NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
40 reportsClear category filter97,850 miles · Dec 28, 2019
Suspension
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 65 MPH, ON STRAIGHT, DRY ROAD. HIT A MEDIUM SIZED BUMP AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH AT WHICH POINT THE SHAKING STOPPED. A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD HIT ANOTHER MEDIUM SIZED BUMP AND THE SAME VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURRED AGAIN. THE SHAKIN…
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DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 65 MPH, ON STRAIGHT, DRY ROAD. HIT A MEDIUM SIZED BUMP AND THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IMMEDIATELY SLOWED DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH AT WHICH POINT THE SHAKING STOPPED. A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD HIT ANOTHER MEDIUM SIZED BUMP AND THE SAME VIOLENT SHAKING OCCURRED AGAIN. THE SHAKING IS SO VIOLENT THAT IT FEELS LIKE THE FRONT END IS ABOUT TO COME OFF. IN DOING RESEARCH ONLINE, THIS IS ALSO COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "DEATH WOBBLE" AND SEEMS TO OCCUR ON MANY FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS ACROSS MANY MODEL YEARS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OF A HEAVY VEHICLE WHICH MAY BE TOWING A LARGE TRAILER AS WELL. A RESULTING ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES OR FATALITIES WOULD SEEM TO BE A CERTAIN POSSIBILITY. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PREVALENT SAFETY ISSUE WITH THESE TRUCKS THAT NHTSA SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF SO PROPER REMEDIAL ACTION CAN BE TAKEN.
NHTSA ODI #11291777
118,000 miles · Nov 16, 2019
SteeringSuspension
WHILE IN MOTION AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 45-55 MPH THE VEHICLE FRONT END WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY WITH OUT WARNING AND CREATING A LOSS OF CONTROL UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS BROUGHT TO A NEAR STOP. DEALERSHIP SERVICE ADVISES THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM KNOWN AS THE DEATH WOBBLE.
NHTSA ODI #11280497
60,000 miles · Oct 20, 2019
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING VIBRATES VIOLENTLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEED. THIS REQUIRES HARD AND IMMEDIATE APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK UNDER CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI #11269602
88,055 miles · Aug 13, 2019
Suspension
PERIODICALLY THE FRONT END ON MY 2014 F-350 VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY (DEATH WOBBLE) WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS ON ROADS AT SPEEDS 65 MPH AND ABOVE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED, I TOOK IT FOR REPAIRS TO BJ FORD IN LIBERTY, TX. THEY TOLD ME THE HIGH TIRE PRESSURE WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM; ACCORDING TO THEM, IT WAS ADJUSTED FROM 70 PS…
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PERIODICALLY THE FRONT END ON MY 2014 F-350 VEHICLE SHAKES VIOLENTLY (DEATH WOBBLE) WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS ON ROADS AT SPEEDS 65 MPH AND ABOVE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED, I TOOK IT FOR REPAIRS TO BJ FORD IN LIBERTY, TX. THEY TOLD ME THE HIGH TIRE PRESSURE WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM; ACCORDING TO THEM, IT WAS ADJUSTED FROM 70 PSI TO 60 PSI. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT HAPPEN AGAIN AND I TOOK IT BACK TO BJ FORD. THE THIRD TIME IT HAPPEN I TOOK IT TO FRIENDLY FORD IN CROSBY, TX WHERE THEY REPLACED SEVERAL ITEMS (SEE ATTACHED FILE) ON 08/07/2019. ON 8/9/2019 WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH I EXPERIENCE THE DEATH WOBBLE AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME IT WAS THE WORST YET. I ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 40 MPH WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK IT BACK TO FRIENDLY FORD EXPLAINING THAT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST AND THEY NEEDED TO REPAIR IT. SINCE I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IT FORD'S ABILITY TO FIX THE PROBLEM, I AM NOW AT THE POINT OF TRADING MY F-350 IN FOR A F-150, BUT I STILL HAVE CONCERNS THAT THE NEXT OWNER WILL INHERENT THE SAME PROBLEM SINCE FORD CAN'T SEEMS FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI #11243718
200,035 miles · Apr 1, 2019
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING, IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE TO ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES ON BUSY HIGHWAYS AND ON CITY STREETS. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK BACK TO THE FORD DEALER TWICE ALREADY. THEY REPLACED PARTS, BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS V…
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WHILE DRIVING, IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD THE TRUCK SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. I HAVE TO ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO REGAIN CONTROL. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES ON BUSY HIGHWAYS AND ON CITY STREETS. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK BACK TO THE FORD DEALER TWICE ALREADY. THEY REPLACED PARTS, BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, I HAVE CAME CLOSE TO HAVING ACCIDENTS SEVERAL TIMES, WITH MY FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. I AM UNSURE OF THE PART THAT IS CAUSING, BUT I THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE SUSPENSION. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION OF WHEN I "HAD THE PROBLEM FIXED". THE WORK THE DEALERSHIP DID, DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11193247
50,000 miles · Aug 29, 2018
SteeringStructureSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO GAIN CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY PERFORMANCE CENTER (600 N FREDERICK AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877, (301) 548-9132) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD F-350. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO GAIN CONTROL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHEEHY PERFORMANCE CENTER (600 N FREDERICK AVE, GAITHERSBURG, MD 20877, (301) 548-9132) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD, SHOCKS, AND THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 12943941. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #11123269
35,876 miles · May 31, 2018
Suspension
MY LOW MILAGE 35,876 TRUCK HAS BAD WEAR ON THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE TOOK TO A PLACE TO HAVE SAFETY CHECK AND THEY FOUND WEAR IN THE FOLLOWING: BALL JOINT, TRACK BAR BUSHING, AND TRACK BAR REPLACMENT
NHTSA ODI #11099096
65,000 miles · Mar 2, 2018
SteeringSuspension
WHILE DRIVING FRONT END WOBBLES VIOLENTLY WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. TRUCK IS HARD TO HANG ON TO AND STEER. I'VE READ SEVERAL THREADS THAT THIS IS COMMON. THIS IS CRAZY THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL. I'M NOT HAPPY I'VE REPLACE MINE 3 TIMES AND IT'S DOING IT AGAIN. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW.
NHTSA ODI #11075986
131,000 miles · Dec 22, 2017
Suspension
FRONT SUSPENSION / EVEN AFTER A TOTAL REBUILD OF ALL FRONT SUSPENSION WE CAN NOT GET RID OF WHAT WE CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END SHAKE VIGOROUSLY UNTIL WE REDUCE OUR SPEED TO UNDER 35 MILES AN HOUR. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOU HIT A DIP OF ANY SORT IN THE ROAD WAY (BRIDGE CROSSING, UN…
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FRONT SUSPENSION / EVEN AFTER A TOTAL REBUILD OF ALL FRONT SUSPENSION WE CAN NOT GET RID OF WHAT WE CALL A DEATH WOBBLE. THE STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT END SHAKE VIGOROUSLY UNTIL WE REDUCE OUR SPEED TO UNDER 35 MILES AN HOUR. THIS OCCURS WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND YOU HIT A DIP OF ANY SORT IN THE ROAD WAY (BRIDGE CROSSING, UNEVEN PAVEMENT ECT) THE DEALER TOLD ME TO REPLACE 11 ITEMS WHICH I HAD DONE IN EXCESS OF $5,000 BUT IT CORRECT NOTHING.
NHTSA ODI #11056060
52,250 miles · Jun 8, 2017
SteeringSuspension
AT HIGHWAY SPEED I HIT A BUMP ON THE FREEWAY. THE FRONT END OF THE TRUCK IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO SHUDDER VIOLENTLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR AND COASTED ONCE THE VEHICLE SPEED REDUCES TO ABOUT 45MPH THE SHUDDER STOPPED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE BUT ONLY LASTS 1 OR 2 SECONDS.
NHTSA ODI #10993901
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.
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