Ford F-350 ball joint problems

Filed Dec 20, 2025 · Steering, Wheels · NY

Was driving at 55mph and suddenly truck went into a terrible death wobble & almost caused a serious crash. On 11/25/2025 I had taken it in to the ford dealership to correct this problem since it had happened four times in August & September of this year. Which also almost caused four serious accidents. The ford dealer replaced L & R dragline ends & adjuster sleeve.Replaced right outer tie rod end & replaced track bar ball joint. Performed 3D wheel alignment & road tested on highway..This is the second time I’m writing you to get this recalled.

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · 230,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced a Death Wobble. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel were shuddering violently from the right to the left, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. The contact stated that he was able to regain control of the vehicle upon decelerating to 10 MPH. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to Litchfield Auto Repair, where the axle track bar ball joint, the steering damper, the drag link, and the tie rod or the tie rod end were replaced. Additionally, the mechanic performed the front alignment; however, the failure recurred while driving 75 MPH and hitting a bump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that the previous repair was performed correctly. The dealer replaced the tires because the tires were worn out. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · PA

When I hit a bump at between 55 and up, the Truck develops a death wobble even after having all the steering components, including ball joints, tie, rod ends, stabilizer, bar, shocks, replaced

Filed Feb 15, 2024 · Steering · 98,000 miles · RI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump and experienced the death wobble. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the tie rods and shock absorbers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: 05UPF250SW (05-16 Ford F250 / F350 4WD Vehicles with Steering Wheel Oscillation); however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Nov 16, 2023 · Steering · 200,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle drove over a small depression in the roadway and the vehicle started vibrating violently. The contact was able to steer the vehicle however, it was difficult to keep the vehicle in the lane. The contact stated he stopped depressing the accelerator and was tapping the brake pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after slowing down to 30 MPH, the vibration stopped, and he regained control of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vibration failure had become a recurring failure at various speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the front shocks, steering control arms, and ball joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the vibration failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · CO

I have a death wobble. Ball joints, sway arms replaced, wheels rotated and balanced and still has death wobble

Filed Aug 13, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · NE

July 10 2023, driving on highway in my 2012 Ford F-350 super duty going 50-55 mph front passenger tire hit small bump in road causing vehicle to “death wobble”. Vehicle violently pulled to the left. Luckily there was not a vehicle in that lane otherwise an accident would have ensued. Steering wheel was shaking uncontrollably and I had no control of vehicle until I slowed down to 25 mph. I delivered truck to the Ford dealer on July 11, 2023 explaining my experience. Technician was also able to reproduce the “death wobble” problem and repairs were made at my expense. A year prior to this episode I had noticed a slight wobble in steering but not to this extent. I voiced my concern to the Ford dealer and they had replaced a few ball joints. There has not been any indication of steering issues up to my incident in July 2023. I would like this report to serve as a record as I feel this problem may arise again in the future. My understanding Ford has had issues with “death wobble”in their super duty trucks dating from 2005-2019. A recall should be issued from the manufacture regarding the unsafe and poorly engineered front end and steering components.

Filed Jul 29, 2023 · Engine, Steering · IN

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.

Filed Jul 4, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · OR

My 2005 F350 Diesel Pick up has suffered from the Ford death wobble on and off for the last 15 years. While navigating a left hand corner at speeds over 40 it begins to shake uncontrollably after hitting a small bump or pot hole until speed is reduced to 30mph or less. I have replaced bearings, uppper & lower ball joints, torque arms and other suspension parts without finding a cure.

Filed Apr 4, 2023 · Steering, Suspension · CO

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)