67 of the
381 complaints about the 2005 Ford F-250 SD are about the
steering — 18% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
41,500 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND TO BILLINGSLEY FORD LINCOLN OF LAWTON (8209 NW QUANAH PARKER TRAILWAY BLDG. 1, LAWTON, OK 73505, (580) 536-3325) ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DUPLICATED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED MANY TIMES AND ADVISED HIM TO LEAVE A MESSAGE AND SPEAK WITH THE OWNER OF THE DEALER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED FORD ACTION BULLETIN NUMBER: 09L02 (STEERING: WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR, TIRES). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11071927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,000 milesSaint Albans, VT
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK, JUST LEAVING TOWN I HIT 50 MPH AND THE TRUCK STARTS TO WOBBLE FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND VIBRATE TILL I SLOW DOWN TO UNDER 40 MPH. I GOT THE NOTICE FROM FORD TELLING ME IT ALL HAD TO DO WITH TIRE PRESSURE. I INFLATED THE TIRES TO THE REQUIRED PRESSURE AND IT ONLY MADE THINGS WORSE. I HAVE CONTACTED THEM THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED ONLY FOR THEM TO TELL ME THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. CLEARLY THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE SPENT SO MUCH MONEY REPLACING PARTS IN THE FRONT END OF THIS TRUCK. TIRES ARE NOW JUNK ON THE FRONT END. THE ONLY THING I COULD DO IS UNDER INFLATE THE FRONT TIRES TO GAIN BETTER CONTROL AND DRIVE SLOWER. STILL WOBBLES JUST NOT AS BAD. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM I HAVE EVERYDAY.
NHTSA complaint #10759624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 344,000 milesOntario, CACrash
STEERING
I WAS HEADING DOWN MY STREET IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD AND JUST BEFORE THE STREET BENDS TO THE LEFT MY TRUCK STALLED AND I LOST MY POWER BRAKES AND POWER STEERING. DOING THE BEST I COULD I TURNED THE WHEEL JUST ENOUGH TO AVOID THE CAR PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET THEN I PROCEEDED TO RUN THROUGH MY NEIGHBOR'S WROUGHT IRON GATE AND PLASTER COMING TO REST ON THE HILL IN HIS FRONT YARD. AFTER ASSESSING THE DAMAGE, I TRIED TO START MY TRUCK TO SEE IF I COULD MOVE IT. IT STARTED AND I MOVED IT TO MY DRIVEWAY. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE DONE AT THE BODY SHOP I THEN TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE DISCOVERED A FAULTY WIRE IN THE WIRE HARNESS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL WITHOUT ANY NOTICE OR SIGNS OF TROUBLE. LATER I LEARNED FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2004-2005 MODELS FOR THE WIRE HARNESS SPECIFICALLY, THAT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ON.
NHTSA complaint #10667185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesWestford, MACrash1 injured
STEERING
STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, ACCELERATED TO MAKE LEFT TURN,HIT EITHER A BUMP OR PATCH OF SAND WHEN STEERING TOOK TO LEFT THEN RIGHT AND COULD NOT GET BACK. HIT A GUARDRAIL AND LANDED IN DITCH. MY TRUCK IS TOTALED BUT LUCKILY I WAS NOT SEVERELY INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10574696 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesWeymouth, MA
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A MAIN ST, GOING ABOUT 35 MPH...WHEN I HIT A BUMP THE TRUCK WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALSO SHAKING VIOLENTLY , I HAD IT DIAGNOSED AS THE DRAG LINK BALL JOINT AND AN UPPER BALL JOINT BOTH ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT...I GOT A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM FORD JUST YESTERDAY ABOUT THE SHIMMY/SHAKING ISSUE, THE LETTER STATES THAT IT IS DUE TO TIRE PRESSURE IN WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE VERY WRONG!!
NHTSA complaint #10557215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 700 milesLynden, WA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, HIT A SMALL POTHOLE IN THE ROAD AND THE SUSPENSION STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE TRUCK ALONG WITH SEVERE STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATIONS. NO CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE UNTIL I COULD GET SLOWED DOWN ENOUGH TO STOP THE OSCILLATIONS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON MY TRUCK MULTIPLE TIMES THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AT SPEEDS ANYWHERE FROM 30 TO 60 MPH AND CONTRARY TO OTHER REPORTS LISTED ON HERE, THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CORRECT AND MADE NO DIFFERENCE. I HAVE PUT ON AFTERMARKET SUSPENSION AND TIRES SINCE THE ORIGINAL TIME THIS HAPPENED AND ADDED A STEERING STABILIZER WHICH HELPED TO KEEP THIS FROM OCCURRING BUT IT STILL HAPPENS ON OCCASION. THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT UP TO MY DEALER AT THE BEGINNING AND THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEMS. THE SHAKING AND BEATING OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS OCCURS IS UNBELIEVABLE. I FULLY BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT HAS CAUSED ME TO HAVE A BROKEN RIM, ELECTRICAL ISSUES, BRAKE PROBLEMS, AND WHAT I BELIEVE IS A CRACKED TURBO UP PIPE OR SOMETHING ELSE THAT IS ALLOWING EXHAUST FUMES INTO THE CAB.
NHTSA complaint #10487500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesGarden Grove, CA
STEERING
2005 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY, STARTED AT @ 25,000 MILES IN 2008 AND STILL HAPPENS TODAY. HAPPENS WHEN TRAVELING OVER 60 MPH, WHEN YOU HIT ANY SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. IT IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL THE TRUCK. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME ON THE FREEWAY. THE TIRE PRESSURE WAS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF THE FIRST INCIDENT, THE TIRES WERE BALANCED AND THE LUG NUTS WERE TORQUED TO FORD SPECS. TALKED TO THE FORD DEALER AND THEY DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A SIMILAR PROBLEM. AFTER A FEW HOURS RESEARCH ONLINE, THIS PROBLEM IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND FREQUENT WITH THE FORD SUPER DUTY LINE FROM 05"-08". IT SEEMS TO BE AN ENGINEERING DEFECT AND FORD IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT IT DOES APPEAR THAT FORD HAS OFFERED ANY REMEDIES. THE NHTSA ALSO KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM. I VIEWED FOUR NHTSA VIDEOS THAT DEMONSTRATED THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM THAT I AM EXPERIENCING WITH MY TRUCK. I HAVE FOUND NO ACTION ON THE PART OF THE NHTSA. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CORRECTED BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10458496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,500 milesPottsville, PA
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING ON PA INTERSTATE 81, MY 2005 F250 EXPERIENCED SEVERE DRIVING LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRAVELED OVER AN AREA OF THE ROAD THAT WAS UNEVEN. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCKS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME TO THE EXTENT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTING INTO THE OTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. DECELERATING BY RELEASING THE GAS PEDDLE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP THE SEVERE VIBRATIONS AND APPLYING THE BRAKES SEEMED TO INCREASE THE PROBLEM. MY ENTIRE FAMILY AND A NON-FAMILY MEMBER WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME AND WE ALL FEARED FOR OUR LIVES. AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, THERE IS A VIDEO POSTED BY ANOTHER FORD OWNER AND IS EXACTLY WHAT WE HAD EXPERIENCED TOO. (HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=8EUQ6F8RGT4&FEATURE=RESULTS_VIDEO&PLAYNEXT=1&LIST=PLDCA2FF5512789E5A) IT IS KNOWN AS ' FORD F250 DEATH WOBBLE', WHEN VIEWING THE VIDEO, THE DEATH WOBBLE BEGINS AROUND 1 MIN 30 SEC INTO THE VIDEO AND NEEDS TO BE SERIOUSLY ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED TO PREVENT THIS FROM EVER RECURRING AGAIN BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED OR HURT...
NHTSA complaint #10443382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesMonroe, WA
STEERING
I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A 3 LANE INTERSTATE, IN THE LEFT LANE. I WENT OVER A BRIDGE EXPANSION JOINT AND THE TRUCK STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL I PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER. I CHECKED TO SEE WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE SHAKING AND FOUND NO VISIBLE DAMAGE, AND SO PROCEEDED WITHOUT ANY FURTHER ISSUES. THE VEHICLE IS STOCK WITH PROPER TIRES, SUFFICIENT TREAD, AND WERE INFLATED TO WITHIN 2 TO 3 POUNDS OF FORDS RECOMMENDED TIRE INFLATION (I CHECKED THE NEXT DAY).
NHTSA complaint #10441424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesFrench Lick, IN
STEERING
MY 2005 F250 SUPER DUTY PICKUP TRUCK VIBRATES VIOLENTLY WHEN I CROSS A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 65 MPH OR HIGHER. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT IS BOUNCING SO MUCH THAT THE STEERING AND BRAKES DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. SO FAR THIS HAS ONLY HAPPENED DURING TRAVELING ON A STRAIT STRETCH. IF IT WHERE ON A CURVE, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. SOMETIMES IT VIBRATES INTO THE OTHER LANE. IT IS VERY SCARY. FORD ISSUED A SERVICE NOTICE NOVEMBER 2011 STATING TIRE INFLATION IS THE PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM AS THE TIRES ARE INFLATED PROPERLY. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY ALIGNED THE FRONT END BUT THAT DIDN'T HELP. FORD NEEDS TO FIND A FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM AND ISSUE A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10441144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesFranklin, WI
STEERING
UPON HITTING A BUMP AT 30 TO 40 MPH , STEERING VEERS FROM SIDE TO SIDE, ALSO KNOWN AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE"VERY UNSETTLING TO SAY THE LEAST,AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THAT OTHER FORD 4X4 OWNERS HAVE THE SAME THING. I FOUND A COMPANY THAT SAYS THE STEERING GEOMETRY IS WRONG AND HAVE A FIX, WC MOTORSPORTS (508-203-9450)THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING , MY TRUCK HAS UNDER 40,000 MILES AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG AND FORD HAS BEEN IGNORING FOR YEARS. WHAT DO I DO ?DO YOU WANT TO BUY IT? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10438947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,500 milesLaurens, SC
STEERING
BETWEEN SPEEDS OF 40-65MPH TRUCK WILL GO INTO "DEATH WOBBLE" AFTER HITTING A POTHOLE, ROUGH SPOT IN ROAD, OR DIPS ( EX. OVER PASSES, BRIDGES). TRUCK WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT ALMOST CAUSING A WRECK. ONCE THIS HAPPENS I HAVE TO LET OFF GAS APPLY BRAKE SLOWLY TILL TRUCK STOPS THE SHAKING. TRAFFIC BEHIND ME HAS TO BRAKE, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENTS, NOT TO MENTION HOW HARD IT IS TO CONTROL THE TRUCK WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE ALMOST HAD A WRECK EVERY TIME THIS HAD OCCURRED. FIRST STARTED WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN FEB. 2010 WITH 52,500 MILES. STILL HAPPENS TO THIS DAY AFTER REPLACING FRONT END PARTS, TRUCK NOW HAS 68K MILES. I'VE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE LOTS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING, NOT TO MENTION IT IS ONGOING.
NHTSA complaint #10435978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,000 milesMuskogee, OK
STEERING
FRONT ENDS STARTS TO WOBBLE STEERING WHEEL JERKS, IF HANDS AREN'T TIGHT ON STEERING WHEEL COULD PULL YOU OFF ROAD OR INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, ANYTIME YOU HIT UNEVEN ROAD OR BUMPY ROAD, TO CORRECT SLOW SPEED WAY DOWN IT WILL STRAIGHTEN UP.
NHTSA complaint #10399282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesPortland, OR
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS VIBRATION IN THE FRONT WHEEL, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE VIBRATION WAS CONSISTENT AND WOULD OCCUR EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS IN USE. ALSO, AS THE CONTACT WOULD INCREASE THE SPEED, IT SEEMED IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND THAT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED. THE CONTACT DID NOT INFORM THE MANUFACTURER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #10384029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesGreenwood Lake, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPERDUTY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER 42601 WHICH WAS RELATED TO THE STEERING. THE NHTSA ITEM NUMBER WAS 10018736. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE SIMILAR DEFECT AS MENTIONED IN THE TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #10350093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesLong Island City, NY
STEERING
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS , THE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP . THE ISSUE IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS A DEATH WOBBLE . YOU SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 45 MPH OR SLOWER & IT STOPS . YOU CAN THEN RESUME YOUR TRIP .
NHTSA complaint #10347435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,374 milesPaducah, KY
STEERING
I OWN A 2005 FORD F-250 4X4. AT SLOW SPEEDS AS TAKING OFF FROM A STOP THE FRONT END SHIFTS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT SO HARD I CANNOT STEER THE TRUCK. I MUST STOP AND MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT A FEW TIMES BEFORE STARTING TO MOVE AGAIN. ITS LIKE THE STEERING PUMP IS PUSHING THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10345098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLebanon, PA
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OVER 50 MPH, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY FROM SIDE TO SIDE WHICH CAUSED CONTAINERS TO FALL OUT OF THE CUP HOLDER. WHENEVER THE CONTACT SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, IT BEGAN FUNCTIONING NORMALLY UNTIL HE DROVE OVER ANOTHER BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,500. UPDATED 11/03/10.
NHTSA complaint #10332685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,700 milesWaynesboro, VA
STEERING
EXPERIENCED STEERING SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY DRIVING SPEEDS ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHILE PULLING A TRAVEL TRAILER AND WHILE NOT PULLING A TRAILER. RESULTS IN VIOLENT VIBRATION OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE TO THE POINT OF BEING DIFFICULT TO CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10328184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,091 milesLicking, MO
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE FRONT END WOULD SWAY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 30 MPH, THERE WAS A SLIGHT LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST CAUSING MINIMAL STEERING CONTROL. THE CONTACT WOULD SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND WHEN RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE WOULD REGAIN POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 119,091.
NHTSA complaint #10327797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100 milesEllington, CT
STEERING
I HAVE A FORD F-250 PICK UP. SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW, IT HAS HAD A HARD SUSPENSION. I THOUGHT IT WAS BECAUSE IT WAS BEEFIER THAN THE F-150S I HAVE DRIVEN ALL MY LIFE. THE 250 HOWEVER, WILL SHIMMY AND VIBRATE UNCONTROLLABLY AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP OR HIGHWAY SEAM AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 50 AND 75 MILES PER HOUR. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WAS NORMAL AND FORD SENT A LETTER SAYING IT MAY BE THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES. IT IS NEITHER. THIS TRUCK IS HIGHLY UNSAFE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10324426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesGuilford, IN
STEERING
2005 F250 4X4 SUPERDUTY 5.4L CREW CAB, HAS VERY DANGEROUS FRONT WHEEL BOUNCE ON HIGHWAY OR NEAR HIGHWAY SPEEDS(50-70)MPH, THE TRUCK WAS IN STOCK CONFIGURATION WHEN THIS STARTED, APPROX. 26,000 MILES HAVE SINCE PUT LIFT KIT ON TRUCK AND HAS HELPED BUT THE BOUNCE TENDENCY IS STILL THERE.LARGER WHEELS AND TIRES HAVE HELPED OUT LOT, WITH THE FACTORY WHEELS/TIRES ON ITS A FOR SURE THING WHEN ON HIGHWAY AND COME ACROSS SERIES OF BUMPS OR A POTHOLE. I AVOID THE HIGHWAY WHEN POSSIBLE DUE TO THE VERY VIOLENT BOUNCE WHEN THIS OCCURS, PLEASE HAVE FORD FIX THIS PROBLEM. SELLING THIS TRUCK WILL NOT FIX PROBLEM, AND I HAVE TRIED DEALER SUGGESTIONS I.E AIR PRESSURE, ALIGNMENT... WAITING FOR FORD TO CORRECT THIS WITH RECALL, BUT NONE THAT I'M AWARE OF, WILL DEATH TO A MOTORIST PROMPT RECALL? I HOPE NOT, THANK YOU
NHTSA complaint #10319537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesLake Zurich, IL
STEERING
1) @50,000 MILES, NORMAL CITY DRIVING, SPEED LESS THAN 30 MPH. 2) LEFT TIEROD BROKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE TIE ROD DROPPED TO THE GROUND AND THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NO LONGER HAD STEERING CONTROL. THE TIE ROD LOOKS LIKE THE CASTELLATED NUT WAS OVER TORQUED CAUSING THE STUD TO BREAK OFF AND THE TAPERED SHAFT TO FALL OUT OF THE SPINDLE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF THE BALL JOINT IN THE TIE ROD WEARING OUT. I'M LUCKY IN THIS CASE IT HAPPENED AT A SLOW SPEED AND NO TRAILER IN TOW. IF I WAS MOVING FASTER WITH A TRAILER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER TO LOSE STEERING CONTROL OF THE LEFT FRONT TIRE. THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE WAS STILL ABLE TO STEER. THE TRUCK SWERVED OUT OF THE LANE MOMENTARILY WHILE I REGAINED SOME CONTROL. IN THE ACT OF DROPPING DOWN, THE TIE ROD MADE CONTACT WITH THE BEAD AREA OF THE FRONT RIM. AS A RESULT THE WHEEL RIM WAS ALSO RUINED. IT WAS INTERESTING THAT THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER BOTH MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS KIND OF PROBLEM BEFORE. 3) THE TRUCK WAS FLATBEDDED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE TIE ROD END WAS REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE FOR ~$750, NOT INCLUDING THE DAMAGED WHEEL. I HAVE THE OLD PART AND CAN SUPPLY PICTURES IF NEEDED.
NHTSA complaint #10316816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesNorth Richland Hills, TX
STEERING
I HAVE A FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. AFTER HITTING A SMALL DIP IN THE ROAD, MY STEERING COLUMN SHOOK VIOLENTLY, BACK AND FORTH. I WAS TRAVELING ONLY 30 MI PER HOUR. TOOK TO MY DEALER AND THEY SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. PROBABLY COULD BE MY TIRES. BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER,, THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN. IF I WAS TRAVELING ANY FASTER, I TRULY BELIEVE I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FIRE APPARATUS FOR OVER 29 YEARS. AND I KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. I DO NOT TRUST FORD.
NHTSA complaint #10315150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEnglewood, FL2 injured
STEERING
WHILE DRIVING AT APROX. 70 MPH. AND HITTING UNEVEN ROAD THE TRUCK SHIMMIES VIOLENTLY. I HAVE TO SLOW TO ABOUT 40MPH. BEFORE IT STOPS. I WAS TOLD I HAVE THE WRONG TIRES ON THE TRUCK. THE TIRES ON THE TRUCK ARE THE ONES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT.
NHTSA complaint #10304787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesRonkonkoma, NY
STEERING
I CURRENTLY OWN A FORD F 250 PICKUP TRUCK, WHEN I AM DRIVING 40 TO 50 MPH MY TRUCK STARTS TO SHACK VIOLENTLY. I HAVE READ MANY FORUMS ON THIS AND MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM . WHY HAS FORD NOT RECALLED MY TRUCK TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM? MUST SOMEBODY GET HURT OR WORSE KILLED DUE TO FORDS NEGLECT OF THIS PROBLEM?
NHTSA complaint #10303457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesRochelle Park, NJ
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS TRANSMISSION WAS CRACKED. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL MOVED FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK AS WELL AS TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT EXCESSIVELY. THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO DECELERATE TO 30 MPH TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES AND ADJUSTED THE INFLATION PRESSURE TO CORRECT THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT HAS TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION HIMSELF SINCE THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT PAY THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #10299121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesElkins, AR
STEERING
I OWN A 2005 F250 SUPER DUTY, MY TRUCK EXPERIENCES THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WHEN EVER I GO OVER AN UNEVEN OR A POT HOLE IN THE ROAD. I LIVE IN ARKANSAS, AND OUR ROADS ARE NOT THE BEST. SO THIS HAPPENS JUST ABOUT EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE THING. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2009. APPARENTLY WHEN I TEST DROVE THE TRUCK I WAS ON SMOOTH PAVEMENT OTHERWISE I WOULDN'T HAVE BOUGHT IT.
NHTSA complaint #10286754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesMobile, AL
STEERING
2005 FORD F250 FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD INCLUDING SPEED BUMPS, AT ANY SPEED. SHAKES SO BAD THAT VEHICLE WANTS TO LEAVE THE ROAD SIDEWAYS. SHAKES LIKE A DOG WAGGING OFF WATER. REPLACED STEERING STABILIZER, SHOCKS, TIRES AND HAD FRONT ENT CHECKED. STILL SHAKING. GETTING READY TO TURN IN TO CLUNKER PROGRAM. NEVER BUY A FORD AGAIN, THEY KNOW THIS IS A PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10280693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesGreybull, WY
STEERING
I HAVE A 2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK. IT HAS JUST OVER 29,000 MILES ON IT. IT HAS NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME DEVELOPED A SEVERE SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEEDS JUST OVER 70. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS ON THE INTERSTATE. NOW, WHEN I HIT A BUMP OR BRIDGE JOINT, THE SEVERE SHAKING STARTS. IT IS VERY VIOLENT AND DANGEROUS IN MY OPINION. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW AND CORRECT ON A TEMPORARY BASIS, BUT IT CONTINUES TO DO THE VIOLENT SHAKING WITH THE LAST EVENT ON JULY 26, 2009. IT STARTED ON JULY 18, 2009.
NHTSA complaint #10278427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.