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What years did the Ford f250 have the death wobble?

The Ford F250 has been a popular and reliable heavy-duty pickup truck for decades, but it has also been plagued by a concerning issue known as the "death wobble." This phenomenon, which can occur at highway speeds, has been a source of frustration and safety concerns for many F250 owners over the years.


What is the "Death Wobble"?


The "death wobble" is a term used to describe a violent shaking or vibration that can occur in the front end of the Ford F250, particularly when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or over uneven terrain. This shaking can be so severe that it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to potentially dangerous situations on the road.


When Did the "Death Wobble" Affect the Ford F250?


The "death wobble" issue has been reported in Ford F250 models dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. According to various sources, the problem has been present in F250 models from the 1999 to 2016 model years, with some reports indicating that it may have continued to affect later models as well.


Causes of the "Death Wobble"


The "death wobble" is typically caused by a combination of factors, including worn or damaged suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, and steering linkages. These components can become worn over time, leading to increased play in the front end and making the vehicle more susceptible to the violent shaking that characterizes the "death wobble."


Addressing the "Death Wobble"



  • Regularly inspecting and replacing worn suspension components can help prevent the "death wobble" from occurring.

  • Upgrading to aftermarket suspension components, such as heavy-duty ball joints or steering stabilizers, can also help mitigate the issue.

  • In some cases, Ford has issued recalls or technical service bulletins related to the "death wobble" problem, and owners may be able to have their vehicles repaired or modified at no cost.


While the "death wobble" has been a persistent problem for Ford F250 owners, being aware of the issue and taking proactive steps to address it can help ensure the safety and reliability of these popular heavy-duty trucks.

What year does F-250 have death wobble?


In recent years, specific models of Ford trucks, notably the F-250 and F-550 ranging from the 2017 to 2019 model years, have been identified as susceptible to the dreaded death wobble.



What year is the F-250 the most reliable?


1. 2009 Ford F-250 Super Duty. The 2009 Ford F-250 is one of the most reliable Ford F-250 trucks due to its upgraded interior panels, gauges, and lumbar adjustable seats. Average pricing ranges from $2,798 to $13,569.



What year of Ford F-250 to avoid?


The worst years for used Ford F-250 include:

  • 2002 Ford F-250.
  • 2006 Ford F-250.
  • 2008 Ford F-250.
  • 2011 Ford F-250.
  • 2017 Ford F-250.



When did Ford trucks get bad?


Complaints and Problems After Generation 10
Trucks from these model years were generally reliable, with few significant complaints. Then Ford introduced its worst generation in the truck's 57-year history—Generation 11 (2004-2008). Ford built the Generation 11 F-150 on a new platform—a fully boxed-in frame.



What year did Ford trucks have the death wobble?


The lawsuit also includes F350 trucks and is for F250/F350 model years 2005 through 2019. It alleges that the trucks have defects in their suspension and steering linkage systems that cause the vehicles to shake, and that the company concealed the problems from consumers.



What is Ford's worst diesel engine?


The 6.4 Powerstroke came after the 6.0 Powerstroke, which was widely panned for its problems and poor performance. The issues with both of these engines eventually led to the end of the working relationship between Ford and Navistar and led to Ford designing its next diesel engine in-house.



What years of F-250 are most reliable?


The 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2005 Ford F-250 models are still talked about to this day. They offered excellent performance and great reliability. However, they are probably too old for you to buy one now. The most popular model year for the Ford F-250 is currently the 2016.



What is the death wobble lawsuit on the Ford F-250?


The problem, referred to as a “death wobble,” allegedly stems from a defect in the trucks' steering linkage and suspension systems. According to the Ford class action, the defect leads to difficult steering and intense shaking even when drivers are driving in normal conditions.



Which Fords have the death wobble?


Ford F-Series Super Duty models such as the Ford F-250 or Ford F-350 from model years 2005-2019, may have the death wobble problem. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received over 1,200 complaints mentioning the death wobble from Ford drivers with vehicles as old as 2005.



Can the F-250 death wobble be fixed?


The Ford death wobble defect may be caused by premature wear or loosening of various components such as the ball joints, control arms, track bar bashing, damper bracket, or shocks. Unfortunately, fixing the problem involves trial and error.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.