Complaint 1846732
2022 FORD E-350 • STEERING • incident Oct 9, 2022
Complaint Summary
STEERING
Owner Narrative
During early morning hours (approx. 2 am) of 10/09/22, while traveling westbound on I-70 through Utah at posted speed (80 mph) I hit a series of road repairs (patches) while in the right-hand lane, with the driver-side (left) front wheel. The front end of the vehicle shook violently, leaving limited control of steering which resulted in the vehicle drifting quickly into the passing (left hand) lane. Fortunately, no one was in the passing lane and control was regained, but only after rapid deceleration through hard braking. The incident was freighting to say the very least, and has resulted in driver distress when traveling over bridges with expansion joints, experiencing changes to road surfaces, and/or anticipating poor road surfaces. Driver anxiety is a direct result of this incident. The vehicle is a new Ford F-350 diesel 4WD with fewer than 2000 total miles at the time the incident took place. An internet search suggests a probable cause associated with a âdeath wobbleâ? But on a brand new vehicle? Makes no sense and is very concerning as apparently Ford has been aware of this problem for years? Ford customer service department was contacted (10/10/22) via phone, and a case number [XXX] provided. The Ford dealership through which the vehicle was purchased (Keller Ford in Hanford, CA) was contacted per the recommendation of the Ford customer service representative and the vehicle is scheduled to be left with the Keller Ford service department on 10/12/22. Why isnât Ford required to notify owners of this phenomenon so that at a minimum operators are aware of the potential problem and are at least prepared for its occurrence? I have owned many Ford vehicles in the 45+ years I have driven, starting with a 1956 Ford F-100 I purchased in 1978. I general, I am happy with Ford products. But in this instance (my first purchase of a new vehicle) I am not. This problem needs to be fixed immediately! INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.
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