Ford is among the most famous car companies worldwide, and I remember when I was a kid, I wanted to buy a Ford truck when I grew up. That huge front area was just amazing. However, the term “Ford Death Wobble” gained attention some time ago and sparked concerns among some Ford truck owners and enthusiasts.
It refers to a specific type of violent shaking or vibration experienced by some Ford trucks, primarily in the F-250 and F-350 Super Duty models.
In this article, we will delve into the phenomenon of the Ford Death Wobble, explore its causes and its impact on vehicle safety, and provide an overview of the associated lawsuits.
Understanding: What Is Ford Death Wobble?
The Ford Death Wobble refers to a violent shaking or vibration in certain Ford vehicles‘ front ends.
It is most commonly associated with models equipped with solid front axles and coil spring suspension systems.
It typically manifests at highway speeds (usually above 45 mph) when the vehicle hits a bump or irregularity on the road.
The shaking can be severe, causing the steering wheel to vibrate violently, making it challenging to maintain control of the vehicle.
This phenomenon has been reported by some Ford truck owners and has gained significant attention in online forums and social media platforms.
What Causes The Ford Death Wobble?
There can be several causes that cause Ford’s death wobble, and identifying them before anything happens to your vehicle is essential.
Here are some possible causes:
1: Worn Suspension Components:
Damaged or worn-out components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, track bars, bushings, or steering stabilizers can initiate this phenomenon.
2: Imbalance or Misalignment:
Incorrect tire balance or misalignment issues can cause vibrations that trigger the death wobble effect.
3: Aftermarket Modifications:
Some aftermarket modifications like lift kits that alter vehicle height without proper adjustments to suspension geometry might induce instability leading to potential death wobbles.
4: Tire Issues:
Irregular tire wear patterns due to improper inflation levels, insufficient tread depth, uneven weight distribution between tires (improperly rotated), damaged tires (bulges), or unbalanced wheels can exacerbate any existing wobbling tendencies.
How Do These Problems Affect The Vehicles Safety & Performance?
Experiencing the death wobble while driving can be alarming for drivers due to its intensity and potential loss of control over their vehicles.
Shaking typically occurs at higher speeds after hitting roadway bumps or potholes. Here are some effects:
- Steering wheel oscillations make it difficult for drivers to maintain control and steer the vehicle effectively.
- The shaking can cause discomfort, anxiety, and significant distraction to drivers and passengers.
- Extended exposure to the death wobble may lead to accelerated wear of suspension components, potentially compromising overall vehicle safety.
Lawsuit Involving Ford Death Wobble:
Due to the concerns surrounding the Ford Death Wobble and its potential safety implications, lawsuits have been filed against Ford Motor Company.
These legal actions generally claim that Ford was aware of the issue but failed to address it adequately or warn consumers, potentially putting lives at risk.
Lawsuits seek compensation for damages related to vehicle repairs, diminished value, injuries, and other associated costs.
Ford Death Wobble F250 Consumer Class Action Filed In 2019:
In 2019, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed against Ford Motor Company regarding the “Ford Death Wobble” issue, specifically related to the F-250 Super Duty trucks.
- The lawsuit alleged that certain models of the F-250 trucks were prone to experiencing severe front-end shaking or wobbling, posing a safety risk to drivers and passengers.
- The class action lawsuit claimed Ford failed to adequately address or warn consumers about the potential for death wobbles in their vehicles.
- It further argued that design defects or manufacturing issues with suspension components contributed to this phenomenon.
- Plaintiffs involved in the class action seeking compensation for damages incurred due to vehicle repairs, diminished resale value, and any injuries resulting from accidents caused by loss of control during episodes of death wobble.
What Do Owners Want In The Ford F250 And F350 Death Wobble Lawsuit?
In the Ford F-250 and F-350 Death Wobble lawsuits, owners of the class action generally seek several outcomes or remedies.
While individual preferences may vary, here are some common demands that owners typically want:
1: Compensation for Damages:
Owners expect compensation for any financial losses incurred due to repairs related to resolving the death wobble issue.
This could include reimbursement for repair costs, replacement of damaged components, and related expenses.
2: Diminished Resale Value:
Owners may also seek compensation for diminished resale value resulting from their vehicles being associated with the death wobble problem.
They argue that this issue negatively impacts vehicle marketability and resale prices.
3: Improved Vehicle Safety:
Owners demand that Ford addresses the alleged design defects or manufacturing issues causing the death wobble in F-250 and F-350 models promptly and effectively.
They want assurance that adequate measures will be taken to enhance vehicle safety by rectifying any underlying problems contributing to this phenomenon.
4: Recall Or Extended Warranty Coverage:
Some owners advocate for a recall of affected vehicles or expanded warranty coverage, specifically addressing the death wobble issue beyond standard factory warranties.
This would ensure that Ford would cover future repairs related to this problem at no cost to them.
5: Transparency and Accountability:
Owners desire transparency from Ford regarding potential dangers associated with driving their vehicles during episodes of death wobble.
They expect clear communication on risks, recommended actions, available remedies, and ongoing efforts made by the manufacturer to resolve these concerns.
Is Ford Not Honoring Truck Owner Warranties 2019-2020?
There have been reports and claims from some Ford truck owners stating that Ford has not honored warranties on certain 2019-2020 truck models.
These reports suggest that Ford has denied warranty coverage for various issues and repairs, leaving some owners frustrated and dissatisfied.
It is important to note that specific cases and warranty coverage can vary.
It’s essential to refer to the latest information and consult with official sources or legal experts for accurate and up-to-date details.
If you are experiencing warranty-related issues with your Ford truck from the 2019-2020 models, here are some steps you can consider:
1: Review Warranty Coverage:
Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your vehicle’s warranty. Understand the scope of coverage, limitations, and any exclusions that may apply.
This information can be found in your owner’s manual or warranty documentation provided by Ford.
2: Gather Documentation:
Keep records of any maintenance and repairs performed on your vehicle, including dates, invoices, and work details.
This documentation can be valuable if there are disputes regarding warranty coverage.
3: Contact Ford Customer Service:
Reach out to Ford’s customer service department to discuss your specific warranty concerns and seek clarification on the reasons for denied warranty claims.
Provide them with relevant information and documentation to support your case.
4: Seek Legal Advice:
Suppose you believe Ford has improperly denied warranty coverage or has not received a satisfactory resolution through customer service. In that case, you may consult a legal professional specializing in consumer protection or automotive law.
They can guide your rights and potential courses of action.
5: Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Consumer Protection Agencies:
If your attempts to resolve the issue directly with Ford have been unsuccessful, you may consider filing a complaint with the BBB or contacting your local consumer protection agencies.
These organizations can assist in mediating disputes between consumers and businesses.
How Can You Fix The Ford Death Wobble?
Here are some potential steps that can be taken to address the issue:
1: Professional Inspection:
It is recommended to have your truck inspected by a qualified technician or mechanic experienced in diagnosing and repairing steering and suspension issues, including the death wobble.
They will assess the condition of key components such as ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, track bars, bushings, and steering stabilizers.
2: Replace Worn/Damaged Components:
Any worn-out or damaged parts identified during the inspection should be replaced with new ones that meet manufacturer specifications.
This may involve replacing ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, track bars, or other related components contributing to instability.
3: Alignment and Balancing:
Ensuring proper wheel alignment is crucial for maintaining stability while driving.
Alignment adjustments help optimize tire contact with the road surface and minimize irregular wear patterns that could exacerbate wobbling tendencies.
4: Tire Maintenance:
- Regularly checking tire pressure levels and ensuring they are properly inflated according to manufacturer recommendations helps maintain optimal performance on the road. Additionally,
- Rotate tires regularly: Rotating tires at recommended intervals promotes even wear patterns.
- Check tread depth: Insufficient tread depth can affect traction and stability; replace tires if necessary.
- Balance wheels: Properly balanced wheels reduce vibrations caused by imbalances.
5: Steering Stabilizer Upgrade/Addition:
Installing an upgraded aftermarket steering stabilizer can help dampen oscillations caused by bumps or uneven road surfaces.
6: Proper Maintenance:
Following regular maintenance schedules for your vehicle is essential in preventing future issues related to steering and suspension systems.
Regular inspections allow early detection of potential problems before they escalate into more significant concerns.
7: Suspension Upgrades:
In some cases, upgrading suspension components, such as control arms, track bars, or sway bars, may help improve stability and reduce the likelihood of experiencing Death Wobble.
Consult with professionals to determine suitable upgrade options for your specific truck and driving needs.
FAQs:
Q: Is Ford Issuing A Recall For The F-250 And 350?
Not yet.
- Ford F-250 and F-350 owners hope Ford issues a recall to address death wobble issues.
- It can make the trucks unsafe to operate on the road, but Ford hasn’t commented.
- Are There Aftermarket Suspension Components Or Upgrades That Can Help Mitigate The Death Wobble.
- Yes, aftermarket suspension components and upgrades are available that can help mitigate the death wobble issue in Ford F-250 and F-350 trucks.
- These aftermarket options aim to improve the stability and performance of the front suspension system.
Q: Is The Ford Death Wobble A Common Issue Among Ford Truck Owners, Or Is It Relatively Rare?
A: The Ford Death Wobble issue has been reported by many Ford truck owners, particularly those who own F-250 and F-350 trucks with certain model years.
While it is difficult to determine the exact prevalence or frequency of this problem, it is considered relatively common among some Ford truck owners.
In The End:
In the end, the Ford Death Wobble has been a concerning issue reported by many Ford truck owners, particularly those with F-250 and F-350 models.
This phenomenon refers to uncontrollable shaking or vibration in the vehicle’s front end, which can cause safety concerns and potential loss of control.
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