874 of the
5,142 complaints filed about the Ford F-350 SD
are about the suspension —
17% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
What component or system failed? The Steering and Suspension system failed. Specifically, the front axle hubs, track bar, and U-joints failed, causing a violent loss of steering control known as "Death Wobble." These components are currently available for inspection; however, they were diagnosed as "FAILED" and requiring immediate replacement to make the vehicle safe to drive. How was safety put at risk? The failure caused violent, uncontrollable shaking of the steering wheel and front end at highway speeds. This resulted in a near-total loss of directional control, putting the driver and surrounding traffic at immediate risk of a collision. The defect made the vehicle impossible to steer safely above 45 MPH. Has the problem been confirmed? Yes. The failure was reproduced and confirmed by an independent certified service center, AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway. Their inspection explicitly diagnosed the front axle hubs, track bar, and U-joints as "FAILED" and unsafe. The repair estimate to correct these safety defects totaled $6,128.09. Has the vehicle been inspected? Yes. It was inspected by AutoNation Ford Gulf Freeway (a certified Ford dealership) immediately following the incident. Were there warning symptoms? The symptoms (violent wobble) appeared immediately after purchasing the vehicle. During the pre-purchase test drive, the selling dealer's agent physically manipulated the steering wheel ("pulled the wheel") to prevent the wobble from occurring, concealing the pre-existing safety defect. The failure manifested fully as soon as the vehicle was driven at highway speeds without the agent's interference. Summary: The vehicle was sold with critical safety components (hubs, track bar) in a "FAILED" state. The selling dealer (AutoNation Ford Corpus Christi) concealed this known safety hazard. The vehicle is currently a roadway hazard until the $6,100+ repairs are completed.
NHTSA complaint #11715853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has occured multiple times. While driving on freeway at speeds between 65 and 75 MPH and hitting rough asphalt, the vehicle begins shaking violently, almost to the point of losing control. It will only stop if I slow down to under 40 mph or stopping altogether. This has been very frightening when it occurs in traffic on freeways. It seems to occur mainly when on a curve.
NHTSA complaint #11704106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving as normal and truck started shaking vigorously until I came to a stop. From I can tell, they call this a death wobble. I almost hit another car and have some video of it.
NHTSA complaint #11673802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that on three occasions while driving approximately 60 MPH, the front end of the vehicle started to wobble violently. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle decelerated below 30 MPH, the wobbling ceased. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s wife observed an unknown recall that might be associated with the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
NHTSA complaint #11670258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My truck started "The Death Wobble" a few years ago. I have replaced shocks, tires and ball joints. The problem recently became almost undriveable on the highway as any small bump at a legal (70 MPH) triggered 5 instances on a trip to and from a destination that was 70 miles away via the interstate. I have ordered additional parts based on internet research to try to fix this issue, however in my research it is clear the is a COMMON issue. Why is this allowed to continue?
NHTSA complaint #11668678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle; however, the contact found no fault with the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,500.
NHTSA complaint #11667804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Severe death wobble with speeds over 50. Steering to left at that speed and vehicle shakes severely. Going interstate speed, vehicle almost comes off pavement and shakes all over. Brought in numerous times for issue and never rectified.
NHTSA complaint #11651712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While traveling down the road a bump or dip in the road causes the front wheels begin to shake and jerk violently causing the vehicle to drift over the road and loose steering control. This situation is amplified when carrying or pulling a load and is extremely difficult to manage and stop once started. Braking exacerbates the situation resulting in almost loosing control. This has happed multiple times, multiple dates over the years, at different speeds usually over 45mph.
NHTSA complaint #11638473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal after stopping, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that there was several minutes before the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred after coming to a full stop. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle was losing traction, and the rear end was swaying to the right and to the left. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that during the failure there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that 3 months after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced brakes failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that all four brake pads and calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure recurred while depressing the brake pedal, with an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from the brakes. The contact stated that the brakes were independently slowing the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11635852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle drove over a depression in the roadway and the vehicle started vibrating abnormally and then started drifting to the left and to the right in the lane. The contact slowed down to regain control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and the contact was informed that the tires and the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
NHTSA complaint #11630939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I experienced what is known as the “Death wobble” after contacting a bumpy road at approximately 70 mph. I was able to exit the freeway and determine that it wasn’t a blown tire or some other condition that caused this. After some research on my vehicle, I determined that this “death wobble” is fairly common with my model and year of truck.
NHTSA complaint #11628695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This truck has 20,000 miles. I experienced what’s called the death wobble which nearly shook the truck off the road. The dealership told me a $2000 dollar duel steering stabilizer would fix the problem. I reluctantly payed for it as they said the lift voided the warranty. The truck is still not fixed and my wife nearly went off the road today driving it. I read online that a stabilizer doesn’t fix the problem it only masks the symptoms. I’m certain the dealership knows this.
NHTSA complaint #11624356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The truck has started a violent wabble on the front end making it hard to control and causing me to cone to a total stop. I have been driving the vehicle locally and at slow speeds. I have taken the vehicle to a shop for inspection at a tire and alignment shop and they recommend replacing tires and shocks. I have contacted Ford and they say I need to make an appointment to discuss. It apers, per internet research, that this is a common problem with the Super Duties. One of the times it happened I was in traffic but able to control during the stop using median. This vehicle displays the symptoms that indicate the Ford Death Wabble I have read about on the internet. No warnings.
NHTSA complaint #11622214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front steering/suspension system Severe wobble causes driver to stop in middle of Freeway, possible accidents or death in an accident. Not confirmed by dealer at this time. Hundreds have reported here, and the same occured. Not at this time. No warnings prior to all of the failures. So far 12 failures Yes, 12 failures.
NHTSA complaint #11616074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEATH WOBBLE, front suspension and steering Danger of a rear end collision at freeway speeds, or loss of control hitting other vehicles or items on the side of the road, result possible death to passengers, other vehicle people or bystanders. NO NO NONE I am a former Mechanic and this is LIFE THREATENING.
NHTSA complaint #11616075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When towing a fifth wheel trailer and going down a hill the vehicle went into an oscillation that caused sever wobbling of the front end almost causing me to lose control of the vehicle that was towing the trailer. This was the most frightening thing I have ever experienced in my life. after doing some research Ford Motor Company knows about this issue and has yet to recall this problem it is also known as the Death wobble. Is it actually going to take someone's death to see something happen about this well know issue, I certainly hope not and I hope the NHTSA will do something to force Ford Motor Company to correct this issue before someone does die from the "Death Wobble"
NHTSA complaint #11612299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.