general problems of the 2011 Ford E-150

Two issues here. First issue. When making turns there is a clunk sound from the front of the vehicle after the turn as the stering wheel is returned to forward position. Happens intermittant. Cannot feel the clunk in the wheel, but the sound is like metal on metal. Second issue: rear suspensiong clunks and squeeks a lot. (like it is 20+ years old. ) standing on the bumper or pushing sideways on the fender makes the rear-end squeek. I took it to Ford for repair and they stated there was a technote that told them to 'lube' the rear leaf springs. For a few months it made the sound go away, but made the backend feel loose or like it was sliding sideways on corners. At this same visit the engine performance changed noticably. Acceleration was smoother and did not hesitate as much. (they say they did nothing that would cause this change. ) I'm not sure I am getting true answers from the service advisor. Now six months later all the sounds and clunking sounds are back. I feel like it was not designed safe enough for the load rating they gave it or something. I want to make sure it is safe and not going to just end up physically broken somewhere on the road because they want to lube it every six months.

This vehicle, a 2011 E-150 Ford van wagon has power assisted steering. Same problems experienced to a lesser degree reported in 2 complaints filed on the 2010 E-150. Steering becomes uncontrollable starting at 50 mph and becomes progressively worse as speed increases to 75 mph. The 2 prior incidences referenced above occurred between 50-75 mph. Any slight adjustments by driver, especially at 70 mph, creates sway conducive to rollover. It seems as if the "power assist" interferes with driver's control of steering wheel. At higher speeds, over-steer is created and when the driver makes a correction, a swaying effect is created. As speed increases, the power assist function is supposed to diminish, giving driver full control. Technicians at dealership confirmed above symptoms and stated an engineering problem because alignment was according to specs. First occurrence was when there was only 60 miles on the odometer. Thereafter what is described occurred every time in the range between 55-75 mph. Steering and handling is extremely dangerous at speeds above 55 mph. The consumer stated the sway bar is undersized which tends to shift to the right causing metal to metal contact. Sway bars are not supposed to shift, they are supposed to remain in place. Updated 08/05/11 the consumer also stated the shock absorber was cracked. Updated 08/24/11 the suspension is inadequate and the body top on top of the wheel frame moves whereas the body tracks. When traveling down the highway at 70 mph, the suspension can not handle the wind resistance of any cross wind at all. The body of the van shifts. Updated 09/08/11.