111 of the
448 complaints about the 2016 Ford F-250 SD are about the
suspension — 25% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
55,800 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle went into the death wobble and started shaking violently. The contact pulled off the roadway and parked the vehicle. The failure was a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Villages, FL
SUSPENSION
Ford F250 “death wobble”. I believe there’s a recall for 2017-20?? But the recall needs to be expanded to include 2016 models. I have had this issue twice. Very very dangerous!
NHTSA complaint #11690732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Corsicana, TX
SUSPENSION
DEATH WOBBLE FRONT SHOCKS, STEERING DAMPNER AND NEW MICHELIN TIRES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED VEHICLE WILL SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND HAVE TO BRING SPEED DOWN TO GET BACK UNDER CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11684300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmer, AL
SUSPENSION
While driving, when bumps are ran over sudden violent shaking of front end and steering wheel occur. Steering stabilizer and worn front rt 4 wheel drive universal joint replaced with problem continuing to occur.
NHTSA complaint #11664090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
SUSPENSION
Driving on highway 70 mph. Drove a rough spot on highway. Pot hole patch. Death wobble started. Had to preform emergency stop to end death wooble. This is the 10th time this has happened.
NHTSA complaint #11659551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBaton Rouge, LA
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 65-80 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered violently. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble, and almost caused the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon decelerating to approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that a fee would be charged for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11641702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX
SUSPENSION
As we are driving on a highway the truck steering begins to fiercely and violently wobble and cause us to nearly have an accident. This is a serious issue and we want this addressed please. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11633534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX
SUSPENSION
The truck began to suddenly shake fiercely while driving in the highway. The steering became difficult to control for about 2 or more minutes. We looked this up and it is termed the Death Wobble. Our F250 truck is a 2016. This is dangerous and needs to be Recalled for this year of F250 - 2016
NHTSA complaint #11627030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
SUSPENSION
Front suspension violently oscillates while driving high speeds and you hit a bump in the road. You can not do anything but hold on. The truck goes in the next lane sometimes. It is very dangerous for myself and everyone in or around my truck. This has been happening for awhile now.
NHTSA complaint #11626308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
SUSPENSION
Normal driving on highway. I drove over a rough section of road and the truck began shaking uncontrollably. Was able to slow down and the shaking stopped.. I've spent over $4000. 00 to fix problem. Within 6 months the issue returned. Have told Ford dealship. They will not fix problem. This is the 5th time I've reported the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11623480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Bend, NE
SUSPENSION
I bought the truck a week ago I was driving it home from went over a bridge at 70mph and it went into a violent death wobble. Luckily I have experience with death wobble from an Offroad Jeep and I was able to get to a stop. If my wife was driving it could have been a different story, or if I was hauling a trailer it may have went in the ditch.
NHTSA complaint #11622397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 227,850 milesVidor, TX
SUSPENSION
Steering tried to lock up as I tried to turn.
NHTSA complaint #11621167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 milesTurtle Creek, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated that a bracket was placed on the suspension to prevent the failure commonly known as the "death wobble". Despite the repair, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud vibrating noise followed by violent shaking while driving over a bump in the road. Additionally, the steering wheel was vibrating uncontrollably making it difficult to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was discovered that the steering bracket had rubbed against other steering components causing the stabilizer to become bent. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.
NHTSA complaint #11621295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hernando, FL
SUSPENSION
Death Wobble on several occasions very scary! speed over 50 mph vehicle began violently shaking had to get off roadway very dangerous almost uncontrolable!
NHTSA complaint #11608447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Deptford, NJ
SUSPENSION
Upon traveling at 70 mph and hitting a rough section of road my truck and steering wheel shook violently causing me to pull off the road and come to a stop. Upon starting again I was fine. I have had 6 incidents like this in the last 3 days.I have taken my vehicle today to a professional tire dealer who balanced the tires and said they found nothing wrong. Upon my test drive to the same locations it happened again.
NHTSA complaint #11604906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 136,000 milesCarleton, MI
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the front end was shaking violently after driving over a bump in the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who stated that there were no open recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
NHTSA complaint #11599267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coarsegold, CA
SUSPENSION
The problem is commonly called "DEATH WOBBLE". The steering system enters an extremely violent wobble/shake making control of the vehicle nearly impossible. 2 independent service centers have addressed the issue. The first did repairs, including warranty replacement of a faulty part and the truck still has the "DEATH WOBBLE". The 2nd independent service center made note of the 2nd faulty replacement part (TRACK BAR) and reports "TRACK BAR BUSHING IS MOVING EXCESSIVELY. TRACK BAR SHOULD BE REPLACED." No other physical inspections have been performed. There were no vehicle warning lights due to this issue. There were a few incidences of the "DEATH WOBBLE" prior to my first appointment with an independent service center. That first appointment was approx. 2/19/2024, completed on 2/27/2024. Second time completed on 6/21/2024.
NHTSA complaint #11596584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
SUSPENSION
I have had my vehicle inspected and supposedly repaired for the death wobble by two separate ford dealerships (Castle Rock Ford in Castle Rock, CO and Phil Long Ford in Colorado Springs CO). I continue to have safety issues as when I hit pot holes or rough roads, the steering and suspension system shakes the front wheels and steering wheel to the point that I have to come to a full stop. The entire steering system and shocks have been replaced (some parts multiple times) over the past two years. Please assists.
NHTSA complaint #11595308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Louis, MO
SUSPENSION
It has been labeled as the death wobble. When driving down the highway at 65-70 mph and I hit a bump, pothole or a washboard effect in the road with the left front wheel. The whole truck will shake violently. So much that I can barely hold on to the steering wheel. The only way to stop the shaking is to slow the truck down to 30-40 mph. In the middle of the highway. I can watch the other vehicles around me scatter and put on their brakes as they try and avoid me. Sometimes it’s to hard to control and I will waver into another lane or on coming traffic. This happens sporadically and without warning. I have taken the truck to the Ford dealership for $3000 in steering component repairs . I have 60,000 miles on it and it is only used for personal use and never abused. This is a design defect that is going to get someone killed. A heavy duty truck should not have the parts wearing out to such a degree that threatens the lives of everyone on the road around me.
NHTSA complaint #11591711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sumter, SC
SUSPENSION
Driving out of state and twice in a three hour period have experienced the death wobble on the interstate , now trying to continue under 50 mph because it is a very scary shaking .
NHTSA complaint #11584218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Culpeper, VA
SUSPENSION
After we drove over a bumpy section of road the truck experienced uncontrollable shaking. The road conditions were not severe, but were the cause of the shaking. During the immediate aftermath no input was possible apart from taking my foot off the accelerator. The shaking was severe and uncontrolled causing other vehicles in the vicinity to react. It felt like the truck was going to flip over. This has now happened several times since we purchased the truck. We recently had new brakes installed, but that is not the reason for the shaking.
NHTSA complaint #11583465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, MO
SUSPENSION
-I was driving 65 mph in morning rush traffic when I drove over an overpass. Near the end of the there are some small wrinkles in the concrete. Once I drove over these wrinkles in the pavement, my steering wheel and front end started violently shaking. I removed my foot from the accelerator and once my speed decreased to I'd say 20-30 mph the shaking stopped. My research show that this if referred to as the Ford Death Wobble. -The system that failed were likely the track bar bushing, damper bracket, ball joints, control arms, shocks, and struts. Yes, the truck is available for inspection upon request. -When the front end of the truck started violently shacking I was going 65 mph in lunch rush hour traffic. I'd say that my life and the life of the drivers of the vehicles to my left, right, and rear were at risk. -No, the problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or anyone else. -No, the vehicle or components have not been inspected by anyone. -No, there were not any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, nor did any warning appear during or after the shaking. -My best assessment of the cause
NHTSA complaint #11570757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
SUSPENSION
Increase of speed on a rough tar highway road caused a violent Death Wobble.
NHTSA complaint #11563476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
SUSPENSION
The truck shakes violently after hitting a bump in the road. I have had new Michelin tires installed (by Discount Tires) and balanced twice, and the front end and alignment checked (by Leonard's Truck & Frame Service), both located in Lake City, FL. I think the problem is what is commonly referred to as F250 "Death Wobble".
NHTSA complaint #11559639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Etiwanda, CA
SUSPENSION
While driving on the 215 (Southern California) freeway at approximately 70 miles per hour and without warning I experienced a sever wobble in the front end of the truck. it was so bad I had to pull over on the shoulder of the freeway. I was lucky traffic was light and could do this safely. I took the truck to a mechanic that specializes in ford trucks, and he recommended several components be replaced. He stated this is a common problem with Ford F250 and F350 trucks. He mentioned that this was known as the "Death Wobble." The truck has approximately 60 thousand miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11557900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampstead, MD
SUSPENSION
My truck has developed what is colloquially called a death wobble. The truck shakes wildly and aggressively when hitting a bump. It happens most frequently when crossing the transition from roadway to bridge. But it can occure from a bump in the roadway. When it occurs I have no control. I have paid to replace the steering damper That did not alleviate the problem. My truck is a 2016 Ford F-250 Super Duty. This wobble has occurred several times. To date, except for the initial occurrence, this has only occurred on interstate highways at regular highway sppeds depending on the particular state speed limit. The initial event occurred on a state highway in Colorado while negotiaing a sweeping left curve. Thereafter, it has only occurred on interstate highways. Speeds have alwasy been 60mph or above, depending on speed limits and trafic conditions.
NHTSA complaint #11550227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, KS
SUSPENSION
The "death wobble" occurred as my wife and I were driving on I-70 at approximately 75 MPH. We were maybe 100 miles west of Salina and fortunately there were not any vehicles around us, but we were forced to immediately pull over to the emergency lane. We just hit a bump and all of a sudden, this violent shaking started to occur. This incident happened around 10:00 am on September 30, 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11548976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
SUSPENSION
Death wobble at approximately 60 mph. The truck is absolutely uncontrollable when this occurs. The only way to stop it is to stop the vehicle. This is a known issue with this truck. Will have it evaluated at a shop next week.
NHTSA complaint #11546248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seminole, OK
SUSPENSION
DEATH WOBBLE! Driving at any speeds from 30 MPH to highway speeds of 65-70 MPH, the front end (front suspension) of the truck will Wobble Uncontrollably in a Vehement and Violent Manner, making driving unsafe with loss of steering after hitting a small bump or dip in the road/highway. The condition is worse when pulling a 30 foot gooseneck trailer. I have replaced the front shocks, steering damper, and rear shocks and to no avail, the Death Wobble still occurs! This is Major Safety Concern and Life Threatening to myself and anyone on the road during the Death Wobble, and seeing the reaction of other drivers in the opposite direction should be cause for concern! My truck is at a dealer now for inspection of the front end suspension system (drag link, track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings, tires, and alignment), to include the engine mounts, which were worn and deteriorating (I noticed this when I was replacing my steering damper) probably from the Death Wobble. The tires were balanced and rotated on September 9th by Discount Tire and the technicians there didn't see any problems with the tires or the wheels. I get my tires balanced and rotated about every 7,500 miles and I keep an accurate vehicle history of my truck.
NHTSA complaint #11546284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winnsboro, LA
SUSPENSION
Vehicle developed a death wabble at 98,000 miles and is getting worse. hit a bump and started to wobble violently and had to hit brakes and pull to side of road and stop to get to quit wobbling. happened two more times on the way home. thought i was going to loose control of vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11542734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.