2017 FORD F-250 Steering Problems

664 NHTSA complaints on file

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Steering Issues in the 2017 FORD F-250

664 steering complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2017 FORD F-250. Of these, 6 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 3 resulted in injury.

664
Complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Steering Complaints

#11717019 |
2017 F250 99k miles . got off the interstate and went to turn and the steering wheel immediately came loose. I had to press down while turning. I brought it to a repair shop and it was stated that it looked as if was glued and the locknut was never tightened . This could have been catastrophic. I didn't bring it to the dealer because it would take three days to look at it.
#11711409 |
All factory setup. Vehicle will get death wobble due at highway speeds. There was a recall for steering related issues.
#11709347 |
2017 Ford F250 issue is with the steering damper and the reported "death wobble" caused by the faulty part. In 2019, on several occasions driving on the highway I experienced uncontrollable shaking in the front end. Each time, I had to slow my speed down to under 10 MPH for the wobble to stop. When I took the vehicle to Ford dealer, they knew what the issue was and told me to properly fix the issue I needed to purchase and Aftermarket part, that Ford did not have the proper part to fix this. This comment was straight from the Ford Service Tech. I paid for the fix and up to 2025 the problem was gone. Starting in November 2025 the same issue is back. Each time of the problem, either my wife or I were traveling on a highway, traveling between 65 - 75 MPH. It takes both hands...
#11709201 |
While driving 70mph on I20 outside of Ft.Worth, TX. I experienced severe front end vibration after hitting a rough spot on the highway. I was in the inside lane with no shoulder to escape off the highway. Cars were traveling on the outside lane next to me which prohibited my escape to the shoulder of the highway. The vibration did not stop until I slowed down to around 40mph and was able to maneuver to the shoulder of the highway after traffic passed me. The violent vibration causing lack of control until my speed slowed below highway speed and unable to exist the roadway out of busy traffic put myself and others in grave danger. This occurred 2 other times within a 2 week span while traveling at highway speed. This violent vibration (well known on the internet as the death wobble) first appeared in the same vehicle in 2019...
#11694766 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The steering wheel shook aggressively, making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The contact decelerated and was able to coast to the emergency lane on the side of the road to get off the interstate. The contact continued to drive the vehicle to the residence but did not exceed 15 MPH. The dealer was contacted by phone and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The contact had scheduled an appointment with a certified mechanic. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact information to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
#11688530 |
I was travelling back home at about 65mph on the highway in my 2018 ford f250 crew cab and my left front wheel hit a small bump in the road. The whole truck started to shake violently and I couldn't hold the steering wheel as it was also shaking uncontrollably. I thought at first that I had had a puncture but the truck wasn't leaning as such. The wheels where simply shaking from side to side very fast. I hit the hazard lights and gently brakes down to about 30 mph, pulled over to the side of the ride gently to avoid the risk of flipping over and stopped. When I started up again, the wobbling had stopped. I later looked up the.probable cause and learned about the (infamous) death wobble which several people have experienced. It was truly scary as everything was shaking and I couldn't control the steering...
#11681822 |
My vehicle has a death wobble when you hit seams in the roadway.
#11668969 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact slowed down to under 45 MPH, and the vehicle operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering linkage dampener needed to be replaced as part of an unknown Customer Satisfaction Program. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred after one year. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
#11655835 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the contact experienced the death wobble. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to control the vehicle and slowed down, and prevented the vehicle from driving off the road into a ditch. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with hesitation in the steering wheel linkage, suspension failure, and an oil leak. The death wobble was due to the failure of the suspension. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, and the contact was provided the same diagnostic results. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
#11651244 |
Death wobble in front end. Violent shaking when you hit a bump.
#11650169 |
Driving on interstate at 65 mph steering wheel starts shaking violently. Pulled over visually check underneath and around vehicle. Everything looked normal. Proceeded hit an expansion joint on a bridge and it started again. It was shaking so violent. Everything in the truck was moving.
#11639079 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds over bumps in the roadway, the vehicle experienced a "death wobble". The failure caused the front of the vehicle to shake uncontrollably, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions where the front steering damper and tie rods were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and automatically transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200.
#11635203 |
While driving I made a left hand turn and when straightening the steering wheel it was 90 degrees out of alignment which caused the truck to steer to the right almost striking another vehicle. The dash had a warning message come on stating adaptive steering fault service required. I have taken it in for service and the steering wheel needs replaced which is a recall on some ford super duty’s the same year but this one was not included
#11632393 |
Uncontrollable shaking wobble in steering known as death wobble.
#11627472 |
I was on the freeway and doing about 70 and I hit some bumps in the road and my vehicle started to violently shake and I was unable to control my vehicle. I had to hit the breaks and slow down to regain control of my vehicle. This the second time this has happened. Vehicle was repaired about 2 years ago for the same thing. Ford repaired the damper steering linkage last time this incident happened. AKA DEATH WOBBLE.
#11627053 |
2017 f250 death wobble when I hit a small bump on the interstate
#11623954 |
After driving for a short distance in my 2017 F250 Diesel (75k miles) I pulled into a store. Turned off truck. Upon return and starting truck I got a dash alert that said Adaptive Steering Fault Service Required. When I began to drive I noticed my steering wheel was turned left to the 10 o’clock position while driving straight down the road. I drove to the dealer as I felt my batteries were sluggish at starting and needed both replaced. Luckily batteries were covered but dealer said I need new Battery Cable Harness for $4596.59! I did some research and found the Adaptive Steering Fault is a known issue with several people as is the Battery Cable Harness. I also read where a voltage issue can cause the Adaptive Steering Fault alert which is why I mention the wire harness. I’ve also known others with the battery cable issue and...
#11616015 |
Death Wobble. Was driving speed limit of 65mph and vehicle started a violent, uncontrollable shuddering and bouncing movement to the left almost hitting the dividing wall on the interstate. I had little control over steering of vehicle and was barely able to avoid slamming into wall. Finally got vehicle stopped. Has happened before at lower speed. Has happened several times before with less violent shuddering after hitting bumps in roadway. Now understand how very dangerous and scary the less severe incidents have been after this latest incident!
#11615256 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50-60 MPH and hauling a trailer, the vehicle drove across uneven pavement, and the vehicle went into the death wobble and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact pulled over to the side of the road but found no cause for the failure. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering dampener had failed and needed to be replaced. The steering dampener was replaced. The dealer confirmed that the vehicle had been repaired under Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N04 (Steering, Equipment) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included the Customer Satisfaction Program. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 78,699.
#11608639 |
I hit a small bump at around 45mph and my truck began shaking violently. I was unable to control the truck and had to come to a complete stop. They call it the death wobble. It truely was frightening and I could have killed someone..
#11604467 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving over a bump at various speeds, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The failure caused the front of the vehicle to shake uncontrollably, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. Recently, the contact was notified of Customer Satisfaction Program: 20N04 (Steering Linkage Damper Extended Coverage). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure but offered no assistance with the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
#11591401 |
Driving down the freeway at 65 mph, hit a small pot hole with the right front tire, which caused the front end the shake back-and-forth uncontrollably. I was able to pull over, and upon slowing down the wobbling stopped and we were able to proceed with our drive. We could have hit other vehicles on the road if anyone had been near us. We also could have been thrown off the road. No inspections have been done and no warnings have occurred.
#11584358 |
My truck has the Death Wobble . It has been worked on for the incident It happened again yesterday at least 4 times within 30 minutes We turned around and came are parked the truck. Am going to talk to the Dealer where I Purchase the vehicle and want some answers and to fix this major problem with my Ford Superduty 250 2017
#11569723 |
My truck has only 39806 miles. I ran over a rut on the expressway and the steering g wheel shook violently. I almost had to come to complete stop to stop it and continue driving.
#11568369 |
Death Wobble at highway speed
#11567548 |
My truck experienced death wobble during a recent trip multiple times on the interstate on our way home. With no warning, the truck started shaking violently at 70 mph. I had to immediately slow down in traffic and work my way over to the right lane. We stopped to confirm there was no tire issue or other notable visual problem before proceeding. It occurred again shortly after stopping and I had to do the same thing. We stopped again and found no visible issue, so we continued at a much slower pace. The truck wobbled a few more times but not as violently as the first two. There were no warning lights displayed.
#11567228 | Crash
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-55 MPH the steering wheel began aggressively shaking causing them to crash into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Both the vehicles received damage to the driver-side view mirror. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. There were no warning lights illuminated. A police report was filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
#11560547 | Crash
The star shaking while driving in height speed or bump is called wobble.
#11558028 |
Hit a bump in the road going 45 mph and the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably, had to completely stop to get the steering wheel to stop shaking.
#11553615 |
Starting to exhibit signs of the death wobble at 46000 miles
#11542968 |
When driving around 50 mph my trucks begins to shake violently. I few times I had to brake hard in traffic almost causing a wreck. I do not feel safe in this truck.
#11541177 |
Truck steering wheel bounces, vibrates, shakes violently after going over rough pavement at low and highway speeds it has happened several times since it was new. Dealer replaced the steering damper which didn’t help. This could cause loss of control and an accident. This is dangers.
#11539943 |
Truck steering wheel bounces, vibrates, shakes violently after going over rough pavement at highway speeds. Truck has 35000 mikes and it has happened several times since it was new. Dealer replaced the steering damper which didn’t help. This could cause loss of control and an accident.
#11538643 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while reversing, the steering wheel became firm, and the power steering became inoperable. The steering assist malfunction message was displayed. The contact’s husband replaced the steering wheel with parts from a salvage yard however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was able to drive slowly to the nearest dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the diagnostic test confirmed that the steering sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven back to the dealer where it remained pending another diagnostic test. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
#11538433 |
At a speed of approximately 70mph, the vehicle shook violently after hitting a minor bump. There was a complete loss of steering control and the shaking lasted until the vehicle was significantly slowed. Definitely a safety hazard to my family which occupied the vehicle and every other motorist on the interstate at that time. Ford is well aware of this dangerous issue, often referred to as the “death wobble”. This truck had previously shown signs of this issue, briefly feeling unstable when driving over minor bumps and one other issue of the violent shaking about one year ago. In November 2022, a steering linkage damper was ordered to correct the issue. This part was back ordered, and finally replaced in April 2023. Clearly this was not the fix, as only 4 months later the issue is still present and possibly worsening.
#11537845 |
took my truck for a safety recall concerning a potentially deadly defect in my 2017 F-250 Ford truck. I had purchased this vehicle from Brandon Ford new in 2017. The safety recall was to address "The Death Wobble" which causes the vehicle steering to shake violently causing the whole vehicle to lose control. I sent my truck to Brandon Ford 2 time prior stating the same problem. In 2021 they told me it was the tires, so I purchased 4 new ones. Still had the same problem occur. They told me this last time they fixed the problem. No true, my son and I whom is 11 had a day planned to goto the aquarium. On the highway the "Death Wobble" occurred again. This caused me to lose control of the vehicale stopping short of hitting the gaurd rail. My son was terrified and so was I. I drove right...
#11533846 |
Loss of steering control, violent sustained steering oscillation at 60 mile per hour. Twice on the same day on the freeway entrance ramp from Phoenix Oregon to Medford Oregon. June 9th. Mileage on vehicle 26,432 Once on June 16th between on the south bound entrance ramp from Medford Oregon.
#11531498 |
Assisted steering has an error stating requires service. The steering wheel is sideways when driving straight. Ford is on back order for the steering wheel due to the issue and cannot get the part to fix it. The error occurred once from being parked. As soon as the truck was driven in a parking lot so it was under 25 mph when the steering wheel went sideways.
#11527206 |
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the highway. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the fuel pump and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that two weeks prior to the failure, the vehicle had been taken to the same dealer to be diagnosed and repair a fuel leak from the fuel injectors. The contact stated that the fuel leak had been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
#11521896 |
On April 26,2023 we were traveling home from Florida in our F250 towing our RV. Suddenly,( after we hit a rough patch of road) our truck started violently shaking. It was HORRIBLE. My husband was driving and I was the passenger. It lasted about 20 seconds during which it took all his strength to hold the steering wheel so we would not die in a horrible crash. THIS IS NO EXAGGERATION. When it stopped I burst into tears and told him"I thought we were gonna die !" He responded, " I dont know how we didnt!" We were both very shook up realizing, what we just experienced is what someone sees right before they die in a fatal car crash. We had this happen in a much, less slighter degree last spring. So we are aware of "The FORD truck death wobble " Our Ford Dealership did replace the steering...
#11520910 |
Driving at speeds over 60 mph I have experienced a wobble in the steering. It is at the point that I am unable to control the vehicle. I am forced to slow down considerably to regain control of the vehicle
#11520517 |
Steering, front wheels and suspension violently shakes and becomes almost uncontrollable hitting a bump or pot hole at over fifty to seventy miles an hour. Commonly known as the ford death wobbl
#11518808 |
While driving down the road, the dash flashed Hill Assist warning, Advance Trac warning and the steering wheel jerks hard to the right with a lot of pressure causing the vehicle to swerve right, then it does it to the left. Then after a few times of doing this, it stops and all the lights and messages go away. I did not take yet take it to the dealership as I currently do not feel comfortable driving the vehicle. It feels like the vehicle is trying to swerve off the road. In fact, it did it while a Sheriff was right next to me on 04/24/2023.
#11510896 |
Uncontrolled shaking of the steering system. Required me to stop on a busy interstate highway. Shaking occurred after driving over a rough patch of highway. Symptoms exactly as described online as Super Duty death wobble
#11510392 |
Front end will start shaking very hard and can't steer until almost come to stop.
#11509343 |
We were merging into traffic on the freeway, going approx 50 when the front-end went into a death wobble. We were forced to slow way down and pull away from traffic. This was extremely stressful and dangerous. From what we have found online, this is a known safety issue with our year superduty truck that FORD is not properly addressing. We do not feel we should have to be paying to fix the parts of the front-end not covered by their small steering damper fix. Our truck has less than 22000 miles on it, should not need new front bearings etc. Feel we are spending money on a vehicle that should have been recalled, this could have killed us or others.
#11508663 |
While driving on Interstate steering oscillated left and right very fast. Vehicle was hard to control. Came to a stop on the shoulder of the road to stop the shaking. This is what some call death wobble. Truck had steering dampener replaced for this problem a few years ago. It only has 26,500 miles total.
#11503927 |
The truck will shake violently when hitting a bump or dip in the road going speeds of 55MPH or higher. The only way to stop this is to slow down to a near stop. The first time this occurred was around 7000 miles on the truck. Ford replaced a steering dampener and sent me on my way. The issue occurred again at 55000 miles. The dealership said that they do warrant the part, but do not have the part in stock and may never get the part in again due to part shortage. This truck cannot be driven due to the violent shaking that almost caused an accident. Someone is going to get hurt or worse, killed due to this issue and it appears that Ford will not do anything about it. I have a $50,000 paperweight in my driveway.
#11503649 |
While driving at highway speeds, the vehicle may encounter a bump in the road that causes the front-end of the vehicle to jump one direction or another and/or shake violently. This causes the steering wheel to shake back and forth violently, requiring two hands and a fair amount of force to control the vehicle. The vehicle will not stop shaking until speed is reduced below 50 mph. The most recent issue was during a 100+ mile interstate trip with speed limit travel (70 mph). The truck experienced this issue on 4 seperate occasions during this trip; twice in moderate traffic where other vehicles around me were at risk of collision due to my vehicle swerving and my sudden braking to maintain control. There are no warning lamps and no other indication when the truck is going to experience the issue. It has repeated regularly at various speeds over 55 mph...
#11502910 |
On 6 January 2023, while increasing speed to 55 mph my steering wheel began to vibrate to the point where it was almost uncontrollable and the front end was shaking badly. Vehicle has been in the shop for repair since 12 January 2023 at Henderson Ford dealership in Bay Saint Louis, MS. My safety and others near me on the road was at risk until I could slow the vehicle back down to 45 mph. No symptoms or warnings occurred beforehand. Vehicle was inspected and found to have issues with Drag Link, Stud Right Outer Tie Rod, Adjust Sleeve, and Track Bar. Parts were ordered and repair is ongoing and was supposed to be completed yesterday, 20 January 2023. Vehicle is still in the shop.

Other 2017 FORD F-250 Problem Areas

Suspension 545 complaints Unknown Or Other 104 complaints Wheels 64 complaints Structurebody 50 complaints Electrical System 42 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 35 complaints Engine 32 complaints Power Train 24 complaints Service Brakes 14 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 11 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 11 complaints Back Over Prevention 9 complaints Fuel System Diesel 9 complaints Air Bags 8 complaints Visibilitywiper 8 complaints Back Over Prevention Sensing System Camera 6 complaints Exterior Lighting 6 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 6 complaints Structurebodytailgate 6 complaints Suspensionfront 6 complaints Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch 5 complaints Seats 3 complaints Back Over Prevention Warnings 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 2 complaints Seat Belts 2 complaints Visibility 2 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 2 complaints Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables 1 complaint Electrical Systemadasdriver Monitoringcamerasensor 1 complaint Electrical Systembody Control Modulebcm 1 complaint Electrical Systemignition 1 complaint Electrical Systemstarter Assembly 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve 1 complaint Equipment 1 complaint Firerelated 1 complaint Fuel System Dieseldeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Dieselfuel Injection Systeminjectors 1 complaint Fuel System Gasoline 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionshosesvalvessensors 1 complaint Lane Departure Assist 1 complaint Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslock 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageselectronic Locklatch Actuator 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar 1 complaint Steeringlinkages 1 complaint Structure 1 complaint Structurebodydoor 1 complaint Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments 1 complaint Suspensionfrontspringstorsion Bar 1 complaint Tires 1 complaint Visibilitywindshield 1 complaint Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds 1 complaint
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