On 7/23/23 I experienced the death wobble in my 2014 F350 for at least the fifth time since purchasing the truck 4 years ago. This time was the most violent, scary and dangerous time of all. I was on an interstate, in heavy traffic, traveling at 65 miles per hour. Previous incidents have resulted in repairs to the suspension. Everything from tie rod ends, stabilizers and shocks. This most recent incident required that the steering damper to be replaced. All total, I have spent at least $3,000 in repairs in the last 4 years for this problem alone. Not to mention that I fear for me and my wife’s safety.
2014 Ford F-350 steering complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 46, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have experienced three occurrences now where the vehicle suddenly begins to violently shake while driving between 50-70 MPH. All three times I was able to pull off the highway and stopped to inspect. Tires, lug nuts, brakes, and steering all appeared fine, so I cautiously resumed my trips without further incident. I have done some research and it appears that this is a well known issue, and is known as “Ford death wobble”. While I was able to safely move to the shoulder, I would be concerned if this occurred in heavy traffic, or if it occurred to an inexperienced driver. I am submitting this report to document these occurrences. During the last incident, I did get a traction control and hill descent malfunction indicator, but both of those cleared by themselves soon after resuming my trip. I am currently in the process of upgrading the steering stabilizer system, and replacing drag link, tie rods, ball joints to prevent any reoccurrences. While I understand these items are considered “wear” items, they should not be causing this severe of a problem at only 60k miles. (And I have no guarantee these will resolve my issue - I am replacing them as preventative measures)
I have experienced the "Death Wobble" numerous times. I have spent thousands of dollars since owning the truck chasing whatever we thought might be the issue. Ball joints, steering damper, tie rods/end, track bar, stabilizer bar, tires, the list is long. Stops for a time then starts up again. Death wobble consists of speeds over 60 mph and hitting bump and wheels wobble uncontrollably. This causes immediately slowing down until the wobble stops, however it is a violent shake and can pull the truck. Vehicles behind have no notice at immediate deceleration. Has not happen in the rain thank goodness.
2014 Ford F350 Super Duty Platinum 4x4 Diesel: Steering wheel started with small vibrations (90,000 miles), had Ford tell us that we needed a new track bar and bushing, so replaced it. Still having small vibrations in the 45-60 mph range. Then Ford said tie rod ends could be causing the problem did have some movement in the drag link, so replaced those, still having vibration. Had sound and clunking coming from steering box, so installed new steering box and pitman arm, and the small vibration has morphed into serious death wobble, and the pickup becomes almost uncontrollable until slowing down to under 45mph. Replaced all 4 shocks and the steering stabilizer. Sadly, the Ford dealership doesn't really seem to want to acknowledge there is a problem and work to fix it, and yet a quick internet search becomes extremely distressing quickly. To think, that you (NTSB) and Ford is likely going to wait until there is an accident before owning up to the fact that this is problematic and should be dealt with appropriately. They have offered to replace the steering stabilizer for 2017 or newer, even though they know it affects models as early as 2005. Clearly, neither you (NTSB) or Ford care about the people, it's just all about the dollar and CYA (Cover your [XXX]). INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Death wobble!! Violent shaking of front suspension. When traveling highway speeds 50- 65 hit very slight bump and starts slight wobble which then increases to uncontrollable violent shaking of front end. Only way to stop it is immediate hard braking to slow to 45 MPH or less. Very dangerous when in heavy traffic with heavy trucks behind and beside. I am shocked that nobody is dead! Most recent was yesterday northbound I-5 north of seattle. Happened so many times I lost count. Eventually gave up and set cruise control to 45 MPH in 56-70 MPH traffic. This is a known issue that presents a very real threat to life and safety. Please help!
The contact owns a 2014 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a death wobble. The contact related the failure to the steering; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
I have experienced an extremely violent vibration/wobbling of the vehicle at freeway speeds on several occasions. During these times, it is very difficult to control breaking, steering the vehicle, making it nearly impossible. I felt very unsafe not only for myself, but also other vehicles around me as I was driving a heavy-duty vehicle on the freeway at a high speed with essentially no control. Although I was shaken up, I was able to regain control of the vehicle and continue on my way. There have been no reports or inspections at this time. Prior to this happening, there were no warnings or messages. This happens twice in 2 days while driving on a long trip. Both times this occurred while driving at 65-70 mph and driving over a small bump in road.
We have experienced 6 episodes of severe “death wobble” in our 2014 350 diesel between mid Sept. and Nov 21, 2022. The truck shakes violently, 4 times while driving by around 60 mph on highways and twice while going slower on other roads. We have taken it into Ford Paso Robles twice: first time they could not identify the problem. The second time they said it was a “death wobble-Ford hates it when we call it that”; they charged us over $1200 to replace front shock absorbers and insulators, rear shock absorbers and steering stabilizer. The next time we put it on the highway, we had another severe death wobble as strong if not stronger than before. We limped home on HW 101 and HW 1 (with cliffs over the ocean), took it to James Ford Half Moon Bay who reproduced and confirmed the death wobble and said the entire front end needs replacement (parts alone, excluding new parts just put in by [XXX]) is $2962. I know Ford is aware of the death wobble problem and aware of strict product liability even for unknown defects. Our friend who bought a 2019 350 Ford received a recall notice for this issue but we haven’t. Ford needs to stand behind its product. We cannot drive this truck safely particularly since the only way to get to our home is off HW1 by steep cliffs. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
This truck has exhibited the signs of ford's death wobble for the past 140,000 miles. The truck has been under fleet maintenance program since new from my employer and we have replaced all steer linkages, stabilizers, tires, and shocks multiple times over the past 140,000 miles and no improvements. Now when the truck hits a bump in the road, an expansion joint, or an overpass transition the front end will shake so violently that it has become uncontrollable. My girlfriend had this happen to her and it sprained her wrists trying to control the truck while coming to a stop. A few months back it happened to me the truck was bouncing so badly that it started to rotate around the vertical axis, and I feared that the truck would roll over as I had to bring it to a complete stop in the middle of the road. The truck had to be driven in the far-right lane so when you must make an emergency stop there is a shoulder to move on to and avoid being rear-ended. With the amount of Ford super-duty trucks o the road today and the number of them that are experiencing this issue, I am confused why Ford is not having to stand behind this product?
Vehicle has a sudden violent shimmy, vibration ("death wobble") at highway speeds, requiring the vehicle to be slowed or stopped immediately to stop the vibrations. So far no complete loss of control. The track bar ball joint was identified as the issue and has been replaced 3 times in the last 2 1/2 years. The most recent replacement include a new track bar and lasted 17 months.
Death wobble
Severe wobble at speeds over 35 mph. Uncontrollable after hitting a bump or bridge at hiway speed
My Pickup has a very unsafe “Death wobble” that I have found has been a problem for many others. It is unknown what part or parts are failing as I can’t get a straight answer, I have been recommended to replace the shocks and tires as well as add an aftermarket steering stabilizer. My individual safety is put at risk every time I hit a minor bump or line in the pavement, it causes the front end to shake so bad that I could easily lose control and if there was someone in the lane next to me it could cause an accident!the problem has been reported to dealers from countless others I have spoken to and Ford tells them it’s normal! How is it normal for a vehicle to react in such a way? A minor line in the pavement or even a rumble strip can cause loss of control? Ford needs to fix this! The worst part of this is, I just bought this truck, found out about all this when I was driving out of state the day after I bought it 5/10/22! I would love for a the federal safety agency inspector to come for a ride-a-long so they can witness it first hand!
When driving down the road, generally occurs during deceleration at speeds over 50mph the truck begins to have a death wobble. The death wobble it so violent that you feel like the truck is going to just fall apart. Dealership claims they can’t find anything wrong with truck. It happens everytime I drive the truck. I don’t have another vehicle and when paying $60,000 for a truck you would expect better quality than this from ford.
Already spent 2600 to fix DEATH WOBBLE. Have much more to spend. This is ridiculous. 2017-2019 were recalled. My wife had motorcycle accident and was in car when this happened and is suffering PTSD from this horrific issue. Please recall.
Something within the Steering component(s) are causing the truck to violently shake during highway speeds other wise known as a “DEATH WOBBLE” and I have to pullover and come to a complete stop for the shaking to quit. I have been to the dealer after my first experience ( June 2020) and they replaced a steering stabilizer. Now 1-1/2 years later (November 2021) the shaking reoccurred. There is only 42,000 miles on the truck and all tie rod, ball joint connections etc. appear to be tight. I might also note that I was pulling a 15,000lb 5th wheel trailer which seemed to compound the problem. It crossed my mind that the trailer was going to flip prior to getting to a stop
When driving down the highway at normal speed 65 mph when encountering a bump the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably, including the steering wheel. Issue would not resolve until reducing speed. This was all after vehicle had been to dealer and had all new tie bars, steering damper, shocks, wheel alignment and balancing done.
At highway speeds the front end may start a severe wobble of the steering and tires upon hitting a bump or rough section of the road that initiates the wobble. No warning lamps. The only way to stop the wobble is to slow to 20 or 25 mph. This has happened 4 times so far with my 2014 F350 and once with a heavy 5th wheel in tow. Safety is severely at risk due to potential loss of control and/or slowing on the freeway which will put nearby drivers at risk of collision. This problem is documented by many Ford Superduty truck owners. I have not had my vehicle inspected as I understand most that have had expensive repairs done have not had the problem fixed. The first wobble incident occurred with truck mileage at only 18,000 miles - would not expect significant component wear at that low mileage. Truck is not used for heavy or rough work - just pleasure and occasional tow of small 5th wheel trailer.
Had the truck at the dealership numerous times for 'death wobble' when traveling at or above 50 miles per hour. Wobble also starts with bumps and groves in the road. Ford dealership stated they could not fix the issue and did not know how. Since then the issue has yet to be resolved costing me a lot of money out of pocket and driving daily to work in a vehicle I feel is unsafe.
"death wobble"...severe...so far 9 times!!! 8 times while traveling at 70+ MPH and once at 45. Usually happens when on a slight turn to the left and meets a small to medium bump as you pass over a bridge to road connection for example! A small chug hole will set it off too! Welcome to houston! So far it has never happened on a straight away...fingers crossed. In my work I tow a 36' travel trailer racking up about 40-60 thousand miles a year! Again...so far it has not happened while towing! My expenses are adding up trying to repair the problem...replaced the track bar, shocks, stabilizer damper and had the wheels balanced and rotated...nothing so far has worked! Every mechanic I have been to all are guessing at a solution...youtube is full of videos on solutions but you need to have pretty deep pockets to try them all...none are definitive! As a gm guy all my life I decided to buy a 2014 ford f350 heavy duty 4 wheel drive. The truck is beautiful inside and out! I love the styling much better than chevy or dodge! Big mistake! After hearing countless advertising commercials drilling into everyone's "built ford tough" I can tell you "fords" advertising is extremely misleading! As an advertising professional I can tell you that "over promising and under delivering" is the kiss of death! Not backing up your product is even worse!!! Everyone knows bad news travel ten times faster than good! I would be willing to donate a $1000.00 towards a nationwide billboard campaign with one message 'don't buy fords!"! Back to gm I go as soon as I can find another sucker to buy this beautiful piece of garbage! However, unlike ford I have a conscience and would not do that. Instead I will wait see if your class action lawsuit gains traction and a reasonable solution is reached! Good luck to you and count me in! Kindest regards, don
2014 f-350 front end / steering shaking known as the death wobble. Only way to stop the shaking was to reduce speed under 50 MPH. This has previously occurred in 8/2018 with approx 116k miles on the truck. Vehicle was checked more than once at service location, including brakes, tires, alignment,...but could not find a problem. Different "fixes" were tried, which included track bar and tie rod replacement. After 2nd track bar and ball joint replacement, issue seemed to be resolved. However, the death wobble has returned. Current mileage is no approx 175k miles. This is a known issue by ford, yet there have been no recalls to fix the issue. Truck will be returning to repair facility this week, costing more money out of my pocket, to hopefully put another band-aid on the problem.
Lost control of steering braking and speed .it has happen 3 times twice with my son . 1st time was about a month prior to the big one . Driving in a construction zone. So not about 45mph hit a pothole brakes started intermittently hitting all different sides . Very difficult to control. Almost hit concrete wall. 2nd time with similar to the 1st one however on highway going 75mph it took control while in motion. We almost wrecked 3rd time happened on a dirt road on a curve no control over steering brakes hit all for different areas at different times. Brakes hit so hard on the driver's side consistently it broke the tie rod and the arm sleeve slamming us into a dirt bank on the right side and some trees damaging our vehicle separating arm sleeve and tyrod.. We called ford dealer let them know what happened they said no recalls on our VIN they would fix but out of our pocket. We had to call ins to cover exterior damage as a result my brand new tires wore completely no one seems to want to help
The truck goes into and uncontrol able wobble when you hit a bump or bumps in the road, under braking conditions, and also just driving down the road at speeds between 55 and 75 miles an hour. This wobble has occurred on the highway in dry and wet conditions. Two different mechanics have verified that there are no loose or worn parts. The vehicle has approximately 70,000 miles on it. This truck is a 2014 f350 king ranch.
13nov2020 at 10:30-h while vehicle is in motion at speeds 50-55 and higher the steering wheel shakes so violently that safe control of vehicle is lost until vehicle is completely stopped. This steering vibration problem can be found at numerous places on the internet and ford is already aware of problem. The most likely place for the dangerous loss of steering control is when vehicle crosses over a non-parallel bridge expansion joint. This vehicle is one of multiple vehicles in the fleet with same problem. A duplicate vehicle safety complaint was already filed for VIN [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
13nov2020 at 10:13-h while vehicle is in motion at speeds 50-55 and higher the steering wheel shakes so violently that safe control of vehicle is lost until vehicle is completely stopped. This steering vibration problem can be found at numerous places on the internet and ford is already aware of problem. The most likely place for the dangerous loss of steering control is when vehicle crosses over a non-parallel bridge expansion joint. This vehicle is one of multiple vehicles in the fleet with same problem. A duplicate vehicle safety complaint is being filed for VIN [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
The ford death wobble. Violent shaking in wheels and steering wheel. Almost crashed, almost hit by semi truck. Very scary! I was on hwy 80, headed to reno from california.
While traveling at interstate speed of 60-70 MPH my f350 will start violently shaking, what is commonly know as the death wobble. It can only be stopped by sharply braking the vehicle. I have experienced this violent shaking more than 20 times during the last two years. I have had several different vendors recommend and make repairs. For example, u-joint, stabilizer shock, tie rods, shocks, alignment. I continue to have incidences with the front going out of control. Very concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road because of the need to brake in order to bring the shaking under control. This is a common problem for the ford f250 and f350 and I am at a loss that it is not identified for a recall to ensure the safety of owners and other traveling on
Truck goes into a death wobble in the front end without warning. Change lanes, hit rough spot, or different texture road surface. You never know. Have replace front steering and sususpension parts. Still comes in. Have heard from other owners that are experiencing the same thing. Ford has some tib out and attempts to fix it, but you never know when it will come back. Someone's going to get killed or injured. It is a severe problem and comes without warning. Will come in at mostly 45 MPH or higher speed. Turning doesn't seem to help it. Only slowing to a very slow or stop will correct it.
My truck shakes violently when you hit a bump or small hole in the road, the problem started about 4/20/2019
While in motion at speeds between 45-55 MPH the vehicle front end will shake violently with out warning and creating a loss of control until the vehicle is brought to a near stop. Dealership service advises this is a common problem known as the death wobble.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2014 Ford F-350?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history