2018 Ford F-250 SD: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 12, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · IN

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!

Filed Dec 23, 2019 · Brakes, Steering · 25,000 miles · IL

During driving at a speed of 73 on the highway I went over a bridge and when the truck went over the joint in the road it sent the truck into a death wobble which cause the truck to veer into the other lane. I was pressing the brakes as hard as I could and it felt like they were not hardly working. It took approximately 1/8 of a mile to slow down below 50 where it regained control. Steering was very difficult and could not keep it in my lane. Truck was bouncing uncontrollably and almost took it off the road.

Filed Nov 27, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 16,000 miles · PA

Truck has 16,000 miles on it. Purchased new from dealer. Within 1,000 miles experienced random front end shake, was occasional on rough road. Recently it occurred in one weekend 6 times. All on different interstate roads between pennsylvania and new jersey. Shook so hard and violently both fog lights cracked on the truck including one of the fog light mounts. Happens on any road. Happens any speed above 45mph. Concrete roads are the worst and bridge joints. Truck now looses grip when driving over bumps. Feels like on ice. Ciocca ford will not warranty broken parts such as fog lights and one mount. They will not correct alignment issue due to steering stability issue aka death wobble. Truck now pulls to the right. Truck does not feel safe to drive with my children in it, especially in the snow season knowing any bump could set it off. I have tried all different air pressures still get death wobble. Still breaks truck traction on bumps. This wobble occurs even on secondary roads. The wobble causes steering wheel to shake back and forth 3-4 inches. The entire front of the truck vibrates and shakes. The wobble won't stop until speed is dropped below 35mph. This shake will cause loss of steering and control in any weather condition. When it occurs you have all you can do to hold the steering wheel, there is no turning ability when this occurs. The steering stabilizer is often quoted as the issue for this. I believe from my experience and research the shocks are also not adequate from the loss of traction steering. Steering linkage is also weak. Ford has a reengineered solution, however unknown availability. This truck is now a safety hazard to myself and others, and ciocca ford is not offering a solution for the safety concern.

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 132,600 miles · TX

I have experienced violent shaking and extreme vibration resonating from the front wheels and steering components of my ford f250 super duty truck while driving. I understand this to be referred to as the 'death wobble' and for very good reason. I have 37 years of law enforcement experience, and I can assure you this issue left unchecked will be the root cause many traffic deaths past, present and future. It's occurred five times with me to date within 18 months all five causing total loss of steering control, and the last two causing me to cross center divide of the roadway and into oncoming traffic. I narrowly avoided a head on collision with an 18 wheeler in one of those incidents. I've had the vehicle checked by dealerships and independent shops. I've spent thousands of dollars on repairs and parts. Ford needs to offer a solution now before any else is put in harms way.. Or dies.

Filed Feb 2, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 35,200 miles · FL

Experienced steering wheel oscillation (death wobble) this has occured while driving on the interstate after driving over an uneven pavement at speeds of 55, 65 and 70mph. The steering wheel shakes violently and lost steering and braking capabilities during the event. It stopped after I decelerated to about 40mph forth until I slowed to approximately 35mph. Ford does have a tsb out on the issue but they are only replacing parts that have worn out, not the hidden issue that is causing heavy duty suspension parts to wear out so quickly.