2,489 of the
9,519 complaints filed about the Ford F-250 SD
are about the steering —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
I experienced a severe, violent, and uncontrollable front-end suspension and steering wheel oscillation—commonly known as the "Ford Super Duty Death Wobble." While traveling at highway speeds approximately 70mph, I came across a bridge expansion joint (nothing unusual) and immediately upon impacting the joint, the front axle began shaking so violently that it caused a sudden, near-total loss of steering control. The violent shaking made it nearly impossible to maintain a straight lane of travel, risking a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision. The steering wheel jerked violently side-to-side, forcing me to rapidly and dangerously decelerate in active highway traffic to regain control of the vehicle. This defect created an extreme, unpredictable safety hazard. I immediately let-off the accelerator with some braking to stop the oscillation and regain control. A local specialty alignment shop previously attempted an adjustment, as I had experienced this a couple of months before (although not as severe as this most recent incident) on [XXX] in eastern [XXX]. The adjustment temporarily masked the underlying issue for approximately 2.5 months before the violent oscillation returned as I am reporting now. The local Ford dealership (Victory Ford) has confirmed that the vehicle qualifies for Customer Satisfaction Program 20B02 (Steering Linkage Damper Replacement), demonstrating the manufacturer's awareness of this dangerous defect. However, no formal safety recall has been issued. Aside from Fords damper replacement online research and an independent alignment shop recommends replacement of track bars, bushings, steering damper, etc. with heavy duty parts. Fords damper replacement is reported to only mask the real problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Request for Review of Recall Remedy Effectiveness – Ford Recall 24S78 / NHTSA Recall 24V-957 Vehicle: 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty 6.7L Power Stroke VIN: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern: I am submitting this letter to document a significant safety event involving my 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty and to request that NHTSA consider whether the current recall remedy associated with Ford Recall 24S78 / NHTSA Recall 24V-957 adequately addresses vehicles that are already exhibiting symptoms of CP4 fuel pump deterioration. I am not submitting this complaint to seek financial compensation. My purpose is to provide information that may assist NHTSA in evaluating whether the existing remedy sufficiently protects motorists from the safety risks associated with CP4 pump failure. Background My vehicle's VIN has been confirmed as included in the affected population covered by the CP4 fuel pump recall. Prior to the ultimate failure, the vehicle exhibited symptoms that, in hindsight, may have been indicators of fuel-system deterioration. In February 2026, I documented concerns regarding abnormal starting behavior and specifically questioned whether either vehicle battery was failing. No battery issue was identified. Believing the issue might be battery related, I replaced both batteries at my own expense. The starting concern continued. On [XXX], while covered under a Ford Extended Service Plan, Fuel Injector #4 failed and was replaced under warranty. During the same service visit, the recall software update was performed. Despite the recall remedy being completed, the vehicle subsequently suffered a catastrophic CP4 pump failure in August 2026. Safety Event The failure occurred while traveling between Utopia, Texas and Tarpley, Texas on a rural roadway with sharp curves, steep terrain, significant drop-offs, and little or no roadway shoulder. The vehicle experienced a sudden loss of propulsion. Fortunately, I had just exited a curve and was able to INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F
NHTSA complaint #11759093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing a complaint against Capital Auto Mall Premier regarding the sale of a 2019 Ford F\-250 Lariat \(VIN [XXX]\) that I purchased on XXX. The vehicle was represented as being in good working condition at the time of sale. However, almost immediately after taking possession of the vehicle, I began discovering numerous mechanical, electrical, and safety\-related defects. Due to the number of concerns, I had the vehicle independently inspected shortly after purchase. The inspection identified multiple significant issues, including transmission hard shifting, transfer case clunking during shifting, battery failure requiring replacement, steering and suspension concerns, excessive play in front suspension components, and numerous diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle's systems. In addition to these findings, I discovered issues involving vehicle lighting, winch operation, and other features and equipment that were not functioning properly despite being expected to be operational at the time of sale. These issues became apparent within days of purchasing the vehicle. The quantity and severity of the defects lead me to believe that the vehicle was not in the condition represented during the sale and that material defects may not have been properly disclosed before the transaction occurred. As a result of these issues, I have incurred costs associated with inspections and diagnostics and am obtaining additional repair estimates to determine the full cost of necessary repairs. The defects significantly impact the vehicle's safety, reliability, usability, and value. I have supporting documentation, including the purchase agreement, financing documents, independent inspection reports, diagnostic findings, photographs, repair estimates, and records of communications regarding the vehicle. This documentation demonstrates that the concerns were identified almost immediately after purchase and were not the result of normal wear occurring INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
NHTSA complaint #11757517 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the vehicle, the steering column released all of the bearings, allowing for the steering column to move up and down and in and out freely, making it unknown if the steering would follow which way the steering wheel was turned. I reached out to our personal mechanic in regards to this, and had to pay out of pocket. Originally, I thought it was a failed part, but after research, it was brought to my attention of recall 25S94, which my truck did not qualify for. I replace the part at my expense, even though, at this time, the vehicle was only 3 years old. No failure signs appeared.
NHTSA complaint #11754435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were on vacation driving from [XXX] to [XXX] and experienced the Death Wobble. I though we were going to die. We stopped in [XXX] and took to a dealership there and they replaced the track ball joint for $757.59. We left there and 25 miles down the road it happened again. Went to [XXX] and they kept the truck and we had to rent a truck to continue our vacation. We rent back on our way back to [XXX] and they had replaced the steering stabilizer shock for $733.53 but we were afraid to drive home so we paid for it to be transported back to [XXX]. We had to pay $1414.00 to have it transported back but at least we made it back safe. Experiencing this death wobble 11 times as a passenger has given me PTSD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Experienced the oft reported death wobble while driving home from TN and had to limp my vehicle home while experiencing the constant, extreme and dangerous wobbling.
NHTSA complaint #11748379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A Ford Dealer came on a mobile call the replace the Clock spring in the steering wheel. It was an recall NHTSA # 22V337 ------- Manufactures # 22S35 They replaced it and now nothing works on my steering wheel. Dealer came to pick up my truck and take it to the Dealership. Has not been repaired yet .
NHTSA complaint #11747897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel inadvertently turned to the right, then pulled to the opposite direction. The contact stated the steering wheel was cocked to the left or right even though the vehicle was driving straight down the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was due to the steering angle sensor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that an alignment was needed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 13.
NHTSA complaint #11743654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I bought this truck and its got 50000 miles on it and it has a clunking noise c coming from the steering shaft took it to ford to have trailer module recall fixed and had them inspect the noise and they said the whole steering shaft needs replaced and I have co workers with f250s and they have the same noise... something comes apart in steering shaft could cause a wreck and even death... dealer said its a common issue in the f250s they replace the whole shaft to fix the issue!
NHTSA complaint #11741744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 FORD F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (25V626000 (STEERING) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11741499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at speeds above 30mph truck will have the death wobble. We will lose complete control in direction of steering. Have to try to stop and then turn the wheel right and left before the truck will regain normal travel. Is a huge safety issue and has almost caused us to wreck. Has happened multiple times and we have been unable to determine what has caused the issue. We have had the steering column recall fixed and have even changed the tie rod ends with no change.
NHTSA complaint #11734145 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH on the highway, the steering wheel failed to turn as intended. Due to the failure, the vehicle struck a curb. There were no injuries or property damage. The vehicle was turned off, and it was shifted into park(P). The brakes were inoperable during the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be inspected, and it was determined that a bolt was missing from the steering wheel assembly. The missing bolt was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11731571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
No less than 6 occasions now I have experienced extreme shaking (death wobble) even after Ford replaced the steering damper. I'm done with the vehicle and will take it in again for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11729288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact was an insurance company that called on behalf of the previous owner. The contact's Insurance Company took possession of a 2025 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a loud popping noise was heard coming from the vehicle with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that following the failure, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in a collision with another vehicle. The contact also stated that a tire unexpectedly detached from the vehicle during the incident. The vehicle then veered off the roadway and collided with a tree, where it came to a stop. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The contact confirmed that the air bags deployed during the crash. The vehicle was towed from the scene and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact mentioned that there was an unknown Ford recall regarding the suspension but was unable to reach Ford to confirm if the VIN was associated. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11725656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70-75 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump in the roadway, and the front end of the vehicle started bouncing. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and then continued driving 45 MPH with no further issues. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
NHTSA complaint #11724710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11723014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Good Morning, Ms. Edds My name is [XXX] . I spoke to you a few years back in regards, to a vehicle I had. Well, today I am writing about another situation . I have a 2020 Ford F250 vin [XXX] . Since purchasing this vehicle, I have had recall after recall on it and getting nowhere with Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division. I have a local dealership that I have taken it to Spalding Ford who does not take the time to look at the vehicle when I tell them there is an issue and what it is doing all they do is make 1 excuse after another and then about a week or so goes by and I get a recall letter about the issue I just complained about. The last time it was at this dealership they cracked my windshield and said they get back with me about getting it fixed so far nothing and I have called a number of times and now being told they had no idea about it. It has been several months but guess that is going to have to fall on me because no one wants to take accountability of their own actions. I have 3 outstanding recalls in which I complained about before the recall came into effect. I contacted a dealership located in the next county over who willingly sent a tech to my house for a recall when the tech got here he was unable to fix the recall do to the Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division running errors in their system and was unable to do the update. I have also complained about having steering issues and was told no there is nothing wrong but then all of a sudden, I received a recall letter. I am an average John Doe trying to take care of my [XXX] grandson and my [XXX} husband this is supposed to be my dependable vehicle for us I cannot just go out and trade it in and lose all the money I have placed into it already I don't have the funds or means to do that. I called and talked with the recall department and the gentleman i spoke with was really concerned and tansfered me to someone who didnt want to fix it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11720861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2017 F250 99k miles . got off the interstate and went to turn and the steering wheel immediately came loose. I had to press down while turning. I brought it to a repair shop and it was stated that it looked as if was glued and the locknut was never tightened . This could have been catastrophic. I didn't bring it to the dealer because it would take three days to look at it.
NHTSA complaint #11717019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.