Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - PADS
BC031197230101/23/199751420Rear brake squeak/groan. *jd06/27/1997
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
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
BC0310A9702002/01/199751626Rear brake squeal/groan. *tw06/27/1997
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
BC083496100910/09/199650424Groan noise from the rear brakes, usually noticed on light brake use. *tt04/24/1997
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 - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
0217609/02/200210008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock. *mj08/05/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 - 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, HYDRAULIC
08/13/201080000
 Tl-the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. while driving 30 mph another vehicle pulled out in front of him he engaged the brake and the brakes went to the floor. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, the local mechanic referred him to an authorized dealer. the dealer advised him that the vehicle needed all new brake lines. the vehicle was repaired by the dealer. the failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 81,000. vwb
11/01/20028179104/30/1996
 Consumer stated when brakes are applied vehicle lurched forward or backward and did not stop evenly. ts dealer machined warped rear and front rotors and replaced the brake pads. *tt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
10/19/2001211/01/1995
 This almost lead to an accident due to brake failure. *ak
210/01/1996
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
112/05/1995
 Breaks squeak.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
06/25/20021
 Consumer states there is vibration when braking. *tt
11/01/1995
 Control of the vehicle. when deployment occurs the brakes should automaticly lock to prevent a runaway car.
1
 Brakes make noise.
112/29/1996
 Brakes makes noise.
11/13/1996010/01/1996
 Gear indicator was in the reverse position vehicle surged backwards, braking system would not override the acceleration, causing the vehicle to hit a house. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
109/01/1996
 This automobile was purchased new in september, 1996. the car now has 31,066 original owner driven miles on it. on 11/27/99, i took the car into a local shop (express oil change) for brake inspection. the car needed front brake pads and when the front wheel brake rotors were turned, all that was left on them was .965 in useable metal. the mechanic told me the rotors would have to be replaced on my next brake pad replacement. i walked across the street to vulcan lincoln-mercury dealership and asked mr. marshall avery (service advisor) why the problem with brake rotors on my automobile, and he stated that ford was not using the same metal thickness once used in manufacture of brake rotors would be his guess. why does an automobile which is minimally driven to and from work not have front brake rotors large enough in thickness to allow more than one turning? it would seem that ford motor company has reduced the thickness of its brake rotors to a dangerously thin level. this is a rip-off of the automotive consumer in that only 31,000 miles can be expected with a pair of front brake rotors and on the next brake replacement the rotors must be discarded and new ones purchased. in addition, it is a dangerous condition whereas a set of rotors which is turned once now is below the minimum dot requirement (.974) for thickness. i have sent a note via e-mail to ford motor company to their consumer assistance center, but have not received a reply. i would like to know how this situation has come about. i have owned many vehicles, but this is the first time front brake rotors have been an alarming issue in my maintenance program for my car. this situation concerns me due to the fact that my wife alone uses this car, and i am no longer sure of the safety of the brake system. it is my personal thinking that the use of a specific front brake pad which is not compatible with the rotor thickness has caused undue and early rotor wear on this size automobile. thank you for listening.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
09/06/200789021110/11/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle began making a knocking noise and the contact noticed smoke rising from underneath the hood. she pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to the repair shop. the mechanic stated that the plastic intake valve melted. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 89,021. the dealer stated 1 set of disc pads, 2 new rotors, and clutch fan. updated 09/25/07 *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
09/06/200789021110/11/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 1996 mercury grand marquis. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle began making a knocking noise and the contact noticed smoke rising from underneath the hood. she pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to the repair shop. the mechanic stated that the plastic intake valve melted. the purchase date was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 89,021. the dealer stated 1 set of disc pads, 2 new rotors, and clutch fan. updated 09/25/07 *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
02/27/20082
 2 brake line failures metal brake 1996 grand marquis within a year..this is a midwest car but spent half of its winter in az..brake lines seem to rust much faster than other vehicles we have owned..failure found driving at slow speed. took vehicle for repair parts from second repair could be available. *tr
08/29/200645000112/01/1996
 Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 mph on normal driving conditions, the vehicle would not stop. the emergency brake was applied to stop the vehicle. the brake line blew and brake fluid was leaking due to a hole on the brake line. the design of the braking system was anti-lock. there were no warning signals prior to the incident. the vehicle was taken to an independent shop, who determined that the rear and front brakes were defective resulting in the whole brake lines being replaced. the manufacturer was notified and offered reimbursement but the contact had not heard from the manufacturer since then. updated 01/10/07. *jb
08/01/200642000112/01/1996
 Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at 25 mph on a suburban street, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle without warning. although firm, constant brake pressure was applied, the vehicle continued forward until the emergency parking brake was engaged. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who determined the brake lines fractured and brake fluid was leaking. the manufacturer was notified. updated 11/21/06. *jb
08/29/200642000112/01/1996
 Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and lowered to the floor. the contact used the parking brake to stop the vehicle and drove it to the residence. the contact inspected under the vehicle and noticed the brake line had ruptured. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the brake lines were replaced. updated 9/13/2006 - the brake lines were badly rusted. the rear end housing was also badly rusted. *nm
08/04/200590473106/21/2002
 Dt: while driving the brake lines failed and had to be replaced. the owner came outside and saw the brake fluid on the ground and realized that the brake lines failed. the owner drove the vehicle with no brakes to the dealership and they repaired it. then the owner realized that the brake lines were rusted.*ak the left rear seat belt was replaced twice. the wiper motor, wiper switch, drivers side mirror switch and rotors were all replaced. the turn signal switch, driver window switch , tail light , catalytic converter were replaced. the consumer was told the ball joints and shocks were bad. the battery was replaced. *jb
10/05/200478251109/28/1996
 Brake failure, replacement of line. brake line had corroded. *bf the brake warning light had come on. the brake was almost on the floor in order to stop the vehicle. there was leaking where the corrosion was. *sc *jb
03/14/200108/01/1999
 Rear cross over line severe wear to differentail rubbed through brake line poor design on line mounting this happened in the rear right where line is routed to the left brake. some one has maybe been killed due to this possibley being over look at an accident.*ak referenced in rq03-004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
06/01/1999105/01/1999
 When the brake was applied the brakes would momentarily work, then the pedal would go to the floor. the only to keep the automobile stopped was to shift into neutral and apply the parking brake. i had to shift into neutral because of the automatic parking brake release mechanism. although the car has only 21k miles on the odometer the 36 month warrantly expired technically on 23 may 1999. i bought the car from the original owner on 28 may 1999 after he had the transmission replaced under warranty. the car was disabled for most of the month of may. i asked the ford motor company assistance number (800) personnel to cover this brake failure because the brakes would have failed in the 36 month warrantly period had the car not been in the repair facility so long. they refused. i had troncalli lincoln mercury complete the repair of the brakes which they determined to be a defective master cylinder. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST
02/27/20082
 2 brake line failures metal brake 1996 grand marquis within a year..this is a midwest car but spent half of its winter in az..brake lines seem to rust much faster than other vehicles we have owned..failure found driving at slow speed. took vehicle for repair parts from second repair could be available. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - HYDRAULIC - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
07/27/2004104/29/1996
 Rear brake failure.rear brake lines rusted and sprung a leak losing all brake fluid and the brakes to be able to stop. *ak
11/10/200362819201/10/2000
 I purchased a pre-owned,low milage 1996 grand marquis mercury ls[vin#2melm75w2tx620859] from a local car dealer in january 2000.the car was in immaculate condition with only 57800 miles on the odometer.november,2003,while driving the car,i lost all braking.my local repair shop fixed the problem[brake line failure].while at my state inspection in march,04,the brake line blew out again while the technician was testing the brakes.i feel this is a very serious saftey factor.i value my life and i feel there should be a re-call on this problem. so far,repair bills total over $500.this is a great automobile except for the brake problem i am experencing. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
08/17/1998503/01/1996
 The brakes are noisy due to failure of the brake booster, five replacement booster have been installed, however continue to fail. *mjs