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 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | ||||||||||||||||
| 98V322000 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | V (Vehicle) | 175000 | 01/18/1999 | ODI | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 12/16/1998 | 12/18/1998 | ||||||||
| Defect Summary | Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. the one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. this could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2). | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Owner notification is expected to begin january 18, 1999.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 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||||
| 97090297182 | 09/02/1997 | 54068 | Some vehicles may experience a lean right condition. *yc | 03/30/1998 | |
| BC0706961022 | 10/22/1996 | 50376 | Light to moderate axle noise (axle whine) at 50 to 65 mph (80 to 105 kph) during accels, decels or cruise. *tt | 04/24/1997 | |
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||||
| BC3621950201 | 02/01/1995 | 39145 | Suspension compressor running hours after ignition is turned off. *tw | 03/17/1995 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||||
| BC0311970201 | 01/02/1997 | 51110 | Whine/noise from rear axle between 50-65 mph. driveshaft and #4 crossmember frame dracket kit. *jd | 06/27/1997 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | ||||||
| RQ03002 | FORD MOTOR COMPANY | 01/03/2003 | 06/03/2003 | BALL JOINT SEPARATION | ||
| See attached report. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 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. | |||
| 10/11/2008 | 140000 | ||
| Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. the contact was experiencing steering failure. he stated that the ball joints were loose on the vehicle and should be tighter. the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 96v135000 (steering:linkages). the failure and current mileages were less than 140,000. | |||
| 08/01/2002 | 1 | ||
| While driving between 35-55mph, the vehicle will shudder and vibrate excessively. *ak consumer has had the transmission fluid checked, also the no skip was checked. (neither has corrected the problem with the shuddering). *scc | |||
| 03/01/1998 | |||
| I am trying to find out if this vehicle was used as a taxi/police vehicle and if any recall services were performed on it. hyannis ford inc. stated there were no recalls on this vehicle, but i saw many listed on this site, i have questions in regards to the suspension/airbags/torque converter,etc. could you please tell me how i can find out if this vehicle has recalls on it and if i can get the work done. i had immediate problems with the vehicle when i bought it, and i don't think the dealer will give me straight answers. thanks for any help or information you can give me. *ak | |||
| 09/14/1995 | 2 | 01/14/1995 | |
| The alternator gauge,alternator and the window couldn't roll up, there is a popping noise in the front end . tt consumer states the front end collapsed because of the dealerships reuse of a neoprene nut, also there is a popping noise in front end, fuel tank was replaced, alternator replaced, fuel guage on instrument panel replaced,rear passenger window would not roll all the way up, gas lid fills with water, replaced both arm bushings and correct toe end, cassette player does not work properly, and a malfunctioing head light switch.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT | |||
| 04/11/2011 | 83000 | ||
| I have a 1995 ford crown victoria with 83,000 miles on it. the control arm dropped and hit the road, causing loss of steering. lucky for us we were going slow turning into a place of business, if we were going fast it could have been bad news. this car started a squeek on the front a little while ago, i guess it had something to do with it. i have noticed alot of 90's and some 2000's model fords have this same squeek. i contacted ford, and they said there was no recall on my model, i told them there should be. | |||
| 05/24/2009 | 94000 | ||
| 1995 crown victoria had a blow out on the expressway at 55 mph at about midnight after picking up our grandson from the airport dont know for sure if ball joint broke first or tire did my husband managed to get the car to the side of the road without hitting any thing. this happened may 24th 2009 the other ball joint just broke today august 16 2010 car was going about 5mph when it happened today. what are the odds this was just a coincidencs or this was a defect in manufacturing someone could have been killed. we were lucky. | |||
| 07/30/2006 | 197342 | 1 | 11/20/1995 |
| 1. i had just backed out of a parking spot, finished turning the car around to face forward and began approaching exit out of parking lot. i estimate speed at the moment of failure was less than five (5) mph. it is very fortunate that i was not going faster or i could have lost control of the crown vic, been killed, or killed someone else. as i began to approach the exit, i heard a sound of metal dragging on the street. i thought i accidentally ran over a metal shopping cart or someone on a bicycle. this is the type of metallic, dragging sound i heard. 2. right-front wheel fell off of car while approaching exit. i looked under my car just after the incident occurred, within approximately one or two minutes as it was then disabled in the lot. i observed ball joint had popped out. 3. ford replaced the following parts: arm asy fmc xw1z 3078 ba, kit-ste fmc f8az 3050 aa, joint asy fmcf7az 3049 aa, link fmc* f6az 5k484 aa, shield fmc* f5az 2k004 a, kit-sho fmc f8az 18124 ha, link spo* f6az 5k484 aa. i do not personally have any of the old parts that were replaced, perhaps ford does. *nm | |||
| 45000 | 1 | ||
| While parking consumer heard a clunk noise and steering became very loose, and front wheels would not turn. cause unknown. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1999 | |
| Need parts replaced. no safety defect listed within summary. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/07/1997 | ||
| Welds on the front of vehicle are not sufficient. | |||
| 12/01/1995 | |||
| Police vehicle, front suspension, when driving at any speed makes a loud noise, when making a left or right turn or on uneven highway. *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 | |||
| When turning the corner car feels like it is floating , please describe . *ak | |||
| 09/14/1995 | 2 | 01/14/1995 | |
| The alternator gauge,alternator and the window couldn't roll up, there is a popping noise in the front end . tt consumer states the front end collapsed because of the dealerships reuse of a neoprene nut, also there is a popping noise in front end, fuel tank was replaced, alternator replaced, fuel guage on instrument panel replaced,rear passenger window would not roll all the way up, gas lid fills with water, replaced both arm bushings and correct toe end, cassette player does not work properly, and a malfunctioing head light switch.*jb | |||
| The alternator gauge,alternator and the window couldn't roll up, there is a popping noise in the front end . tt | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM | |||
| 04/01/2002 | 1 | 10/01/2095 | |
| The front suspension ball joints were replaced at my cost. they had started squeaking and were worn badly. my mechanic suggests that the entire front suspension be rebuilt for safety because ford does not have grease joints on any these parts. when the horn button was pushed for longer than a few seconds, it used to blow the fuse. the last time it did this, it also disabled the cruise control. i was told by my mechanic the only fix was to replace the steering column where these wires were shorting together internally.*ak | |||
| 02/01/1999 | |||
| Front suspension was popping and getting tight. ball joints broke into two pieces, and the front of vehicle dropped down, totally disabling the vehicle. *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 | |||
| 03/24/2000 | 1 | ||
| While driving at 5 to 10 mph front passenger's side wheel came off due to ball joints coming apart. dealer has been contacted. *ak *ml | |||
| 08/10/1999 | 1 | ||
| Design of ball joints causes them to not have greased insert which resulted in ball joint failing collapsing the left front end of vehicle and puncturing the left front tire. nlm | |||
| 06/24/1996 | 1 | 07/13/1995 | |
| Police car, pitman arm/ball joint let go, resulting in steering problems, in for repair. *ak | |||
| 07/02/1996 | 4 | 05/01/1905 | |
| Four police vehicles are experiencing failures w/pitman arm/ball joint separating. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER ARM | |||
| 05/01/1997 | 3 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Severe front end noise is caused by the lower arms and the steering is off. rubber booty is torn and the front end makes loud pop when steering to the left or right turns. this problem has been with the car since purchased and has been to the dealer on 3 occasions were they say there is no problem. i had a garage look at it and they informed me that the ball joints and or thr arms needed to be replaced. the dealership tells me that there is no problem. my warranty ends soon and am wondering if there are other complaints like this.*ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 2 | 03/01/1998 | |
| Both lower control arms of this vehicle have failed and require replacement for safety. ford sates they have recalled 1997-1999 fords for the same defect and are unsure about extending the sefect recall to 1995. ford admits that both arms should not fail or need replacement. | |||
| 09/20/1996 | 1 | 05/31/1995 | |
| Lower left control arm replaced. (1st vehicle on 511310) | |||
| 10/29/1996 | 1 | 05/31/1995 | |
| Lower left control arm replaced. (2nd vehicle on 511309) | |||
| 10/09/1996 | |||
| While driving the right lower control arm fell off the vehicle. *ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - LOWER BALL JOINT | |||
| 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 | |||
| 08/27/2007 | 140931 | 1 | |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. the vehicle was a fleet. while driving between 5-10 mph, the front end of the vehicle dropped. the vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the driver side lower ball joint separated. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 98v322000 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the purchase date was unknown. the failure mileage was 140,931 and current mileage was 141,000. updated 11/15/07 *tr | |||
| 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 | |||
| 10/01/2005 | 250000 | 1 | 06/01/2003 |
| Dt: the front suspension lower control arm lower ball joints separated. this happened while driving 35 mph. there was a tiny bump in the road and the vehicle tilted to the right side lane. the vehicle was slanted to that side. there was a loss of steering. the vehicle was immobile at that time. a tow truck towed the vehicle to the contact's house and later to a mechanic. a recall was issued concerning the front suspension lower control arm lower ball joints. the contacts vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin although the contact's vehicle experienced a similar problem. the mechanic replaced both lower ball joints. *ak | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 70000 | 7 | 06/09/1999 |
| Sudden failure of ball joints in ford passenger cars.*jb | |||
| 09/01/2002 | 1 | 06/01/2096 | |
| First of all i am not sure of the month we bought the car but it was in 1996. this is what happened.my daughter was over at the oregon coast and had just pulled out of a parking lot when the left front lower ball joint came apart and the front wheel collapsed inward. luckily no one was injured and there was no body damaged. i called the dealership to find out if there was a recall notice for the vehicle. they said that there was not. on your web site i found two (2) recalls summarys: nhtsa campaign id numbers : 98v322000 and 96v135000. these deal with the lower control arm ball joints and the pitman arms on the 1995 ford crown victoria. i asked the dealers in newport, or. and junction city, or and they claimed no knowledge of either one. in addition i was given an number for the main customer service office for ford back east. they didn't acknowledge the recalls either. both dealers i talked to suggested replacing all four of the ball joints (upper and lower) which i did. it cost $561.63. i had a towing bill of $142.00 and a cab bill of $57.75. i asked the dealer to be reimbursed at least of the repair and towing bills. they refused. if my daughter had been driving along at 55 mph and the ball joint came apart she could have been killed. if i had been driving the car and it came apart, i could have been killed. i have talked to several mechanics and they claim that this shouldn't have happened given the year of the car and miles driven. i feel that ford motor company should pay the repair bill at least. if this happened to me, it could happen to other owners of the 1995 crown victoria's, and it seems to have already since you have recalls summarys concerning them.*ak | |||
| 08/10/2002 | |||
| While driving 10 mph left front of vehicle dropped onto wheel. dealer determined lower ball joint broke.*ak | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - CONTROL ARM - UPPER BALL JOINT | |||
| 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 | |||
| 03/01/2001 | 70000 | 7 | 06/09/1999 |
| Sudden failure of ball joints in ford passenger cars.*jb | |||
| SUSPENSION - FRONT - SPRINGS - AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM | |||
| 07/22/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1995 | |
| Check air suspension dash light. ride control module failure also in lincolns. high temprature suspect. please notify me. *ak | |||