2005 Ford F-250: jerking or lurching

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Suspension · 115,000 miles · CA

My 2005 ford f250 super duty truck exhibits a condition referred to in forums as 'death wobble', in which the truck's front suspension shakes violently at highway speeds above 50 MPH. This condition is generally brought on by either of the front wheels hitting any deviation in the road surface such as bridge expansion joints, potholes, etc. The condition is so bad that immediate loss of control can only be controlled by jerking of the steering wheel or an immediate reduction in speed, generally to 25 MPH. I have experienced this condition several times over the past 9 years since purchasing this vehicle, most recently on july 12th while traveling on the 57 freeway in southern california at 65 MPH. I was travelling in the left hand lane next to the carpool lane (in moderate traffic) when I rolled over a bridge expansion and the left front wheel started shaking violently and causing me to immediately apply my brakes to regain control. The severity seems to be greatly reduced when hauling a substantial load in the truck bed, but I did experience this twice while hauling a 20' cargo trailer across the country. I understand that a class action suit was filed against ford in june/2019 and that ford has been aware of this issue with other truck owners filing complaints regarding this condition. I personally have not gone to ford regarding this as it is a waste of my time. The components they replace do not cure the problem, as many truck owners will attest. In my research, I found a company in utah that provides an aftermarket kit that appears to fix the issue. As I am about to embark on another 6000 mile journey with my wife and family, I intend to purchase and install this kit on my vehicle. If I find upon returning that this kit has alleviated my truck's issue, I will re-contact the federal safety agency with my results.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Brakes · 41,575 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-250. While driving 60 MPH, the front driver side brakes overheated and seized. The front end of the vehicle jerked violently when the failure occurred. The dealer stated that the front driver side brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 41,575. Updated 10/28/2014*lj the consumer stated the vehicle has had a front end shimmy since it was purchased. Updated 4/22/2015

Filed Jan 28, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 88,094 miles · WI

Regular driving on open road , no harsh conditions - power loss, without any warning - no engine lights or warnngs - sudden decelleration , jerky response more decelleration - limp off ramp , limp home. Turbo sounding whiny and different , no response to added pressing on gas , nor stop , restart. Has been evaluated at dealership many times and many problems corrected, paid for yet nothing works - regular maintenance is preformed on this vehicle , much care is taken by owner. Very dangerous condition will cause a wreck , can no longer endanger lives, we do everything the dealers ask and condition returns. Must evaluate at new dealership and whether or not can keep. I am getting post traumatic stress from this vehicle and it's lack of unreliable transport . I fear getting into the car for any distance - if I have to return to the bank , I must advise them not to re-sell liability reasons and inform them of chronic lemon problems in this model f250 6.0 ford truck .

Filed Feb 27, 2012 · Engine · 60,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH the vehicle started to jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the dealer could not diagnosed the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.

Filed Feb 27, 2012 · Engine · 30,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance and sent a letter advising to check the tire inflation pressure level. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 30,000 and the current mileage was 110,000.

Filed Dec 9, 2011 · Steering · 50,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f-250. The contact stated that when while driving over a road bump, the vehicle would jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle needed to have a camber alignment performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 91,000. Updated 02/27/12

Filed Dec 8, 2011 · Suspension · 47,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 ford f250. The contact was driving approximately 65 MPH over a road bump when the vehicle began to jerk violently, causing it to travel uncontrollably across two lanes. The contact was able to regain control and resumed normally. The failure occurred on four separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the upper ball joints were replaced. The failure continued to occur after the repair was performed. The manufacturer notified the owners that the vehicle could experience a potential shimmy and recommended that the tires be inflated to the correct pressure to prevent the defect. The manufacturer was made aware of the recurring problem. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.