2017 FORD F-250 Steering Problems

664 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Steering Complaints — Page 2

#11502610 |
Ford death wobble, truck shakes very much after hitting a bump or pot hole It has happened many times in the course of two weeks. Overchristmas while traveling.⁶
#11502074 |
Front end shakes violently if I hit a bump. Has happened numerous times usually above 50 mph. Only 21,000 thousand miles on vehicle and tires are in fair shape. Was told by a mechanic that it was a common problem on Ford 250 and advised to report the problem. Requires slowing down dramatically to allow to correct.
#11500379 |
I received a recall notice a couple of years ago. I had only experienced minor steering issues before November 2022, such as small vibrations after hitting bumps which only lasted a second or two. Still, I went ahead and had several recalls addressed before the mileage limitation were reached. One of the recalls addressed a steering damper. They said it showed that it needed to be replaced under the recall. I had assumed the small vibrations I felt were the issues addressed in the recall. However, within a few weeks of getting the vehicle back I hit a small bump at the transition from an overpass to street level pavement on I-10 at FM 1516. The truck began to shake fairly violently until I lowered my speed to around 40MPH. I pulled off and inspected the tires/steering/bearings and found no major issues. The truck performed as intended upon re-entering the...
#11499310 |
Truck starts violently shaking when it hits bumps. Usually happens over 60 mph.
#11499387 |
As vehicle approaches >60MPH, the steering wheel vibrates violently, and the entire front end of the truck begins to shake and wobble, causing steering to be compromised. This is a serious risk given there could be a loss of control of steering. The only way to eliminate the problem is to slow down or stop the vehicle. But eventually, the problem comes back again. No warning lights come on to alert you of the problem. The problem just develops with no warning whatsoever. This seems to be a known problem. Per research online, this is a known problem for Ford F250s model year 2017-2019. Our model is a 2017. Per online research, and in talking to the Ford Dealer, this is known as the "Death Wobble" and has to do with a failure of the Steering Damper and/or other loose components related to the steering or various joints. There should...
#11499419 |
Known problem to later model Ford F250 Sper Duty pickup trucks (2015 to 2019??) experiencing a violent steering wheel oscillation after hitting a minor bump in pavement or a pot hole. aka "death wobble" at highway speeds. This has occurred three times thus far on this truck. This seems to occur at approximately 55 to 65 MPH. The shaking is so bad that the driver could easily loose control. The vehicle problem has been reported before to the Ford dealer and the suggested repair is to "replace the steering damper" if it occurs again. This situation occurs with no advanced warning other than a minor wheel shaking which becomes increasingly violent to the point, in the last instance, the truck had to be stopped in order to clear the problem. As indicated, this truck has been inspected for this problem once already and is scheduled for another inspection this coming...
#11499260 |
On three separate occasions over a two-day period, while driving at highway speed, the steering wheel and front of the truck went into an extremely violent shaking episode nearly causing complete loss of control in heavy traffic. The shaking was only stopped by braking sharply to reduce the speed putting other drivers at risk of a colliding into the rear of the truck. The vehicle has been parked until it can be inspected. After researching the problem, this is a well-documented problem with the make/model of vehicle that has earned the term "death wobble", yet no recall has been issued and no warning from the manufacturer.
#11498847 |
The "death wobble" occurred for the second time on December 6th, while traveling on interstate 10 W, about 12 miles west of Pensacola, FL. I had just passed over a bridge connection when the violent shaking of the front end started. I had previously had this issue in 2018 on Highway 45 south, about 15 miles south of Meridian, MS, and returned the vehicle to the dealer and it was supposedly repaired while still under warranty. At present the mileage is not quite 24,000. Fortunately I do not do a lot of highway travel as this appears to be a current unaddressed problem with the Ford F250 Superduty and the F350. This is a very unsafe condition. I feel fortunate that I was able to get the vehicle under control and stopped.
#11495786 |
What component or system failed or malfunctioned: Steering Dampner failed causing other issued in steering and front-end suspension failures. You can inspect anytime you want. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Repetitive failure on these components put me and family at risk and other drivers to the loss of control Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes problem has been reoccurring from 16k mile to present just under 100K miles. Truck has been in the shop multiple times for the same repetitive failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, ford has inspected it, independent shops have inspected it, the BBB has inspected it. Ford has told me on more than one occasion to go after market. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of...
#11495230 |
I have a terrible wobble. At 36,000 miles I had this “fixed” under warranty. I now have 54,000 miles and it is terrible and getting dangerous. I know this is an ongoing issue with f250’s and terribly frustrating to have it “fixed”, but not really.
#11494792 |
Going 65mph on freeway and truck started wobbling so bad and shaking. Looked it up and is thre death wobble.
#11494337 |
While driving over 50mph the steering wheel and front end of truck violently shakes, unable to steer or control vehicle until you either completely stop or slow down immediately which most times is dangerous due to driving on the highway. In addition, it seems more prevalent when there is the least of bumps in the road that triggers the event. This has happened at least 10 times since we travel. The truck has fairly low mileage, around 37k but this issue has happened more the past 2 yrs. We primarily use the truck to tow a large 5th wheel camper therefore having a load behind you adds tremendous challenges and DANGER! This is NOT a wheel balance or front end parts wear issue but a design fault of some sort by Ford. There desperately needs to be a solution or recall forced upon Ford to remedy the situation immediately.
#11493734 |
The death wobble makes controlling vehicle very hard
#11490806 |
While driving down parkway on 10/22/2022 at about 1530 hours at about 74 miles per hour the steering wheel started severely shaking uncontrollably after hitting a bump in the road. I immediately started slowing down and finally came to a complete stop. If someone had been in the other lane I’m sure we would have wrecked. It has been reported to the dealer. The dealer was already aware of this same problem with other Ford F-250s. He referred to it as the “Death Wobble”.
#11488871 |
front end violently shakes and the entire truck shakes
#11488169 |
In August of 2022, I took my 2017 F-250 King Ranch to the Ford dealer to get it looked at/inspected for previous death wobble occurrences. The dealer replaced, under warranty, pretty much all of the steering items that may affect the wobble. October 4th, 2022; I was traveling during fall break with my wife and three kids on the highway at approximately 60-65 mph while pulling our 34' 5th wheel over a rough patch on Interstate 20 in Texas. The truck started shaking uncontrollably from the front end and after slowing below 50 mph, the shaking stopped. This same issue occurred 5 more times over the course of our camping trip. The truck has 43,000 miles on it, and we mostly use it to pull our 5th wheel. I had warned my wife about this but not the kids since they are younger; When the first instance happened, all three...
#11487409 |
At roughly 50mph while on a left hand curve over slightly uneven pavement the front end of the truck started shuddering and bouncing with loss of control in the steering such that only after significant braking could I regain control of the truck and realized I was in the next lane over to the right. Vehicle was brought to Ford dealer and they replaced a stabilizer bar that had a "dead spot" in it. While the problem is slightly better, it is by no means resolved. Waiting for a call back from the service manager of the dealership after being told today that the repair they had done was all that Ford was willing to do. Vehicle is still under warranty. Purchased 2017 vehicle in march of 2021 with 17,500 miles on it. It now (September, 2022) has 25,000 miles on it.
#11481047 |
I hit a bump in the road and the steering wheel started shaking uncontrollably, to the point I had to stop. When I looked under the vehicle I saw the steering dampener broke off
#11479155 |
Truck is in the shop for sixth time for death wobble. Front end vibrating at speeds over 60mph. Something you have to bring the truck to a stop on highway to stop shaking.
#11479036 |
Ford Death Wobble. The vehicle violently shakes when it hits a bump in the road and only stops if you slow the vehicle or stop completely. You nearly lose control of the wheel. A steering damper was placed on the vehicle as advised by Ford and the problem has not resolved. It has only continued to get worse. The vehicle has had regular maintenance per the Ford warranty plan purchased with the vehicle. Ford should have a recall on all vehicles reported with this problem.
#11477879 |
When driving over uneven pavement or really bumpy roads, the front end of my truck shakes uncontrollably and I have to slow down really quickly or come to a complete stop in order for it to stop. It really freaked me out the first time it happened and now it's happening more frequently and I don't know what to do about it. I'm seeing that I'm not alone in this issue and if Ford knows about the issue and complaints, then they need to do something about this before I or someone really gets hurt.
#11469514 |
Death wobble when driving more than 50 MPH when crossing a seam or expansion joint on the roadway, less than 18,000 miles on the truck, used like a car, not a work truck. Became worse over time, becoming violent shaking with the slightest bump. My wife was afraid to drive the truck. Had to slow to less than 45 mph whenever approaching a bridge, etc. The Ford dealership took two years to come up with available part to make the repair. Less than 45,000 miles and feels like it is starting again.
#11469092 |
Death wobble
#11468759 |
If you hit a bump in the road or rough road you can not control the truck almost put you into a wall.
#11468226 |
Death Wobble. Known issue on Ford f250&350. Steering vibration gets uncontrollable at high rates of speed.
#11466041 |
The steering wheel shaft is rattling and shaking. I was in a left-hand turn and hit a bump, the wheel shook right to left slightly. The truck has been in for repairs on the steering twice for the shaking. I will be making and appointment at Sarchione Ford in Waynesburg, Ohio.
#11462994 |
DEATH WOBBLE
#11462583 |
This Vehicle has been to the dealer 3 times for the Ford wobble where the vehicle shacks violently after hitting un-level pavement. 4/23/2019 - Replaced the Linkage Damper 4/8/2021 - Replaced the linkage Damper 4/9/2021 - Took it back because I still felt shacky when hitting bumps in the road. Mike Bass stated there is nothing wrong with the truck. 4/28/2022 - Damper is bad again, took it to the dealer and they are changing the Damper again. Clearly there is some underline issues causing the linkage to get tore up on this Truck or it is a design issue. In either case it is an unsafe vehicle.
#11459266 |
This is a DEATH WOBBLE ISSUE - On Feb 23rd 2022 I was coming back from SoFi stadium with my wife and two young children and was in the diamond lane doing approximately 65mph. There was a rough patch in the road and my steering began to shake violently and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. The shaking caused me to move out of my lane into the lane on the right and I nearly collided with another vehicle. I continued to move over to the right lanes and as I got into the #1 lane and my speed had dropped the wobbling stopped and the truck was stable again. I thought that I had a blow out but when I checked the tire pressure on the console, the tires were fine. We were not in a very good area of Los Angeles so chose to continue to drive...
#11459182 |
If the vehicle encounters any roadway surface imperfections at speeds over 40mph, it results in Extreme steering oscillation, or 'wobble'. This 'wobble' renders the vehicle virtually uncontrollable. The driver cannot regain full control until the vehicle slows below 5mph. This issue places the occupants of the vehicle, along with any other vehicles close by, in extreme danger. The problem can be easily reproduced by simply driving it. There are no warnings of any type. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. A simple and quick search on the internet has confirmed that literally thousands of other F-250 & F-350 truck owners are having, or have experienced, this same problem, referred to as the 'Death Wobble'. Ford is aware of the problem and acknowledges the severity of the problem yet, will not make the necessary repairs free of charge.
#11453345 |
At a high rate of speed the steering wheel suddenly began to shudder and shake back and forth causing the whole truck to shake violently and become uncontrollable. My life and the lives of everyone near me were in jeopardy until I regained control of the vehicle. I could not steer the vehicle. The problem has occurred with others employees of our company. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by the dealership but the problem persists. There were no warnings before the failure. It came on abruptly and my only recourse was to aggressively apply the brakes to minimize the what seemed like an eminent catastrophic outcome.
#11453531 |
While driving at approx. 50 mph on a rural highway the front end started to shimmy so violently that I had to grip the wheel strongly, take my foot off the gas pedal and slow down in order to regain control of the vehicle.
#11453533 |
Driving on the Interstate at 70 mph the front end began to shimmy so violently that I lost control of the vehicle and it took all my strength to keep my hands on the steering wheel. I thought the front end of the vehicle was coming apart. When my speed dropped down to about 30 mph the shaking stopped and I regained control of the vehicle. I could hardly believe the vehicle could still be drivable after experiencing such violence to the front wheels.
#11453290 |
While driving at highway speeds the steering and front end abruptly began vibrating violently.
#11453299 |
At a high rate of speed the steering wheel suddenly began to shudder and shake back and forth causing the whole truck to shake violently and become uncontrollable until speed was reduced. My life and the lives of everyone near me were in jeopardy until I regained control of the vehicle. I could not steer the vehicle. The problem has occurred with others employees of our company. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by the dealership but the problem persists. There were no warnings before the failure. It came on abruptly and my only recourse was to aggressively apply the breaks to minimize the what seemed like an eminent catastrophic outcome. This event scared the hell out of me and my passenger.
#11453113 |
Better known as the "Death Wobble." My 2017 Ford F250 truck severely wobbles after hitting a road bump when traveling 50mph. This has happened four times, including today, Sun 2/20/2022. This has not resulted in any crash or injury as of yet. After slowing down and resuming operation the wobble goes away. I have had the truck since Oct 2020.
#11451411 |
It is known as the Death Wobble. Truck starts vibrating uncontrollably without any warning. Pulling a trailer when this happens causes a dangerous situation. Unless you have experienced it, no words can describe the violent nature of this suspension breakdown. There is no telling what other damage these episodes cause. Ford is not willing to fix this design flaw.
#11449546 |
Experiencing severe shaking in the steering wheel intermittently. this has happened several days in the past week, it occurs at different speeds usually around 30 to 50 mph. It seems to only last a few seconds, but it feels like the vehicle could loose control in the event of needing to make a quick response to something.
#11448372 |
I experienced the “Death Wobble” for my first time today! Very scary! I had just reached 65 MPH and suddenly my 2017 F250 starting shaking violently. I had little to no control of steering. Fortunately, I had heard of it before from family and friends who also experienced it. I let off the accelerator and it ended as if nothing was wrong! My vehicle has slightly over 38K miles. There was no warning or messages. I am not aware of any road issues. I have talked with my Ford service department and they are ordered a damper kit. My vehicle is available for inspection.
#11448146 |
I was traveling on the highway at approximately 65-70 mph when it drove over unlevel pavement and the truck started shaking uncontrollably from the front end. After slowing and pulling off to the side to check my wheels and tires I proceeded at a slower rate of speed with no further incident so far. I use this truck for towing my horse trailer. I don't know what would have happened if I was towing when that happened. I am afraid to use my truck again in fear that next time this might cause an accident that will put me, my passengers, horses and others on the road in great danger. I will be contacting my local Ford dealer today to look into this problem.
#11447775 |
my vehicle has the symptoms of the widely reported front end wobble while driving. it was corrected once before by Ford at ~35,000 miles (i'm looking for previous paperwork). it stopped, but ever since then the front end felt a little loose. it started doing the wobble again 2 weeks ago (76,000 miles). I took to ford, they said there was a steering damper recall and would fix. At the appointment they noted other items that looked to need repair. I noted they should be repaired under the damper item as it is what has caused the excessive wear. they stated it was not covered and i told them i'd have it repaired elsewhere. when i picked up my vehicle it was much worse. Online records report this as the "Death Wobble" and it definitely is so.
#11447651 |
I have experienced what has come to be known as “death wobble” at least a dozen times since I bought it new. I have had it repaired by Ford as well as an aftermarket auto shop and the issue persists. At certain speeds and/or on certain bumps or grooves in the road, the vehicle begins to shake violently and I lose control until I am able to slow down to about 20 mph and it stops. It is very scary and one day I fear it will kill me and my family.
#11446441 |
The front end experiences significant head shake and "death wobble" at speeds greater than 50mph. An alignment, balance, and tire rotation did not fix it
#11444815 |
Without any warning after hitting a small bump on a newly paved highway I had extreme violent shaking in the front suspension after hitting small bump on hwy going approx 60mph, truck shook violently, steering almost unresponsive, had to emergency slow to 25mph in very heavy accident almost rear ended in last incident.. This has happened 2x in the past 6 months 12/21/2021, 8/22/2021. Truck has 12,700 miles on it. I am planning on taking into the Ford dealership after January 1st in 2022 for evaluation.I believe people are calling this a death wobble.
#11443487 |
Two days in a row while driving 80 miles an hour on I-15, I drove over a rough spot in the road and the truck (steering wheel) immediately began wobbling violently and did not stop until I slowed down to about 20 miles per hour. Vehicles behind me had to switch lanes to over my truck. I took the truck to the local Ford dealer and reported the issue. They said this has been an avoid me as I quickly slowed down to maintain control issue on this model and told me what repairs were needed to fix the problem. I paid over $1000 out of my own pocket for the repair which I believe should have been covered by the manufacturer.
#11443267 |
I have experienced a "death wobble " 3 times in this truck. The last being today. I have my truck in Cruz doing between 70/80 . When I hit an expansion joint on a bridge It feels like violent shaking in the front axle to the point of losing control. It has been happening at the same spot all 3 times and I can probably cause it to happen at will. In that spot of the interstate. It only stops if you slow down immediately! Very dangerous when in traffic!
#11442787 |
Violent death wobble on highway. It is so bad other cars on highway slam on brakes to get away from our truck. We are experiencing some loss of control when it happens. Truck has been repaired once in the past for this and now it has started happening again. Took it to dealership that did original repairs and they claimed was not able to replicate. It then happened again for us and we have an appt at a second dealership to inspect. There are no warning lights when it happens just violent shaking after crossing a small transition bump on highway 285 in Atlanta
#11442640 |
I was driving on Interstate 94 w of Minneapolis and my vehicle started wobbling violently and I couldn't steer. I had to pull off the highway, checked vehicle as I thought I had a flat tire. No flat, tires were all OK. I proceeded and had no additional problem. When I researched on the internet I found the problem is called a "Death Wobble". My ford F250 had 70,536 miles on it and I have it serviced at regular intervals. I read on the internet this is a common problem in F250"s and Ford refuses to do anything about it.
#11442075 |
While driving on a very busy interstate at highway speeds, I went over cracks/bumps in the road. Immediately the front end started to violently shake to the point I thought I could lose control at any moment. The only corrective action was to slow down to around 40 MPH on the highway. Other drivers around me must have seen I was having trouble and got out of my way. This has happened to me numerous times with this truck and acting in the same manner. I have been lucky it did not happen in a curve or bad weather. I have contacted my local Ford Dealer for an appointment, evaluation and assistance. This incident could have ended badly by slowing down on the busy highway and everyone around me driving 70+ MPH. I wonder if any of the other F250 owners with this problem has undergone this shaking in inclement...
#11440169 |
If I hit a bump or grooved part of the road the front of the truck starts shaking violently. I have to slow way down or come to a near complete stop. This has terrifying while on the interstate towing my 5th wheel or 24 foot enclosed car trailer. I have taken it to the dealer for a "recall repair" the only thing the dealership did was replace the steering damper. This is a mask for a severe issue! As soon as I left the dealership the problem reared its ugly head again. I called them immediately and scheduled to take it back in on 12 Nov 21. During the conversation with the service department the employee told me they would replace the steering damper again. I am waiting till the appointment to see. This had been an ongoing issue since I purchased the vehicle used in Feb or Mar...

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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