NHTSA Complaint #11491794 — 2019 FORD F-350

While driving on the two lane freeway at approximately 65mph in the right lane, a lane change to the left lane was initiated as a slower moving truck was in the right lane. Following the lane change to the left lane, the front left tire hit the pavement recess accommodating the yellow reflector embedded in the pavement, which was on the inside of the fog line. Upon impact with the reflector recess the vehicle front end and steering wheel began to shake violently. The steering wheel shook side-to-side so violently that it shook the drivers hands, arms, shoulders and head back and forth so quickly and violently that the drivers vision was impaired; the driver could see but all objects were blurred due to the shaking. Fortunately the left shoulder was paved and an area to the left of the shoulder was also paved (but not maintained perhaps a construction related turn around or cross over). Steering was severely impaired. With great difficulty the vehicle was steered off of the left lane onto the shoulder and then stopped on the additional paved area to the left of the paved shoulder. The violent vehicle and steering shaking subsided ONLY following stopping the vehicle. Had this incident occurred in heavy traffic, on a two lane road or a road without shoulders the outcome may well have ended in loss of control of the vehicle. Ford acknowledges that its Super Duty 4x4 vehicle experience "Death Wobble"; a violent shaking of the front end and steering. This incident was a "Death Wobble" incident: initiated by a bump encountered by one front wheel, violent shaking of the steering and front end, loss of steering control, continued shaking until stopped. Ford has offered to repair, but there are no parts available. This vehicle defect must be considered for recall and immediate long term repair. The vehicle in this incident was a 2019 Ford F350 Super Duty with approximately 38,000 miles. Part wear is unlikely with such a low-mileage vehicle, as acknowledged by Ford.