Recalls


CampaignManufacturerManufacturing dateType# of units affectedDate Owner notified MfgRecall Initiated byManufacturers of recalled vehicles/productsReport Recieved DateRecord Creation DateRegulation Part NumberFMVSS Number
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
98I001000FORD MOTOR COMPANY I16774205/01/1998ODIFORD MOTOR COMPANY04/07/199806/05/1998
Defect SummaryThis is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. however, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. ford is initiating an owner notification program for owners of certain 1995-1997 crown victoria model vehicles with police, taxi, and commercial fleet packages and town car vehicles with the livery package. these vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the brake line and the underbody front floor pan assembly which could cause wear of the brake lines.
Consequence SummaryThis could lead to brake fluid loss for the rear brakes and, potentially, increased stopping distances.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect the brake lines for wear, install two new tube bundle clips, and check the brake lines for proper clearances. if the brake lines are worn, the damaged section of the brake line will be replaced.
NotesNote:ford has decided to conduct a safety improvement service campaign to inspect the brake lines without charge.owners can contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
95V133000DABRYAN COACH BUILDERSfrom 09/01/1992 to 06/01/1995V (Vehicle)69208/08/1995MFRFORD MOTOR COMPANY07/11/199507/21/1995
Defect SummaryImproper installation of the rear brake line at the point at which the extended brake line first bends and extends over the left rear wheel area of the frame. if not installed with sufficient clearance, chafing of the brake line can occur in an area adjacent to the rear floor pan.
Consequence SummaryThe rear brake line can leak or rupture resulting in reduced braking capability, loss of rear brakes, and/or loss of brake fluid reserves in the master brake cylinder.
Corrective SummaryDealers will inspect the brake line for proper installation and/or damage and replace as necessary. also a protective boot or sleeve over the brake line will be installed.
NotesSystem: brakes; hydraulic; lines; non-metallic.vehicle description: lincoln towncars remanufactured into stretch limousines by dabryan coach builders.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 dabryan at 1-417-864-4411. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.

Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
984503/02/1998601264Availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *yc07/15/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
981201/19/1998605557Experiencing squealing and / or moaning noise from the rear brakes during light to medium brake applications. *tt07/08/1999
985A203/18/1998601001A squealing and / or moaning noise may be heard from the rear brakes during light to medium brake applications. *tt06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
985A603/18/1998601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn. *yc12/14/2000
985A303/18/1998601002The anti-lock brake system ( abs ) may activate under false abs conditions. *yc06/17/1998
BC031A49702002/01/199751652Inadvertent abs activation on smooth dry pavement. *tw06/27/1997
BC031497020101/02/199751113Inadvertent abs activation on smooth dry pavement. *jd06/27/1997
BC031497230101/23/199751423Inadvertent abs activation on smooth dry pavement. *jd06/27/1997
9521210/01/199546478The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable because it may be incompatible with the rubber material used in the disc brake system. if petroleum-based grease is used to lubricate any par04/25/1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
9919409/20/19996090082Information for servicing and diagnosing brake vibration, brake inspection, and brake friction material replacement. *tt03/06/2000
985A1103/18/1998601009Service tip information regarding elimination of sanding rotors and drums. *yc06/17/1998
9622210/21/199650941Brakes - elimination of sanding rotors and drums - service tip. *tw06/17/1997
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
985A1303/18/1998601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes is no longer acceptable. *yc06/17/1998
956203/01/199539900Roughness concern during brake application. *tw11/01/1995
BC285095040104/01/19953020103Unknown11/01/1995
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
981401/19/1998605562Subject regarding the availability of hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment. *tt07/09/1999
985A503/18/1998601003Hub-mount brake rotor machining equipment from rotunda is now approved for warranty and service use. *yc06/17/1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
98B19S108/01/1998609562Owner notification program 98b19-s1 - brake line wear on certain vehicles. correction to original technical instructions regarding diameter of replacement brake lines. yd04/04/2000

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA03012FORD MOTOR COMPANY07/25/200304/11/2005REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE05V086000
 In a letter dated february 25, 2005, ford motor company (ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi
RQ03004FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/11/200307/25/2003REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
 Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FLUID
RQ03004FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/11/200307/25/2003REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
 Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
EA03012FORD MOTOR COMPANY07/25/200304/11/2005REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE05V086000
 In a letter dated february 25, 2005, ford motor company (ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
RQ03004FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/11/200307/25/2003REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
 Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
EA03012FORD MOTOR COMPANY07/25/200304/11/2005REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE05V086000
 In a letter dated february 25, 2005, ford motor company (ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 ford crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi
RQ03004FORD MOTOR COMPANY03/11/200307/25/2003REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
 Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - CALIPER
03/10/19992
 Experiencing brake difficulties resulted in overheating of brake components, repair made prior however resulting in complete failure of brake system.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - PADS
03/10/19992
 Experiencing brake difficulties resulted in overheating of brake components, repair made prior however resulting in complete failure of brake system.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
06/26/2008127000
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 lincoln town car. the contact's mother attempted to place the vehicle into reverse and heard a popping noise. the vehicle accelerated backwards, although her foot was depressing the brake pedal. the vehicle eventually stopped after crashing into a guardrail and three people. the police impounded and inspected the vehicle, but found no failure. a police report was filed. a state farm representative inspected the vehicle and gave the contact's mother a ticket for careless driving. her mother continued to stress that her foot was depressing the brake pedal the entire time. the current and failure mileages were approximately 127,000.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
08/17/2007101000100011/01/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 1995 lincoln town car. while driving 5 mph or greater, the vehicle would not stop immediately when the brake pedal was depressed. the contact stated that the failure increased the stopping distance by twenty feet. the road conditions were clear. the dealer stated that the abs terminal caused the failure. as of september 17, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. the failure mileage was 101,000 and current mileage was 103,000. updated 01-14-08. *kb updated 12/12/07
09/13/200415000305/15/1997
 Intermittently when applying the brake at low speed of 20 mph or less, it caused the vehicle to shimmy and extended stopping distance occurred. the vehicle has been to the dealer on several occasions. the dealer replaced the abs senor module & cleaned the abs sensor however the problem continued. please provide any further information. *jb
07/12/20031
 Consumer states that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal will go to the floor, causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. dealer notified. *ak
07/04/200363000405/21/1996
 While driving the abs failed. the consumer was braking when the pedal pushed back and the pedal went to the floor. as a result the vehicle was involved in an accident. the consumer had various brake components replaced but the system continued to fail. *ak *cb *nlm *ts *jb
06/25/1997
 Ongoing/intermittent problem. when applying normal braking abs light would come on, and brake pedal would begin to pulsate, resulting in extended stopping distance. vehicle been to dealer on two occasions, and problem stilloccurring. feel free to provide any further infromation.*ak
03/01/1997
 When applying brakes at low speeds on occasions they make a crunching noise. took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that abs needed replacing. 2000 miles later, problem reoccurred. please provide any further information.*ak
08/19/2001211/01/1998
 10,000 miles, ford had me operate this auto without antilock brakes. repaired originally under warr. 2 days later light back on. dealer advised us to bring the car in when the light comes back on again. light came on many times, always when far from ladin. it's a long story but my safety was never the concern at lincoln. *ak
01/01/19991
 When applying the brakes, there is a vibration and hesitation, also abs light on dash comes on, vehicle has been taken to dealer 3 times, and the problem could not be duplicated.*ak. consumer also stated it is a sporadic problem, the sensor replacement did not help.*slc
12/10/2001704/01/1997
 I hve had this car in shop on 8 different occasions to repair. no safety defec tlisted. *ak
03/11/1997604/01/1997
 When applying brakes there is a grinding noise, then, brakes will release/ grab, grinding noise will get louder. vehicle taken to dealer 6-8 times, abs system was replaced once under warranty, but problem still persists.*ak dealer has replaced many parts including: abs module, right and left front wheel sensors, wiring connectors on abs module, brake shoes, pads, and rotors which were warped, dealer can not remedy problem. *jb
11/30/2000404/01/1997
 Brakes lock up or some wheels lock up on loose surface. yesterday with one wheel on gravel and one on leaves, wheel on leaved locked up and almost caused me to hit large tree.this is not first time brakes have locked up, first time i sled off driveway into ditch, reported that to dealer and they just laughed. *ak
07/29/2000205/02/1998
 On two different occasions, brake pedal has went to the floor while braking, consumer has had to pump the brakes to slow the vehicle, consumer also stated that while attempting to brake, vehicle shook and a loud sucking noise was heard, dealer has replaced front and rear brake pads, rotors, and dealer replaced the master cylinder and brake booster due to fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. *slc
05/12/20002510/01/1997
 : the anti-lock braking system was enabled on dry road and caused the cars braking system to become inoperable. this caused the car to brake using the anti lock braking system, which made the car take a longer time to stop. this problem seemed to be intemitant as the power braking system would operate at times, and without warning go into the anti lock mode. this anti lock mode acted like the car was on a slippery surface and would not stop. *ak
12/15/1999107/01/1997
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
205/01/1996
 Abs failed on the road. yh
06/01/1999206/01/1998
 Power booster was replaced during warranty period. when lighting module was replaced. the technician noted that the module was a remanufactured unit. fomoco claims that no warranty work was done on the vehicle. directional and flaher lights still function intermittently.local dealer cannot explain cause of failures. *ak
03/03/19990
 While driving a warning light came on and brakes started to squeal. consumer took vehicle straight to dealer, and was told it needed brakes although recently vehicle had new brakes installed. *ak
12/15/199804/01/1995
 No repair possible. dealer replaced module @ cost of $712.61
11/13/1998111/21/1995
 Recall 98i0001000. brake line wear; when driving the brake light came on, and the pedal went all the way to the floor. after inspection, brake fluid was leaking. also, spots and rust appeared where the clamps were worn out. dealer states no warranty, and vehicle does not comply with the recall. problem still exists. *ak referenced in rq03-004
111/28/1995
 Brakes have a high-pitch squeal upon stopping.
04/04/199703/01/1997
 Abs brake problems; when applying the brakes under wet road conditions, the abs system kicks in and the car slides an extra 2-3 feet before coming to a complete stop. the vehicle has been repaired twice for brake problems. **ak
 When brakes are applied at low rates of speed they begin to grind and squeak. the dealer has replaced various parts of the brake system. *ak
11/28/1995111/28/1995
 Brakes make loud squealing noises.
10/31/1997509/23/1996
 Vehicle will occassionaly not stop and the abs light comes on.
11/03/199712/11/1995
 The defective braking system malfunctioned when applying the brakes, a vibration on front of the vehicle. replaced braking system 6 times. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak
11/07/1996409/29/1995
 Antilock brakes failed 4 times.
 When applying the abs brakes at low speeds the brakes do not lock, causing extended stopping distance. please describe details. *ak
05/14/19964
 Anti-lock brakes failed twice. *dh
06/07/19957
 Antilock brakes failed twice. *sd
01/01/19961
 Brakes failed three times. *dsh
02/05/19965
 Antilock brake system failure. *sd
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
03/15/1996101/05/1995
 Abs brake light illuminated.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
02/01/2001111/05/1999
 After brakes were serviced by a private mechanic vehicle experienced mild vibration while traveling at low speeds on a random basis. dealership has not examined vehicle. *ak mechanice inspected brakes and found no problems, consumer is going to take vehicle back to dealer for inspection. *slc
03/10/19992
 Experiencing brake difficulties resulted in overheating of brake components, repair made prior however resulting in complete failure of brake system.
12/27/1995101/05/1995
 Brakes grab.
11/01/1995109/01/1995
 Transmission failure.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
02/01/2001111/05/1999
 After brakes were serviced by a private mechanic vehicle experienced mild vibration while traveling at low speeds on a random basis. dealership has not examined vehicle. *ak mechanice inspected brakes and found no problems, consumer is going to take vehicle back to dealer for inspection. *slc
11/06/1996410/01/1996
 This is a continuing problem with this car and i have talked with other town car owners who have the same problem..when purchased brake work had to be done because of pulsation that was at 24,000 miles, again 5/30/97 machined front and rear rotors, repl rear calipers and pads,6/11/97 replace front rotors, last year more brake work, now the brakes are shuddering again. local ford dealer admits problem; but ford company says no problem exists...car now has 41,000 miles; have had other ford products brakes lasted 65,000 miles no probem..any help will be appreciated..thank you. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
01/01/19895
 Warped front brake pads, causing vehicle to, grind.
05/08/19951
 Excessive brake dust on front wheel even when driving 20 miles. tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
04/24/200329134208/31/1995
 The front rotors were replaced twice, and there was still a problem with the braking system not working effectively. *jb on the second occasion the brake light had come on and the consumer was told that the brake lines had rusted. the manufacturer declined on covering the repairs. *scc referenced in rq03-004
12/01/1996611/01/1996
 Brake rotors failed several times, repairs made however vehicle still pulls to the right.
12/27/1995101/05/1995
 Rotors replaced.
01/01/19895
 Warped front brake rotors, causing vehicle to grind.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
02/17/2004950001
 The hydraulic brake line rusted and as a result the brakes failed. *nm *sc *jb
08/26/200380000109/01/1998
 The rear brake lines have rusted all the way through. there is a recall for this particular vehicle. the manufacturer is aware of the problem, but informed the consumer that his vin was not on the list.*ak the brake lines on both side failed at the same time due to the routing of the lines along the frame. the consumer believes this system is poorly designed. *ph *nm
10/05/20021
 I came to a stop light and the car had just enough brakes to stop with, i pulled into a parking lot and notice the ground was wet on the left side of the car and looked under the car and found that the brake lines were leaking. i had the car towed to greens and shane mullins said the brake lines have rusted out i can not believe that brake lines would rust out in 7 years. dt referenced in rq03-004
02/22/2002101/01/1996
 The brake line was rusted through below the driver seat and ruptured. the driver could not stop the vehicle in time and crashed into another vehicle at a traffic intersection. referenced in rq03-004
09/28/2001
 A solid metal brake line was being rubbed by front control, and lost all brake fluid. also, did not have any brakes to stop vehicle. contact dealer, and dealer was repairing vehicle.*ak referenced in rq03-004
11/13/1998111/21/1995
 Recall 98i0001000. brake line wear; when driving the brake light came on, and the pedal went all the way to the floor. after inspection, brake fluid was leaking. also, spots and rust appeared where the clamps were worn out. dealer states no warranty, and vehicle does not comply with the recall. problem still exists. *ak referenced in rq03-004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
07/29/2000205/02/1998
 On two different occasions, brake pedal has went to the floor while braking, consumer has had to pump the brakes to slow the vehicle, consumer also stated that while attempting to brake, vehicle shook and a loud sucking noise was heard, dealer has replaced front and rear brake pads, rotors, and dealer replaced the master cylinder and brake booster due to fluid leaking from the master cylinder into the brake booster. *slc
03/10/19992
 Experiencing brake difficulties resulted in overheating of brake components, repair made prior however resulting in complete failure of brake system.
11/01/1995109/01/1995
 Transmission failure.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES
 Brake pedal is weak, has not enough pressure. *ak
12/18/19958
 Insufficient room between brake pedal and underdash panel. *dsh
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
06/01/1999206/01/1998
 Power booster was replaced during warranty period. when lighting module was replaced. the technician noted that the module was a remanufactured unit. fomoco claims that no warranty work was done on the vehicle. directional and flaher lights still function intermittently.local dealer cannot explain cause of failures. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
06/12/20031
 Consumer states that brake line is rusted. dealer notified.*ak
06/20/200395000107/07/1995
 Faulty brake lines, rusted sections, leaking loss of braking while driving. i checked the brake lines, i found the 2 brake lines going to the rear of the car severely rusted, leaking sections. (photo enclosed) a line adjacent to the brake lines looks new, no rust at all! everything else under the car, including parts that normally rust like the muffler, tail pipe, etc. are in great shape. it is obvious to me that the brake lines used in this particular year of the lincoln are faulty,( a material defect)! i have made several phone calls to inquire about having it fixed because my car is not safe to drive. i have been told that this car needs some very unusual, and expensive, labor to replace the faulty brake lines. (the frame and body of the car has to be separated) what type of engineering is that? ive received estimates to fix my car at a minimum of $1500! ive also been informed that this is possibly an unpublished recall for this particular car with such serious brake line erosion, a material defect! it doesnt take an expert to know that these brake lines are a danger to the public! any people who happen to be at the wrong place and time, when these defective brakes fail it could be catastrophic. *ak