IllustrationThe steering wheel shakes violently . It occurs at above 50MPH. The steering wheel can not be held or the vehicle controlled. You have to slow to almost a stop to regain control of the wheel and ultimately the vehicle. The shacking was very subtle to begin with but now it is getting more violent as time goes on.
2011 Ford F-350
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Ford F-350 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 93.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all F-350 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
190–25K
3225–50K
1550–75K
1575–100K
16100–150K
15150K+
112 reports with mileage · 24 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports
Steering complaints
50 reportsThe contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced the death wobble after driving over a bump in the road. The contact stated that the vehicle violently and uncontrollably shook after driving over the bump in the roadway and the contact was able to regain control …
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced the death wobble after driving over a bump in the road. The contact stated that the vehicle violently and uncontrollably shook after driving over the bump in the roadway and the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle once the vehicle had slowed down. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed him that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
ON 5/8/21, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATLY55-60 MPH, I HIT A POTHOLE ON HWY231 SOUTH (4 LANE) AND THE FRONT END OF MY 2011 F350 TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BECAME HARD TO STEER. I HAD TO ALMOST STOP BEFORE IT QUIT SHAKING. I WAS AFRAID WE (WIFE & I) WERE GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO A REPA…
Read full complaint
ON 5/8/21, WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATLY55-60 MPH, I HIT A POTHOLE ON HWY231 SOUTH (4 LANE) AND THE FRONT END OF MY 2011 F350 TRUCK STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND BECAME HARD TO STEER. I HAD TO ALMOST STOP BEFORE IT QUIT SHAKING. I WAS AFRAID WE (WIFE & I) WERE GOING TO LOOSE CONTROL AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND AFTER INSPECTION, THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A PROBLEM ONLY A FORD DEALER COULD FIX. THE SHOP HAD SEEN THIS BEFORE AND FORD REFUSED TO TELL THEM WHAT PARTS WERE NEEDED TO DO THAT FIX. ON 5/12/21, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO TALLASSEE AUTOMOTIVE FORD DEALER FOR REPAIR. AFTER INSPECTION, THEY SAID THEY KNEW THE PROBLEM AND COULD FIX IT FOR $1100 (OR $11?? SOMETHING. I WAS FLABBERGASTED AT THE AMOUNT, BUT HAD TO HAVE IT FIXED AND AGREED. THEY OREDERED PARTS AND CALLED TWO DAYS LATER TO COME PICK IT UP. UPON ARRIVAL, THEY SAID MY BILL WAS $1450. I COMPLAINED LOUDLY THAT THEY TOLD ME $1100 SOMETHING. AFTER CONSULTATION BETWEEN SOMEONE I DID NOT SEE, THEY AGREED TO DISCOUNT IT BY $300. LATER SOMEONE TOLD ME THEY HAD HEARD OF THIS FORD PROBLEM AND I SHOULD LOOK IT UP ONLINE. I DID AND FOUND STORIES ABOUT SOMETHING CALLED THE "DEATH WABBLE." MY PURPOSE FOR THIS COMPLAINT IS TO ADD MY VOICE TO THE GROUP OF PEPOPLE WHO HAVE HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND MAY REQUIRE FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE INJURIES OR DEATH TO UNKNOWING PEOPLE. AS FOR THE REPAIRS, IT SEEMS THEY REPLACED EVERYTHING BETWEEN THE TWO FRONT WHEELS AND THE STEERING COLUMN. NOT BEING A MECHANIC, I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THIS OR WHAT WAS REALLY NECESSARY TO FIX IT. NO SYMPTOMS BEFORE THIS INCIDENT INDICATED THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WITH MY TRUCK. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS OR EVENTS THAT COULD HAVE MADE ME CHECK OUT ANY PROBLEM LIKE THIS SITUATION. I HAVE NOT CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO., THE POLICE, OR INSURANCE COMPANY. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, IT IS APPARENT FORD IS AWARE OF THIIS PROBLEM AND CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY.
THE VEHICLE IS SHAKING TERRIBLE AT 50 MAYBE 60 MPH CAN'T TEL EXACTLY BECAUSE I WAS SCARED .I GOT NEW TIRES AND IS STILL DOING SAME. I WAS ON HWY 83 TOWARD SCOTT CITY KS.
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROADS THE FRONT END AND STEERING WHEEL GOES INTO A VIOLENT SHAKING AND VIBRATION TO POINT WHERE I HAVE TO ALMOST STOP THE TRUCK. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN ON BOTH TOWN ROADS AND HIGHWAYS IT ALSO SEEMS TO BE WORSE ON THE HIGHWAY.
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN I RUN ACROSS RUFF ROADS OR BUMPS THE TRUCKS FRONT END BEGINS TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE. THE SHAKE IS WORSE IF I AM IN ANY KIND OF TURN, BUT IT WILL DO IT ON STRAIGHT ROADS ALSO. I MUST SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 30 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO FORD DEALERSHI…
Read full complaint
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN I RUN ACROSS RUFF ROADS OR BUMPS THE TRUCKS FRONT END BEGINS TO WOBBLE AND SHAKE. THE SHAKE IS WORSE IF I AM IN ANY KIND OF TURN, BUT IT WILL DO IT ON STRAIGHT ROADS ALSO. I MUST SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 30 MPH TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO FORD DEALERSHIPS AND GOTTEN NO RESULTS. ONE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT TO BE IN THE BALL JOINTS AND I HAD THEM REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. DOING ONLINE RESEARCH, I AM SEEING OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND SOME CALLING IT THE DEATH WOBBLE. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS SINCE 2018 BUT THE LAST TIME WAS 10/22/2020.
VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE ON INTERSTATE 75 NORTH NEAR DALTON GEORGIA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK SO BAD CONTROL OF THE F350 BECAME AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL I SLOWED TO BELOW 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE INCIDENT PRESENTE…
Read full complaint
VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE ON INTERSTATE 75 NORTH NEAR DALTON GEORGIA AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR. THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL AND FRONT END VIOLENTLY SHOOK AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK SO BAD CONTROL OF THE F350 BECAME AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL I SLOWED TO BELOW 20 MILES PER HOUR. THE INCIDENT PRESENTED A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE
I WAS DRIVING AND MY STEERING ARMS CAUGHT ON FIRE.
DRIVING MY 2011 FORD F-350 TODAY AND HIT A BUMP DOING 55MPH ON A BLACK TOP ROAD GOING STRAIGHT FORWARD, AFTER THE BUMP THE "DEATH WOBBLE" STARTED AND ALMOST SHOOK MY PICKUP INTO THE DITCH. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 20 MPH TO GET IT TO STOP. AFTER A LOT OF READING, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD SUPER DUTYS THAT ARE MY PICKUPS AG…
Read full complaint
DRIVING MY 2011 FORD F-350 TODAY AND HIT A BUMP DOING 55MPH ON A BLACK TOP ROAD GOING STRAIGHT FORWARD, AFTER THE BUMP THE "DEATH WOBBLE" STARTED AND ALMOST SHOOK MY PICKUP INTO THE DITCH. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 20 MPH TO GET IT TO STOP. AFTER A LOT OF READING, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN FORD SUPER DUTYS THAT ARE MY PICKUPS AGE AND BRAND NEW. WHY HAVE THEY NOT FIXED THIS PROBLEM AND MADE A RECALL TO FIX ALL THE OLDER PICKUPS AS WELL??!!
DEATH WARBLE TWICE 7/15/2020 ON THE HIGHWAY DOING THE SPEED LIMIT ALMOST KILLED SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH TRUCK AND EMPTY TRAILER. DEATH WARBLE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. HAVE SPENT TOO MUCH TIME AND MONEY ON A TRUCK THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE FREEWAY.
Official recalls
414V498000 · Equipment
Aug 13, 2014
PJ's Truck Bodies & Equipment Co., (PJ's) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Ford F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty chassis modified by PJ's and equipped with certain Muncie Power Products PTO Assemblies. In the affected vehicles, oil may leak from the PTO pressure switch onto a thermal blanket covering the exhaust.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The leaking oil may soak into the thermal blanket covering the exhaust, which when combined with heat from exhaust, may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: PJ's has notified owners and dealers will install a new pressure switch kit that moves the switch away from the exhaust system, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2014. Owners may contact PJ's customer service at 1-866-475-8782.
13V535000 · Engine
Oct 30, 2013
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 F-350/450/550 Ambulance Package vehicles manufactured February 22, 2010, through October 19, 2012 and equipped with a 6.7L diesel engine. Due to an exhaust sensor problem, the vehicles may experience loss of power followed by an engine stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unexpected engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Additionally, if this were to occur when the ambulance is transporting a patient, there is an increased risk of injury to the patient.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the exhaust gas temperature sensor, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2013. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 13S10.
11V128000 · Electrical System:software
Feb 24, 2011
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 FORD F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE, AND LINCOLN MKX TRUCKS MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 25, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 20, 2010. THESE VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED USING INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) THAT HAD A CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE TO READ THE SUSPECT BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) SERIAL NUMBER. BASED ON THE SERIAL NUMBER THE BCM WAS EITHER NOT AFFECTED OR REPLACED. THE CUSTOM SOFTWARE ROUTINE WAS NOT READING THE CORRECT SET OF CHARACTERS, AND WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY A BCM THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AFFECTED BCMS MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSPECT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD MOTOR COMPANY CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER AT 1-866-436-7332.
10V659000 · Structure:body
Dec 29, 2010
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, EDGE AND LINCOLN MKX VEHICLES. DURING A SIX-DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD, THE SUPPLIER OF THE BODY CONTROL MODULE MANUFACTURED MODULES THAT MAY HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INTERNAL SHORT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT DEVELOPS, AN OVERHEATING CONDITION MAY OCCUR WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD 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
1RQ14005 · Vehicle Commanded Engine Shutdown
Opened Jan 13, 2015 · Closed Mar 15, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software; Engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System:software
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.
Engine
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this RQ to investigate allegations that the scope and remedy of safety recall 13V-535 were inadequate. Recall 13V-535 was limited to a relatively small population of Ambulance Package vehicles and ODI received complaints of pickup trucks and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles being affected by the same defect. Ford manufactured approximately 555,985 subject vehicles between February 22, 2010 and January 30, 2015 that may be affected by defective EGT sensors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software calibration. The subject vehicles are equipped with four (4) EGT sensors to monitor engine operating conditions. An EGT sensor fault may produce false exhaust over-temperature signals. If these signals are produced, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) implements a Failure Management Effects Mode (FMEM) and the driver receives a Stop Safely Now (SSN) system warning on the instrument cluster message center. The FMEM triggers a 70% reduction in available engine power over a period of no more than 45 seconds, during which it may not be possible to accelerate or maintain vehicle speed. The PCM then commands the engine to shut down when vehicle speed reaches approximately 1 mph. There is no immediate restart capability. Depending on the PCM software calibration, ignition key position and ambient temperature conditions, the engine may not restart until the end of a 10-60 minute cool down period.Ford and its component supplier(s) made numerous changes to the PCM software calibration and the design, material and manufacture of the EGT sensors over the period of subject vehicle production. This continuous product improvement affected vehicle performance regarding the alleged defect. Ford acknowledges the defect condition in the subject vehicles but argues that an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety is limited to Ambulance Package and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles where commanded shutdown could impact emergency response and patient care. Ford also argues that the defect trend is in decline. Ford also initiated a new safety recall (15V-175) to address the 13V-535 remedy concerns in the Ambulance Package vehicles and Fire Engine Prep Package vehicles. The 15V-175 remedy reprograms the PCM with a new software calibration that stops a single EGT sensor fault to cause the vehicle to enter the FMEM shutdown mode.Ford also initiated an EPA emissions recall (14E03) for all subject vehicles that reprograms the PCM with the software calibration employed in safety recall 15V-175. Finally, Ford initiated a Customer Satisfaction Program (15M01) providing extended warranty coverage of 8 years or 80,000 miles for the the EGT sensors on certain MY2011-2012 subject vehicles.Due to the EPA emissions recall, that had a 66.6% completion rate in Ford's December 2015 progress report to the EPA, the defect trend is in decline. ODI is not aware of any crashes, deaths or injuries related to the alleged defect.ODI believes the alleged defect poses a safety risk but notes that the EPA emissions recall is addressing the safety problem.Compelling issuance of a duplicate recall would not represent a wise use of agency resources.Accordingly, this Recall Query is closed.This action is not a finding that no defect exists and NHTSA will take further action if such action is warranted.