1990 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

3 recalls, 58 complaints - 43 TSBs

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Defect Description

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-... Read more

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

175,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

THE REAR BRAKE LINES HAVE INADEQUATE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND THE VEHICLE UNDERBODY IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OPENING.

Consequence

INADEQUATE CLEARANCE CAN CAUSE ABRASION OF THE BRAKE LINEAND A LEAK CAN DEVELOP, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKESYSTEM AND INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

REPAIR ANY BRAKE LINES THAT HAVE AN INDICATION OF CONTACT OR HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR CONTACT WITH THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. RELOCATE LINES, IF NECESSARY.

25,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

THREADED INFLATOR COMPONENTS MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DURING ASSEMBLY WHICH MAY ALLOW COMPONENTS TO SEPARATE WHEN INFLATOR RECEIVES A SIGNAL TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAG.

Consequence

INFLATOR COMPONENT SEPARATION ALLOWS HOT COMBUSTION GASES TO ESCAPE INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURIES TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

REPLACE AIR BAG MODULES CONTAINING POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE INFLATORS.

172,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

58 total complaints 7 crashes 9 fires 4 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE	4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	3
TIRES:TREAD/BELT	2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS	2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	2
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH	2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	2

Incident date: Jan 12, 2003

CONSUMER STATED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS RECALL#98V32000 LOWER CONTROL ARM. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN IS NOT INCLEDED. TS

CONSUMER STATED THE GASKET ON THE OIL PAN FAILED CAUSING A SERIOUS LEAK, THE DEALER REPLACED THE PART AT NO CHARGE, HOWEVER CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED ANOTHER OIL PAN GASKET LEAK, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE DEALER REPLACE THE PART AGAIN.*JB

WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED NEAR FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STOP BECAUSE POWER WENT OUT. DEALER HAD TO REPLACED WIRING HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY. *AK

Fire

WHILE DRIVING A FIRE STARTED NEAR FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STOP BECAUSE POWER WENT OUT. DEALER HAD TO REPLACED WIRING HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP SENDER ASSEMBLY. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Aug 4, 2001

AIRBAG LIGHT BLINKS CONSTANTLY. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY TOLD CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 90 E 043 001 DUE TO VIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Incident date: Oct 20, 2000

VEHICLE HAS STALLED 3 DAYS IN A ROW. DEALER WILL AGREE TO FIX VEHICLE AT THE CONSUMER'S COST. BUT THEY CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN.*AK THE IGNITION MODULE IS PLACED TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN THE OVERHEATING OF THE MODULE AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. *YH

Incident date: Sep 20, 2000

VEHICLE STALLS IN HOT WEATHER WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH INFREQUENT PRESENTS ANY LONG TRIPS. *AK

Incident date: Aug 25, 2000

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH RIGHT REAR TIRE SUFFERED A TREAD SEPARATION. BUT, TIRE DID NOT FLATTEN OUT RIGHT AWAY. FIRESTONE FR505 P215/70 R15. *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 2000

REAR BRAKES WENT OUT DUE TO CORROSION. THIS CAUSED A BRAKE FLUID LEAK AND LOSS OF REAR BRAKES. ALSO, FUEL RETURN LINE IS CORRODING. DEALER REPAIRED THE BRAKE LINE, AND PROBLEM IS REOCCURRING. *AK

Incident date: Aug 4, 1999

1ST TIME-PUT ON BRAKES, CAR KEPT GOING. SLAMMED ON BRAKES WHICH LOCKED AND SCREECHED, BUT CAR KEPT ON GOING. REAR-ENDED A VEHICLE. @ND TIME- CAR KEPT GOING FASTER. TOOK FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR BUT CONTINUED TO INCREASE SPEED. PUT FOOT ON BRAKES. SLOWED DOWN ONLY A LITTLE. AS SOON AS FOOT OFF BRAKES, CO... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Feb 18, 1998

CAR WAS OFF AND STARTED ON FIRE. STARTER WAS ATTEMPTING TO START ENGINE BY ITSELF. NOBODY WAS IN THE CAR. CAR BURNED TO GROUND. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Apr 14, 1999

COSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO HAVE BRAKES REPAIRED DUE TO HANGING UP AND NOT BRAKING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE OVERDRIVE HUNG UP AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. DEALERSHIP'S #800-683-5112---WORLD FORD DEALERSHIP, HOMESTEAD, PA. CONSUMER. ALSO, HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE NOT FUNCTIONING... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 1999

Incident date: Dec 29, 1998

WHILE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTING THE VEHICLE UP, PUT THE GEAR INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF BY ITSELF, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO HIT A POLE, AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED.*AK

Crash 1 injured

WHILE PARKED ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER SAID IT LOOKED LIKE THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE ALTENATOR WIRING HARNESS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 1998

CONSUMER STARTED AUTOMOBILE UP AND IT TOOK OFF BY ITSELF AT A VERY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. VEHICLE HIT A POLE, INJURING THE DRIVER'S WIFE. *AK

Crash 1 injured

WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED UP AND PLACED INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UP TO 40 MPH. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL AND HIT A METAL POLE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK

Crash

CRUISE CONTROL OFF SWITCH FAILS TO DISENGAGE CRUISE.

Incident date: Apr 1, 1997

WINDOW WIPER MOTOR FAILED.

Incident date: Apr 1, 1997

THERMOSTAT FAILED.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1996

INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF THE WIPER SWITCH.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1996

SHOCKS FAILED CAUSING LEAKING.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1996

SHOCKS FAILED CAUSING LEAKING.

Incident date: Jul 1, 1996

POWER LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY.

Incident date: Nov 1, 1998

THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. WHEN PUTTING FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T CHANGE GEARS UNLESS IT WAS IN OVERDRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK

Incident date: Mar 5, 1997

WHENEVER TRYING TO BUCKLE THE REAR SAFETY BELT, IT WILL NOT CLICK INTO THE BUCKLE, SOMETIMES WHEN IT WILL BUCKLE, IT JUST COMES UNBUCKLED WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE ON THE RELEASE BUTTON. *AK *JB

IGNITION SWITCH FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE OF RADIO, CLOCK, AIR CONDITIONER, TURN SIGNALS, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS.

WIRING HARNESS UNDER DASH SHORTED.

Incident date: Jun 1, 1997

SUDDEN ACCELERATION, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK

Crash 1 injured

OWNER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, OWNER IS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY; SHE ALSO NOTES THAT DEALER SAID THAT A KIT IS NEEDED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK

POLICE PACKAGE, VEHICLE HAS SUDDEN ACCELERATION WITH NO WARNING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS BRAKING BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT.*AK

Incident date: Jul 21, 1996

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE AREA OF THE WIRING AROUND THE ALTERNATOR WHILE DRIVING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Feb 1, 1996

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO FAILED SENSOR/MONITOR. *DH

Incident date: Jul 2, 1996

DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED OF 30 MPH, UNDER THE HOOD FIRE CAUSED BY AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, WILL PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Jun 5, 1996

PUT IN REVERSE AND CAR OVER ACCELLERATED. *AK

Crash

Incident date: Apr 1, 1996

IGNITION SWITCH LETS OFF A METALIC ODOR. *SD

Incident date: Apr 3, 1996

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER TURNING THE KEY, RESULTING IN A TOTALLED FIRE, POSSIBLE DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT IN IGNITION. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Apr 3, 1996

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AFTER TURNING THE KEY, RESULTING IN A TOTALLED FIRE, POSSIBLE DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT IN IGNITION. *AK

Fire

PURCHASED CAR NEW, ONE OUT OF THREE AIR BAG SENSORS ARE DEFECTIVE. DEALER CAN'T REPLACE ONE, HAS TO REPLACE ALL THREE. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 1995

INTERMITTENT STALLING DUE TO EGR VALVE FAILURE (OTHER VEHICLE FROM 486389). *AK

Incident date: Nov 4, 1995

BRAKE LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST AIR INJECTOR TUBE, LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. TT THIS SITUATION CAUSED BRAKES TO GO OUT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE HAD RUPTURED, WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE AIR INJECTOR TUBE, MOUNTED ALONSIDE THE BRAKE LINE, TO RUB A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE, BRAKE LINE WA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 1995

SRS LIGHT CONTINUES TO COME ON WHEN TEMPTURE ABOVE 85 DEGREES. TT

Incident date: May 1, 1995

AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON, NEEDS REPLACING. TT

Incident date: Feb 5, 1995

SIDE WINDOW VENTS FAIL TO DEFROST ( OTHER VEHICLES 0N 479656 AND 479657). *AK

Incident date: Feb 5, 1995

EXPERIENCING LOOSE STEERING PROBLEM, DEALER CAN NOT FIND THE FIX FOR THE PROBLEM. TT

Incident date: Jun 13, 1995

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEED OF 30 MPH, FUEL LINE HOSE BROKE, CAUSING UNDER THE HOOD FIRE. TT

Fire

Incident date: May 30, 1995

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT KEEP COMING ON . TT

Incident date: Feb 8, 1995

AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WAS VIOLENT, CAUSING DRIVER'S ARM TO BE THROWN INTO WINDSHIELD, SHATTERING WINDSHIELD/INJURY. *SKD

Crash 1 injured

Showing 50 of 58 complaints.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1990 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

43 manufacturer communications from 36 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	5
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	3
136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR	3
034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	3
103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER	3
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	2
114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING	2

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

138600 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

THIS INFORMATION IS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE WIPER SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE WORKSHOP MANUALS. THIS SERVICE INFORMATION IS INTENDED AS AN AID TO ASSIST IN DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR OF ERRATIC WIPER SYSTEM CONDITIONS.

103600 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

SUBJECT REGARDING CONTAMINATION FROM PRIOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS OR EXCESS WEAR MAY BE TRAPPED IN THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLING SYSTEM. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION REGARDING THE NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER- SERVICE TIP. *MJS

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

SUBJECT ON A WIRE HARNESS TERMINAL REPAIR KIT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIRING ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESSES. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON IDENTIFYING NON-APPROVED / ALTERNATE REFRIGERANTS WHICH COULD CAUSE SAFETY, AND PERFORMANCE CONCERNS IF INSTALLED IN FORD A/C SYSTEMS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON THE NEW FLUSH AND FILL TOOL AVAILABLE THROUGH ROTUNDA. *TT

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

EXPERIENCING A WHINE / BUZZ TYPE NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO ON VEHICLES WITH AN IN-TANK ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP. *TT

072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

INFORMATION ON "WHINING" / "BUZZING" NOISE COMING THROUGH ENTERTAINMENT OR TWO-WAY RADIO SPEAKER CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

FORD MOTOR COMPANY NOW RECOMMENDS SAE 5W-30 VISCOSITY GRADE FOR SERVICING ANY FORD GASOLINE-POWERED VEHICLE REGARDLESS OF MODEL YEAR. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A NEW ELECTRICAL GREASE ( F8AZ - 19G208-AA ) TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF MOISTURE CORROSION AT THE TERMINALS. *YC

100000 POWER TRAIN

INFORMATION REGARDING TSB 98-5A-12 (TRANSAXLE/TRANSMISSION/TRANSFER CASE-VEHICLES TOWED BEHIND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES-RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES) DOES NOT LIST TOWING INFORMATION FOR CERTAIN MODEL VEHICLES. *MJS

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

INFORMATION ON A NEW TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHART. *YC

190000 TIRES

INFORMATION ON TIRE COMPANY TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE. *YC

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

EXPERIENCING A WHINING / BUZZING NOISE IN THE SPEAKERS OF THE ENTERTAINMENT RADIO OR TWO-WAY RADIO. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

A NEW SILICONE GASKET AND SEALANT. *YC

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

INFORMATION ON A BUZZING OR RATTLE NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

THE USE OF PETROLEUM-BASED GREASE AS A LUBRICANT IN SERVICING DISC BRAKES IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. *YC

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

ANNOUNCING THE FORD OEM AIR CONDITIONING RETROFIT KIT AVAILABILITY. *YC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FUEL ECONOMY- CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS VERSUS VEHICLE USAGE. *JD

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

FLUID- TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *JD

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TRANSAXLE - TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES AND TORQUE CONVERTER/TRANSAXLE COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING PROCEDURES - SERVICE TIP. *TW

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

WIRING - ELECTRICAL DIODE IDENTIFICATION AND SERVICE REPLACEMENTS. *TW

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

TORQUE CONVERTER - LEAK TEST PROCEDURE - SERVICE TIP. *TW

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR GLASS - FOG/FILM. *TW

036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

THE 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 PAR

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

A REVISED SERVICE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR IS NOW AVAILABLE. *TW

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

UNKNOWN

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

UNKNOWN

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

UNKNOWN

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

UNKNOWN

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

UNKNOWN

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

UNKNOWN

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

REVISED OIL PAN GASKET. *TW

034500 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

ROUGHNESS CONCERN DURING BRAKE APPLICATION. *TW

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT - UPGRADED SERVICE KITS. *TW

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

NEW TORQUE-TO-YIELD CYLINDER HEAD BOLT KIT. *TW

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ERRATIC DISTANCE-TO-EMPTY AND FUEL GAUGE READINGS. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, FORD CROWN VICTORIA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Loss of headlights

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all ... submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 4173 unique reports related to the alleged problem.There were a total of 11 crashes reported within that group as well as one injury that occurred when the vehicle struck an unseen object on the side of the road when the headlights failed. Ford also submitted 49,843 warranty claims related to headlight failures.Most reports indicate that the headlights failed without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some noted the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.Consumers also noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is physically actuated.On December 21st, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-861) to remedy headlight failures on (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.According to Ford, the headlights of the vehicle are controlled by the Lighting Control Module (LCM) located in the engine compartment of the vehicle.The LCM uses an internal relay, mounted to a circuit board, to control power to the headlights. The headlight relay is soldered to the circuit board at six different terminals. The original equipment LCMs were manufactured in a manner that resulted in the solder joints fatiguing and/or cracking as a result of repeated thermal cycling and/or vibration, a defect condition. The condition could be exacerbated by manufacturing quality issues such as an insufficient amount of solder, effecting the continuity between the circuit board and the relay terminal, and resulting in loss of headlights while driving.Other lighting functions are unaffected by this condition.The LCM manufacturing processes were revised to address the defect condition and Ford has been conducting a warranty extension program to cover defective LCMs since late 2013.Under the recall Ford will replace any remaining defective LCMs in recalled vehicles with remedy LCMs once they become available.See NHTSA recall 15V-861 for further details on the safety recall.The recall action initiated by Ford addresses the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 2003

Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting

In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria... and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a defect condition that was evaluated under a prior ODI investigation (PE08066).Most consumer VOQs indicate that the headlights failed suddenly and without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some report the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.In some cases drivers were able to turn the headlights back on after a period of time while others reported the headlights would not come back on at all.Consumers noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is actuated.ODI identified 4 VOQ reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers indicated running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's April 7, 2015 Information Request letter, Ford provided data indicating it has received 3,092 complaints of failed headlights related to the Lighting Control Module (LCM), a device that controls the headlights and other lighting functions.This number includes the complaints Ford reviewed and classified as headlight failure due specifically to the LCM.Within Ford's complaints, there are 11 reports alleging a crash occurred.These drivers reported hitting objects, including other vehicles after the headlights failed causing damage to the affected vehicles.One driver was injured when their car struck an unseen object in the road, jerking the steering wheel from their hands and injuring their shoulder.In total 15 crash allegations were identified, all of which have occurred since ODI's prior evaluation of this issue.This petition has been granted.Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SarchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2004

Steering Column Shaft Obstruction

On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a cras... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Loss of Steering Control

In its recall notice dated August 26, 2013, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA of a safety defect condition that may result in loss of steering in approximately 355,000 model year (MY) 2005 through 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Pla... nt, MY 2005 through 2007 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the Wixom Assembly Plant, and certain MY 2008 through 2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant and that are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall 13V-385, Ford Recall 13S08).Ford's recall addresses a corrosion related defect in the lower intermediate shaft that may result in separation of the steering column lower bearing and loss of steering control.Ford's recall will remedy the defect condition by instructing dealers to replace the lower intermediate shaft and to inspect and repair the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing as necessary.A retaining clip will be installed if the lower bearing has separated.Ford's investigation of steering column separations in the subject vehicles identified a defect condition in the lower intermediate shaft that could result in separation of the column lower bearing.According to Ford's August 26th defect report, severe corrosion of the lower intermediate shaft may cause the lower intermediate shaft swing link joint(s) to stiffen or seize.Ford determined that forces acting on the upper intermediate shaft because of seized swing links may eventually cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse, which may result in separation of the column lower bearing and loss of steering control.Analysis of ODI complaints and Ford complaints and warranty identified 22 incidents of steering separation (12 complaints and 10 non-duplicative warranty claims) that may be related to the lower intermediate shaft defect condition.All 22 incidents involved vehicles in the recall region, where 419,210 or roughly half (52%), of the subject vehicles were sold.Ford's investigation also determined that column lower bearing separation may occur in vehicles that experienced upper intermediate shaft collapse in prior frontal impact collisions if the shaft was not properly diagnosed and repaired.Ford identified 13 steering separation incidents outside the recall region (6 complaints and 7 non-duplicative warranty claims) where 386,003 of the subject vehicles were sold.Ford did not find evidence of the lower intermediate shaft corrosion issue in these vehicles.Six of the vehicles had known prior collisions and the histories of the remaining 7 were unknown.To address concerns with possible steering separations in vehicles outside the region for safety recall 13V-385, Ford is conducting a Regional Program (13R01) to inspect and repair the steering assemblies of those vehicles as necessary.The lower intermediate shaft will be replaced only if it fails the inspection, the upper intermediate shaft will be repaired if it fails a Ford-specified measurement test.In the event the steering column lower bearings are found out of position, they will be re-seated and secured with a retaining clip.Based on Ford's field actions, this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10505992, 10479893, 10477192, 10475950, 10474596Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2005

Loss of Steering Control

In the subject vehicles, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and rack and pinion steering assembly consist of the steering column and an upper and lower intermediate shaft.A disconnection of any of these components from the steering system can create a loss of steering control.Alleg... ations of a loss of steering control incidents reviewed during the Preliminary Evaluation PE12-025 appear to be related to a separation of the upper and lower shafts within the steering the column. In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) during PE12-025, Ford provided 2 complaints and 9 warranty claims related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles (see Figure 1 for an exemplar picture).ODI has received 5 complaints related to the alleged defect, including 1 related to an incident reported in one of the Ford complaints.The incident rate involving subject vehicles is 7.7 per 100,000 vehicles (15 total incidents).Five of the 15 incident vehicles were associated with a prior history report of a frontal impact incident.ODI also analyzed field data for MY 2005 through MY 2008 non-CVPI Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis models and MY 2009 through MY 2011 CVPI models, which use a similar steering column and intermediate shaft design. This analysis identified 4 reports from Ford and 2 complaints to ODI, including 1 duplicative of a complaint provided by Ford, resulting in 5 total incidents and an incident rate of 1.1 per 100,000 vehicles for a vehicle population of approximately 436,000 vehicles. In the peer vehicle analysis, 4 of 5 incident vehicles had a prior history report of a frontal impact incident.ODI also identified 42 reports (39 reports associated with subject vehicles and 3 reports associated peer vehicles) of the lower steering column shaft bearing displacement that did not result in complete separations of the upper to lower steering column shafts (see Figure 2). Vehicles with this condition were identified during inspections of police fleets or during vehicle repairs for complaints of looseness, binding or noise in the steering system while turning.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA13-004) has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, consequence, and contributing factors to the steering column shaft separations.The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation and a loss of steering control are: 10347404, 10474596, 10475950, 10477192, and 10479893.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION

THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD AND COMPLAINANT INTERVIEWS. FORD FOUND THAT SOME LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES (LCM) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONTAINED DEFECTIVE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD.THIS CON... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2007

TIRE VALVE CRACKING

ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CH... INA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TORead more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1997

SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD

ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE SPARK PLUG EJECTION IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1997 THROUGH 2004 FORD VEHICLES WITH TRITON V-8 AND V-10 ENGINES.ODI RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 474 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WHERE T... HE COMPLAINANT, OR THE DEALER REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, REPORTED THAT A SPARK PLUG DETACHED FROM THE CYLINDER AND/OR EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE.AS OF DECEMBER 8, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS WHERE THE ALLEGED DEFECT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, A CRASH, AN INJURY, OR A FATALITY IN ANY OF THE 10,319,810 SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, ODI IS AWARE OF ONLY TWO INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT RESTART.INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE ODI CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND OBTAINED FROM 72 TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS WITH COMPLAINANTS SHOWED THE FOLLOWING:(1) 99% OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE ON MY 1997 TO 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES.(2) MOST THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED HEARING A LOUD POP WHILE DRIVING OR UPON STARTING UP THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD, REPETITIVE CLICKING OR POPPING SOUND.(3) MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THE POPPING SOUND WAS ACCOMPANIED BY SOME LOSS OF VEHICLE POWER; HOWEVER, IN 99% OF THE INCIDENTS REPORTED, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL.IN THE VERY FEW INCIDENTS WHERE THE VEHICLE DID STALL, MOST VEHICLES COULD BE RESTARTED.(4) ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE COMPLAINANTS CITED THAT THEY SMELLED GAS OR A SLIGHT BURNING SMELL WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED.(5) IN ALL BUT A VERY FEW INCIDENTS, VEHICLE DAMAGE WAS LIMITED TO THE ENGINE.IN ONE INCIDENT, THE COMPLAINT REPORTED THAT THE FUEL RAIL WAS DAMAGED AND REPLACED AFTER ONE OF THE SPARK PLUGS EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE; HOWEVER, THE COMPLAINANT REPORTED THAT THE DAMAGE DID NOT RESULT IN ANY TYPE OF FUEL LEAK OR FIRE.IN ANOTHER INCIDENT, THE ONLY INCIDENT WHERE A FIRE WAS ALLEGED, THE COMPLAINANT REPORTED THAT NO FLUID LEAK WAS OBSERVED, BUT THAT A FIRE RESULTED AFTER THE SPARK PLUG HAD EJECTED FROM THE ENGINE AND HE HAD RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DRIVEN TO ANOTHER LOCATION.NONE OF THE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE HOOD.(6) ONLY TWO COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THEY OBSERVED WHAT APPEARED TO BE SOME DROPS OF FUEL COMING FROM THE CYLINDER WHERE THE SPARK PLUG HAD FAILED OR ON THE SPARK PLUG ITSELF; HOWEVER, EACH OF THESE COMPLAINANTS REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO SMOKE OR FLAMES AS A RESULT OF HIS INCIDENT.AS THE PETITIONER NOTED, AND ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWED, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A SPARK PLUG TO DETACH FROM THE ENGINE CYLINDER THREADS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.HOWEVER, ODI?S ANALYSIS OF 474 COMPLAINTS DESCRIBING SUCH INCIDENTS FOUND ONLY A VERY FEW ALLEGED ANY SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.NONE OF THESE SHOWED ANY EVIDENCE OF A SERIOUS SAFETY CONSEQUENCE.GIVEN THE LARGE POPULATION AND RELATIVELY LONG EXPOSURE TIME OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, THE COMPLAINT ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THE RISK TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY FROM THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY LOW.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

DURING THE INITIAL RECALL CAMPAIGN IN 2001, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED BY FORD DEALERSHIPS USING A TEST TOOL THAT WOULD DETECT A DEFECTIVE FRONT SEAT OUTBOARD SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY.APPROXIMATELY ONE MILLION VEHICLES PASSED THE INSPECTION TEST FOR ONE OR BOTH FRONT BUCKLES.SUBSEQUENT TO ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN (01V227), FORD RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 1.3 MILLION VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUCKLE.APPROXIMATELY 1.1 MILLION OWNERS RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR VEHICLES TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OF THE BUCKLE USING A SPECIALIZED BUC... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM

DURING A SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 MEETING AND IN SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSIONS IN NOVEMBER, FORD ADVISED THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THEIR PLANS TO INTRODUCE AN IMPROVED STEEL WHEEL FOR MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE COMPONENT USE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INDICATING THIS WOULD OCCUR IN DECEMBER 2004.... THE NEW WHEEL DESIGN INCORPORATES AN ADDITIONAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS (SHOT PEENING) WHICH LOWERS TENSILE STRESS IN THE SURFACE LAYER OF THE RIM MATERIAL ADJACENT TO THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD. THEORETICALLY THIS SHOULD IMPROVE RIM DURABILITY BY REDUCING FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION SITES.INDICATIONS FROM FORD?S ACCELERATED TESTING METHODS SHOW AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE NEW WHEEL.IN ADDITION TO PRIOR SAFETY RECALL 03V279 AND SERVICE ACTION (SA) 03M03, FORD WILL ANNOUNCE A NEW EXTENDED WARRANTY SA FOR VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO DECEMBER 2004 THAT SUFFER RIM FRACTURES IN SERVICE.THE NEW WHEEL DESIGN WILL BE USED AS A REMEDY.FORD ADVISES THAT A SA IS SUFFICIENT FOR ADDRESSING FUTURE WHEEL FAILURES (INCLUDING RECALL 03V279 REMEDY WHEEL FAILURES) BECAUSE: 1) FAILURE RATES ARE LOW BASED ON FORD?S ANALYSIS, AND 2) DRIVER WARNINGS (REPETITIVE SLOW AIR LOSS, AND OR STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION) ALLOW EARLY AND SAFE DETECTION OF CRACKED WHEELS.ODI HAS RECEIVED 25 VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRE (VOQ) REPORTS (INVOLVING 22 VEHICLES) WHICH ALLEGE A RIM FRACTURE OF ONE OR MORE STEEL WHEELS.ABOUT HALF THE REPORTS INVOLVE VEHICLES BUILT WITH THE REMEDY WHEEL USED FOR RECALL 03V279, AND MOST OF THE REMAINING VEHICLES WERE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL.THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING PERTINENT FORD COMPLAINTS IS MADE DIFFICULT BY FORD?S PRIOR RECALL AND WARRANTY PROGRAM ACTIVITIES.THE MANUFACTURER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY COUNTS, WHICH PRIMARILY INVOLVE FAILURES OF RECALL 03V279 REMEDY WHEELS, ARE BASED ON ANALYSIS CONDUCTED TO DATE AND ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CONSERVATIVE.FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS REQUIRED, THUS ODI IS UPGRADING THIS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA).DURING THE EA, PERTINENT FAILURE REPORTS AND CONSEQUENCES WILL BE IDENTIFIED AND REVIEWED.ODI AND FORD WILL DISCUSS DETAILS FOR CONDUCTING AN AUDIT ANALYSIS OF FAILED WHEELS REPLACED UNDER THE NEW SA.ADDITIONALLY, ODI IS AWAITING FORD?S LAB ANALYSIS OF TWO WHEELS WHICH WERE THE SUBJECT OF VOQ REPORTS, ONE OF WHICH WAS INVOLVED IN THE NOTED CRASH EVENT.A DETERMINATION WILL BE MADE AS TO WHETHER FORD?S SERVICE ACTION IS SUFFICIENT FOR ADDRESSING ONGOING RIM FRACTURES.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

REAR AXLE FRACTURE

THIS PE WAS OPENED AFTER ODI BECAME AWARE OF TWO ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING REAR AXLE FRACTURE AND PARTIAL WHEEL SEPARATION INVOLVING MY 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI).INITIALLY, THE PE'S SCOPE INVOLVED ALL MY 2003 GRAND MARQUIS, CROWN VICTORIA, AND LINCOLN TOWN CARS (I.E., PANTHER ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1995

REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE

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 ... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995

REAR 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 C... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2003

FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM

THE SUBJECT WHEEL (NEW FOR MY 2003) IS USED ON CROWN VICTORIA (CV) AND GRAND MARQUIS.COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES THAT WHEEL FAILURE AFFECTS PRIMARILY THE COMMERCIAL SPECIFICATION CV MODEL (POLICE AND TAXI) WHICH HAS UNIQUE DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND IS GENERALLY SUBJECTED TO HIGHER USAGE DEMANDS.DURING... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1996

CNG TANK EXPLOSION

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 PROTE... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1995

BALL JOINT SEPARATION

SEE ATTACHED REPORT.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1996

CNG 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 CRUI... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1992

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING ... Read more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1992

FUEL-FED FIRES

THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES ... Read more

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1992

POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES