Vehicle has experienced the well-known-by-ford death wobble. First time was at approx. 29k miles. Took it to dealership and they too were well aware of this problem. They performed the known "fix" and vehicle was okay for a bit. The second time the problem occurred (approx. 40k miles), there was a palpable difference in the feel of the steering post-event. Subsequent to the first experience, I moved and the first dealership was over 100 miles away, so I took the vehicle to my local dealership (along with the paperwork from the first fix). Again, service techs were well-versed in the death wobble and they claimed that ford had rolled out a new "fix" and that what the first dealership had done was incorrect. An extended warranty was purchased with this vehicle; however this dealership was unable to locate it and tried to charge me for this fix. Whether they could locate the warranty or not, this is a continued problem and the consumer should not have to pay for this fix at any point in the life of the vehicle. Several rounds of back and forth later, ford finally agreed to pay. Within one month of this "fix", another death wobble occurred. The vehicle has been back at the dealership for almost a week, and we have again gone back and forth on payment. The dealership did finally locate the extended warranty, but again...the consumer should not have to pay as it is a ford problem. All times that this has occurred, I have been traveling at a high rate of speed (over 70 MPH) and am forced to immediately slam on the brakes and get to the shoulder. I am frequently towing items, and can't imagine how this would go down if it occurred in that instance. Ford continues to roll out these $75,000+ trucks knowing that this problem is not fixed. I now have, again, a $75k vehicle I feel is unsafe to drive. Dealership states they see this daily. How is this legal???
2017 Ford F-250 SD steering complaints
Page 12 of 25: complaints 311 to 340 of 717, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Death wobble at 70mph on 4 lane state highway. I have to reduce speed to <35mph for it to stop. Happening more & more frequent.
While driving this vehicle and after hitting a bump or dip in the road the vehicle experiences the death wobble. It is even more pronounced while pulling a horse trailer and this makes the truck extremely difficult to steer much less retain control of. It has happened 3 times since I purchased this truck. The first two times were covered under warranty but now the truck has 38,000 miles on it and the repair is no longer covered. The last time it was repaired the part was supposed to be covered for 12,000 miles and the mileage on the truck was just over that mile marker and the dealer said it would not be covered this time. The latest part replacement is apparently on backorder and we are forced to drive this unsafe vehicle until we can get it repaired once again.
When driving at approximately 50mph and coming into contact with any uneven spots in the road the truck will shake violently and jump up and down left and right so bad that it is impossible to do anything but hit the brakes.when the vehicle slows to about 30mph the shaking subsides and is fine until the next bump in the road.. It happened 3 times in 5 mins and in less than 1 mile distance on a state highway .. This is a serious problem and needs corrected before someone is killed.. The first time it happened I had about 8000 miles on my vehicle ,it has happened 10 times since, every time at speeds greater than 50mph
My f-250 had about 26,000 miles on it when I first experienced the "death wobble". While driving at 75 MPH I went over an expansion joint on the interstate in ks. It was at this time the pickup started violently shaking and the steering wheel was dangerously difficult to control with the oscillation. After slowing to around 30 MPH the oscillation stopped. The smell of burning rubber filled the cab. This same even happened two more times within an hour and a half. After the first incident I could feel the death wobble start in the steering wheel a second or less before the violent shaking started. All three times it occurred on the interstate at speeds of 75 and 70 MPH. I do not trust the safety of this vehicle!!!
Ford repair shop called and said the issue was corrected. Test drove. Both the owner and service tech experienced the problem when driving the truck. Service tech placed truck back in the shop for further repairs. This is the fourth time for this repair with 20,000 highway miles on the truck. Issue was steering wheel vigorously and uncontrollably when encountering a slight imperfection on a straight, level, and paved highway.
Death wobble truck in motion, happens on highways and freeways when going over 65 MPH and you hit a bump, shakes and loss of control have to come to stop to regain control. Started happening at 17k. Informed there was no fix. Endangers lives of all on board.
I am reporting a suspension & steering problem with my 2017 ford f-250 with 28,000 miles. The tires are in good condition and properly inflated. The vehicle has never been in a collision, had any frame work performed on it and the steering and suspension had been operating acceptably. While driving on a limited access highway at approximately 65 to 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a moderate bump in the lane. The front suspension and steering began shaking, vibrating and oscillating severely at a high frequency (relatively fast vibration). The shaking continued for a significant amount of time and it seemed impossible to steer as the suspension and steering shook. I took my foot off the gas pedal but was afraid touching the brakes would make the condition worse. There was little to no control of the vehicle while this was happening. The shaking/vibrating did not stop until the vehicle eventually slowed down. About a mile further down the same road the vehicle encountered another moderate bump at approximately 60mph and experienced the exact same condition. About 2 miles after that the vehicle encountered another minor bump and experienced the same severe shaking again. At that point, I operated the vehicle at about 50 MPH (15 MPH below the speed limit) and exited at the first exit I got to. I took local roads at speeds under 50 MPH to return home. I have operated this truck and a 2020 ford explorer over this same road, in the same lane and over the same bumps numerous times and never experienced any problem with the explorer or such a severe reaction with the f-250. With the 2017 ford f-250, I have experienced the front of the vehicle jumping laterally when traveling over these bumps and others like them since the vehicle was new. These bumps are not deep potholes and are typical moderate bumps commonly encountered on many older highways. The consumer stated the vehicle was repaired twice, but the failure recurred a short time later.
Driving approximately 65 MPH on a dry road 01/03/2020 I went over a slight rough spot in the road. The front wheels immediately began to vibrate severely. The steering wheel was shaking out of control. I hit the brakes to slow down to approximately 35 MPH when the vibrating wheels and the shaking stopped. This is the fourth time this has happened to over the two and a half years I have owned this truck. In reading about other complaints I do not understand why ford is not addressing this problem. I am taking my truck to my ford dealer on monday to have them tell me what they are going to do about this issue. This could have easily caused an accident as the truck was violently shaking. People tend to panic and may have drastic reactions when something like this happens. We need to keep up the pressure on ford to recognize this problem and fix it before somebody gets hurt or killed.
I was travelling on the interstate at about 70mph. I crossed a bridge expansion gap, slight bump, and the steering wheel/front end of the vehicle vibrated so dramatically, I had to reduce speed and the vibrations stopped around 35mph as I moved to the shoulder. I took the truck to the ford dealer to have it serviced and was told that this is a known/common problem and that they will not have the parts to fix the vehicle for six to eight weeks at best. I was also advised not to drive the vehicle with the existing steering stabilization problem and that I could buy after market steering dampening shock and linkage to fix the problem.
Death wobble truck will shake violently after hitting bump over 65 MPH and will not stop until you get slowed to below 50 MPH. Ford replaced the steering dampener at 34000 miles and its out again at 55000. Was told by the dealer that they have 6 trucks sitting in service with the same problem and can not get parts to replace it . I have taken it to an aftermarket four wheel drive service center they replaced drop link ,drag bar and steering dampener. And now I have put on a new set of tires it helped a little put at higher speeds it is still there. This is a serious issue
Drove over a small bump on the road and front end of truck started to shake so bad had to slow down to get it to stop.that shake was also felt in the steering wheel.I was driving down the road at 55 to 60 MPH.
I own a 2017 ford f-250 crew cab 4 wd and have a serious problem with a steering wheel shake while hitting rough road( death wobble). Steering shakes so violently that you almost loose control. It has happened at highway speeds and slower speeds. Vehicle is not safe to drive. Dealer gave me back the truck and said they will let me know when ford has a fix for it. I have only owned the truck for a week and spent $40k for something that is not safe
While driving the truck over 40 MPH on uneven pavement or bumps in the road it will send the vehicle into a death wobble and uncontrollable all over the road. I contacted the dealership and was advised of many complaints but no recalls at this time. It is unsafe and dangerous on highways or any roads over 40 MPH. We just purchased this truck 12/2019.
My truck has developed the "death wobble". It has been in to the ford dealer for repairs for this issue. The dealer performed the tsb from ford and replaced the front stabilizer. That has failed to correct the issue. Yesterday, 1/2/2020, I was crossing a bridge when the truck went into the death wobble. The truck began to shake and vibrate violently almost causing me to wreck myself and another vehicle. The death wobble lasted about 20 seconds and stopped once I was able to slow the vehicle almost to a stop on a major interstate. This condition is well known by ford but they have yet to find a solution. I paid $70k for this truck and I am now afraid to drive it for fear of my life and the safety of others.
Going 64 MPH, I encountered a tremendous 'death wobble' that complete shook my truck so hard that the rear view mirror came off. It took about a 1/2 mile of decelerating too about 50 MPH to stop the wobble. It occurred again about 1 mile down the highway. Seems to happen when the highway meets a bridge or overpass.
I have filed a previous complaint regarding the same issue. (complaint number 11279636) stock 2017 ford f250 now with 38,000 miles. The truck has the death wobble. My truck is on its second steering damper and this time the ford dealer replaced the drag link and the outer tie rod. As well, the dealer adjusted the alignment again... The truck is still experiencing sustained steering wheel oscillation and I am again experiencing the death wobble, less than 1,000 miles after the most recent repair. It is very unfortunate that consumers purchase 50k+ dollar trucks and so many people are nervous driving them down the road. Working in automotive, the days are often filled with comments such as the following: continuous improvement. Review the data, the data will tell the story. Change points. Root cause and permanent countermeasures. I have reviewed the historical f250 crew cab 4x4 complaint data on this site (the federal safety agency) and the data does tell a story. Ford is not continuously improving the death wobble issue on the super duty, instead it has gotten worse. There has been a change point with this fourth generation f250. (2017,2018,2019) as of 11/21/19 the fourth generation f250 super duty has had more the federal safety agency suspension and steering complaints for the death wobble than the previous two generations combined. (9 years. Second generation 2008-2010 and third generation 2011-2016) the current repairs (countermeasures) are not effective and are not permanent. This can clearly be seen in the descriptions of the complaints on the federal safety agency. The repairs either do not fix the problem at all or are only a temporarily band aid for the issue. This is truly a safety concern and to date nothing has been implemented to correct the issue. Please, open an investigation and encourage ford to permanently address the issue.
While driving home and driving about 70mph hit a small bump in the road and the steering wheel started to oscillate violently and truck was shaking violently. Truck was difficult to control and I had to quickly reduce the speed to under 30mph for the oscillation to stop. Did it again 10 minutes later on a similar small bump in the road. Pulled over and inspected the undercarriage of the truck and found nothing loose. Drove it home and setup an appointment with the dealer for the next availability.
Death wobble 4 th time since new truck in currently at the dealership part is on back order at speeds above 50 miles per hour after driving over a bump in the road
Violent shaking of the front end when hitting a bump at 70 MPH that almost made driver lose control of the vehicle until slowing down to 50 MPH.
Driving out of state, 1000 miles from home. Driving home. Entering the freeway and accelerating, the steering wheels began the "death wobble" described by so many ford owners. Exit freeway and limp back to local dealership. Local ford dealership has no parts. Nation wide back order. My family is stranded 1000 miles from home. Dealer says "just drive it and when it starts to wobble, slow down until it stops". This is not a safe option. This truck has 18,160 miles on it!! Installing after market parts just to get my family home. I do not know if this truly solved the problem. This is, in my opinion, criminal to leave people with little or no options. This is a known problem. This "wobble" at highway speeds is a major danger to all persons in the area of this truck. My family and other families may be at risk. I have paid for a truck. I want a truck that is safe and dependable. This is not acceptable.
Crossed rail road tracks truck start shaking so bad like to have lost control at 65 miles per hour
I am experiencing the death wobble in my truck. Driving typically above 60 MPH, if I drive over a bridge expansion joint or if there are ripples or continuous bumps in the highway, I will lose control of my truck in a sever shaking. The only way I have doing found to fix it is to slow down, turn the vehicle off and continue driving.
The "death wobble" started after 15k miles on my truck. I've brought my truck to ford dealership. Ford dealership in san jose, ca told me the dampners on my truck needs to be replaced, but the parts are in back order and doesn't know when ford will have the parts for replacement. During our latest trip to santa ana, ca on dec 26, 2019. The front end of my truck, steering wheel shook violently at highway speed (45mph+) when braking or going over potholes/rough roads. The woobles are much worst this time. We almost got into an accident because of the woobles in san luis obispo, ca. We pulled off the freeway and I've called/left voicemail/texted the ford dealer in san jose, ca. No one called back after an hour, so we decided to cancel out trip and turn around for home. Only to drive much slower and keeping a much longer distance to the vehicle in front of us. My ford truck is a 2017 ford f250 lariat crew cabs with 20200 miles on it. Bought the truck new.
When vehicle travels over a rough spot or a change in grade on the road such as a bridge joint the front end shakes violently and you have to almost stop to get it to correct itself. This has happened 3 times in the past month. Most recent was on interstate traveling 70 MPH. Traveling on highway and drove across a bridge joint, front end started shaking violently and I almost caused an accident trying to get off the road to slow down. Vehicle is 3 years old with 30,000 miles. Paid way too much money to now fear for my life when I drive it. Ford says they are not aware of problem. Please help
I am experiencing severe shaking in my frontend suspension/steering when hitting a bump on one side of my vehicle. The shaking occurred while I was traveling at approximately 65 MPH on a rural 2 lane road. I could not control the shaking. I had to slow to 25 MPH before it would stop and I could regain control of the vehicle. Today was the third time this has happened. Each time it occurs it when one side of the vehicle hits a bump or dip in the road. Each time it happened I was traveling at a high rate of speed (at least 60 MPH). I don't feel safe driving my vehicle over 60 MPH. Especially with my family in the truck or near other people on the road. In my quick research it appears to be wide spread with ford super duty trucks. My truck has stock suspension and steering and has never been in an accident. There are currently 26,000 mile on my ford f-250.
Death wobble when you hit a bump at 45 MPH + going to get someone killed new truck happens all the time dealer does nothing
Vehicle will violently wobble from small road bumps at speeds above 55mph
At around 20,000 miles driving down the highway I hit a bump doing about 70 mh and my steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably. Had to slow down to about 35 MPH to get it to stop. Took it to my local dealership and they said the steering dampner was bad. They replaced it. Fixed the problem for about 12000 miles, now at around 30,000 miles it ha started again. Took it back to the dealer and they did an alignment on it and it still has the same problem
On saturday, december 28, I was traveling at 75 MPH on I-555 southbound at the bay overpass. As the vehicle was driven upon the overpass, the steering wheel jerked left and right violently until I quickly slowed to about 30 MPH. It was only then I was able to safely regain control of the truck. My wife was present and witnessed how difficult it was for me to hold the truck on the roadway. The local ford dealer repaired this identical problem in november 2018 and again in december 2019. Since receiving the truck after the second repair, there has been notable, but lesser, steering wheel movement when encountering uneven pavement.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2017 Ford F-250 SD?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history