NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
292 reportsClear category filter92,000 miles · Nov 14, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE HEADLIGHTS STILL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE LIGHT CONTR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT POWERED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE HEADLIGHTS STILL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THE LIGHT CONTROL PROCESSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10484611
80,321 miles · Oct 31, 2012
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT DARK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTORE THE LIGHTS, THEY CAME BACK ON. WITHIN TEN MILES, THIS EVENT OCCURRED TWO MORE TIMES. I WENT TO MY LOCAL MERCURY DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THE MODULE THAT CONTROLLED THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WAS NOT AVAILABLE. HE ALSO …
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WHILE DRIVING AFTER DARK THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WENT DARK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO RESTORE THE LIGHTS, THEY CAME BACK ON. WITHIN TEN MILES, THIS EVENT OCCURRED TWO MORE TIMES. I WENT TO MY LOCAL MERCURY DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THE MODULE THAT CONTROLLED THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS WAS NOT AVAILABLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT HIS ORDERING SYSTEM ALSO SHOWED HIM THAT THERE WERE ALMOST 600 OF THESE PARTS WERE ON BACK-ORDER. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT ONE OF THE COMPONENTS OF THE MODULE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THAT THERE WAS NO ANTICIPATED DATE WHEN THE MODULE MIGHT BE AVAILABLE. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT 2005 WAS THE ONLY MODEL YEAR THAT THIS PART WOULD FIT AND THAT THE 2004 OR 2006 SIMILAR PARTS WOULD NOT WORK IN THE 2005 MODEL YEAR. HE ALSO TOLD ME THAT IF THE PART WERE AVAILABLE THAT IT WOULD COST ALMOST $600 DOLLARS NOT INSTALLED. THIS PART ALSO FITS THE 2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA BUT NO OTHER MAKES OR MODELS. THIS LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THAT FORD RE-ENGINEERED THIS MODEL FOR THE 2005 MODEL AND DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS A FAULTY DESIGN AND REDESIGNED IT FOR THE 2006 MODEL AND FAILED TO REPORT THE PROBLEM TO ANYONE. THEY HAVE USED UP ALL OF WHATEVER INVENTORY OF THESE PARTS THEY EVER MANUFACTURED AND APPEAR TO HAVE NO PLANS TO MAKE ANY MORE. I HAVE SHOPPED MOST OF FLORIDA'S JUNK YARDS AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE ANY 2005 MERCURY OR FORD CARS FROM WHICH TO OBTAIN A USED PART. BEFORE DAYLIGHT THIS MORNING WHILE DRIVING MY WIFE TO THE DOCTOR, THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT ONCE AGAIN AND CAME BACK ON AFTER ABOUT A MILE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I BELIEVE THAT YOUR AGENCY SHOULD NOT ONLY REQUIRE FORD TO DEVELOP AN IMMEDIATE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT SHOULD REQUIRE FORD TO SUPPLY THIS PART AT NO COST TO THE AFFECTED OWNERS SINCE IT IS PRETTY CLEAR THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TRIED TO HIDE IT FROM THE PUBLIC AND THE GOVERNMENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10482735
32,000 miles · Oct 23, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10481966
37,000 miles · Oct 15, 2012
Air BagsExterior LightingSeat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE HEADLIGHTS HOWEVER, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE HEADLIGHTS HOWEVER, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE HAZARD LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED DUE TO THE MANUFACTURED PART BEING ON A MASSIVE BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY WERE UNCERTAIN WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/16/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10480184
78,000 miles · Oct 5, 2012
Exterior Lighting
DURING EARLY MORNING TRAVEL, BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AS YOU DRIVE. FORD DIAGNOSED TO BE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE AND TO REPAIR IS ALMOST A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IS COMMON FOR THIS YEA…
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DURING EARLY MORNING TRAVEL, BOTH HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AT THE SAME TIME. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED FINE FOR A WHILE, THEN SUDDENLY STOP WORKING AS YOU DRIVE. FORD DIAGNOSED TO BE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE AND TO REPAIR IS ALMOST A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THIS MANUFACTURERS DEFECT IS COMMON FOR THIS YEAR AND MODEL VEHICLE AND IS VERY DANGEROUS!! HEADLIGHTS ARE A SAFETY NECESSITY AND THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT IS ABOVE AND BEYOND ROUTINE MAINTENANCE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10478803
84,400 miles · Sep 18, 2012
Exterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 5:50 AM IN THE DARK WHEN ON COMING TRAFFIC BEGAN FLASHING THEIR HEADLIGHTS AT ME. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS (WHICH I ALWAYS HAVE SET ON AUTOMATIC) HAD GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD TO DRIVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON WIT…
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I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 5:50 AM IN THE DARK WHEN ON COMING TRAFFIC BEGAN FLASHING THEIR HEADLIGHTS AT ME. I THEN NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS (WHICH I ALWAYS HAVE SET ON AUTOMATIC) HAD GONE OUT WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD TO DRIVE A SHORT DISTANCE TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT GET THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON WITH THE SWITCH IN EITHER THE AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL SETTINGS. I REPEATEDLY SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT WITHOUT ANY LUCK. I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL THE SUN CAME UP TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO WORK. I GOGGLED THIS HEADLIGHT PROBLEM AND FOUND IT IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE OF THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE IN THE 2003-2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR CO. BUT WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THESE CARS WITH THIS COMMON AND VERY DANGEROUS DEFECT AND WAS DIRECTED TO TAKE MY CAR TO A FORD DEALER FOR SERVICE. I PERSONALLY THINK FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRING THIS DEFECT WITH NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475890
100,000 miles · Sep 15, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005,MERCURY,GRAND MARQUIS, AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON ME...MAKING VISIBILITY IMPOSSIBLE...AFTER MUCH RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM,I FIND THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF THE VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MERCURY, GRAND MARQUIS...AFTER READING OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,I WOND…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2005,MERCURY,GRAND MARQUIS, AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY WENT OUT ON ME...MAKING VISIBILITY IMPOSSIBLE...AFTER MUCH RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM,I FIND THAT ALOT OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF THE VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR MERCURY, GRAND MARQUIS...AFTER READING OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM,I WONDER WHY THIS HAS NOT BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST......THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER. *TR *JS
NHTSA ODI #10475506
98,500 miles · Sep 15, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: LCM KNOWN DEFECT: BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED, IN BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAM POSITIONS. THEY WILL NOT COME ON IN EITHER THE AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITIONS. (THE BULBS ARE STILL GOOD.) THE PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGH…
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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPLAINT: LCM KNOWN DEFECT: BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED, IN BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAM POSITIONS. THEY WILL NOT COME ON IN EITHER THE AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITIONS. (THE BULBS ARE STILL GOOD.) THE PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THIS FAILURE WILL *ALWAYS* OCCUR AT NIGHT, OR DURING STORMY WEATHER, THREATENING SAFETY, BECAUSE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT NORMALLY USED DURING THE DAYTIME. LATER TESTING REVEALED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERMITTENT. AT ONE POINT, THE AUTOMATIC DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITION WORKED FOR BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAMS, BUT THE MANUAL SWITCH POSITION DID NOT WORK. THE NEXT MORNING, BOTH THE AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL POSITIONS WORKED. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, NEITHER POSITION WOULD WORK. THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS FOR THE 2003-2005 MODEL YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM IS THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. THIS MODULE IS SO UNRELIABLE THAT IT HAS BEEN NAMED THE "LIGHTS OUT MODULE" ON THE INTERNET. A SAMPLING OF COMPLAINTS CAN BE FOUND AT THESE WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2003/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2005/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX. THIS IS A *SAFETY* ISSUE. LIVES ARE AT STAKE. PLEASE FORCE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. ALTHOUGH THE PARKING LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS CONTINUED TO WORK, SO OTHER DRIVERS CAN SEE THE CAR WITH THE FAILED HEADLIGHTS, THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WITH THE FAILED HEADLIGHTS *CANNOT* SEE WHERE HE IS GOING!! HE COULD RUN INTO A PARKED CAR, HIT A PEDESTRIAN, HIT A BICYCLIST, HIT A TREE OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION, ETC. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475483
79,000 miles · Sep 10, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING. THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING. THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
NHTSA ODI #10474478
47,000 miles · Sep 6, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY OR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN ENGAGED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 10/03/12*LJ UPDATED 10/05/2012/2012 …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY OR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN ENGAGED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 10/03/12*LJ UPDATED 10/05/2012/2012 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10474031
Official recalls
4Dec 22, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
Nov 5, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Aug 29, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles 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, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Nov 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN HEAT DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUSIBLE LINK AND POSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER BOLT. IF THE FUSIBLE LINK HAS ALREADY CHAFED AND COPPER WIRES HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, THE FUSIBLE LINK WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
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
4PE15028 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Aug 10, 2015 · Closed Jan 8, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting: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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting
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.
Exterior Lighting: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.
DP15002 · Loss Of Headlamp/exterior Lighting
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Aug 11, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
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.
PE14021 · Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
Opened Jul 7, 2014 · Closed Nov 21, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Steering
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 crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.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 to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
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 crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.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 to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
Steering
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 crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.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 to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
PE08066 · Loss Of Headlight Function
Opened Nov 26, 2008 · Closed Mar 24, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
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 CONDITION CAN LEAD TO POOR HEADLIGHT PERFORMANCE RANGING FROM INTERMITTENT OUTAGE AND DIMMING TO EVENTUAL HEADLIGHTS FAILURE.THE FAILURE DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER LIGHTING FUNCTIONS (PARK, EMERGENCY FLASHER, BRAKE AND FLASH TO PASS LIGHTS).THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 306 CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND NO REPORT OF CRASH, INJURY OR FATALITY.FORD REPORTS 2,074 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO HEADLIGHT FAILURE LINKED TO THE LCM DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF OPERATION.ABOUT 12% (247) OF THESE CLAIMS ARE SPECIFIC TO HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING.THE AVERAGE WARRANTY RATE FOR HEADLIGHT FAILING WHILE DRIVING IS LOW (0.05%).FORD REPORTS A SLIGHTLY HIGHER WARRANTY RATE EXPERIENCED FOR THE CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AND THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE HIGHER DUTY CYCLE OF THESE VEHICLES (HEADLIGHTS ON FOR LONGER PERIODS).A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND 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 MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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