NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
71 reportsClear category filter33,000 miles · Jul 27, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACES HER VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES TO 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASE. SHE MUST APPLY THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTERWARDS, SHE SMELLS THE SCE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACES HER VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES TO 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASE. SHE MUST APPLY THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTERWARDS, SHE SMELLS THE SCENT OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE CAUSED BY THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. HE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT BRAKE FLUID MAY BE FLOWING TO THE SWITCH AND CAUSING THE HEAT TO ACTIVATE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE LOSES BRAKE POWER OCCASIONALLY, EVEN THOUGH BRAKE FLUID IS PRESENT. HE ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
NHTSA ODI #10197634
Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire
THIS CAR HAD CONTINUED BRAKE DEFECTS FROM 03/29/01 (OUR FIRST FIRE) UNTIL THE LAST FIRE. WE SPENT NEARLY $4,000 ON BRAKES, EACH TIME BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. FINALLY, AFTER THE LAST FIRE IN FREMONT, NY, 3 DAYS AFTER THE LAST REPAIR BILL OF NEARLY $800 FOR BRAKES, THE COMPANY FOUND A STATEMENT FROM FORD SAYING THIS PART…
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THIS CAR HAD CONTINUED BRAKE DEFECTS FROM 03/29/01 (OUR FIRST FIRE) UNTIL THE LAST FIRE. WE SPENT NEARLY $4,000 ON BRAKES, EACH TIME BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. FINALLY, AFTER THE LAST FIRE IN FREMONT, NY, 3 DAYS AFTER THE LAST REPAIR BILL OF NEARLY $800 FOR BRAKES, THE COMPANY FOUND A STATEMENT FROM FORD SAYING THIS PARTICULAR MAKE COULD HAVE A BAD BOOSTER (FROM THE FACTORY), WHICH WOULD NOT SLOW THE CAR PROPERLY AFTER 60 MPH AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND BRAKE FAILURE. WE WERE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR OVER 60 MPH; THE TWO FORMER OWNERS WERE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO DID GOOD TO DRIVE IT 50 MPH. THE DEALER USED THE FOLLOWING TO FIX THE CAR: WWW.FORDTECHSERVICE.DEALER CONNECTION.COM/TPSCONTENT/USEN14/TN1902.HTM. HE TOLD MY HUSBAND FORD OFTEN DOESN'T ISSUE RECALLS UNTIL SOMEONE HAS TROUBLE WITH A PART. FORD KNEW THIS EXISTED; IT IS DATED 08/09/1992. WE FEEL FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO ANSWER WHY THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL THAT CAUSED NOT ONE, BUT TWO FIRES; THE LAST ONE ON RECORD WITH FREMONT, NY POLICE AND FIRE TRUCKS, WHO RESPONDED, AND WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE., NOT TO MENTION REFUND SOME OF OUR MONEY. IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, THE PROBLEM WOULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED. NO ONE ELSE SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND $4,000 ON BRAKES IN 50,000 MILES, AND HAVE THEM CATCH ON FIRE THREE DAYS AFTER A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB. ALL OTHER MAJOR CAR MAKERS ISSUE RECALLS BEFORE OWNERS HAVE PROBLEMS, IF THEY KNOW IT. WHY DOESN'T FORD? WHY DON'T YOU MAKE THEM DO THAT?*AK
NHTSA ODI #765881
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ANTILOCK BRAKESS ACTIVATED ON THEIR OWN, THIS HAPPENED TWICE, VEHICLE PULLS BAD DURING THIS TIME. HAPPENS FOR ABOUT 5 TO 10 MINUTES THEN RELEASE, NO MECHANICAL CORRECTION BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #9004443
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN MAKING A HARD LEFT TURN ABS SYSTEM WOULD LOCK UP. HAD TO TAKE FOOT OFF BRAKES IN ORDER FOR ABS SYSTEM TO BE RELEASED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #893989
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
INTERMITTENT BRAKE PROBLEMS; BRAKES LOCK UP, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. HAD ROTORS TURNED, ROTORS/PADS REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYED ON, AND AT 45-60 MPH VEHICLE VIBRATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #881707
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER SMELLS BURNING BRAKES ON FREEWAY OCCASIONALLY. SEEMS LIKE CAR SLOWS DOWN WHEN CONSUMER IS PUSHING ON GAS. CONSUMER HEARS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA.*AK
NHTSA ODI #872940
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
APPLYING BRAKES WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY, PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY. THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE BRAKE LINE RUBBED UP AGAINST THE FIREWALL, WHICH MADE A HOLE IN THE LINE, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED BY OWNER. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO FORD. PLEASE PROVI…
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APPLYING BRAKES WHILE PULLING INTO A DRIVEWAY, PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR, AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP RIGHT AWAY. THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE BRAKE LINE RUBBED UP AGAINST THE FIREWALL, WHICH MADE A HOLE IN THE LINE, CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED BY OWNER. THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED TO FORD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #866010
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2000
Service Brakes, HydraulicUnknown Or Other
ENGINE--NOISE--WHEN PARKED--NO ONE IN CAR--I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM THAT WAS RECHARGING--DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT TO ME===2 REMOTE ON DRIVER DOOR FOR TRUNK DOES NOT WORK WHEN ENGINE IS OFF--DOESN'T SOUND RIGHT TO ME. *AK
NHTSA ODI #723176
Mileage unknown · May 11, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
CLEARCOAT OF PAINT COMING OFF IN BLOCKS/STRIPS,FLY ONTO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING, PAINT RUSTING. BRAKE PEDAL DOESN'T RETURN UP, POPS UP WHEN TURNING & ROUGH ON ROUGH RD.,WEAR OUT QUICKLY. ELEC. DR. LOCKS DON'T WORK. DRIVER ELEC. SEAT WONT GO BACK,ENGINE:SPARK KNOCK,CAR PULLS LEFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT GOES ON,SOLENOID REPLACED 3X…
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CLEARCOAT OF PAINT COMING OFF IN BLOCKS/STRIPS,FLY ONTO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING, PAINT RUSTING. BRAKE PEDAL DOESN'T RETURN UP, POPS UP WHEN TURNING & ROUGH ON ROUGH RD.,WEAR OUT QUICKLY. ELEC. DR. LOCKS DON'T WORK. DRIVER ELEC. SEAT WONT GO BACK,ENGINE:SPARK KNOCK,CAR PULLS LEFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT GOES ON,SOLENOID REPLACED 3X,FUSE BLOWS FOR INTERIOR LTS CLUSTER,DIFFICULTY REMOVING KEY FROM IGNIITION,SEAT TRACK COVERS OFF, CLIMATE CONTROL INOPERABLE PRECEEDED BY INITIAL HOT AIR FROM A/C, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES,HOOD LATCH DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #722554
Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2000
EquipmentSeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic
AIR CONDITIONING ONLY WORKS IF IT'S NOT TOO HOT. BRAKE ROTORS KEEP GOING OUT AND NEED TO BE WORKED. SEAT TRACKS CAN COME LOOSE ANY TIME. REPLACED TRACKS ONCE,WORKED ON TWICE ,GOING OUT AGAIN.THIS HAS BEEN ON-GOING SINCE PURCHAS OF CAR IN AUG OF 1992. DEALER NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. ONE IN VENTURA IS BARBER FORD ON MAIN STREET. *A…
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AIR CONDITIONING ONLY WORKS IF IT'S NOT TOO HOT. BRAKE ROTORS KEEP GOING OUT AND NEED TO BE WORKED. SEAT TRACKS CAN COME LOOSE ANY TIME. REPLACED TRACKS ONCE,WORKED ON TWICE ,GOING OUT AGAIN.THIS HAS BEEN ON-GOING SINCE PURCHAS OF CAR IN AUG OF 1992. DEALER NO LONGER IN BUSINESS. ONE IN VENTURA IS BARBER FORD ON MAIN STREET. *AK
NHTSA ODI #718316
Official recalls
7Feb 4, 2008
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 REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Consequence & remedy
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.
Aug 3, 2007
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 & remedy
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 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
May 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.
Dec 16, 1998
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 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.
Consequence & remedy
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).
Mar 4, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
Consequence & remedy
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).
Nov 23, 1993
AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR IS POSITIONED ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN COLD WEATHER IN AREAS THAT HAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT USED FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL, A PUDDLE OF SALTWATER CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MATS, REPEATEDLY WETTING THE CONNECTOR. THIS WILL RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING A CURRENT TO FLOW BETWEEN THE TERMINALS WITHOUT TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, CURRENT FLOW CAN HEAT THE CONNECTOR ANDRELEASE FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNUSED CONNECTOR AND INSTALL A SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAP OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.
Feb 19, 1992
INCORRECT INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING ASSEMBLIES IN SOME VEHICLES WILL NOT ACTUATE THE "ANTI-LOCK" BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS 105.THE DRIVER WOULD NOT BE AWARE WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING.
Remedy: MODIFY THE WIRE ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW ACTUATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
10EA02025 · Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires
Opened Sep 6, 2002 · Closed Jun 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
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 OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
DP02007 · FUEL-FED Fires
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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 IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.
SQ01014 · Post Rear End Collision Fires
Opened Nov 27, 2001 · Closed Oct 3, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
There is no summary currently available
RQ01002 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 20, 2001 · Closed Sep 6, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
EA95011 · Undercarriage Fuel Line Interference
Opened Mar 29, 1995 · Closed Jan 30, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE94077 · Fuel Line Interference
Opened Nov 4, 1994 · Closed Mar 29, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
PE94073 · Brake Line Punctures
Opened Oct 4, 1994 · Closed Dec 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
EA94022 · Steering Power Assist Fail
Opened Jun 30, 1994 · Closed Mar 2, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE94032 · Steering Power Assist Failure
Opened Apr 8, 1994 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE93086 · Hood FLY-UP While Driving
Opened Oct 1, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
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