NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
201 reports29,000 miles · Jan 14, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TWO ALTERNATORS INSTALLED IN HER VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 30 AND 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT HAS HAD TWO ALTERNATORS INSTALLED IN HER VEHICLE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. WHILE DRIVING 30 AND 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAIL. ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS FLASH ON AND OFF AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. OCCASIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WILL TAKE A MINUTE BEFORE RESTARTING. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD FIND NO FAILURES. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $90 PER HOUR FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. UPDATED 03/09/09. *LJ THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED DUE TO IT OVERCHARGING. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AS WELL. THE TRUNK WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. UPDATED 03/10/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10255016
51,863 miles · Jan 9, 2009
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK BEHIND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FIRESTONE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SEAL FAILED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LEAK BEHIND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FIRESTONE AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SEAL FAILED ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE. WHILE THE MECHANIC WAS REPAIRING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING AND STUB AXLE WERE DEFECTIVE, WHICH WAS THE ACTUAL CAUSE OF THE SEAL FAILURE. AS A RESULT, THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID HAD TO BE REFILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE DEALER AND MECHANIC WERE NOT NOTIFIED. IN JANUARY OF 2009, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CHIRPING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO FIRESTONE FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. WHEN THE MECHANIC REMOVED THE ROTORS, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BALL JOINTS WERE RUBBING AGAINST THE AXLES AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BOTH OF THE REAR END AXLES AND BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT RELATED TO ANY RECALLS. HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS. THE CONTACT HAS THE PARTS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IN HIS POSSESSION. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,131 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,863. UPDATED 2/5/09 *CN UPDATED 02/10/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10254402
49,000 miles · Dec 8, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. WHEN THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED TWICE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHIC…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD AN UNFAMILIAR NOISE. WHEN THE NOISE GREW LOUDER, HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE REAR SUSPENSION WAS REPAIRED TWICE AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CONTACT WANTED TO KNOW HOW HE CAN BE REIMBURSED FOR THE TWO REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,915. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN UPDATED 01/09/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10251055
44,369 miles · Dec 2, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERYTIME SHE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE SWITCH BECAME VERY HOT. SHE TRADITIONALLY ACTIVATES THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SHE NEVER NOTICED ANY SMOKE OR WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EVERYTIME SHE ACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL, THE SWITCH BECAME VERY HOT. SHE TRADITIONALLY ACTIVATES THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. SHE NEVER NOTICED ANY SMOKE OR WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE TECHNICIAN DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO DETERMINE IF THE COMPONENT WAS POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,369 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,369.
NHTSA ODI #10250518
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2008
StructureSuspension
2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE. CONSUMER HAS A COMPLAINT WITH FORD ABOUT MULTIPLE RECALL REPAIRS (REAR AXLES, BEARING, AND SEAL RECALL) ON THE SAME VEHICLES AND FOR THE SAME MECHANICAL RECALL FAILURE. *NJ THE AXLE SEALS AND BEARINGS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE REAR AXLE, WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE, REAL AXLE BEARIN…
Read full complaint
2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE. CONSUMER HAS A COMPLAINT WITH FORD ABOUT MULTIPLE RECALL REPAIRS (REAR AXLES, BEARING, AND SEAL RECALL) ON THE SAME VEHICLES AND FOR THE SAME MECHANICAL RECALL FAILURE. *NJ THE AXLE SEALS AND BEARINGS CAUSED DAMAGED TO THE REAR AXLE, WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE, REAL AXLE BEARINGS AND THE REAR AXLE SEALS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE REQUIRED REPAIRS ON THE REAR AXLE TWICE. WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. RECALL 04V328000 *JB
NHTSA ODI #10249229
58,275 miles · Oct 30, 2008
Tires
PURCHASED 4 MICHELIN TIRES TOTAL 2@43,092&2@46,208MILES, NOW HAVE 58,275 MILES ALL (4) FOUR TIRES ARE SEPARATING AT THE WHITE WALL ADJACENT TO THE RIM,THATS 15,183 MILES DISCOUNT TIRE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $336.00. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. WHAT IS TO PREVENT THE TIRE FROM COMING APART COMPLETEL…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED 4 MICHELIN TIRES TOTAL 2@43,092&2@46,208MILES, NOW HAVE 58,275 MILES ALL (4) FOUR TIRES ARE SEPARATING AT THE WHITE WALL ADJACENT TO THE RIM,THATS 15,183 MILES DISCOUNT TIRE RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $336.00. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN WORKMANSHIP. WHAT IS TO PREVENT THE TIRE FROM COMING APART COMPLETELY. I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10247256
55,000 miles · Oct 3, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING FAILURE WITH THE REAR BEARINGS ON HIS VEHICLE AND THERE IS ALSO AN AXLE SHIFT FRACTURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REGARDING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THESE FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAG…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT IS EXPERIENCING FAILURE WITH THE REAR BEARINGS ON HIS VEHICLE AND THERE IS ALSO AN AXLE SHIFT FRACTURE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REGARDING THE FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THESE FAILURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 55,000.
NHTSA ODI #10244304
90,880 miles · Sep 9, 2008
Electrical System
VEHICLE HAS WIRING PROBLEM FOR BRAKE LIGHTS,TURN SIGNALS,BULBS & FUSES BLOW IT HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST APPROX EVERY NINE MONTHS TOLD PROBLEM IS ALWAYS BULB OR FUSE HOWEVER THEY MAINLY ALWAYS TAMPER WITH THE WIRING THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED SINCE 2003. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10241620
59,000 miles · Jun 18, 2008
Suspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD HUMMING NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT A TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE THE HUMMING NOISES AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD HUMMING NOISES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THAT A TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO MAKE THE HUMMING NOISES AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS POTENTIALLY THE REAR AXLE BEARING. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,706 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA ODI #10231428
66,745 miles · May 21, 2008
Service Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED GREASE ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BEARINGS, AXLES, AND REAR BRAKES WERE NEEDED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V32800…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LINCOLN TOWN CAR. THE CONTACT NOTICED GREASE ON THE WHEELS AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT BEARINGS, AXLES, AND REAR BRAKES WERE NEEDED. THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME IN FOUR YEARS THAT THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,745. UPDATED 06/09/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKES WERE SOAKED WITH OIL. UPDATED 06/09/08
NHTSA ODI #10228546
NHTSA investigations
4DP05005 · Spark Plug Ejection From Cylinder Head
Opened Sep 22, 2005 · Closed Jan 4, 2006
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
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 THE 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.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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 THE 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline
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 THE 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling
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 THE 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.
PE04010 · Rear Axle Fracture
Opened Jan 22, 2004 · Closed Jul 8, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
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 PLATFORM) PRODUCED THROUGH JANUARY 2003.WHILE GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE, IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT THE FAILURES WERE CONFINED TO LONG-WHEELBASE LINCOLN TOWN CARS AND THE CVPI'S DUE TO THEIR UNIQUE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND USAGE PROFILES.FORD'S RECALL ADDRESSES THESE VEHICLES.BOTH THE COMPANY AND ODI ARE CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE FIELD PERFORMANCE OF THE AXLES AND WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION AS REQUIRED.
EA03014 · Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Opened Aug 22, 2003 · Closed Aug 12, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 182 REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS.THE DATA EXAMINED DURING THE INVESTIGATION SUGGEST THAT THE SIDE AIR BAG CRASH SENSING SYSTEM'S ALGORITHM MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH INCIDENTS AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS.ODI HAS NOT, HOWEVER, IDENTIFIED ANY FAILED COMPONENT THAT RELATES TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALSO, ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED ANY TREND IN THE MANUFACTURE DATES OF COMPLAINT VEHICLES THAT MAY INDICATE A COMPONENT OR VEHICLE-MANUFACTURING PROBLEM.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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 TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT.
PE03011 · Inadvertent Side Air Bag Deployment
Opened Mar 14, 2003 · Closed Aug 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window
ODI HAS IDENTIFIED 173 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT OR NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT OF SIDE AIR BAGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2003 LINCOLN TOWN CARS.MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT ONE OF THE SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY IMPACT.ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT MY 2001 THROUGH EARLY MY 2003 TOWN CARS HAVE MUCH HIGHER COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES (138 COMPLAINTS AND 120 WARRANTY CLAIMS) THAN THE REMAINING VEHICLES (35 COMPLAINTS AND 32 WARRANTY CLAIMS).FORD CHANGED ITS SUPPLIER OF THE SIDE CRASH SENSORS FOR THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS.FORD STATES THAT THE ALGORITHM IN THE MY 2001 TOWN CARS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR'S DESIGN, AND THAT IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE IMPROVED OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN MODERATE SPEED SIDE POLE IMPACTS.IN DECEMBER 2002 (I.E., EARLY MY 2003 VEHICLE PRODUCTION), THE CRASH SENSORS WERE MOVED FROM THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE TO NEAR THE BASE OF B-PILLARS IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE INCIDENTS OF INADVERTENT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-014) FOR MY 2001-2003 TOWN CARS BUILT BEFORE DECEMBER 2002.
Illustration