Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
06E056000UFI FILTERS USA E (Equipment)5864008/04/2006MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY06/13/200606/23/2006
Defect SummaryCertain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Consequence SummaryFailure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Corrective SummaryUfi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.
NotesThis recall only pertains to ufi filters usa (purolator) aftermarket fuel filters and has no relation to any original equipment installed on the listed passenger vehicles.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
02I003000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 07/01/1992 to 10/21/2002I350000ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY10/15/200211/21/2002
Defect SummaryIn order to enhance police office safety, model year 1992-2003 crown victoria police interceptor (cvpi) vehicles will be equipped with shields designed to help protect the fuel tank in high-speed rear-impact crashes. ford also will be offering an optional trunk package designed to improve the safe transport of sharp-edged, heavy equipment in these vehicles.
Consequence SummarySome high-speed rear-impact crashes have resulted in fuel tank punctures and fires in cvpi vehicles.
Corrective SummaryFord has advised us that shield kits have been available since late october and will be installed on police interceptor vehicles at no cost. the optional trank package will be available by the end of 2002. ford has established a new web site at www.cvpi.com to answer additional questions about the safe use of cpvi vehicles.
NotesCustomers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
03V472000FORD MOTOR COMPANY V (Vehicle)421801/07/2004ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY11/06/200311/19/2003
Defect SummaryOn certain natural gas vehicles, if a flame from a vehicle interior fire becomes locally directed at the natural gas fuel tank located immediately behind the rear seat, the flame could damage the fiberglass wrap on the tank weakening the tank.
Consequence SummaryIf the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install an insulator behind the current seat back. owner notification began on january 7, 2004. owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
NotesFord recall no. 03s08.customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration
02V249000FORD MOTOR COMPANYfrom 05/10/2001 to 03/22/2002V (Vehicle)57409/13/2002MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY09/06/200209/25/2002
Defect SummaryOn certain natural gas model vehicles, a t-fitting that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the on position or during refueling.
Consequence SummaryA gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create a combustible mixture and in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Corrective SummaryDealers will install a redesigned t fitting on #4 fuel tank and tested for leakage. owner notification began september 13, 2002. owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.
NotesAlso contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
02050303/21/20050556636417Guidance for cng tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. *tt update. *tt11/08/2002
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
039805/12/200310002780Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with diagnostic trouble codes p0442, p0455, p0456, p0457, p1442 or check fuel cap lamp illuminated with diagnostic trouble code p0457. *tt09/17/2003
03040902/01/200310002519Possible fuel leak at fill valve - fill valve service part revisions - cng vehicles only. *tt09/04/2003
034903/03/200310001901A possible fuel leak may occur at the fuel fill valve on some cng (compressed natural gas) vehicles. *tt *jb07/25/2003
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
025303/18/2002636042Subject regarding alternative fuel vehicle compressed natural gas tank inspection. *tt11/04/2002
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLING/CHARGING
1527109/01/2001625804Dedicated cng regulator bowl kit available. *jg12/03/2001

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
EA03001FORD MOTOR COMPANY01/27/200311/19/2003CNG TANK EXPLOSION03V472000
 In september 2002, a fuel cylinder in a natural gas powered vehicle (ngv) exploded during a fire.ford and vrtc test engineers jointly examined the incident vehicle and reviewed testing to determine whether the performance of the pressure relief valve (prd) was proper.the purpose of a prd is to protect a compressed natural gas tank from overpressure by allowing the cng to vent when the temperature reaches a specific point.the prd was removed from the failed tank and subjected to a yield temperature determination test. it was concluded that a direct flame (from the interior of the vehicle) onto the cylinder (located behind the rear seat in the trunk)compromised the hoop strength of the natural gas cylinder, thus allowing the cylinder to fail prior to the prd releasing at itsdesigned temperature.as a result of this testing and review of the involved vehicle, ford has developed an insulator to insulate the natural gas fuel tank from a locally directed flame projecting from the interior of the vehicle.insulators will be installed behind the back seat on subject vehicles to prevent future failures of this type. ford's action addresses the concerns of odi.therefore, this investigation is closed.
PE02071FORD MOTOR COMPANY10/01/200201/27/2003CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE
 An explosion of a compressed natural gas (cng) tank should not be able to occur, as the tank is fitted with a pressure relief device (prd). this prd should release the cng in the tank, prior to the pressure reaching the tank burst pressure.the prd did not release in the subject wisconsin police cruiser explosion.nhtsa has recovered the prd valve from the tank that exploded and testing will be necessary to establish why this tank safety valve did not release in the very high temperature fire that occurred in the police cruiser.there is only the single known event, but due to the catastropic force of such an explosion and the potential for injury and loss of life, this investigation is being upgraded.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
212/15/2002
 When starting the vehicle a noise was heard coming from the fuel tank area. dealer found a leak in the neck of the fuel tank which leaked gasoline onto the tires, and the rear driver's side brakes. also, fuel pump was faulty. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
003/22/2002
 The consumer was concerned with the gas tank problem with the 2002 crown victoria. the service manager told the consumer that the civilian vehicles, as opposed to the police and taxi models, were not of the same design thus not subject to the gas tank problem. *mr *scc *nlm
01/05/20021
 The consumer stated that ford refused to install a plastic shield around the gas tank to prevent the fire hazard that exists in these vehicles. mr scc
1
 There was a concern about fords intent to address the gas tanks. the consumer had requested information in reference to ford shielding the gas tanks. scc *jb
1
 Reply to concern that privately owned crown victoria vehicle's will not receive same retrofit service detailed in the closure resume for sq01-014. sent a copy of the closing resume and a voq for future use. *scc *jb
 The consumer is concerned that the fuel tank may exploded if the vehicle is involved in rear end collision. *scc
09/30/2002109/17/2002
 Consumer states purchased vehicle on 09/17/02. saw news report regarding fuel tank collision explosion. contacted mfr who advised only making modifications for vehicle being used in a police fleet. nlm *yh
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
212/15/2002
 When starting the vehicle a noise was heard coming from the fuel tank area. dealer found a leak in the neck of the fuel tank which leaked gasoline onto the tires, and the rear driver's side brakes. also, fuel pump was faulty. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
 Ford crown victoria police interceptor safety. ts