NHTSA Complaint #11479074 — 2016 FORD F-250

On 08/01/2022 at approximately 1400 hours, I was driving my 2016 Ford F250 4x4 and towing a 5th wheel trailer weighing approximately 14000 lbs. I was traveling at approximately 60 MPH when I hit a small bump on I-215 which caused a violent shaking from the front end of the vehicle (condition commonly referred to as "death wobble"). I immediately released the accelerator to try and correct the violent shake, but the condition continued. I attempted to brake, which caused the condition to worsen and brake efficiency was greatly reduced. Allowing the vehicle to coast and slow down without brake input was the only way to correct the condition. Once we slowed to below 45 MPH, the condition was no longer present. I inspected the front end suspension and steering components of the vehicle. I discovered the ball joint (Ford Part# MCF-2225) securing the track bar to the front axle was warn and had excessive play in it. This play allowed the front axle to have lateral movement perpendicular to the vehicles travel. All other suspension and steering components checked okay. After replacement of the track bar ball joint, the condition has not reoccured. The defective ball joint is available for inspection, however it fell apart when pressed out of the front axle. This issue caused a severe reduction in steering and braking, putting myself and those around me at risk. As the truck is no longer in warranty, it has not been seen by the dealer or a third party. There was no warning prior to the condition occurring.