Suspension complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 5% | 37,000 miles |
| 2020 | 11 | 6% | 19,000 miles |
| 2019 | 227 | 49% | 20,000 miles |
| 2018 | 78 | 38% | 25,000 miles |
| 2017 | 219 | 38% | 26,000 miles |
| 2016 | 81 | 39% | 49,000 miles |
| 2015 | 66 | 32% | 74,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 29% | 18,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 11% | 142,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 34% | 35,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 19% | 29,000 miles |
| 2010 | 18 | 36% | 91,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% | 75,000 miles |
| 2008 | 13 | 13% | 40,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 36% | 30,000 miles |
| 2006 | 43 | 34% | 31,000 miles |
| 2005 | 38 | 18% | 35,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% | 56,000 miles |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% | 256,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 7 | 4% | 69,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Highway travel at approx 65mph, experienced a sudden violent uncontrollable steering wheel movement known as a death wobble. Uncontrollable steering wheel movement increased resulting in a reactionary driver hard breaking application to try and regain control of the vehicle steering WITHOUT checking rear view mirror for other motorists close behind. Speed dropped to approx 30-35mph before regaining control of steering. Fortunately no vehicles were following close behind or the affected vehicle and other highway occupants may have resulted in a crash caused by the uncontrollable vehicle and sudden breaking. Components/systems involved include front suspension/steering. Dealer #1 stated vehicle was inspected and found no abnormal wear or damage, all specs within limits. …
Today 9/6/23 at 9:20pm I was driving 65mph on the highway and hit a medium sized pot hole. This caused my front end to violently shake back and forth over a prolonged period of time causing me to loose control of my vehicle. I was able to brake and the shaking stopped around 20mph while I was on the highway. This has happened to me once before almost causing an accident. Neither time was I speeding, over loaded, or driving erratically. The pot holes were things I had seen but not avoided as were are not something that has ever caused a problem for me while driving any other vehicle. I have driven daily for over 10 years.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal after stopping, the vehicle was slow to respond. The contact stated that there was several minutes before the vehicle responded as needed. The contact stated that the failure occurred after coming to a full stop. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while towing a loaded trailer, the vehicle was losing traction, and the rear end was swaying to the right and to the left. …
While driving on a road with moderate potholes at about 45 miles per hour the steering wheel and front end stared violently shaking and did not stop until i came to a stop. I took it to the local ford dealership (Cavender Ford) and the service manager said it is a known issue and there is not a real solution for it. Apparently upon research it has been a known issue called Death Wobble. If I had been on a curve, in traffic or in bad weather there would have most certainly been an accident. I was referred to another Ford dealership 90 miles away to see if their more experienced technicians could fix the problem.
The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 58 MPH, the steering column started to vibrate excessively. The contact was able to pull over safely. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Repeated "death wobble" where the steering components oscillate rapidly left and right causing a lack of steering control. One repair attempted. Later occurrence and another repair. A third event, this time while pulling a 14,000 pound 5th wheel trailer. At about 63 mph the wobble started. I braked, the truck pulled left and I could not maintain my lane. An 18-wheeler behind me moved to the left lane due to my braking and we almost collided due to my not being able to steer. I did get it under control to get back in my lane and avoid the collision. This has been worked on by two different dealers and is about to be looked at again by the original dealer. Almost every front-end component has already been replaced.
We have been afflicted by the notorious Ford "death wobble" on our F-350XL multiple times. Twice, Haldeman Ford on Rt.33 claims to have "fixed" it only for it to happen yet again. The 3rd time it occurred, my field crew was on the PA Turnpike when the steering wheel began shaking so violently it caused the driver to lose control and hit a cement median. Somehow no one was hurt and no other motorists were involved but someone could've easily been hurt or killed due to this defect. We then towed it back to Haldeman Ford for yet another warranty "repair". The third time we were flat-out accused of lying and that we had caused the damage ourselves. …
The contact owns a 2019 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the driver reported that the vehicle suddenly reduced speed and became undrivable. Upon inspection it was discovered that the rear passenger's side dual axle shaft had sheared in half at the base of the axle housing causing the wheel to become loosened and unsecured from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was repaired by the mechanics at the business. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V688000 (Power Train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure listed in the recall. …
NHTSA investigations
Violent front end oscillation
Odi has received 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel shimmy and oscillations commencing after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven road surface. The majority of these incidents occurred at speeds of 50 MPH or greater.thirteen of the complaints received by odi allege loss of steering control and that the vehicle changed driving lanes uncontrollably.four of the complaints received by…
Violent front end oscillation
This investigation was opened based on 78 consumer complaints of severe suspension and steering wheel oscillations after the subject vehicles traveled over an uneven surface.odi was concerned about these complaints because many of them alleged loss of control and the loss of control occurredat speeds above 50 miles per hour.at the time these complaints were received, odi was also aware of the TSB 07-10-10 and early…
Frequently asked questions
Which Ford F-350 SD years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2019 (227), 2017 (219), 2016 (81), 2018 (78) and 2015 (66) model years. Suspension complaints make up 49% of all complaints for the 2019.
Is there a recall for Ford F-350 SD suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Ford F-350 SD model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Ford F-350 SD suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles; 77% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (72 mentions), followed by the front › wheel bearing (10).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.