1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

10 recalls, 138 complaints - 224 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, GASOLINE

Defect Description

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE... Read more

Consequence

FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

58,640 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: UFI FILTERS USA

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

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:INTEGRATED JACK/LEVELER/STABILIZER

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS ... Read more

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

875,000 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

Complaint Statistics

138 total complaints 3 crashes 9 fires 7 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE	9
SUSPENSION:REAR	7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS	6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	6
SUSPENSION	5
TIRES	5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	3

Incident date: Mar 5, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE WHICH CONTROLS THE IGNITION COILS AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASHBOARD BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jul 2, 2019

HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY

Fire

Incident date: Jul 2, 2019

Fire

Incident date: Jul 2, 2019

Fire

Incident date: Feb 28, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 16, 2018

BOUGHT A SET OF TIRES FROM EBAY / SIMPLETIRE. THEY WERE LISTED AS NEW WITHOUT ANY DISCLAIMER. ORDERED THEM JAN. 11TH 2018, AND RECEIVED THEM JAN. 16TH, 2018 VIA FEDEX. CHECKED THE DOT DATE CODE AND SAW THAT ALL FOUR TIRES ARE OVER SIX YEARS OLD. ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT SIMPLE TIRE THROUGH EBAY MESSAGIN... Read more

Incident date: Feb 13, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Incident date: Oct 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 2, 2016

TAKATA RECALL MY 98 FORD CROWN VIC HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE. IT MAINLY TURN ON AND OFF IS WHEN I HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN MOTION. I DONT KNOW WAT CAUSES IT IT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPINGING

Incident date: Nov 2, 2016

Incident date: Jun 20, 2016

MY INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR MY THERMOSTAT IS COMPLETELY BROKEN WHEN I LOOKED UP ONLINE TO SEE HOW MUCH THE PART WOULD COST ME TO HAVE FIXED IT SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PART BECAUSE IN BETWEEN THE YEARS 1997-2006 FORD USED GENERIC PLASTIC TO MAKE THE PART I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR OFF A GUY LIKE 6 MO... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2015

I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICL... Read more

Incident date: Jan 7, 2015

Incident date: May 1, 2014

1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *JB

Incident date: Oct 4, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR SHOCKS WERE CONTINUOUSLY MAKING THE VEHICLE JERK VIOLENTLY AND THE LAST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE REAR OF THE ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 4, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND HE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS... Read more

Incident date: Jan 4, 2012

Incident date: Dec 9, 2011

HEATER EATC BLEND DOOR MOTOR FAILED. *TR

Incident date: Feb 2, 2011

AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V322000, THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED AS A FLEET VEHICLE WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO GET VEHICLE FIXED. IN FACT, THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AT ALL ON MY VEHIC... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2011

Incident date: Apr 16, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROX... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2010

THE SPARK ON THE ENGINE BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE

Fire

Incident date: Aug 5, 2009

I OWN A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WITH A V-8 (4.6 ) THAT HAS A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH IS CRACKED AND LEAKING COOLANT . IT IS UNREPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED . THIS PLASTIC SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN USED AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO FAIL LIKE THIS AND THEY SHOULD ALL BE RECALLED . ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2009

AS MY BOYFRIEND BACK MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVE ON APRIL 22, 2009 BETWEEN 8:30-9:00PM, THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE FELL. IT APPEARED THAT THE SHOCKS GAVE OUT OR SOMETHING. THE ONLY PROBLEMS THE VEHICLE HAD WERE COIL ISSUES BUT WE GOT IT TAKEN CARE OF. THE FORD COMPANY CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE HA... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2008

LOSS OF REAR BRAKES WAS INDICATED BY THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH. UPON INSPECTION OF THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, A RUPTURE IN THE REAR CROSSOVER HYDRAULIC LINE THAT SUPPLIES FLUID TO THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS DISCOVERED, RESULTING IN LOSS OF FLUID. THE RUPTURE OCCURRED WHERE THE LINE HAD BEEN CLAMPED T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 18, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A SAFETY RECALL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. ALL OF THE ENGINE COOLANT LEAKED FROM THE RESERVOIR. THE COPPER TUBING CONNECTED TO THE INTAKE THAT WENT TO ... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2001

WE BOUGHT OUR 1998 CROWN VICTORIA USED IN 2001. AT THE TIME OF THE SALE I WAS ASKED IF THERE WAS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE CAR, AND AT THAT TIME I SHOWED THEM THAT THE HEADLIGHTS HAD A HEAVY FILM THAT CAUSED VERY LITTLE LIGHT TO COME THROUGH. I ASKED THEM ABOUT REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DEALER WEN... Read more

Incident date: Aug 25, 2007

MY 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT ON FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING FOR 12 HOURS. THE FIRE DEPT SAID IT STARTED IN THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE HOOD. THE CAR IS NOW COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE 98 CROWN VICTORIA FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT I AM BEING TOLD THAT MY VIN DO... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 25, 2007

Fire

Incident date: Apr 13, 2007

INTAKE MANIFOLD THERMOSTAT HOUSING ( OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL) ON A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LX ENGINE, CRACKED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK, AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR AT A COST OF $1055.18. FORD PROVIDED A RECALL TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT TO "COMMERCIA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 20, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THERE WAS A CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE COUPLED WITH A SMELL GAS THEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ENGINE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE... Read more

Incident date: Jun 27, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH IN A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD NOISE AND DROPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE FRONT LEFT TIE ROD FRACTURED. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE TIE ROD. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 2006

CONSUMER CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF 1998 CROWN VICTORIA GAS TANK. *TS *NM THE MANUFACTURER ONLY COVERED THE COST OF REPLACING RETROFIT FUEL TANKS ON POLICE CARS AND LIMOUSINES. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE PARTS. HE GOT A FORD DEALER TO INSTALL THE PARTS FREE.... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2004

DT: HEADLIGHTS LENS FOGS UP AND OWNER CAN'T SEE IN THE DARK. HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. THE LENS IS ALSO DISCOLORED. HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHILCE.*AK

Incident date: Aug 1, 2004

THE VEHICLE'S INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. *NM THE VEHICLE RAN ROUGH. THE VEHICLE RECEIVED A TUNE UP AND IT STILL RAN ROUGH AND LEAKED FUMES. THE MANIFOLD WAS MADE OF PLASTIC. A METAL MANIFOLD INSTALLED. *TC

Incident date: Jan 18, 2005

THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ONTO THE ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, PLEASE PROVIDE INFORMATION.

Incident date: Sep 20, 2003

CONSUMER NOTICED EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. AK

Incident date: Nov 8, 2004

EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY, BOTH RIGHT & LEFT. ALWAYS DRIVE WITH BRIGHT ON. NO ONE CAN TELL. WILL HAVE TO INSTALL ADDITIONAL LIGHTS BECAUSE OF SUCH POOR VISION OF THE ROAD. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW. *JB

Incident date: Aug 19, 2004

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL CATCH ON FIRE. *AK THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN ROUGH. AS THE VEHICLE WAS WARMED, THE DEALER NOTICED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING GASOLINE/OXYGEN FUMES. *SC

Incident date: Aug 22, 2004

FRONT HEADLIGHTS - SINCE PURCHASING THE FORD HAD HEADLIGHTS REPLACED TWICE, POOR VISIBILITY, ALWAYS HAVE THE "BRIGHTS ONE" AND THE VIEW OF THE ROAD IS DANGEROUS. THE LEN'S FOG-UP THEREFORE DEFUSING THE CANDLEPOWER. BRIGHTER BULBS CANT' BE USED BECAUSE THE HEAT WOULD DAMAGE THE LENS AND WIREING. I... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2004

INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. AS A RESULT, STRESS CRACKS DEVELOPED WHICH CAUSED COOLANT TO LEAK. A RECALL WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLES WAS NOT INCLUDED SINCE THE RECALL ONLY AFFECTED POLICE VEHICLES.*AK

Incident date: Apr 19, 2004

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM RECALL 98V322000. BUT, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Incident date: Apr 12, 2004

COOLANT LEAK IN INTAKE MANIFOLD. MANUFACTERING DEFECT IM TOLD, BUT NO RECALL. WHY NO RECALL?

Incident date: Feb 5, 2004

INTAKE MANIFOLD DEVELOPED CRACKS BECAUSE OF A FACTORY DESIGN FLAW. WHEN THIS OCCURRED VEHICLE LOST COOLANT. *AK

Incident date: Nov 26, 2003

MY CROWN VIC HAS 43759 MILES ON IT. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF (APPROXIMATELY 1.5 SECONDS)-FLASHED ON-FLASHED OFF. I TOOK THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OFF & IT QUIT TURNING OFF. I KEPT THE BRIGHTS OFF THE REST OF THAT TRIP BUT COULD STILL SMELL AN PLASTIC BURNING SMELL IN THE... Read more

Incident date: Apr 21, 2003

MOISTURE WAS INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT LENSES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE LENSES WERE REPLACED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE HOW THE MOISTURE WAS GETTING INTO THE LENSES. *JB RECENTLY, THE SAME PROBLEM DEVELOPED. THE CONSUMER CONTAC... Read more

Incident date: Mar 20, 2003

SMALL CRACK IN INTAKE MANIFOLD AND DETACHED HOSE FITTING ON THE TOP OF INTAKE MANIFOLD. CAR OVERHEATED. CONTACTED FORD ON MARCH 21, 2003. JUST ENTERED MY COMPLAINT IN SYSTEM. I DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL (01M02) CONCERNING INTAKE MANIFOLDS FORD CROWN VICTORIA', BUT FORD STATES THAT MY YEAR MODEL ... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 20, 2003

THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED. *JB THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP, AND HOT ANTIFREEZE DISPENSED FROM THE INTAKE AND BURNED THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AGAIN WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE ADVISE OF THE DEALER IN REFERENCE TO THE HOSE FITTING. SCC

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 25, 2003

THE OUT TIE ROD EXPERIENCED PRE MATURE FAILURE. *JB

Showing 50 of 138 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1998 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	22.0	18.0	Regular	$3,400

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, 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

224 manufacturer communications from 208 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	19
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	15
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	14
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	12
071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY	9
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	8
063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM	8
162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR	7

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: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

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE

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

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CHARGING SYSTEM LIMITATIONS. *EH

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04.

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

MULTIPLE DRIVEABILITY CONCERNS UNDER ACCELERATION CAUSED BY IGNITION COIL. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

TRANSMISSION FAILURE WHERE THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF METAL OR DEBRIS IN THE PAN. *TT

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT

020000 SUSPENSION

CRACKS IN THE REAR OF THE FRAME SIDE MEMBER BETWEEN THE UPPER AND LOWER TRAILING ARM BRACKETS. *TT

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,

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

EXCESSIVE MOISTURE IN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. *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

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

090000 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *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

062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

REVISED COOLING FAN MOTOR AVAILABLE. *TT

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

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

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK MAY BE INOPERATIVE, NOW ALLOWING THE OPERATOR TO MOVE THE SHIFT LEVER FROM THE PARK POSITION. STOP LAMP OPERATION MAY ALSO BE AFFECTED. *TT

136200 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

SOME VEHICLES PRODUCED BEFORE 3/5/2002 MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A ONE-TOUCH DOWN MODULE OR A DRIVERS DOOR MOUDLE MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE DRIVERS WINDOW MOVES DOWN WHEN ONE OF THE OTHER WINDOWS IS OPERATED. *TT

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

INFORMATION REGARDING DISCHARGED BATTERY CHARGING SERVICE TIPS AND GUIDELINES. *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

100000 POWER TRAIN

SOME VEHICLES WITH 4R700 TRANSMISSIONS BUILT FROM 4/16/98 THROUGH THE END OF THE 1998 MODEL YEAR MAY EXHIBIT A LEAK FROM THE VENT AREA OF THE TRANSMISSION. *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

116100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

SOME IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSEMBLIES MAY EXHIBIT ROUGNESS AND / OR EXCESS EFFORT IN TURNING, KEY DOES NOT FULLY RETURN FROM START, A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP MAY ILLUMINATE WITH P0500, P1502 AND U1039 STORED IN POWERTRIAN CONTROL

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE OIL LEAK OR OIL WEEPAGE FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AT THE RIGHT HAND REAR OR THE LEFT HAND FRONT OF THE ENGINE. *TT

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN INTERMITTENT RAPID FLASHING OF THE TURN SIGNALS. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VACUUM OR AIR LEAKS IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND / OR ENGINE SYSTEM CAUSING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0171 AND OR P0174. *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

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

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

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

131000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

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

105300 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

SOME POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT EITHER UNDERBODY SHEETMETAL CRACKING IN THE DRIVESHAFT TUNNEL AT THE REAR SEAT KICKUP AND / OR DRIVESHAFT CONTACT WITH THE UNDERBODY. *TT

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

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A STALL AT IDLE AFTER START-UP CONDITION. *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

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

VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (PATS) MAY NOT START OR CRANK. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT REGARDING CERTAIN VEHICLES WITH 4.6L ROMEO ENGINES EXHIBITING AN OIL LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.6L ROMEO ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OIL LEAK FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

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

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

VEHICLES BUILT UP TO DECEMBER OF 1999 MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE FILL-LIMITING VALVE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

VEHICLES BUILT UP TO DECEMBER OF 1999 MAY EXHIBIT A CLUNK NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVING OVER SPEED BUMPS. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY THE FILL-LIMITING VALVE INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. *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

161000 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 99B09 SUPPLEMENT #2 FOR CERTAIN COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FRAME SERVICE. *TT

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

SERVICE ACTION 00E11, SUPPLEMENT #1 - UPDATE INFORMATION REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ON SOME VEHICLES, THE ENGINE MOUNTS MAY NOT EXHIBIT SATISFACTORY DURABILITY UNDER SEVERE OPERATING CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE ENCOUNTERED BY POLICE, TAXI OR LIMO / LIVERY VEHICLES SUCH AS EXTENDED IDLING AT HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *

020000 SUSPENSION

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO COSMETIC CRACKS IN FRAME AT THE REAR UPPER CONTROL ARM ACCESS OPENING WHEN SUBJECTED TO SEVERE DUTY OPERATING CONDITIONS. *JB

020000 SUSPENSION

ON SOME VEHICLES THE REAR SUSPENSION UPPER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS ON THE FRAME MAY DEVELOP MINOR CRACKS WHEN SUBJECTED TO SEVERE DUTY SERVICE. *JB

350000 EQUIPMENT

SERVICE ACTION BULLETIN REGARDING ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM UPGRADE. *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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INFORMATION REGARDING REVISED ENGINE MOUNTS FOR SEVERE DUTY VEHICLES. *JB

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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

071100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

CONCERNS WITH FUEL TANK THUMP. *TT

185000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

INFORMATION REGARDING ROUGH IDLE APPROXIMATELY 20 SECONDS AFTER COLD ENGINE START-UP MAY OCCUR ON SOME VEHICLES. **MR

102000 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

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

204000 WHEELS:HUB

SOME VEHICLES WITH FULL SIZE LUXURY WHEEL COVERS MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. **MR

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

204000 WHEELS:HUB

SOME VEHICLES WITH FULL SIZE LUXURY WHEELS COVERS MAY EXHIBIT A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING. **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

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

204000 WHEELS:HUB

SOME POLICE VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH FULL SIZE WHEEL COVERS, MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN WITH THE WHEEL COVERS BECOMING LOOSE AFTER BEING REMOVED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *TT

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A MISS, BUCK / JERK, SURGE IN THE IGNITION COIL / SPARK PLUG BOOT. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

204000 WHEELS:HUB

SOME POLICE VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH FULL SIZE WHEEL COVERS, MAY EXHIBIT A CONCERN WITH THE WHEEL COVERS BECOMING LOOSE AFTER BEING REMOVED AND REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *TT

021000 SUSPENSION:FRONT

SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A SLIGHT STEERING DRIFT / WANDER CONDITION, USUALLY NOTED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING. *TT

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM, MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE ALL THE KEYLESS ENTRY FUNCTIONS ARE INOPERATIVE, INCLUDES REMOTE KEY FOB'S , POWER DOOR LOCKS, EXPRESS DOWN WINDOW AND REMOTE TRUNK RELEASE, VEHICLES BUILT BE

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SOME VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1999 AND EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM, MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE ALL THE KEYLESS ENTRY FUNCTIONS ARE INOPERATIVE. *MJS

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING A VEHICLE WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442 AND P0455 STORED IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. *TT

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

017000 STEERING:LINKAGES

THIS BULLETIN MENTIONS THAT THE WORKSHOP MANUALS DO NOT CONTAIN A PROCEDURE FOR INSPECTING THE PITMAN ARM BALL JOINT FOR WEAR. *TT

061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

SUBJECT REGARDING FORD QUALITY RENEWAL (FQR) ASSEMBLY LAUNCH OF 4.6L 2V ENGINE. *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

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION REGARDING A/C PEANUT O-RING COLOR. *TT

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

INFORMATION ON USING PEANUT STYLE A/C FITTINGS. *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

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

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN 3/15/1997 AND 12/31/1998 AND WITH 4R70W TRANSMISSIONS MAY EXPERIENCE DELAYED OR NO 2-3 UPSHIFT, TRANSMISSION CONTROL INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0782 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT

Showing 100 of 224 bulletins.

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