2019 Ford F-250 SD: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Steering · KS

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)

Filed Sep 19, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Ford Diesel 250 flat out stalled while driving on a very congested Highway. Full tank of Diesel. No warning. Complete stall at 65MPH, no brakes, no power steering, no lights. Was almost killed when the truck almost crashed into a bus. Happened (4) more times as we made our way back home. Internet search shows that Ford Motor Company is fully aware of this common failure of their fuel system. Federal regulators need to pressure Ford for a Recall before someone is killed

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · Tires · MD

Tire size LT285/75 R18 Component/System Failure: The front suspension and steering damper malfunctioned, leading to the "death wobble." This issue also caused excessive tire wear due to the violent vibrations and instability in the steering system. The components are available for inspection, and the worn tires and replaced parts can be provided if necessary. Safety Risk: The excessive tire wear, combined with the loss of steering control due to the wobble, significantly increased the risk of a blowout or loss of traction. At highway speeds, this made it difficult to control the vehicle, posing a serious risk to myself and others on the road. Problem Reproduced/Confirmed: Yes, the problem, including excessive tire wear and steering instability, was reproduced and confirmed by a Ford dealership service center during their inspection. Vehicle/Component Inspection: The vehicle was inspected by the Ford dealership, where they identified the steering and suspension issues that contributed to the wobble and tire wear. No other entities, such as insurance or police, have inspected the vehicle since no accidents occurred. Warning Lamps/Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or messages before the failure. However, prior to the issue, symptoms included rapid and uneven tire wear, increased steering vibrations, and vehicle instability, particularly after hitting bumps or potholes.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · OK

The air conditioner compressor locked up (internal failure) which caused the engine v-belt to fail and resulted in the loss of power steering.

Filed Dec 2, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · TN

Steering and suspension were compromised at highway speeds upon hitting a mild change in surface (such as a bridge expansion joint). The front axle bounces and shakes violently and steering is extremely difficult. Reducing speed (below highway speed while on a highway in traffic) eventually ends the violent shaking and bouncing. This problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center nor has it been inspected by others. There were also no warning lamps or messages.

Filed Mar 3, 2023 · Steering · TX

FORD “Death Wobble” on the Super Duty trucks. The damper. When traveling over 60+ mph and the truck hits a bump/groove the truck wobbles and the steering is hard to control. The truck has to come to a slower rate or a complete stop for it to stop wobbling. It could cause an accident with other vehicles if you aren’t experienced. It is at a dealership to get fixed. This is an ongoing problem with Ford Super Duties and Ford is not standing behind their product. I do not feel like this is a customers responsibility. No warning was given. It is very dangerous.

Filed Dec 16, 2022 · Steering · AR

While driving 75 mph on an interstate in Little Rock, Arkansas, the truck began to violently shake after hitting a bump and steering became difficult I had to quickly maneuver to the shoulder. Once I started back on the road, the shaking had stopped. Online, thus incident is often referred to as a "death wobble."

Filed Feb 25, 2022 · Steering · TX

While driving at approximately 65 mph, I experienced an extremely violent front end wobble that shook the entire front end of my truck. Steering control was greatly affected and I had to slow down below 40 mph before it quit. I continued on my way to work not exceeding 50 mph. This was a very traumatic and unnerving experience. Luckily, I was on a straight away portion of the highway. I do not think I could have maintained my lane if I had been in a curve. Fortunately, vehicles around me were not close by in case I had totally lost steering control. No other vehicles were affected. My truck had less than 35,000 miles on it at the time of occurrence. Prior to this episode, my steering was largely unaffected. I took my truck to the local dealer to get this fixed. The steering damper was replaced. No other components were replaced at this time. Time will tell if this is the cure.

Filed Jan 7, 2022 · Suspension · TX

Loss of steering and uncontrollable shaking/ oscillation of front end suspension components when hitting small bump at 55 mph. No warning light or notification of this prior to happening. Phoned dealership they will be inspecting truck.

Filed Dec 26, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · MI

While accelerating on the entrance ramp to the freeway, which is free of potholes, or bumps, the front end of the truck began bouncing up and down violently. I was traveling approximately 50 mph. I immediately braked and the bouncing ceased. Luckily there were no cars behind me at that moment. I bought this truck used about 2 years ago with about 34000 miles on it. I do not know if the previous owner experienced this. It now has 50000 miles, and that was the first and only time so far my wife or I have experienced that problem. This problem could definitely lead to a complete loss of steering control. Luckily I was only going about 50 mph and not on a curve, and nobody behind me. I have this vehicle scheduled for service at Elder Ford of Romeo on Dec 27 2021. They have indicated that it might be a stabilizer bar.

Filed Oct 13, 2021 · Suspension · AZ

Suspension “DEATH WOBLE” Traveling on the highway 68 mph and had no steering with the steering wheel shaking violently and moved me over one full lane before I could slow down and get it under control again. Cars swerved all around me to avoid crashing and my life along with my passenger and other drivers were all put at risk. This is just crazy! Car just came out of the dealer for service for vibration and all they did was an alignment and charged me and said it all looks good and that shaking/vibration is normal. I lease this car and pay 600 a month and can’t even drive it. Ford needs to be forced to fix this issue, this is killing people.

Filed Apr 7, 2021 · Steering, Suspension · 30,000 miles · GA

While driving on I-90 in ohio at approximately 65mph, I struck a small pothole with the drivers side front tire. The truck began to shake violently. I bumped the brakes and the shaking got even worse and steering was difficult. I took the vehicle to the shoulder and had to come to a complete stop to get it to stop. I drove the truck afterwards approximately 700 miles home. I was careful to avoid bumps or holes, but bridge seams caused a similiar problem many times, although not as violent as the first time. Ford has a service notification that they will replace the steering dampener if you experience this problem, but it did not feel like a dampener problem. I'll allow them to do it, but suspect I'll have more issues.