Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||||
| 0772 | 10022283 | Rear of vehicle is too high/low -5th wheel and goose neck applications. *kb | 07/25/2007 | ||
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| EA08007 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 03/14/2008 | 03/31/2009 | VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION | ||
| 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 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/15/2007 | 03/14/2008 | VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| EA08007 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 03/14/2008 | 03/31/2009 | VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION | ||
| 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 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 11/15/2007 | 03/14/2008 | VIOLENT FRONT END OSCILLATION | ||
| 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. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 10/01/2007 | 3000 | ||
| While driving over a set of railroad tracks, almost lost control of vehicle. took it to ford garage, they test drove it. replace steering box. two years later. steering pump broke, and the new steering box broke, while driving. vehicle is parked, and will remain parked. drove the vehicle last week and experienced the same incident. could not turn the steering wheel. turned to the left, when i tried to turn to the right, it would not turn. was driving at about 40mph. went off the road. it continues to act the same. this would be a great vehicle to test. | |||
| 04/09/2011 | 46000 | ||
| Running interstate going on bridge in curve an little crack in road made truck start shaking violently. making me have to come to complete stop before it would quit shaking throwing stuff all around inside truck | |||
| 05/24/2011 | 36345 | ||
| 2007 f250 crew cab 4x4. while traveling on the freeway at about 65mph i hit an unevenly paved road and my truck went into a violent shake for at least a mile until i slowed down to a stop. cars started to yield and slow down because the shake was so violent and the vehicle started to merge into other lanes. | |||
| 12/31/2009 | 28000 | 20 | |
| I own and drive a ford f250 super duty 4-wheel drive truck. i have on more than twenty (20) occasions experienced a severe suspension and steering wheel vibration, causing me to lose control of my vehicle. this occurred during the period 5/15/2009 through 1/15/2010. this only occurs at speeds over 55 mph on the highway when i cross over uneven road surfaces, like an overpass or a change in pavement type. the vibration is so severe that the only way to stop it is to slow dramatically to less than 30 mph and move out of the traffic lanes. the vibration does not stop unless i slow the vehicle. i have attempted to keep the vehicle on the road without slowing down, but the vibration continued for more than 45 seconds. i have addressed this with my local ford dealer. they were unable to duplicate the event. on one occasion they could not address it because they did not have a truck specialist on site that day. my vehicle is at the ford dealer today to have this addressed, but based on previous experience, i do not feel they will acknowledge or address the problem. the problems first occurred when the vehicle had approximately 28,000 miles. all service on my vehicle has been performed at ford dealers, so they have records of my complaints. it is my understanding from speaking to several people at my local ford dealer that the problem may be related to a sensor in the rear-end which is associated with the 4-wheel drive system. all of these events occurred while the vehicle was in 2-wheel drive mode. i am greatly concerned about my safety and the safety of other motorists when driving this vehicle at highway speeds. if the issues continue, it is likely that the vibration will cause me to lose control of my vehicle leading to an accident, and at highway speeds, it is likely to involve injuries or death. *tr | |||
| 11/23/2009 | 37123 | 1 | |
| Driving at 65mph on a highway coming off a bridge 3 times now the front end will shake very violently. until you slow down to about 20 mph. i got the letter from ford about maintaining proper tire pressure after each occurrence i checked the tires and they were at the proper inflation. after the first time i took the truck to a front end shop and they said nothing was wrong. although they say they have checked several for the same thing i have quit driving this truck and was going to trade it off. but i don't want to pass a problem to a new owner. *tr | |||
| 09/19/2008 | 30000 | 1 | |
| 2007 ford f250 sd, at 45 mph violent shaking of steering wheel. bought new tires no change, alignment is good, tire pressure at 65 psi. all road surfaces produce shaking. *tr | |||
| 01/20/2009 | 30000 | 1 | |
| On certain highways my ford f250 super duty bounces terribly. i must slow down to avoid losing control. it bounces so violently that i have been bounced out of my seat. ford stated that their trucks have a dampening system to fix this. they stated to check the tire pressure. my tire pressure is fine and has been fine. i have ridden in chevy 2500's and dodge 2500's on the same highways without this occurring. something is wrong with these trucks but i can not seem to get ford to agree. this is dangerous condition since you never know when the bouncing will start. any other reports on this occurrence? *tr | |||
| 02/18/2009 | 30000 | 1 | |
| 2007 ford f-250 (42k miles) - whole truck shakes violently when i hit an imperfection on the highway going over 55 mph. i have to pull the truck over to get it to stop and then can continue driving. it's been doing it the last 3 months, but today i finally took the ford tech for a ride and it did it twice for him. so far they're saying i have the wrong size tires, but they're the same size the truck came with and goodyear installed them, i'm with a state agency and do not have many options as far as trading the vehicle. i do think ford should be fixing the problem. i've seen the same complaint all over the country on forum discussions. *tr | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 10/30/2009 | 40000 | ||
| 2007 ford f250 super duty 6.0 liter diesel 4x4. steering woble (oscillation): purchased vehicle new after about 30000 miles when driving 60-65 mph and hit an rough road surface - steering begins to shake violently until slowed to approx. 40 mph. at 42000 miles had 6 lift and 37' tires and dual steering stabilizer put on vehilce and problem seemed to resolve up until approx. 54000 miles same issue again. have had wheels balanced, air pressure and allignement check - found loose track bar and tightened. this helped to reduce the frequency of wobble occurence, however still not resolved. upon researching this it appears to be a global ford super duty problem whether vehicle is stock or had suspension modifications. it is a potentially dangerous situation that ford needs to address instead of deny there is a problem. | |||
| 06/07/2010 | 79236 | ||
| I have a ford f250sd, when i am doing 70mph plus and hit a pot hole or a good size bump the front end of the truck shakes vigorously. i would have to slow down to nearly to 40mph just to get it to stop. i spoke with about 200+ other ford f250sd owners on different forums and they all state they are having the same problem. the years range from '06 to '08 | |||
| 03/17/2010 | 43000 | ||
| Severe steering wheel and front wheel vibrations. feels like a tire is coming off, this is causing severe shimmy and loss of control of the vehicle at approx 35-39 mph - thought there were ripples in the road but it happens on more and more bumps, worse today. happens multiple times per trip various situations. kids thought is was fun, i was scared to death (this incident happened on a straight away - still terrifying). have not taken to dealer but will immediately, pressures are good and nothing appears broken hope i can find out before something really bad happens. | |||
| 11/27/2009 | 25000 | 1 | |
| I own a 2007 ford f250 super duty ext cab, i have been having problems with it shaking/ bouncing violently when i go through a pothole or run over a bridge seam when traveling over 60 mph. this has happened more than a dozen times under different load circumstances pulling a trailer, without a trailer, four adults in the cab only myself in the cab, with and without a load in the bed. i bought the truck new in may of 2007. there were several times i almost hit another vehicle in the next lane because of the steering wheel pulling right to left or the tires bouncing up and down and when i apply the breaks the tires skid at first. i have to slow down very fast and to a very slow speed to get it under control. i have had the vehicle a little over 2 1/2 years and it only has 25,000 miles. ford sent out letters warning of this problem and said to make sure the tire pressure was correct and equal in the tires. i have done this and continue to make sure it is correct and the same. i have tried reducing the tire pressure incrementally from the 75psi recommended on the vin plate but that has not worked. *tr | |||
| 05/09/2009 | 24900 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2007 ford f-250 sd. the contact stated that the entire vehicle experiences strong steering vibration and violent shakes after traveling over a bump or uneven roads. the failure was recently noticed while driving 70 mph. the driver stated that it felt as if all four wheels were loose. he has taken the vehicle to several dealers and they stated that the tire pressure was the cause of the failure and refused to diagnose the vehicle. the contact stated that the tire pressure on his vehicle has always remained at the correct levels. he discovered an investigation that was conducted on this same failure by the manufacturer (nhtsa campaign id number pe07057 (suspension:front)). he believes that the tire pressure is not the issue and that a new investigation should be opened and a recall issued. currently, the vehicle is still experiencing the defect and is rarely driven. the failure and current mileages were 24,900. updated 06/08/09 *bf updated 06/18/09.*jb | |||
| 04/05/2009 | 88000 | 1 | |
| I have a ford f250 2007 4x4 diesel. went over a bump in the road and the steering wheel started shaking so bad i ran off the road. ford sent me a letter about tire pressure, but i assure you i check my tires at least once a week because i pull equipment almost daily. ford is trying to cover up something and it needs to be fixed. i have had the truck almost two years, and have had it back at the dealership 29 times in 22 months. they have an issue with either the turbo or the icp and keep telling me it is normal. i was wondering who would like to see the videos or hear the tape recordings of them telling me normal is when the truck is hoping so bad the front tires come off the ground. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2008 | 1 | ||
| 2007 f250 super duty shakes violently when at speeds at 60-65 and hits a bump. shakes only on the right side. has been happening for eight months. has taken it into the dealer 2-3 times and they can not find anything wrong. they told me it was unsafe to drive but gave it back to me and said i could drive it. makes driving in downtown san diego difficult. the shaking lasts from 3-20 minutes. shakes while towing cars and is very scary. *tr | |||
| 08/26/2008 | 20000 | 1 | |
| While driving at highway speeds the front end shakes aggressively after running over any change in pavement.(pot holes, bridges, asphalt to concrete gaps, expansion joints) you must let off throttle and apply brakes very lightly and drop appx. 15 25 mph. to correct. *tr | |||
| 06/28/2008 | 40000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle forced of i-89 @65mph due to excessive vibration of front left wheel on a 2007 ford f-250. this problem occurs every time the vehicle hits an imperfection in freeway pavement above 50mph. the shake is so excessive it causes loss of control of the vehicle. *tr | |||
| 06/23/2008 | 35000 | 1 | |
| I was driving along with a car in tow. suddenly, without aggravation, my truck went into a violent shake. it was all that i could do to keep the truck on the road, but it did cross lanes. after slowing to about 30 mph the oscillation stopped. i drag race and drive a car 186 mph in a 1/4 mile; but i am afraid to drive this truck now. i definitely will not put my children in this truck until i'm sure that this problem is fixed. its a stock 2007 ford f-250. *tr | |||
| 05/30/2008 | 100 | 1 | |
| When traveling at highway speeds, any imperfection in roadway causes violent shaking and diminished steering abilities until truck is slowed considerable, or brought to a complete stop. problem appeared almost immediately after purchase. extremely dangerous. i was shocked to learn this has been an issue with these trucks for several years. i am, sadly, not surprised at the lack of attention this issue has received from ford, or federal agencies to whom i pay hard earned money to keep me and my family safe from these types things. *tr | |||
| 05/28/2008 | 12000 | 1 | |
| When i hit bumps in the road my truck starts to shake violently out of control. this has happened several times. i rotated and re-balanced my tires and this didn't help. my truck only has 15,000 miles on it and it started doing this at about 12,000 miles. today i was driving along the northern california coast and it nearly sent me off a cliff. hitting a minor bump in the road can cause a complete loss of control............. in a brand new 4 wheel drive truck! *tr | |||
| 10/05/2007 | 18750 | 1 | 01/23/2007 |
| Excessive bounce in front end when traveling on interstate. uncontrollable until you slow down. very dangerous. *tr | |||
| 07/09/2007 | 10000 | 10 | 12/30/2006 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 2007 ford f-250 sd. while driving 65 mph the vehicle vibrated and dropped to the ground. he slowed to 30 mph and the vehicle performed normal. the current and failure mileages were 10,000. | |||
| 07/23/2007 | 600 | 10 | 01/01/2007 |
| While traveling, mainly at highway speeds, in my 2007 f-250 4x4 (gas), any imperfections in the roadway surface (potholes, bridge approaches, ripples) send the front end of the truck into violent shakes, causing temporary loss of control of the vehicle, until it is slowed much below the posted speed limit. such a loss of control is an imminent hazard not only to myself and passengers, but also to the traveling public in the vicinity. i have taken the vehicle to the ford dealership, and they have never heard of such an issue and suggested an alignment. *jb | |||
| 05/11/2007 | 65 | 1 | 12/10/2006 |
| Violent almost uncontrollable front end bouncing after encountering minor pavement bumps. vehicle has 5000 miles & has happened twice. others have experienced similar incidences with ford f250sd gas. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 12/31/2009 | 28000 | 20 | |
| I own and drive a ford f250 super duty 4-wheel drive truck. i have on more than twenty (20) occasions experienced a severe suspension and steering wheel vibration, causing me to lose control of my vehicle. this occurred during the period 5/15/2009 through 1/15/2010. this only occurs at speeds over 55 mph on the highway when i cross over uneven road surfaces, like an overpass or a change in pavement type. the vibration is so severe that the only way to stop it is to slow dramatically to less than 30 mph and move out of the traffic lanes. the vibration does not stop unless i slow the vehicle. i have attempted to keep the vehicle on the road without slowing down, but the vibration continued for more than 45 seconds. i have addressed this with my local ford dealer. they were unable to duplicate the event. on one occasion they could not address it because they did not have a truck specialist on site that day. my vehicle is at the ford dealer today to have this addressed, but based on previous experience, i do not feel they will acknowledge or address the problem. the problems first occurred when the vehicle had approximately 28,000 miles. all service on my vehicle has been performed at ford dealers, so they have records of my complaints. it is my understanding from speaking to several people at my local ford dealer that the problem may be related to a sensor in the rear-end which is associated with the 4-wheel drive system. all of these events occurred while the vehicle was in 2-wheel drive mode. i am greatly concerned about my safety and the safety of other motorists when driving this vehicle at highway speeds. if the issues continue, it is likely that the vibration will cause me to lose control of my vehicle leading to an accident, and at highway speeds, it is likely to involve injuries or death. *tr | |||