1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY BROKE IN HALF ALLOWING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE CAR TO FALL TO THE GROUND. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST PARKING WHEN IT HAPPENED. THEIR WAS NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT. THE CAR DROVE FINE. I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL EXIS…
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1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR SUDDENLY BROKE IN HALF ALLOWING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM OF THE CAR TO FALL TO THE GROUND. FORTUNATELY, I WAS JUST PARKING WHEN IT HAPPENED. THEIR WAS NO WARNING OF A PROBLEM WITH THE BALL JOINT. THE CAR DROVE FINE. I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS PROBLEM (98S37), BUT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER, MY CAR IS NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL. OBVIOUSLY, IT SHOULD BE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256840
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2008
Suspension
MY ELDERLY PARENTS WERE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT LOW SPEED WHEN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED. THE CONTROL ARM DROPPED, DUG INTO THE PAVEMENT AND RENDERED THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO JACK UP THE CAR, SLIDE A DOLLY UNDER IT, TOW IT HOME, ETC. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL …
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MY ELDERLY PARENTS WERE DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT LOW SPEED WHEN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILED. THE CONTROL ARM DROPPED, DUG INTO THE PAVEMENT AND RENDERED THE CAR OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS INJURED. IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO JACK UP THE CAR, SLIDE A DOLLY UNDER IT, TOW IT HOME, ETC. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXACT PROBLEM. A RECALL ADDRESSING THIS SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING DEFECT HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL, YEAR AND CONSTRUCTION; BUT, NOT ALL VIN WERE COVERED IN THE RECALL. AS OF THIS DATE NO WORK HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10250162
148,000 miles · Oct 20, 2005
Suspension
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT LEFT BALL JOINT FELL OFF OF HIS OF 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THIS HAPPENED ON 9-16-05. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.*AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10136912
231,700 miles · Aug 4, 2005
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AT 20-25 MPH IN HOPEWELL NJ MY DRIVERS SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED,CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FALL TO THE GROUND AND THE WHEEL WELL TO FALL ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE,RENDERING THE VEHICLE IMMOVABLE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED 42 MILES TO MY HOME ON A FLATBED TRUCK AT TH…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CAR AT 20-25 MPH IN HOPEWELL NJ MY DRIVERS SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED,CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO FALL TO THE GROUND AND THE WHEEL WELL TO FALL ON THE TOP SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE,RENDERING THE VEHICLE IMMOVABLE. THE CAR WAS THEN TOWED 42 MILES TO MY HOME ON A FLATBED TRUCK AT THE COST OF $192.00. WITH THE AID OF A NEIGHBOR (A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC) THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED WITH AN AFTERMARKET PART,COST $52.00(NO LABOR COST-SELF INSTALLED).THE BROKEN BALL JOINT( I HAVE RETAINED THE BROKEN PART IN MY POSSESSION) DID NOT HAVE ANY FITTINGS FOR LUBRICATION,BUT ACCORDING TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION IN DEARBORN MI( MR.PAUL LAFFIN ) MY VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF ANY SAFETY RECALL(98S37 FORD'S # ) OR 98V322000.I WAS ADVISED THAT I SHOULD TAKE MY CAR TO THE NEAREST LINCOLN DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND OR SERVICE OF THE OTHER (RIGHT SIDE) BALL JOINT. MY DRIVING TO AND FROM WORK INVOLVES 15 MILES ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY,I GUESS I WAS JUST LUCKY TO HAVE THIS FAILURE OCCUR ON A CITY STREET AT 20 MPH. I AM VERY DISSATISFIED WITH FORD,LINCOLN FOR THEIR RESPONSE TO MY ISSUE WHICH I BELIEVE IS A DEFECTIVE PART THAT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR AND CORRECT. EVEN IF MY CAR WAS NOT IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL, I FEEL IT IS A SIMILAR ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN A LIKE MANNER WHEN IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THEIR ATTENTION. AS FOR NHSTA I WOULD LIKE YOUR OFFICE TO LOOK INTO THE ASSEMBLY SPECS FOR ALL 1994 LINCOLN TOWN CARS TO SEE IF ALL WERE EQUIPPED WITH THIS TYPE OF (UNGREASEABLE) BALL JOINT. THANK YOU. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10131524
Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2003
Suspension
REAR SUSPENSION DROP CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DROP LOWER TO THE GROUND. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL. PH
NHTSA ODI #10006612
99,000 miles · Jan 6, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
CONSUMER ADVISED THAT LEFT SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT CONNECTED TO WHEEL SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER ADVISED JOINT SEPARATED DUE TO LACK OF GREASE AT ASSEMBLY. *PH BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND ALIGNED THE FRONT END. NEEDED FRONT BRAKES REPLACED. CONSUMER DECLINED BRAKE REPAIRS. …
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CONSUMER ADVISED THAT LEFT SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT CONNECTED TO WHEEL SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. DEALER ADVISED JOINT SEPARATED DUE TO LACK OF GREASE AT ASSEMBLY. *PH BOTH LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED AND ALIGNED THE FRONT END. NEEDED FRONT BRAKES REPLACED. CONSUMER DECLINED BRAKE REPAIRS. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10002075
Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2002
Suspension
WHEN DRIVING AT 20/25MPH AND UPON APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, CONSUMER HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN FRONT LEFT DRIVER'S SIDE END DROPPED DOWN. THIS WAS AS A RESULT OF LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT SEPARATING.THERE IS A RECALL 98V322000; BUT, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #8018413
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2001
Suspension
WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH, THERE IS A VIBRATION AND NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE COMPONENT CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN 98V322000 DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER STATED DEALER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. *…
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WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 55 MPH, THERE IS A VIBRATION AND NOISE COMING FROM VEHICLE. FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE COMPONENT CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN CAMPAIGN 98V322000 DUE TO VIN. *AK CONSUMER STATED DEALER TOOK CARE OF THE PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #898908
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2001
Suspension
FRONT AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM IS NOT HOLDING UP PROPERLY. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET.*AK
NHTSA ODI #885406
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
THE ENGINE HAD A NOTICEABLE AMOUNT OF OIL EXHAUST SMOKE, THIS IS AN INDICATION OF INTERNAL ENGINE WEAR. NLM
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.
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).
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE AT THE POINT AT WHICH THE EXTENDED BRAKE LINE FIRST BENDS AND EXTENDS OVER THE LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA OF THE FRAME. IF NOT INSTALLED WITH SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CHAFING OF THE BRAKE LINE CAN OCCUR IN AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE REAR FLOOR PAN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAN LEAK OR RUPTURE RESULTING IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, AND/OR LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID RESERVES IN THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINE FOR PROPER INSTALLATION AND/OR DAMAGE AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY. ALSO A PROTECTIVE BOOT OR SLEEVE OVER THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE INSTALLED.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. IF ONE OR MORE OF THE NUTS COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY OR TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR AND SENSOR RING (IF SO EQUIPPED) WILL OCCUR. IF ALL FOUR NUTS ON ONE END OF THE AXLE COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE OR THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CAN OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEEDED, INSTALL NEW BOLTS. IF ANY OF THE FASTENERS ARE DISCONNECTED, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND SERVICED.
THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSH ROD RETAINER (HAIRPIN CLIP) MAY BE MISSING OR NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED ON THE SERVICE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS CAN CAUSE DISENGAGEMENT OF THE BRAKE PUSHROD AND LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER.
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
4
EA02025 · 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.
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