Super Duty Ford Truck Stalling Problems Result in NHTSA Probe

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into reports of problems with roughly 200,000 Ford Super Duty trucks, which may unexpectedly lose all throttle response and stall, posing a crash hazard. 

The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation announced the Ford Super Duty probe on January 13, 2015, according to a report by Bloomberg News, which will review potential problems with Ford F-250, F-350, F450, and F-550 trucks.

At least 30 consumer complaints have been received that indicate vehicles shutdown while idling or driving, and would not restart, leaving the drivers stranded in the middle of roadways and busy highways. While no injuries have been reported in connection with the Ford truck stalling problems, this may pose a serious risk of accidents.

The Ford Super Duty vehicles are being investigated by the ODI to determine whether Ford Motor Company went far enough with a pickup truck recall issued in October 2013, which involved a similar stalling issue. The ODI’s preliminary investigation has pinpointed that the vehicles poses an exhaust-gas sensor behind the diesel particulate filter in the truck’s exhaust system that may malfunction and lead to warnings and sudden engine shutdowns. The investigation will seek to determine the scope and seriousness of the issue and report to Ford Motor Company on whether a recall is necessary.

According to the NHTSA, one truck owner reported the vehicle displayed a “Stop Safely Now” warning light on the dash right before the truck lost all throttle response. The owner reported the vehicle had to be towed away because it was a programming issue alone that prevented the truck from moving. The owner asked the NHTSA what if he had broken down on a railroad grade crossing.

The vehicles being investigated are the 2011 through 2012 Ford F-250, F-350, F450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks equipped with 6.7 Liter turbo-diesel engines.

According to the NHTSA, the vehicles having the sudden stall issue pose a serious problem due to the common use of larger and more powerful Super Duty trucks. Many Super Duty vehicles are used by businesses to haul large loads which could cause an increased road hazard if the vehicles suddenly stall and block roadways. Moreover, the NHTSA has received reports that as many as 3,000 of the potentially defective Super Duty vehicles were purchased to be customized as ambulances. Stall and no restart issues in ambulances could certain increase risk of injuries to patients requiring immediate medical attention.

Ford spokeswoman, Kelli Felker, reported that the company would cooperate with the NHTSA and ODI throughout the investigation. Ford announced that any mandatory recall or corrective action will be handled promptly if necessary and customers would be notified.