Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - LINKAGES | ||||||||||||||||
| 96V135000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | from 08/01/1994 to 04/01/1996 | V (Vehicle) | 72000 | 08/28/1996 | ODI | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 07/18/1996 | 07/18/1996 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | The pitman arms were not fully lubricated at the assembly plant. the ball joint at the outer end of the pitman arm can become contaminated and corrode. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Such corrosion can result in abnormal wear of the joint, resulting in separation of the joint. loss of steering control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect the vehicles and if the joint is found to have significant wear, the arm will be replaced. those pitman arms not replaced will have the ball joint fully greased. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | System: steering; linkages; arm; pitman. vehicle description: police interceptors, commercial fleet, taxi, limousines, or livery/trailer tow packages. owner notification: owner notification is expected to begin august 19, 1996. note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393. | |||||||||||||||
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING - LINKAGES | ||||||
| PE96029 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 04/17/1996 | 07/30/1996 | STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT ARM (PITMAN A | 96V135000 | |
| Ball joint connecting pitman arm to drag link (track rod) ball may separate from socket resulting in steering loss. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEERING | |||
| 11/23/2011 | 93000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the driver side front fell to the ground and the tire buckled inward. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where they advised him that the ball joint had come out from the socket and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 93,000. kmj | |||
| 11/23/2011 | 93000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. the contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph when the drivers side front fell to the ground and the tire buckled inward. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and they advised him that the ball joint had popped out of socket and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired for the drivers side front ball joint. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 93,000. tb | |||
| 3 | 03/01/1998 | ||
| When coming off highway speeds into urban areas, particularly in parking lots, the steering fails, making it difficult to control. dealer can't duplicate the problem. *ak *slc | |||
| 01/01/1996 | |||
| Went driving above (45) steering goes limp, this condition lasted for about (1) second, then steering comes back. this happens about once a week.*ak | |||
| Police dept experienced trouble with steering of the vehicle while driving, steering makes popping noises, sometimes hard to steer while turning corners.*ak | |||
| While driving, at approx. 65-135mph, police package exhibits momentary loss of steering around corners, which causes extreme veering to left or right. tt | |||
| 06/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| At high speed going around curve, experience momentary steering loss. (police car). tt | |||
| STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE | |||
| 06/20/1995 | 0 | ||
| Anti-theft alarm system not installed properly, leaving trunk/hood unprotected. | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION) | |||
| 1 | 03/01/1998 | ||
| This car has many failures. no safety defect listed. *ak | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN | |||
| 11/05/2007 | 4 | ||
| Front driver ball joint design designed for failure, under normal use lower ball joint rapidly deteriorates and causes an unsafe environment for vehicle. steering becomes erratic and steering wheel feels loose. *tr | |||
| Bearing in the pitman arm of the steering system may become excessively worn allowing the pitman arm to separate from the center link of the steering system without warning. driver would likely experience loss of steering control of vehicle - as per recall. two hours after scheduled appointment time for recall service, owner was informed that repairs could not be performed because they had no information on the recall. | |||
| 06/01/1996 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm assembly separated, causing loss of steering. *dh | |||
| 04/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm worn almost to the point of failure. *dh | |||
| 04/09/1996 | 9 | ||
| Pitman shaft separates from arm, causing loss of control of steering. (first vehicle on 601414, 601415) *dh | |||
| 03/01/1996 | 1 | ||
| Pitman shaft separates from arm, causing loss of control of steering. (second vehicle on 503161, 601415) *dh | |||
| 05/08/1995 | 8 | ||
| Pitman shaft separates from arm, causing loss of control of steering. (third vehicle on 503161, 601414) *dh | |||
| 03/27/1996 | 7 | ||
| Pitman shaft separates from arm, causing loss of control of steering. *dh | |||
| STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Ball joint/ pitman arm separated, resulting in loss of steering.*ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS | |||
| 06/20/2005 | 03/01/2005 | ||
| I saw smoke coming from a cylinder under the brake booster. i then checked under the hood,the smoke simmerd and went out. just ariving home from work ,i said ill get it checked out tomorow. two hours later a neighbor knocked at the door, and said your car is on fire. | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - PUMP | |||
| 06/20/2005 | 03/01/2005 | ||
| I saw smoke coming from a cylinder under the brake booster. i then checked under the hood,the smoke simmerd and went out. just ariving home from work ,i said ill get it checked out tomorow. two hours later a neighbor knocked at the door, and said your car is on fire. | |||
| 06/27/1996 | 04/25/1995 | ||
| #pe96-029;had to replace pitman arm/ball joint (police department, town of mccandless). *ak | |||
| STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | |||
| Police dept experienced trouble with steering of the vehicle while driving, steering makes popping noises, sometimes hard to steer while turning corners.*ak | |||
| 08/01/1995 | |||
| Vehicle is very hard to steer when you are mashing on the gas pedal. you have to let up off the pedal in order to steer the vehicle. please describe details.*ak | |||
| 06/01/1996 | |||
| On a low speed turn, vehicle becomes very hard to steer, loss of power steering. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1996 | |||
| Police vehicle, loud noise when turning the steering to the left and right. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1995 | |||
| #pe96-029; driving at high speed car over steers and causes the car to go into a skid. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1994 | |||
| Experiencing intermittent power steering loss. tt | |||
| 09/20/1995 | |||
| Power steering failure, when making turns the steering wheel will freeze. tt | |||
| Police package vehicle speed sensitive power steering; over 100 mph, steering appears to lock/stiff. please describe details. tt | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES | |||
| 08/11/2003 | 49200 | 3 | 03/15/1997 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. the vehicle had the same failure as mentioned in recall # 96v135000. in 2003, the vehicle accelerated, but the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. the contact shut the vehicle off, and had it towed to the personal mechanic. the mechanic stated that the ball joints were corroded and detached from the sockets. in addition, the pitman arms were not lubricated. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. on april 8, 2007, the vehicle was involved in a crash. the insurance company checked the vehicle's history and stated that the vehicle was included in a recall. the contact called the manufacturer again, and was still being informed that there was never a recall on the vehicle. the current mileage was 89,200, and failure mileage was 49,200. *ak the consumer states that there are 2 recalls for this specific car which are 98v322000 and the recall for steering listed above. the consumer states that the car was totaled while running into a ditch. update 05/04/07*tr | |||
| 06/20/2005 | 03/01/2005 | ||
| I saw smoke coming from a cylinder under the brake booster. i then checked under the hood,the smoke simmerd and went out. just ariving home from work ,i said ill get it checked out tomorow. two hours later a neighbor knocked at the door, and said your car is on fire. | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 70000 | 7 | 06/09/1999 |
| Sudden failure of ball joints in ford passenger cars.*jb | |||
| 05/15/2001 | |||
| Steering had become erratic. dealer replaced steering linkage/ idler arm, and pitman arm. please provide additional information.*ak | |||
| 05/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Ball joint/ pitman arm separated, resulting in loss of steering.*ak | |||
| While driving ball joints/pitman arm malfunctioned. was no prior warning. vehicle was serviced by dealership before problem happened. steering linkages were defective after having vehicle checked. *ak | |||
| 09/09/1999 | 03/01/1995 | ||
| No summary | |||
| 2 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. vehicle will have a noticeable drift or shift to either side, and seems quite dangerous. dealer found that a recall had been done (96s45), but that this vin was not included. the symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96s45. visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive. | |||
| 2 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. vehicle will have a noticeable drift or shift to either side, and seems quite dangerous. dealer found that a recall had been done (96s45), but that this vin was not included. the symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96s45. visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive. *ak | |||
| 2 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. vehicle will have a noticeable drift or shift to either side, and seems quite dangerous. dealer found that a recall had been done (96s45), but that this vin was not included. the symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96s45. visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive. | |||
| 2 | 05/01/1999 | ||
| Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. vehicle will have a noticeable drift or shift to either side, and seems quite dangerous. dealer found that a recall had been done (96s45), but that this vin was not included. the symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96s45. visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive. *ak | |||
| 04/01/1998 | 09/01/1995 | ||
| Recall 96v135000 ; the pittman arm was not lubricated enough which caused the ball joints to become corroded. called manufacturer, but this vehicle is not included in the recall. *ak *ml | |||
| 06/07/1996 | 1 | 07/25/1995 | |
| Pitman arm separating at joint. | |||
| 04/01/1996 | 1 | 06/01/1995 | |
| Pitman arm separating from the shaft, presenting possibility of steering loss. | |||
| 07/19/1996 | 1 | 05/01/1995 | |
| Pitman arm worn, causing steering failure. *sd | |||
| 1 | 05/02/1995 | ||
| Replaced loose pitman arm. *ak | |||
| 06/27/1996 | 04/25/1995 | ||
| #pe96-029;had to replace pitman arm/ball joint (police department, town of mccandless). *ak | |||
| 06/24/1996 | 1 | 07/13/1995 | |
| Police car, pitman arm/ball joint let go, resulting in steering problems, in for repair. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1996 | 1 | ||
| Pe96-029, active, pitman arm failure, discovered when checking the parts (other vehicle from 985920). *ak | |||
| 06/12/1996 | 1 | ||
| When turned corner, noticed clunking noise, found pitman arm had nearly separated. *ak | |||
| 07/05/1996 | 5 | ||
| Pitman arm failed. *sd | |||
| 05/14/1996 | 4 | ||
| Pitman arm worn/unable to steer vehicle properly. (2nd vehicle on 601554)*sd | |||
| 05/16/1996 | 6 | ||
| Pitman arm worn/unable to steer vehicle properly. (1st vehicle on 506278)*sd | |||
| 04/12/1996 | 2 | ||
| Pitman arm worn/unable to steer vehicle properly. (1st vehicle on 506278,2nd vehicle on 601554)*sd | |||
| 06/04/1996 | |||
| This is a police vehicle. the car has had steering problems due to the pitman arem falling out of the car. please describe. *ak | |||
| #pe96-029; (4) vehicles had problem with pitman arm. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 06/12/1996 | |||
| Police vehicle. the pitman arm fell apart and loss of steering.please describe. | |||
| 05/31/1996 | 05/01/1995 | ||
| #pe96-029; had to replace pitman arm ball joints on both vehicles. *ak | |||
| 07/02/1996 | 4 | 05/01/1905 | |
| Four police vehicles are experiencing failures w/pitman arm/ball joint separating. *ak | |||
| 06/06/1996 | 6 | ||
| Excessive wear in pitman arm ball joint. (1st vehicle on 505634)*sd | |||
| 06/17/1996 | 7 | ||
| Excessive wear in pitman arm ball joint. (2nd vehicle on 505633) *sd | |||
| 06/17/1996 | 7 | ||
| Excessive wear in pitman arm ball joint. (3rd vehicle on 505636)*sd | |||
| 06/17/1996 | 7 | ||
| Excessive wear in pitman arm ball joint. (4th vehicle on 505635)*sd | |||
| 06/17/1996 | 7 | ||
| Steering pitman arm failure. *sd | |||
| 07/05/1996 | |||
| Police cars, found 3 pitman arms defective, replaced all three. *ak | |||
| 06/20/1996 | 3 | 04/01/1995 | |
| Pe96-029, active, on 3 vehicles experienced pitman arm failures, when ckecking the parts very loose and replaced the part. *ak | |||
| 05/21/1996 | 1 | ||
| Pe96-029 active,pitman arm failure, when inspected, parts falling off, also misalignment, resultin gin replacement of front tires. *ak | |||
| 07/02/1996 | |||
| Pitman arm worn out, discovered during routine check, could have separated from socket causing loss of steering control. | |||
| (4)several crown victoria's had to be repaired because of the pitman arms. please describe . | |||
| Police cruiser package: pitman arm/ball joint seperation occurred 2 times. *ak | |||
| 06/26/1996 | |||
| (streering) loose pitman arm. please give more information *ak | |||
| 05/01/1996 | |||
| Pe96-029 active, steering gear ball joint on the pitman arm, stopped while driving, loss of steering. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1996 | 1 | 03/01/1995 | |
| Pitman arm separated, after inspection found the separation of the arm. *ak transmission was also replaced, with low mileage.*jb | |||
| 04/26/1996 | 1 | 01/01/1995 | |
| Pe96-029; 1 out 3 police vehicles have had pitman arm failures.*ak durnign normal maintanence it ws discovered the pitman arm was loose at the ball socket so the dealer was contacted and they saud they would replace it, also the steering gear assembly was overhauled and idler arm and bracket assembly replaced, because the front end had to much slack and wanders, spool valve did not have all the balls betwern worm and rack.*jb | |||
| 03/20/1996 | |||
| Premature wear of pitman arm/ball joint due to lack of lubrication. *ak | |||
| 06/19/1996 | |||
| Vehicle police, expericing steering problems, possible pitman arm problem, also front suspension being repaired. | |||
| 03/01/1995 | |||
| #pe96-029; when making left turn there is a pop like a joint is popped out. only heard when making hard left turns, please describe details. *ak | |||
| Townson state police dept; the ball joint connecting the pitman arm is wearing out. consumer feels it may separate from the socket. please describe. | |||
| #pe96-029: (6) out 0f (8) cars experienced steering problems, due to pitman arm. please describe details. | |||
| 05/01/1996 | 1 | 04/01/1995 | |
| Pe96-029, active , pitman arm failure, discovered when checking the parts (other vehicle on (507840). *ak | |||
| #pe96-29; has (5) police criusers. had to replace pitman arm & ball joints in (4). under 40,000 miles on vechicle. *ak | |||
| 05/30/1996 | |||
| This a police vehicle. the vehicle had a shot pitman arm and it caused the steering of the vehicle to be off. please describe. *ak | |||
| 04/23/1996 | 1 | 05/31/1995 | |
| #pe96-029: pitman arm fell apart on several cruisers. please describe details. *ak | |||
| Excessive play in pitman arms found during inspection of vehicle. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 06/11/1996 | |||
| While driving on the highway, steering pitman arn broke, resulting in a steering loss.please describe details. *a | |||
| Pitman arm joint failed; 1) separated from drag link; 2) very loose failing immediately. please describe details. *ak | |||
| 1 | 05/16/1995 | ||
| During routine maintenance, when pitman arm was greased, joint popped out about 1/2 inches pe96-029. *ak vehicle is maintained per factory specifications by contracted vendor.*jb | |||
| 04/25/1996 | |||
| Police cars experiencing excessive play in pitman arms, found during inspection of 11 cars. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (2nd vehicle on 503160 and 601370,601374)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (1st vehicle on 483817,601370-601374)*sd | |||
| 03/25/1996 | 5 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (1st vehicle on 601375-601378)*sd | |||
| 03/25/1996 | 5 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (1st vehicle on 503164,601375-601378)*sd | |||
| 03/25/1996 | 5 | ||
| Pitman arm broke.(2nd vehicle on 503164, 601375-601378)*sd | |||
| 04/11/1996 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke.(3rd vehicle on 503164, 601375-601378)*sd | |||
| 03/25/1996 | 5 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (4th vehicle on 503164, 601375-601378)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (3rd vehicle on 483817,503160,601371-601374)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (4th vehicle on 483817,503160,601370-601374)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (5th vehicle on 483817,503160, 601370-601374)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (6th vehicle on 483817,503160,601370-601372,601374)*sd | |||
| 03/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Pitman arm broke. (7th vehicle483817,503160,601370-601374)*sd | |||
| Pitman arm joint failure; arm separated from drag link, resulting in lost of steering control. please describe details. *ak | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - ARM - IDLER AND ATTACHMENT | |||
| 05/15/2001 | |||
| Steering had become erratic. dealer replaced steering linkage/ idler arm, and pitman arm. please provide additional information.*ak | |||
| 04/26/1996 | 1 | 01/01/1995 | |
| Pe96-029; 1 out 3 police vehicles have had pitman arm failures.*ak durnign normal maintanence it ws discovered the pitman arm was loose at the ball socket so the dealer was contacted and they saud they would replace it, also the steering gear assembly was overhauled and idler arm and bracket assembly replaced, because the front end had to much slack and wanders, spool valve did not have all the balls betwern worm and rack.*jb | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM | |||
| 06/05/1996 | 2 | 01/31/1995 | |
| Two bolts holding brake assembly to spindle broke off. ( first vehicle on 601597) | |||
| 08/12/1996 | 1 | 01/31/1995 | |
| Two bolts holding brake assembly to spindle broke off. ( second vehicle on 508207) | |||
| STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/29/1996 | 1 | ||
| Right inner/outer tie rods loose, causing steering problems. | |||
| STEERING - RACK AND PINION | |||
| 04/26/1996 | 1 | 01/01/1995 | |
| Pe96-029; 1 out 3 police vehicles have had pitman arm failures.*ak durnign normal maintanence it ws discovered the pitman arm was loose at the ball socket so the dealer was contacted and they saud they would replace it, also the steering gear assembly was overhauled and idler arm and bracket assembly replaced, because the front end had to much slack and wanders, spool valve did not have all the balls betwern worm and rack.*jb | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 05/05/1999 | 4 | 03/01/1999 | |
| Headlight lenses constantly turn yellow and cloudy, power window regulator cables constantly snap, excessive play in steering wheel, horn buttons too small and inconvienient and pop out at times, egr chamber always clogs every 40k miles and causes stalling condition. *ak | |||
| 07/12/1996 | |||
| Campbell county police department is experiencing a problem with the steering wheel and column when making a turn, the driver lost control of the vehicle.*ak | |||
| 03/12/1996 | 1 | 10/01/1994 | |
| The steering wheel pulls away when going around curves. *ak | |||