1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

12 recalls — 358 complaints — 160 TSBs

STEERING

Defect Description

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering sha... Read more

Consequence

If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

1,767 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Dorman Products, Inc.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

Defect Description

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY ... Read more

Consequence

AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

225,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER ... Read more

3,600,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.

Consequence

IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

4,218 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE ... Read more

Consequence

SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.

Remedy

FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE... Read more

350,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPM... Read more

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

1,129 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED... Read more

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

1,167 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

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

THIS 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 ... Read more

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy

DEALERS 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.

167,742 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

Consequence

EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER (VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS) OR REVISED STRIKER PLATE ATTACHING FASTENERS (VEHICLES WITH 1993-1997 MODEL HOODS).

125,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

STEERING:LINKAGES

Defect Description

THE PITMAN ARMS WERE NOT FULLY LUBRICATED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE "BALL JOINT" AT THE OUTER END OF THE PITMAN ARM CAN BECOME CONTAMINATED AND CORRODE.

Consequence

SUCH CORROSION CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL WEAR OF THE JOINT, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE JOINT. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE JOINT IS FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT WEAR, THE ARM WILL BE REPLACED. THOSE PITMAN ARMS NOT REPLACED WILL HAVE THE "BALL JOINT" FULLY GREASED.

72,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Defect Description

WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."

Consequence

THE DRIVER'S DOOR, WHEN CLOSED ONLY TO THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, MAY NOT SUSTAIN A 1,000 POUND TRANSVERSE LOAD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.

73,500 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Complaint Statistics

358 total complaints 17 crashes 21 fires 19 injuries 4 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM	29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE	27
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT	19
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS	16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	16
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM	16
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM	11
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR	11

Incident date: Aug 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OFF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A LOT, THERE WAS A LOUD METAL BRAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTIC... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2015

#1 - I CONSTANTLY HAVE MY ENGINE LIGHT ON AND DURING 2 INSPECTIONS I RECEIVED A SAFETY/EMISSIONS RECALL PRINTOUT, DEFECT # DR-1209 FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS. BOTH TIMES I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THERE'S NO RECALL FOR IT. I JUST NOTICED ON THE NHTSA SITE, THAT RECALLS ONL... Read more

Incident date: Jun 2, 2015

Incident date: Oct 18, 2003

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD HAD FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 2003

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FRACTURED IN THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 24, 2011

I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 24TH, 2011 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY WHO SAID, "THE COOLANT LEAK", BUT THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED WHEN I DROVE IT HOME LESS THAN 3 MILES AWAY THE HOOD OF MY CAR WAS SMOKING. AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WITH MY FRIEND WHO DROVE HIS CAR TO ENSURE MY SAFETY, MY CAR BEGA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 24, 2011

Incident date: Jun 16, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TALK TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 17, 2009

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK THAT A FIRE WOULD OCCUR. (HE STATED THAT HE COULD NOT REMEMBER SPECIFICALLY WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID). HE HAD NOT TA... Read more

Incident date: Jan 15, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED OUT OF PLASTIC, WHICH CAUSED ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. THE ANTI-FREEZE LEAK WAS NOTICED DUE TO THE BURNING CHEMICAL ODOR AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 29, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. SHE NOTICED AN ORANGE FLAME UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND THE FIRE QUICKLY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 196... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2008

Fire

Incident date: Aug 1, 2007

1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN AUGUST AND SHE RECEIVED A RECALL IN SEPTEMBER. SHE BELIEVES THAT SHE WASN'T TREATED FAIRLY BY FORD. SHE LOST BOTH CARSEATS, TIRES, BRAKES, AND ROTORS IN THE FIRE. *KB

Fire

Incident date: Aug 10, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO FAIL. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE WHEELS TO LOCK. THE MANUFACTURER AD... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 26, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE SAME DAY AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE CRUISE CONT... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2004

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE THERMOSTAT STUCK AND BECAME HOT. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2004

Incident date: Sep 1, 2007

RECALL AND THEN NO AVAILABLE REPLACEMENT PART FOR 6+ MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE OVER 700 PEOPLE AHEAD OF ME WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART! *TR

Incident date: Aug 15, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. HE HAS BEEN INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE RECALL PART HAS STILL NOT BEEN RECEIVED. THER... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2007

FORD RECAL NUMBER 05S28 REPLACE FAULTY SPEED CONTROL HARNESS. I RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL DATED AUG OF 2007 AND WENT TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED AND THEN THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PREPLACEMENT PART WAS NOT IN STOCK THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH HAS NOT YET BEEN DISCONNECTED. HE NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CONTI... Read more

Incident date: Sep 5, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED BY THE DEALER. FORD STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAI... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2006

MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WAS BEING DRIVEN A 7 MILE DRIVE TO CHURCH ON A SUNDAY MORNING. THE DRIVER OF MY CAR NOTICED THE CAR WAS GOING VERY FAST, (APPROX. 80 MILES PER HOUR.) THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. AFTER RIDING THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT 4 MILES, THE PANICKY D... Read more

Crash 3 injured

Incident date: Sep 13, 2006

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS ON FIRE. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 27, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED FLAMES RISING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FILED A REPORT AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEH... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 16, 2007

TL* - THE CONTACT HAS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR WITH 108000 MILES AND THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD THAT COVERS THE FUEL TANK HAS NOT BEEN INSTALLED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL (02I003000): AND (96V135000) FOR STEERING:LINKAGES THAT HAD NOT BEEN FIXED ON HIS VEHICLE. WH... Read more

Incident date: Jan 16, 2007

Incident date: Nov 20, 2006

DEAR SIR OR MADAM: I AM AWARE OF THE FORD CAMPAIGN 05N04 REGARDING THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. MY 1996 CROWN VIC FELL TO THIS DEFECT TO ON 11/20/06 WHICH RESULTED IN A NEEDED REPLACEMENT USING THE PRESCRIBED FORD REPAIR KIT. MY LOCAL FORD DEALER SAID THE REPAIR PROGRAM HAD ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2006

MY WIFE WHILE TRAVELING TO VISIT HER SON IN A DISTANT CITY, SHE PULLED INTO A SHOPPING CENTER TO CALL HIM, HE LIVED NEARBY. HE CAME TO THE SHOPPING CENTER IN AN EFFORT TO LEAD HER TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN LEAVING SHE NOTICED SMOKE AND THOUGHT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION PROVED IT WA... Read more

Incident date: Mar 18, 2006

MY INTAKE MANIFOLD BEGAN LEAKING APPROXIMATELY 2 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT,6 MONTHS LATER IT'S LEAKING IN A SECOND LOCATION. *NM

Incident date: Aug 21, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FRACTURED WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 98V322000, REGARDING THE SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER BALL JOINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Incident date: Feb 17, 2006

ON A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED DUE TO A SEVERE CRACK ON THE UNDERSIDE,LOOSING COOLANT AND CAUSING OVER HEATING OF ENGINE AND LEAVING US STRANDED.CAR WAS REPAIRED AT A SHOP WE HAVE USED FOR YEARS AT THE COST OF APPROX $700.00.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2006

I HAVE A 96 FORD CROWN VIC I DROVE IT HOME FROM WORK FINE WITH NO PROBLEMS THEN I DROVE IT TO TAKE MY SON TO WORK IT STARTED TO OVERHEAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION SOMETHING WAS WRONG. THEN THE TEMP WENT UP AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE CHANGE THE THERMOSTAT BUT IT STILL IS OVER HEATING A... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 1901

CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING REIMBURSEMENT FOR 1996 CROWN VICTORIA INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TS THE CONSUMER PRESENTED HIS BILL TO THE DEALER FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HE WASN'T ENTITLED TO REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE IT WASN'T WITH THEIR TIME FRAME. *NM

Incident date: Feb 20, 2006

I HAVE ONE OF THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON A 1996 FORD CROWN VIC THAT CRACKED. I CONTACTED A DEALER IN TULSA AND THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS OUT OF DATE AND WOULD NOT DO THE WORK. IF THEY JUST RECALLED THE PART IN 2004 OR 2005 WHY WOULD IT NOT BE COVERED NOW. *NM

Incident date: Jan 28, 2006

I FILED A STATEMENT WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY ON JANUARY 26, 2006 WITH THE ORIGINAL REPAIR RECEIPT AND THE DEFECTIVE MANIFOLD. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY REPLY AS OF THIS DATE, I CHECKED WITH THE COMPANY ON FEBRUARY 16 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS BEING REVIEWED. WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO REVIEW? I HAVE THE RECEIPT ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2005

I HAD TO REPLACE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1996 CROWN VICTORIA EARLIER THIS YEAR. I RECEIVED A LETTER ABOUT A LAWSUIT THAT THE COST OF THE MANIFOLD WOULD BE REIMBURSED BY FORD IF THE FINAL SETTLEMENT WAS APPROVED. I HAVE READ THE INFORMATION PROVIDED AND ALTHOUGH FORD KNOWINGLY PUT A FAULTY PART I... Read more

Incident date: Aug 6, 2005

I RECENTLY GOT THE VEHICLE AND ITS ALREADY GIVING ME PROBLEMS. THE CAR DRIFTS TO THE SIDE AND THE MOTOR IS GIVING ME PROBLEMS THE CAR HAS NOT EVEN REACHED 1500 MILES SINCE I GOT IT AND ITS ALREADY CAUSING ME PROBLEMS. *JB

Incident date: Aug 6, 2005

Incident date: Aug 25, 2005

WE PURCHASED A SET OF B.F. GOODRICH RADIAL T/A (P21570S15) TIRES FROM SEARS, WHICH WERE COMPLETELY WORN AND CONSIDERED UNDER THE LEGAL LIMITATIONS AFTER ONLY 25,000 MILES OF USE. THE TIRES HAD A 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FULLY MAINTAINED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR AND THE TIRES,... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2005

WE PURCHASED A SET OF B.F. GOODRICH P21570S15 TIRES FROM SEARS, WHICH WERE COMPLETELY WORN AND CONSIDERED UNDER THE LEGAL LIMITATIONS AFTER ONLY 25,000 MILES OF USE. THE TIRES HAD A 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. WE HAVE HAD THE CAR FULLY MAINTAINED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR AND THE TIRES, AND WERE TOL... Read more

Incident date: Aug 30, 2005

PREMATURE? HEADLIGHT PLASTIC CLOUDINESS, AND DECREASED LIGHT TRANSFER. THIS HAPPENED WITH A PREVIOUS MERCURY VEHICLE (1990 SABLE) AND NOW ON 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. HEADLIGHTS WERE EXCELLENT WHEN NEWER, NOW THE CLOUDING OF THE PLASTIC LENSES HAS REDUCED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE HEADLIGHTS AT NIG... Read more

Incident date: Aug 3, 2005

DT: CONSUMER HAS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. HE COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOWER BALL JOINT PROBLEM. HE FOUND, ON THE INTERNET NHTSA RECALL 98V322000 . HE WENT TO FORD WEB SITE AND ENTERED THE VIN THE WEB SITE SHOWED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE DUE TO... Read more

Incident date: Nov 9, 2004

LEAKING COOLANT FROM INTAKE MANIFOLD. REPLACED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY (VERY EXPENSIVE PARTS AND LABOR) BY PRIVATE MECHANIC (NOT FORD SERVICE). REQUESTED DEALER SERVICE REFUND FOR COVERED REPAIRS. NOT COVERED BY RECALL SO NOTHING WAS DONE BY SERVICE REP. *NM

Incident date: Jul 12, 2004

REPLACED RUSTED STEEL BRAKE TUBING ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE. *NM

Incident date: Jan 8, 2002

WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, I HEARD A POP THE ENGINE RAN HOT IMEDIATELY... I LATER FOUND TI TO BE THE INTAKE MAINFOLD FITTING... ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC, THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS PARTICULAR TYPE CAR...

Showing 50 of 358 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Rear-Wheel Drive)	15.0	23.0	18.0	Regular	$3,750

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins — 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

160 manufacturer communications from 155 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	15
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	11
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	10
036000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	7
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	7
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	6
071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	6
075000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM	5

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PE

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

063200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIF

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

GUIDANCE FOR CNG TANK INSPECTION FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1996. *TT UPDATE. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CHARGING SYSTEM LIMITATIONS. *EH

350000 EQUIPMENT

INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL POLICE INTERCEPTOR PACKAGE UPGRADE KIT. *TT UPDATE PART 2. EXPIRATION DATE REMOVED. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME DEDICATED CNG VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS DUE TO A LOSS OF INJECTOR PERFORMANCE, RESULTING FROM FUEL QUALITY. LOSS OF POWER AT HEAVY LOAD, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FOR LEAN FUEL, ROUGH IDLE, HARD START,

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DEDICATED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) ROUGH IDLE OR NO START WHEN COLD VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEDICATED 4.6L OR 5.4L CNG ENGINE ONLY. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

POLICE INTERCEPTOR MAY EXHIBIT LOW CHARGING SYSTEM VOLTAGE AT IDLE. *TT

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR AT THE FUEL FILL VALVE ON SOME CNG (COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS) VEHICLES. *TT *JB

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK AT FILL VALVE - FILL VALVE SERVICE PART REVISIONS - CNG VEHICLES ONLY. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

NEW SERVICE PART - NUMBER 5 NEEDLE BEARING AND RACE KIT - 4R70W TRANSMISSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SUBJECT REGARDING ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS TANK INSPECTION. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME DEDICATED CNG VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS OF HARD START / NO START / ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTAKE MANIFOLD CROSSOVER (FIRST RUNNER) COOLANT SEEPAGE CONDITION. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

ENGINE OIL SYSTEM PRIMING PROCEDURES, SERVICE TIPS FOR REPORTS OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

SOME DEDICATED COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A ROUGH IDLE, OR NO START IN COLD CONDITIONS. *TT

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

PARTS AND PROCEDURE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES DURING RARE AND EXTREMELY HIGH-SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *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

103800 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

091110 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLING/CHARGING

DEDICATED CNG REGULATOR BOWL KIT AVAILABLE. *JG

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

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT HEATER CORE LEAKS. *SLC

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION REGARDING TRANSMISSION FLUID USAGE CHARTS. *SLC

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

INFORMATION REGARDING POLICE OPTION-REAR WINDOW DISABLE-TAMPER RESISTANCE. *YD

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FEAD BELT JUMP-OFF TOSS. *YH

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A FUEL FILL VALVE SEALING CONDITION. *YD

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SOME VEHICLES BUILT 04/15/2000 OR EARLIER EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE DOOR-MOUNTED KEYPAD, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LAMPS THAT SELF-ACTIVATE AND A WEAK OR DISCHARGED VEHICLE BATTERY. *TT

075000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

SOME OF THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLDS USED ON 4.6L SOHC ENGINES MAY DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS AT THE COOLANT CROSSOVER DUCT. THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE WHICH, IF NOT SERVICED, MAY CAUSE ENGINE OVERHEATING. COMPL

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

INFORMATION ON REPLACING FUEL TANK STRAP BOLTS. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING ENGINE OIL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USE IN 2001 VEHICLES - SAE 5W-20 MOTOR OIL. *TT

075000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM REGARDING ADDITIONAL COVERAGE ON CERTAIN 4.6L SOHC INTAKE MANIFOLDS. SOME OF THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLDS MAY DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS AT THE COOLANT CROSSOVER DUCT. *TT

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

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON PROGRAMMING REMOTES AFTER DRIVER DOOR MODULE REPLACEMENT. *JB

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SOME POLICE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SHIFT CONCERNS DUE TO ENGINE DRIVABILITY ISSUES. **MR

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BANG / POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. **MR

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD. **MR

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME POLICE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SHIFTING CONCERNS DUE TO ENGINE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *TT

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

BRIEF INFORMATION REGARDING VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT YELLOWING OF THE HEADLAMPS. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SUBJECT REGARDING KEYFOB PROGRAMMING INFORMATION - SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS DOOR MODULE. *TT

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT YELLOWING OF THE HEADLAMPS. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SOME POLICE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SHIFT CONCERNS DUE TO ENGINE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

INFORMATION ON REPLACING AND / OR REPAIRING MALFUNCTIONING (DOOR, IGNITION AND DECKLID) LOCKS. *TT

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

EMISSION RECALL FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT WITH A FUEL FILLER-VALVE WHICH COULD LEAK WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED WHICH CAN EXCEED EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS STANDARDS. *TT

034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION FOR SERVICING AND DIAGNOSING BRAKE VIBRATION, BRAKE INSPECTION, AND BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL REPLACEMENT. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

SERVICE INFORMATION FOR MUSTY AND MILDEW TYPE ODORS COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEM. *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

106100 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:BANJO HOUSING

INFORMATION REGARDING VIBRATION/EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING. *MJS

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

SONE POLICE VEHICLES AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH 4R70W MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AND / OR TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING DAMAGE FROM SUSTAINED HIGH SPEED OPERATION. *TT

106100 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:BANJO HOUSING

SONE POLICE VEHICLES AND OTHER VEHICLES WITH 4R70W MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AND / OR TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING DAMAGE FROM SUSTAINED HIGH SPEED OPERATION. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

BRIEF INFORMATION ON REMOVING THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE ON NATURAL GAS VEHICLES. *TT

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BANG POPPING NOISE HEARD FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM DURING COOL-DOWN. *TT

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

CONDITIONS WITH THE BRAKE LAMPS INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION DESIGNED TO AID IN THE DIAGNOSIS, TESTING AND REPAIR OF NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS (NVH) CONCERNS. *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

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS RELEASED A PRIVATE LABELED MATERIAL TO BE USED FOR IRON PARTICLE / ACID RAIN SERVICE REPAIRS. *TT

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

BRIEF INFORMATION ON REMOVING THE FUEL TANK SOLENOID VALVE THREAD. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

EXPERIENCING A DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, PRIMARILY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS COLD ON VEHICLES WITH FORD QALITY REMANUFACTURED (FQR) 4R70W TRANSMISSION EXCHANGE UNITS WITH JULIAN BUILD BETWEEN 062-97 AND 040-99. *TT

036400 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

ADDRESSING CONCERNS WITH THE BRAKE LAMP INADVERTENTLY DISABLING THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK ON POLICE VEHICLES. *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SUBJECT REGARDING DOOR TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - SERVICE TIP. *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

106100 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:BANJO HOUSING

EXPERIENCING A VIBRATION AND / OR TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING DAMAGE. *TT

106100 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:BANJO HOUSING

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION AND / OR TRANSMISSION EXTENSION HOUSING BUSHING DAMAGE FROM SUSTAINED HIGH SPEED OPERATION. *TT

100000 POWER TRAIN

INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT

116200 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

INFORMATION REGARDING REPROGRAMMING POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULES (PCMS). *TT

010000 STEERING

A VIBRATION / NOISE FELT IN STEERING WHEEL ON RIGHT TURNS.

220000 SEATS

CONCERNS REGARDING THE FRONT SEAT FEELING LOOSE ON SOME VEHICLE. *YC

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

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START / LONG CRANK, COLD START STALL, COLD ROUGH IDLE CONCERN. *TT

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH DRIVERS DOOR MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING. *TT

221600 SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST

FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH DRIVERS SEAT MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FOR ALL VEHICLES WITH REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE AND / OR TRANSMITTER (KEYFOB) REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE OR KEYFOB. *TT

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

ALL VEHICLES WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE MODULE CONCERNS THAT REQUIRE A MODULE REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIAN MUST CALL FOR APPROVAL BEFORE REMOVING AND / OR REPLACING THE MODULE. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

MASS AIR FLOW (MAF)- SENSOR CONTAMINATION- SERVICE TIP. *AK

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

INFORMATION REGARDING REPLACEMENT AND / OR REPAIRS ON ANY LOCK COMPONENT. *YC

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PATS (SECURILOCK) EXCEPT CERTAIN MODELS NOW HAVE AVAILABILITY OF FLEET KEYS THROUGH ROTUNDA. *MJS

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A HARD START/LONG CRANK, COLD START STALL, COLD ROUGH IDLE CONCERN. *MJS

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

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

EXPERIENCING A " BUZZING " OR " RATTLING " NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *YC

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION ON POLICE VEHICLES WITH JASPER BUILT REMANUFACTURED ENGINES. *TT

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

LOCKS FAILED. YD

033110 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 98B19-S1 - BRAKE LINE WEAR ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. CORRECTION TO ORIGINAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DIAMETER OF REPLACEMENT BRAKE LINES. YD

103700 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER

EXPERIENCING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH SHUDDER OR VIBRATION. *YC

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

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

A SQUEALING AND / OR MOANING NOISE MAY BE HEARD FROM THE REAR BRAKES DURING LIGHT TO MEDIUM BRAKE APPLICATIONS. *TT

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

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ( ABS ) MAY ACTIVATE UNDER FALSE ABS CONDITIONS. *YC

034530 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

HUB-MOUNT BRAKE ROTOR MACHINING EQUIPMENT FROM ROTUNDA IS NOW APPROVED FOR WARRANTY AND SERVICE USE. *YC

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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