VERY DANGEROUS". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392832
2,500 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES SINCE IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED (5 TIMES I BELIEVE FOR STEERING RELATED PROBLEMS AND OTHER TIMES FOR A BRAKE BOOT PROBLEM AND A VARIETY OF OTHER ISSUES). THE OTHER PROBLEM THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IS WHAT FORD IS CALLING A "SHIMMY". THEY ORIGINALLY TOLD US WE NEEDED NE…
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THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP MANY MANY TIMES SINCE IT WAS FIRST PURCHASED (5 TIMES I BELIEVE FOR STEERING RELATED PROBLEMS AND OTHER TIMES FOR A BRAKE BOOT PROBLEM AND A VARIETY OF OTHER ISSUES). THE OTHER PROBLEM THE VEHICLE HAS HAD IS WHAT FORD IS CALLING A "SHIMMY". THEY ORIGINALLY TOLD US WE NEEDED NEW SHOCKS BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH WE DISPUTED AND TOOK IT TO A SPECIALIST IN SHOCK REPLACEMENT WHO TOLD US THIS WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. THEN THEY TOLD US IT WAS THE TIRES (WHICH THEY ARE CONTENDING IN THE FORM LETTER THEY SENT US-THAT STATES WE MUST MAINTAIN PROPER PRESSURE TO CONTROL THIS PROBLEM). UNFORTUNATELY, PROPER TIRE PRESSURE SEEMINGLY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS PROBLEM AND WE CONTINUE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM TO WHICH FORD'S ANSWER TO US IS "GET NEW TIRES" (THE TIRES HAVE ONLY 22,000 MILES ON THEM, THEY ARE THE TIRES FORD PUT ON THE VEHICLE WHEN WE BOUGHT IT AND THEY, OF COURSE, ARE NOT A WARRANTY ITEM). ALL IN ALL, THE TRUCK HAS HAD MANY ISSUES, SOME OF WHICH HAVE BEEN FIXED REPEATEDLY ONLY TO APPEAR AGAIN IN THE SAME OR SIMILAR WAY. *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.
2007 Ford F-350 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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