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.

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
1223012/01/1998615491All vehicles with antilock brake module concerns that require a module replacement, the technician must call for approval before removing and / or replacing the module. *tt01/17/2001
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
BC031497230101/23/199751423Inadvertent abs activation on smooth dry pavement. *jd06/27/1997
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 - 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
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 - 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 - ANTILOCK - ABS WARNING LIGHT
02/11/200473000210/11/1997
 1. the abs lamp remained on and my cost was nearly 1000.00 to diagnose a faulty module,and have it replaced. the lincoln towncar is a 97 with only 73k miles. 2. there is a suspension noise in the front driver side which i was told would cost nearly 600 dollars because they have to break the seal to access the area and that it is not a simple lubricatiion job. 3. i have seen several recalls associated with the abs and front suspensions yet i have never received any by mail.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
10/27/1998510/01/1997
 The braking system has given problems for approximately the last 1000 miles or so. i have had the vehicle in for repair 3 times, and have complained to the service personnel that i have to stand on the pedal to stop. when the brakes are used for a while they tend to not stop the car, but rather let the car glide to a stop, and thus make it difficult to know how much distance to leave between myself and other vehicles, and pedestrians. i have come close on at least 5 occassions to either hitting other cars or pedestrians. the service personnel first said they replaced the brake pads, and that the rotors were warped. i then took it in again, and they replaced an abs sensor, next time they said they could not find a problem. the problem is intermittent, and thus unpredictable, and potentially life threatening. the service technicians find problems part of the time, and at others they don't. the pedal will push completely upward at times, and in essence the vehicle coasts to a stop, and is dangerous.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
07/11/2006150000205/11/2000
 Tl* the contact owns a 1997 lincoln towncar. the brake lines were rubbing against the frame which caused a leak. this failure was identical to one mentioned in recall#98i001000 concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. the mechanic stated this vin was not included in the recall due to the vin. the current and failure mileage was 150,000. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
07/01/2002800001
 1997 lincoln town car multiple brake line failures. 2002,2005,2006,2007,2010. due to external rust. *tr
05/31/20091500001
 Life threatening complete brake failure complete loss of brake fluid because of brake line ruptures (both systems) while applying brakes abruptly to avoid an accident. brake line failure was due to use of cheap uncoated steel brake lines that weakened over the years due to rust. fortunately, this brake failure occurred at 25mph, just moments after i applied normal braking from 65mph to proceed through a toll booth. if this complete brake failure occurred while braking for the toll booth most likely this brake system failure would have resulted in severe injury and/or death. these inferior uncoated brake lines should have never been allowed to be installed in this vital safety system (brakes) in the first place . and now ...they should be recalled and replaced with superior brake lines under a manufacturer recall program to prevent future severe collisions and loss of life. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
09/27/200433500108/25/1997
 Abs brake system failed. consumer took the vehicle to a local ford dealership where it was discovered that one of the connectors had to be replaced on each wheel and one on the master cylinder.*ak
08/11/2001110/29/1997
 While driving between 10 and 15 mph on wet pavement and making a turn, vehicle made a clunking noise, and abs system locked up, causing vehicle to pull to the right and go off the road. there were no other vehicles involved in this incident, and there were no injuries. dealership examined vehicle, and stated that abs system had no problems, and this was considered to be normal operation. please provide any additional information/attachments. *ak the windshield gasket is splitting on the right side of the glass, the front door wont open at times with the remote, the front edge of the vinyl top is coming loose. nlm
07/22/2001309/01/1997
 Total loss of steering and brakes. *ak
03/19/2001
 When brakes were applied pedal went to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has inspected vehicle. brake lines are on national back order. *ak referenced in rq03-004
11/01/1999504/01/1997
 Heavy brake pulsation required 5 complete brake jobs in 30000 mi, pulsation develops within 3000 mi after each repair. appeals to president linc-mercury either go unanswered or brushed off with that's normal for lincolns, the pulsations cause me even to hestitate to apply the brakes, so it is very dangerous.
09/29/1998106/30/1997
 Abs system failed causing vehicle to spin out and tire blowout, loss of control resulting in accident ( no deployment of air bags during collision and seat belts did not restraint properly), injuries due to defects. yh
110/07/1997
 Antilock brakes makes minor noise. yh
01/07/1998408/01/1997
 Steering wheel vibration during hard braking. three different dealers have attempted to repair a total of 4 times: including turning rotors, replacing all rotors and all pads. *ak
07/30/1998707/01/1997
 When applying the brakes, the steering wheel vibrates badly. this condition is worse when it is raining. the dealer not able to correct the problem. please describe details. *ak
10/27/1998510/01/1997
 The braking system has given problems for approximately the last 1000 miles or so. i have had the vehicle in for repair 3 times, and have complained to the service personnel that i have to stand on the pedal to stop. when the brakes are used for a while they tend to not stop the car, but rather let the car glide to a stop, and thus make it difficult to know how much distance to leave between myself and other vehicles, and pedestrians. i have come close on at least 5 occassions to either hitting other cars or pedestrians. the service personnel first said they replaced the brake pads, and that the rotors were warped. i then took it in again, and they replaced an abs sensor, next time they said they could not find a problem. the problem is intermittent, and thus unpredictable, and potentially life threatening. the service technicians find problems part of the time, and at others they don't. the pedal will push completely upward at times, and in essence the vehicle coasts to a stop, and is dangerous.
 When applying the abs brakes the pedal goes 1 inch to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. dealer cannot identify any problem. please give any further details. *ak
 When consumer is driving at any speed below 45mph there is a high pitch squealing sound coming from brakes whenever applied. if drifting backwards, tapping brakes very lightly the noise starts, and sometimes it won't. consumer has experienced this problem since day of purchase. called dealer and they looked at the vehicle , but no repairs.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FLUID
12/06/20041
 The vehicle was pulling out of the garage when all of a sudden all the brake fluid spilled, causing the brakes not operate. taken to dealer for repairs.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
09/16/20021
 Consumer states that when trying to apply the brakes they can hear a loud noise and the brake pedal will go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. dealer notified. nlm
05/28/19991811/29/1997
 An extremely strong mildew odor is coming from the air conditioning unit, causing passengers to become ill. dealer states odor is due to coil which is too tight around air conditioner, preventing water to escape, and causing mildew odor. *ak emergency brake shoes were replaced. brakes squeal, dealer has replaced front brake pads, resurfaced rotors, lubed caliper slides, replaced rear brake pads, machined rear rotors, however brakes still squeal. both rear wheels were covered with gear lube. drivers shoulder belt would not retract at times, dealer replaced seat belt. noise and thimping felt in steering when making turns, dealer lubed stops. left front window inoperable, dealer replaced window regulater. front roof welt loose and broken, dealer replaced. front door pull trim missing. blend doors inoperable, will not blow air through defrost vent. ash tray will not close. ac/heater emits a musty/moldy odor, the odor not only permeates the passenger, but is also in the trunk,there is no condensation being released by the ac, many things along with the moisture purge module have been replaced and problem still persists, system has been sanitized several times, ac max button does not work. motor goes on 45 minutes after vehicle is turned off, this blows through the front defroster and steams up the front windshield. door handle is inoperable. vinyl trim at top of console is loose. engine stalled at stops when cold, dealer replaced maf and fuel pump. *slc
111/01/1996
 Brakes squeal. mjs
1
 Brakes fail continually.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
01/07/1998408/01/1997
 Steering wheel vibration during hard braking. three different dealers have attempted to repair a total of 4 times: including turning rotors, replacing all rotors and all pads. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
01/15/2002101/22/1997
 While driving, consumer went to apply brakes to stop and brake pedal went to the floor, took vehicle to dealer and was informed brake lines had corroded and needed replacing.*ak. consumer aslo had the front brakes replaced.*slc referenced in rq03-004
01/01/1998107/31/1997
 Brakes pad make noise, the rotor cause the vibration. yh
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
05/09/2000308/01/1997
 Warped rotors cause vehicle to pulsate and shudder whenever the brakes are applied under load, from higher speeds and down hills. nlm
01/01/1998107/31/1997
 Brakes pad make noise, the rotor cause the vibration. yh
08/18/1997202/21/1997
 Brake rotors failed, causing uneven braking with vibration.
108/16/1997
 Vehicle shakes and shimmies. dealer replaced all four shock absorbers and control arms/power steering hoses and front brake rotors.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
02/02/200690000100005/01/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 1997 lincoln town car. while driving 50 mph, the front passenger side of the vehicle jumped when the brake pedal was depressed. the dealer stated that the control arm and lower ball joint failed. the brake lines also failed. as of october 23, 2007, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. there are recalls for the suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint (nhtsa campaign id number 98v322000) and service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (nhtsa campaign id number 98i001000); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle as part of the recalls. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 143,000.
05/01/200775000104/05/1999
 Brake failure due to corroded and rusted brake lines. had to replace all lines. can't understand why this occurred as i only have 75,000 miles on my automobile. this could have caused a serious accident as i was in the mountains of tennessee last year. i have never heard of this problem, nor has anyone else whom i have spoken to has ever heard of this problem, and never had this problem with any automobile that i have ever owned. this repair was costing approximately $2,000 to replace all lines. please advise. thank you. *ak
09/17/200676888302/08/2002
 Dt*: the contact stated the brake light illuminated constantly. when the brake pedal was depressed, white smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment, accompanied by a smell of brake fluid. the vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where the mechanic determined that the stainless steel brake piping was severely rusted and cracked. this caused brake fluid to leak from between the master cylinder and the abs system. the brake fluid was leaking on to the engine causing the smoke. the repair shop replaced part of the piping, but the problem persisted. updated 10/04/06.*jb
06/05/2006100000201/01/1997
 Dt*: the contact stated there are nhtsa recalls, # 98i001000 and 01v318000, regarding the service brakes: hydraulic :foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and the airbags: frontal: driver side inflator module. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for the service brakes and the brake lines were replaced. also, the horn is inoperable. the manufacturer was alerted about both recalls who determined the vin was not included in the recalls.
09/07/200597000110/20/1997
 I have a 1997 lincoln town car the two brake lines that run to the back brakes rusted out, and i lost my stopping power. this should have never happen. your life depends on them. i had new ones put in at my expense. can you think that they would put cheap lines in the lincoln that coast 35000 dollars. they did. *jb
03/28/2005108600107/11/2003
 Consumer complained about a brake line problem. there is insufficient clearance between the brake line and the underbody front floor pan assembly. this has caused excessive wear to the brake lne resulting in loss of brake fluid and and increasing the braking distance. *ak *bf *nm
10/23/20041
 1997 linclon town car rear brake line failure due to corrosion. vehicle is now in repair shop.*ak
04/27/2003643021
 While driving on sunday, went to apply the brakes and the pedal went to the floor - also noticed the brake light came on. checked the fluid and found it almost gone. took the car to the dealer on monday and was told the brake lines were rusted and needed replacing. was also told my ford extended warranty would not cover the problem since it was caused by rust/corrosion. *nlm referenced in rq03-004
03/26/2003760001
 While driving the vehicle's brake line failed which resulted in the consumer vehicle rear ending another vehicle. the dealer was notified. *nlm referenced in rq03-004
 When brakes was applied the vehicle failed to stop. the owner had the brakes checked out which informed him the brake line had rusted and allowed brake fluid to leak out. please describe details. *mr referenced in rq03-004
08/22/20021
 Owner attempted to pull out onto a major road and brake pedal descended to floor. owner noticed that all fluid had run out onto the ground. a steel brake line that ran parallel with gas line had rusted through. *ak *yh referenced in rq03-004
09/20/2001201/22/1997
 Consumer had front brake pads replaced and front brake rotors machined, 4 months later while driving, brakes failed, dealer states brake lines totoally rusted out leaving the vehicle with no braking capacity. *slc referenced in rq03-004
01/15/2002101/22/1997
 While driving, consumer went to apply brakes to stop and brake pedal went to the floor, took vehicle to dealer and was informed brake lines had corroded and needed replacing.*ak. consumer aslo had the front brakes replaced.*slc referenced in rq03-004
11/09/2001109/18/1997
 During inspection, a repair shop determined that brake line had been rubbing against chassis, causing brake line to rupture. *ak consumer was informed of a recall regarding this, however it is for the limousine model only. *jb referenced in rq03-004
03/19/2001
 When brakes were applied pedal went to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. dealer has inspected vehicle. brake lines are on national back order. *ak referenced in rq03-004
1
 Lower control arm broke, dropping vehicle to the ground, and consumer lost power steering. also, while applying the brakes, brakes failed due to a broken brake line. *ak consumer stated carburetor is stuck causing engine to race at high rpm, intake manifold failed causing engine damage. *jb

Some parts © 2024 Advameg, Inc.
Based on public records. Inadvertent errors are possible.
This web site is not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by and has no official or unofficial affiliation with the vehicle's manufacturer.