When traveling at highway speeds, if my truck hits a ridge or bump in road, it starts shaking violently up and down. I slow down and fight the wheel to get the truck to the side of the road. So far, this has happened approximately 18 times. Most of the time, it stops shaking as I slow down. Twice it stopped shaking after I crossed traffic to get to edge of road to stop. Very scary! The first time it happened, it bounced up & down so hard, it pulled the wheel out of my hands. As I gently braked to slow down, it stopped bouncing up and down, but then started up again when I hit the next expansion seam on the road. This happened about 6 times on my way to work that day. I was driving approximately 30 MPH in the right lane to get to work in a 65 MPH zone because I was scared to go faster. Traffic was zooming around me and honking. The vertical shaking didn't happen again for about 3 months although I traveled the same highway with the same bumps and the same speed (gritting my teeth). My mechanic examined the truck 2 days after the first round of incidents and found no problems with the front end, steering, or shocks. Nothing was loose, broken, or out of specs. I informed ford.com about the problem and was told to take the vehicle to the dealer. All of the discussion groups said that the dealers could not fix the problem. There seems to be no recall for this incredibly frightening problem. I have always owned ford trucks (last truck is a 1996 f250 that was a wonderful truck - still have it). As background, there are several videos of this happening on youtube with several discussion groups talking about this problem. The "death wobble" shown in the videos is the same thing I experienced.
2011 Ford F-250 steering complaints
Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 102, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While towing my 8000lb trailer, I went over some uneven highway pavement and the entire truck started shaking to the point I was no longer able to control where the truck went I had to left off the gas until it coasted to a top. 50 miles later, I entered a suspension bridge over a 500 foot drop with a tractor trailer coming in the opposite direction. As I crossed over the bridge/road seam the truck started shaking again this time it went in to the lane of the semi truck after leaving a considerable amount of rubber he and I avoided a deadly accident. I googled these symptoms and it appears you have known about this issue for some time, please I beg you for the safety of my family make ford corporation fix this issue with these trucks.
The front started vibrating violently, only stopped after slowing significantly. The problem was finally diagnosed as steering dampener. The service department was familiar with this problem as the "death wobble". This has been "repaired" three times and is now recurring.
My truck starts shaking violently at 40-60 MPH. Steering control is lost and can only be regained by coming to a complete stop. Truck will not switch lanes and pulling over to the shoulder is impossible due to loss of steering. Shaking is violent to the point of loosening bolts. Taken to dealer to be checked under warranty. They claimed it was air pressure or the need for new tires. The vehicles tires are in good condition and air pressure is set at factory recommended levels. Ford says this behavior is normal. A serious accident extremely possible. An independent suspension shop claims issue is due to defective ball joints, lack of steering damper, and defective control arms.
When hitting a bump or pot hole at highway speed the front tires wobble uncontrollably until you all but stop. This could catch someone off guard to crash into someone on the highway.
Truck developed a violent shake in the front end and became uncontrollable. Have to stop immediately before vehicle will stop shaking. The issue is referred to the "ford death wobble" with many recorded instances of this on the web and youtube. Issue has gotten worse and is unsafe to drive. Has been in the ford dealer and many new parts replaced but problem persist. Ford dealer cannot seem to correct so it has been in two other garages for second opinions. Contacted ford motor company and they have no recalls or any knowledge of this problem. Vehicle is a danger to the highway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle began shaking abnormally. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, who stated that they would balance all for tires and performed and alignment check. The vehicle was repaired however, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 22,500.
Driving east bound on the 91 freeway in the diamond lane I drove over a roadway imperfection. As soon as I hit it with my left front tire the vehicle made a violent motion to the left almost causing me to strike the center divider. This happened several other times before I returned the vehicle to the dealer to have it checked (12/16/2010). By this time, striking an imperfection with either front tire caused the vehicle to move laterally, left or right. After several visits to the ford dealer without remedy, a ford engineer was summoned for a test drive. We drove the vehicle to a spot I consistently have the problem and it violently pulled to the left when the front left tire hit the spot (transition road: 405 freeway to the northbound 710 freeway). Both the engineer and the service manager were in the vehicle at that time and both felt what I was complaining about. Later that same day I was looking at a ford fusion with my son and the ford engineer drove into the lot in a new ford super duty 4x4 that he had driven to that same location. He told me and my son that the new vehicle did the same thing and he would report back to ford so that they could do something about it. I was later contacted by the ford manager and told that my problem was within fords tolerance for the vehicle. He also told me I could probably go over to the four wheel drive parts store and purchase something that might help with the problem. I continue to have this problem but it appears to be getting worse. Even my friends who drive with me complain about this issue telling me I need to do something about it. This past week I contacted ford again via their fix-it hot line and spoke with one of their representatives who looked into my complaint (he spoke with the ford manager and ford engineer). Today he advised me the problem was normal for the vehicle. Anyone else complaining?
While driving at freeway speed hit pothole and truck began to shake violently. Pulled of the freeway to inspect and everything looked ok. Got back onto freeway and crossed over a bridge and the same violent shake happened until I slowed down to about 40 MPH. Dropped truck off at dealer on way home from work.
While driving on straight roads, if you encounter rough road surface (construction, pothole, etc) steering and front end of the vehicle begins to oscillate violently. It is almost like the oscillation creates a harmonic frequency that increases the intensity to a degree that the vehicle must be slowed or stopped to recover.
I was traveling south on highway 99 in the central valley of california north of visalia, ca. I was maintaining my speed in the fast (second lane) lane between 65 and 70 MPH on a portion of the highway that was recently laid with fresh asphalt. This of course, made the road surface very smooth although there was some transition portions of the road surface with a few rougher sections. Going over one of the transitions the front end of the truck began to shake violently. I immediately attempted to slow down which was very dangerous due to the amount of traffic both behind me and to the slow lane to my right. I believe the other drives saw my situation and allowed me to pull to the slow lane to get control of the truck. Once my speed was reduced to around 35 to 40 MPH, the shaking stopped. The passenger who was with me was undoubtedly shaken up - no bun intended. Unfortunately, this was the second time I experienced the "death wobble" that so many other ford truck owners have experienced. The first occurrence was about three months earlier while traveling on the golden state highway in bakersfield, ca. My speed at that time was 60 MPH and began to shake uncontrollably after passing over a concrete to concrete transition in the road. Following both events I took my truck to the local ford dealer for diagnosis. My dealer is jim burke ford, bakersfield, ca. The first time into service the dealer changed out the steering stabilize and said all other front end and steering components checked out fine. The steering stabilizer change out was funny because I had replaced the original one and installed a new bilstein brand steering stabilizer on the truck a few months prior. I have enjoyed this truck but it is beginning to scare my as I'm concerned another event could result in a serious accident. Please help us ford truck owners. Thank you.
I have an f-250 super duty fx4. The truck only has 15,000 miles and last year in oct, 2012 the truck had a violent shimmy in the front end at 9,000 miles. This occurred on two different occasions and I took the truck to the dealer and they replaced the steering stabilizer and the problem was fixed for about a year. The truck has started this shaking again. This has occurred three different times in the last month. This happens if I change lanes that are uneven at about 35-40 MPH and will also happen at speeds greater than 60 MPH if the road is a bit bumpy. It is very scary and the truck is uncontrollable until the shaking stops.
App. One year ago, I started having trouble with my truck. It would shake if I hit a rough spot or bridge approach at 60 to 70 miles an hour, causing the steering wheel and the whole truck to shake. I've had it to the dealer a number of times and have spent about $2100.00 and it's still doing it. At times it shakes really hard and to get it to quit I have to bring my speed down to 30 miles an hour. That is very dangerous on the interstate with all the traffic. Ford says it does that sometimes, I've had 6 f250's from 1999 to present and none of them have ever done this, except this truck. Have you ever had any more complaints of this nature? Please contact me on what to do. The dealer has contacted ford motor com. They are the ones that says it suppose to do it sometimes. It done that 6 times in a 10 hour drive 2 weeks ago.
Was going over a bridge that had uneven pavement with a slight bank to the left and the steering and entire vehicle began to shake uncontrollably and put the vehicle into the nearby field after running off the road. I contacted ford dealership and was informed to check tire air pressure (air pressure was fine-stock tires and rims). Front steering stabilizer was checked and that was fine. Track bar and tie rod checked and those too were fine. A local four wheel drive shop informed me that they are quite aware of this problem and at 31000 miles they recommended changing the tie rod, dual steering stabilizers, and another alignment. Most off road dealers are aware of this problem and even say to adjust the caster to a positive 4 to correct. As seen on the internet, this began around 2005 with straight axle and coil suspension. Ford must rectify this problem!
While driving at 70 MPH on the interstate, after hitting a small bump in the road, the front end of my 2011 f250 fx4 diesel began violently. I had to pull onto the median and slow to less than 20 MPH to make it stop. This has been an ongoing problem, and, although I have brought the vehicle in for service, changing the shocks and steering stabilizer, I still have the same issues.
I have had repeated issues with the steering of my truck. I have taken it in to the ford dealership for the last 2 years and have been unable to get this resolved. The issue is known as the "death wobble". I was unaware of how common this issue was until I started reading forms where many people have had the same complaint. I have nearly lost control of my truck way too many times.
Uncontrollable steering wheel shake when you hit a bump at 55 MPH . Truck has been in the shop 4 times with this problem. Ford cant seem to fix it. Truck is stock no modifications. Someone is going to get hurt with this problem.
In fast lane west of nashville on interstate 40. Hit a minor area of rough road and the steering started shaking violently left and right. Slowed agressively but had no where to go with semi trucks all around me. I still can't believe I didn't cause a major accident. At approx 30 MPH the shaking stopped and I was able to accelerate back to cruise speed. I have driven the truck 9000 miles and this is the first time this has happened but I am very concerned about it happening again.
During a drive on the hwy, the vehicle went over an uneven section of the road causing the vehicle to wobble and shake violently. I pulled over to inspect the front end of the vehicle thinking I had hit something or had a flat tired. Nothing out of the ordinary was found. The same event occurred a month or so later when driving back from the airport and hit a pot hole at about 50 miles an hour. The vehicle once again felt out of control shifting from left to right on the hwy and felt uncontrollable. Got home, checked all associated suspension hardware and nothing out of the ordinary was detected. At this point, I am a bit hesitant to go at speed limit and constantly watching, avoiding main highways. It seems like the vehicle has suspension issues and it was not designed accordingly to its heavy duty ratings. The vehicle is a road hazard and a danger to the driver and other drivers..
I was driving approximately 45 MPH when I hit a rough area in the asphalt during a slight left turn. After hitting the rough area, the truck and steering wheel began shaking violently. I had to almost stop before the shaking would stop. I pulled off the road thinking that maybe a tire was fixing to fall off but everything was fine. Now every time I hit a rough area on the road I worry that it will happen again.
Experienced violent shaking of front wheels and steering after driving over a bump in road because of change in pavement on fly-over pass. Vehicle was uncontrollable and had a tremendous vibration in the front end. Had to reduce speed to a near stop on interstate highway to get shaking to stop and to re-gain control of vehicle.
While traveling at highway speed I hit a bump and the vehicle began to violently shake. I had to pull the vehicle off the road to gain control. Continued down the highway and vehicle struck another pot hole and vehicle again went into a violent front end shake. I agian had to pull to the side of the highway to gain control of the vehicle. The federal safety agency need to go to the ford forum and read the stories about the front end wobbles, shimmy, and shaking by the f250 and f350s, ther are many near miss incidents that if they occur these vehicles are to big for the individuals in the opppsite lanes to survive. The issue started at about 6000 miles on the truck and has gradually gotten worse. I have taken the truck to the dealership for repair at 14,000 miles and at 20,000 miles with no fix provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle shook violently without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician diagnosed that the shimmy shocks, steering gear, pitman arm, ball joints, and tie rods needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 80,000.
At 55 MPH, if you hit a bump in the road the front end shakes, jumps across the road. Very difficult to handle. You have to slow down. This needs to be looked at. We had the vehicle at ford several time and they found nothing!
I was driving 65 MPH on the interstate and I hit a line of bumps. The truck would start shaking violently and I would have to slow down under 30 MPH on the interstate. Ford put a new steering damper in and the problem persisted 2 weeks after. I went and bought a kit from wrc motorsports for $1,000 and paid over $500.00 to have it put in today. Hopefully this stops the problem and ford will reimburse me some of the cost.
While traveling west bound on interstate 70 in a construction zone with uneven pavement the vehicle's right front wheel passed over a pavement patch which was slightly raised. Almost immediately the left front wheel passed over a pavement patch which was slightly raised. These two relatively minor bumps caused a wobble in the steering which then intensified until the vehicle steering was virtually uncontrollable. In order to stop the violent bouncing and wobble I had to brake hard almost coming to a stop. This unexpected rapid speed reduction quite naturally caused vehicles to have to brake very hard to avoid a collision. Subsequent research on the internet has revealed that this is not an unusual problem with this vehicle. Http://www.thedieselstop.com/forums/f149/front-end-bounce-high-speeds-274673/ it is important to note that I am not a beginner at operating heavy duty pick up trucks. I drove 3/4 ton and one ton 4x4 trucks for 30 years as part of my duties as a rural area law enforcement officer with co-lateral duties in remote area search and rescue. Had I been towing my fifth wheel trailer when this high speed wobble occurred it could very well have resulted in a major traffic incident/collision involving multiple vehicles. As it was we were very lucky to have avoided rear end collisions as a result of the necessity to unexpectedly brake and slow to regain control of our truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that while traveling 66 MPH, the vehicle shook violently and there was loss of acceleration power. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contact's residence and was later taken to an authorized dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. Later while traveling 35 MPH, the vehicle began to wobble uncontrollably, causing the vehicle to veer to the left abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 4,000 and the current mileage was 59,306.
Driving approximately 45 MPH on a state highway, making a slight left turn, hit a small bump in the road, and the steering wheel started jerking violently from left to right from the 9:00 to 3:00 positions. I could not stop it with both hands. I had to brake the vehicle to almost a complete stop to end the jerking. This has been happening on almost a daily basis. The vehicle currently has 22,193 miles on it. It has been to the dealership at least 4 times and they have been called numerous times with the problem. They have checked the tire pressure several times. The front end. Changed the steering damper , which slightly helped for about 500 miles. It is now happening every time I drive the vehicle and is getting worse. Now also happening at lower speeds, around 30 MPH and up.
2011 ford 250 diesel has been in for front end service(front end alignments) and excessive scalloping of tires four times. Two dealerships have expressed concern over the severity of the tires. The truck continues to pull to the right and the front end has started to shake/wobble after hitting a bump.
At high speeds over 50 MPH, if truck hits a bump, front end shakes violently until you come to a complete stop. Dealer has no answer. On internet many others having same problem. Called "death rattle".
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