I am now experiencing the second instance of the "death wobble". The first instance was at approximately 20,000 miles. Ford repaired this previously but now the problem has returned; at 50,000 miles. I reported the first instance to the federal safety agency. My vehicle's left front wheel began shaking violently, as if I had a blow out, upon driving over a rough pavement joint. I was driving 65 mph in lane two of a three lane highway. I luckily was able to slow down to about 15 mph, cross one lane of heavy traffic without being involved in a life threatening accident. Being rear ended was a real possibililty. We all know this happens frequently with these larger pickups, especially the ones with the camper package. I think it is time your organization addressed this problem.
2018 Ford F-250 SD steering complaints
Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 253, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds above 50 MPH, the vehicle experienced violent shaking and vibration after driving over a bump in the roadway and while driving onto uneven pavement. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the steering dampener under an Extended Service Campaign. The contact stated that the replacement part used to repair the vehicle was the same part that was originally installed during the manufacturing of the vehicle. The contact was concerned that the part would eventually fail again. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
We bought our truck brand new in 2018 and within two months I started experiencing violent shaking and an inability to control the vehicle when hitting even uneven payment. I reported this to Ford and they told me everything checked out fine. This happened again 2 more times and at that point was being told that my warranty was expired and there was nothing they could do. The 4th time I nearly crashed into another car then a concrete wall, I was scared for my life driving that vehicle at that point. I decided to try a different Ford dealership 1 town over and thankfully they agreed it was the dreaded death wobble that ford knew about the problem and they replaced I believe my steering linkage damper and said this would solve the issue. A few weeks after replacement death wobble was back just not as violent as before, I was able to have greater control of the truck when it happened but it was still scary and continued up to present day which seemed to start getting worse a few months ago again. Today my husband and I leave our home to run down to the grocery doing about 10-15 miles an hour when we hear a loud pop, suddenly there was no steering at all, we ended up in the middle of a strangers front yard because we didn’t even have enough steering to make it off the road in a normal fashion. After inspecting the truck we see the drag link has completely popped off the sleeve by the passenger tire. Right before all this happened we had just driven down the interstate doing 70mph, if this had happened while doing those speeds I don’t believe I’d be alive right now to write this complaint. There is a real safety issue going on with these trucks steering components. I’m scared I’m going to die in my truck because of these issues and I have 3 kids, not to mention the amount of money I paid for this truck and the fact that this has been a reported issue from day 1. Everything said here was verified by a licensed mechanic. Calling Ford tomorrow with prob no fix. Please help!
I loaned my F250 to my son to move his furnishings from his apartment in Chicago back to Iowa. Once he got on the interstate, the truck began to shake violently causing him to feel he would lose control of the vehicle. The only way to stop it was to pull over and stop the vehicle. This could have resulted in severe injury or worse. I am beyond furious, upset and am going to escalate this known problem in any way I can including media watchdogs, social media, etc. After a short search on the web, I find out it is a known defect but nothing has been done by Ford or your organization. My truck had 12,000 miles on it…nothing should be worn out and in no way should there have been a safety danger to my son by driving it. I would like communication from your organization immediately as Ford tells me it is up to you to issue a recall and you have not done so. This is unconscionable in every possible way.
Driving truck and pulling horse trailer at 70-75 mph and crossed a bridge on interstate highway which caused a bump and then front end of truck began to shake very hard and the truck pulled hard to the left. Managed to get it under control and moved to side of road and called dealership...who advised to continue trip and keep speed under 55. No further problems on that trip while staying under 55 mph. Dealer put a new steering dampener on Jan. 2, 2023. No further issues until Mar. 31, 2023 - while pulling a trailer and UTV - again hit a bump on interstate at about 75-80 mph and the severe wobble happened again. Truck pulled left but I braked immediately and was able to pull over and it stopped around 30 mph so I resumed trip. 20 minutes later, while driving closer to 65 mph, I went over a bridge on the interstate and the wobble started again suddenly as we exited the bridge. This time the shaking was so violent it took all of my strength to control it as it as the truck surged left and almost hit another car. The vehicles around me all braked hard to avoid me while I was braking hard to keep from hitting the car to my left. It was by far the most violent of the three incidents. I did not tow the trailer home from this trip and instead drove along at 55-63 mph. Twice I got the truck up to around 70 and you could feel vibration in both the steering wheel and the body floorboard - especially the right side. As long as I stayed below 55 it seemed to operate ok. This truck is primarily a tow vehicle for my wife and her horse trailer. I can say with certainty that if she were driving and the 'death wobble' happened to her, there is no way she could have held that truck straight. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM!!! Now that I have looked and read online I cannot believe it hasn't been formally addressed yet by Ford. Its back at the dealer and we'll see what bandaid they come up with next. THIS IS A REALLY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS ATTENTION!!
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH over a bump on a bridge, he lost control of the steering wheel. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering damper to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering dampers to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
I have experienced the Death Rattle with my 2018 F250-SD on 3 occasions: First was in late summer of '22, the second time was in November of '22 and the third time was on Feb. 5, 2023. In all 3 instances the weather was clear, no rain or snow on the road and I was traveling at 65 mph. The first & second time I thought it was due to a rough patch of road surface on the highway. On Sunday I was hauling my 14' GN trailer with one horse in it and drove over a minimal rough patch on the 2 lane county highway when it froze up. In the first example I was in city traffic and drifted over to the left shoulder. In the 2ed & 3ed examples there were no other passenger vehicle beside me so I was able to drift over to the closest shoulder to reset the truck. All 3 instances happened with no warning and no warning light appeared on the dash- just clatter and a freeze up. I have an appointment on 2/15/2023 with the Ford dealership where we purchased the truck.
My truck has done what is known as the death wobble, which is easily searchable.The infamous death wobble that many Ford truck drivers have experienced is a violent shaking of the front end of the truck and the steering wheel. This issue typically occurs at highway speeds or after hitting a bump in the road. But it can also occur under any typical driving conditions. Ford truck drivers who have experienced this violent shaking on the road describe it as a terrifying experience because many struggle to steer and keep control of the vehicle. Naturally, this temporary loss of control and difficulty steering can lead to an increased risk of accident, injury, or death. This first occurred in 2018 and the dealer serviced it replacing the steering column. It has happened a few more times since then but very minor. Yesterday, 1/9/2023, it occurred with every single minor bump on the interstate at speeds over 65mph. It was very violent to the point where my coffee cup bounced out of the cup holder during the wobble. To get it to stop, you must slow down to 30mph very quickly and can not steer during this time (must go straight). A few occurrences were very dangerous. One where I almost went through a curve and into a semi, and another where I was almost rear ended to slow down and get out of the wobble before the next corner. I took it to my dealer this morning. They said, "Ford has identified what they believe to be the problem, but does not have parts designed yet. You can either pay $280 for an aftermarket steering damper, deal with it or trade it in...up to you." 1) They didn't diagnose the problem. 2) Ford knows it's a know issue and is doing nothing about it. I have been a life long Ford customer, but no more after this!!! This truck is a death trap / disaster waiting to happen for me and any other drivers around me!
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel started to shake significantly. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering damper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
While driving on highway, vehicle hits a bump and front end starts shaking violently. Shaking continues until I slow way down. It is actually difficult to control as steering wheel is shaking so bad. This has happened multiple times but is becoming more frequent.
I was driving on a divided highway and hit a bump. The front started shaking so violently I had to immediately brake hard and drive off into the median before it stopped. 70 mph. It happened again today, driving about 55 mph. Very scary condition. I am worried about the safety of this vehicle and just learned it is a common occurrence with the F250.
Twice in the last two years I've experienced what is being called the "death wobble". A very violent shaking of the steering wheel as well as the vehicle after driving over some unforseen divet in the road at highway speeds. The first time was in the summer of 2020 and the second time just yesterday, 12-5-22. Both occured on 65 Hwy. Once on the east side of Sedalia and the later on the west side of Sedalia. This is going to get some one killed.
Driving at approximately 70 mph I traversed over a road divider of a suspension type bridge and immediately encounter the so called “Death Wobble” in my entire front end steering mechanism. The vehicle and steering wheel vibrated so violently that it caused a lane excursion. Applying brakes and slowing to 30 mph the steering came under control. This is the (3) third incident of this happening to my vehicle.
On 12/2/2022 at ~9:30 AM I was westbound on Interstate 40 in SW AZ. Traffic was average, road was clean and dry. My right front tire clipped a small pothole. The front end of the truck began to shake then became a violent, out of control thrashing. I grabbed the oscillating steering wheel with both hands to avoid changing lanes and hitting other vehicles. I tapped the brakes to shut down the cruise control. But my truck continued the violent shaking and the steering wheel wasn't much help. Only after I had let my speed drop dramatically did this incident began to subside. Eventually I steered onto the shoulder and it stopped. I needed a few minutes to regain my composure to exit I-40 and return home at 35 MPH.
May 13, 2021 (KC3Z*3E651*B DAMPER ASY) was replaced by Coggin Ford. The vehicle shakes at hwy speeds if hit a bump was the complaint. The extreme shaking has no warning, it will take you off guard and the only way to control it is to slow almost to a stop from 65 to 70 mph to a crawl. The shaking is so strong if feels as if the steering wheel will be jerked from you hands. You can only thank God that the people behind you are able to stop or let you over. It feels strong enough to throw you into another vehicle or wall without a tight grip on the steering wheel. This is not a little vibration, it literally shakes the whole vehicle violently. 11/07/2022 Took back to Rountree Moore in Lake City FL (we purchased it from Rountree). Because they could not reduplicate the issue there is nothing they can do. I explained it has happened twice in the last week and we have already had it fixed once at 47,476 miles. 11/07 and 08/2022 opened a case with Ford customer care [XXX] (11/07) and [XXX] (open 11/08). Please I beg you to help us -- there is no warning and when it happens you really feel at a loss of control, it feels as if it is all over the road. I am scared to drive the vehicle! FORD NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THE MISTAKES OR BE FINED FOR PLACING PEOPLE LIVES IN DANGER. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Traveling on US highway 77 at about 60mph and hit a small bump and the truck starting shaking and the steering vibrating and was almost thrown off the highway in the opposite lane of traffic. Had to decrease speed quickly and almost lost total control of the vehicle. If a car had been in the oncoming lane we would have had an head on collision
My f250 has experienced the “death wobble”. Was brought to dealership 3/2022 where they confirmed death wobble & fixed the problem. It has begun again 10/2022, even worse than before the correction. It is unsafe to drive. Especially with small children in the truck. I almost crashed more than 10 times today alone- while on the highway with other motorist. I call ford motor company who told me that it’s not covered under lemon law because it is a 2018. I only have 40,000 miles on it. It is going to Seriously hurt or kill someone. I have video of the death wobble occurring
When driving at speeds in excess of 45 mph, if the front wheels strike a pothole or some other significant bump in the road, occasionally - but with increasing frequency - it will cause the wheels to start violently bouncing up and down (alternating each wheel so one is up and the other is down) and the steering wheel shimmies violently back and forth. This will continue until the vehicle is slowed to under 10 mph. During these events, there is no controlling the steering and the vehicle does not slow quickly since the front wheels are not in constant contact with the pavement. Research on the internet has shown that this is not an isolated problem and it has been labeled the “death wobble” by many. (Google “Ford F250 death wobble”). The result of this event - and thus the safety hazard - is that one must immediately stop the vehicle to make the malfunction stop. I have had to stop in the middle of the commuter lane on the highway on several occasions, causing many people to slam on their brakes and swerve to avoid hitting me. It is completely terrifying as it puts me, my passengers, and any other vehicles around me at risk. I am appalled that so many apparently know about this issue and nothing has been done to get Ford to take ownership. When I described the problem to my service center, they knew exactly the problem that I was speaking of. Unfortunately, there is no definitive fix other than to try this or that which will become costly.
2018 has Death Wobble which has been reported by many and a recall was issued but we have taken it back 3 times for this recall/death wobble=tie rod, sector shaft, drag link replaced (the first time it wasn't recalled yet so we had to pay for it and still have not been reimbursed) last 2 times they fix the tie rod, shaft or whatever but it keeps happening and it is scary. Lucky not to have caused an accident. Also because of the "death wobble" it has ruined the alignment and some tracker line thing as well as our tires and we have to pay for those things even though it is caused by the death wobble/recall?! -Component described above, yes it is available for inspection upon request -Safety at risk because if we are going over 60 and hit a bump the vehicle starts to shake uncontrollably and we have to slam on the brakes to make it stop while going that fast with other vehicles going that fast we have almost caused several accidents and almost hit a barrier trying to stop it -yes problem has been preproduced, verified and supposedly fixed but never lasts more than a month --yes the vehicle component has been inspected by the manufacturer it is an open RECALL -NO WARNING LAMP, MESSAGE etc. Just uncontrollable shaking of vehicle if hits a bump
On September 28, 2022 i was driving my Ford F-250 on Interstate 10. I was in traffic and had other vehicles in front of and behind me. I hit a small bump in the road and my steering wheel in front tires began to shake so violently I began to have difficulty steering the vehicle. I had to slow the vehicle to 30 mph to regain control. As I begin to slow the vehicle the shaking became more violent. Luckily there was an opening on the right side for me to try and steer the vehicle to the shoulder. Other vehicles around me noticed the issue and also had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. My truck has 89,000 miles on it and has been properly maintained. I had this vibration also previously and the manufacturer installed a new component at 56,000 miles. I contacted the same dealer who did the repair. They stated that Ford's recall was only to replace the part one time. At this point I will have to pay for a repair but they are not sure which parts to replace to prevent the issue as they said many Superduty trucks have the same issue. The oem part that was aleady replaced is also out of stock, with no eta of when it is available. Im 54 and driving since i was 15. Ive never been more terrified. My truck is stock configuration with no customization with factory tires and wheels.
Steering wheel started shaking so violently that we thought we’d blown out a tire (or two). Speed approx 70mph on highway. Luckily no traffic around us or we could’ve been in a serious accident.
Doing 75 miles an hour on the interstate and did a death wobble
The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front end was shaking and vibrating, and the steering wheel was uncontrollable. The contact had to hold the steering wheel tightly to keep the vehicle under control. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed of a steering damper failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
After hitting a small bump in the interstate on I65 North, my F250 began shaking uncontrollably. Only by emergency breaking, was I able to regain control on my truck. This has happened 4 times. It is not safe to have to do this on the expressway, at any speed.
At highway speeds my 2018 Ford F250 4WD will start shaking severely. The steering wheel shakes violently back and forth and the entire truck shakes like it's coming apart. The truck feels like it could swerve out of control at any moment. I was in great fear for my well being because I thought the truck was going to cause an accident. To get the shaking to stop I had to pull off the road and reduce my speed to less than 30mph. This has happened multiple times. Having to pull off the interstate and reduce speed to such a great extent is a safety hazard in itself. I took the truck to the dealer and they replaced the steering dampener under a recall. This caused the problem to go away for approximately 6 weeks. The problem has now returned. There were no warning lights or any indication that this was going to happen or when it did happen.
We had previously experienced severe shaking when driving at freeway speeds. We took the pickup to a dealership and the replaced the drag link at no cost and we paid to have tie rod ends replaced which they said would fix the issue. We took our first road trip in the vehicle this weekend and the problem is rven more frequent and severe. We almost had 3 accidents because the truck is very difficult to steer once the vibration starts.
I have experienced at least 6 incidents with my truck in which it starts violently shaking at highway speeds. In order to stop the shaking, I have had to either slow way down or pull over and stop completely to get the truck to stop shaking. In the most recent incident, there was a semi truck directly behind me and I was barely able to get to the side of the road to avoid being struck from behind and I nearly went into the ditch. After the first incident, I took my truck to the local Ford dealership and they told me there wasn't a problem when they drove it even though I provided them information about the "death wobble" from sources on the internet. The problem continued, so I took it back and they put "stabilizers" on it. I had no problem for almost a year until it happened twice yesterday. The first incident occurred on 12-25-18.
It is commonly referred to as The Death Wobble”. When hitting a bump the front end wobbles back and forth causing you to lose control unless you break immediately. It has been to the dealer to be repaired twice but it only lasts a short time. This is terrifying most recently occurring today on an interstate. Could hardly keep it on the road before getting it to slow down and veering into other lanes
When driving above 50mph we experience a problem that our Ford service department originally called the Death Wobble, it is now called High Speed Oscillation. The steering wheel and entire front end of the truck shakes violently and I have to slow to almost a complete stop in order to regain control of the vehicle. We have have the steering damper replaced twice (the tech today said about every 20,000 miles) and the truck is in the dealer for the third time addressing this issue. This third time the work that is also being done involves a large nut that requires 450#'s of torque to adjust. We had to replace tires that wore out prematurely. This last time the impact of the violent shaking caused the other vehicles on the road to move away from us because they could see something was wrong as well. I don't scare easily, but these events are terrifying. The problem has been confirmed by a Ford Service department multiple times. This has not had third party inspections, but I will ask for the worn out part when I pick up my vehicle from the current servicing. There were not any warning lights or messages that gave alerts to the incidents. The incidents would occur on macadam, concrete, going downhill and uphill, on transitions between road surfaces and on roads that have rough surfaces from heavy use.
Steering began to shake uncontrollably when driving at approximately 45 MPH after going over a bump. When the vehicle was slowed down to minimum speed and stopped the wobbling/shaking stopped. It did the same thing again 3 additional times when speed increased at a later time in the day. Safety of others could have been a major threat if unable to slow/stop.
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