NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
292 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Jun 21, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE DEALER DID SUGGEST THAT THE MODULE WAS FAULTY AND THAT THE CONTACT …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE DEALER DID SUGGEST THAT THE MODULE WAS FAULTY AND THAT THE CONTACT COULD REACH UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND TAP IT, AND THE LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL THE REMEDY WAS REASONABLE OR SAFE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUED HOWEVER, OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 08/01/12*LJ UPDATED 08/01/12
NHTSA ODI #10462540
60,000 miles · Jun 21, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER AND INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, HE WAS PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER AND INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH INDICATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10462536
72,800 miles · Jun 18, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS BY HOLDING THE TURN SIGNAL BAR. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOS…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS BY HOLDING THE TURN SIGNAL BAR. THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,800.
NHTSA ODI #10462070
125,000 miles · Jun 17, 2012
Exterior Lighting
IN OCTOBER 2011, I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. I GOT OUT AND TOOK A WALK AROUND THE CAR AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING EXCEPT THE HEADLIGHTS. I TURNED THE LIGHTS SWITCH OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THE PROBLEM WORSENED AND I FO…
Read full complaint
IN OCTOBER 2011, I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT TO INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. I GOT OUT AND TOOK A WALK AROUND THE CAR AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING EXCEPT THE HEADLIGHTS. I TURNED THE LIGHTS SWITCH OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THE PROBLEM WORSENED AND I FOUND THAT I COULD HOLD THE "MOMENTARY" HIGH BEAM SWITCH ON AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD WORK -- AS LONG AS I HELD THE SWITCH IN THE HIGH BEAM POSITION. THE SITUATION WORSENED, AND NOW THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. THE PROBLEM HAS ESCALATED FROM OCTOBER 2011 UNTIL LATE MAY 2012. IF I NEED TO DRIVE THE CAR AT NIGHT, I MUST HOLD THE "MOMENTARY" HIGH BEAM SWITCH WHILE I DRIVE. ONCE IN A WHILE YOU CAN SEE THE HEADLIGHTS COME ON BECAUSE THE LIGHTS GET EXTREMELY BRIGHT. THEN I CAN RELEASE THE "MOMENTARY" HIGH BEAM SWITCH. THE LIGHTS WILL ONLY STAY ON FOR ABOUT 10 SECONDS AND THEN GO BACK OFF. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MANY MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS AND FORD CROWN VICTORIA'S AROUND THE MODEL YEAR OF MY CAR HAVE THIS PROBLEM. HE HAS TRACED THE PROBLEM TO SOMETHING CALLED THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS IS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. FORD WANTS $600.00 JUST FOR THE PART. IF YOU SEARCH THE INTERNET FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, YOU WILL FIND AN ABUNDANCE OF VERY SIMILAR SITUATIONS AS I HAVE DESCRIBED TO YOU. NOT EVERYONE IS REPORTING THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP! UPDATED 08/20/12
NHTSA ODI #10462026
70,000 miles · May 30, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LAMPS WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,0…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LAMPS WOULD FAIL SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
NHTSA ODI #10460035
147,000 miles · May 29, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY HEADLIGHTS CUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AT NIGHT, THEY CAME ON AGAIN FOR A MIN., BUT CUT OFF THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE. I HAVE TO HOLD MY BRIGHT SWITCH DOWN FOR A 30 MIN DRIVE HOME. I HAVE HAD A FUSES CHECKED, AFTER LOOKING ON LINE IT LOOKS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE, THIS IS SCARY, C…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY HEADLIGHTS CUT OFF WITH NO WARNING AT NIGHT, THEY CAME ON AGAIN FOR A MIN., BUT CUT OFF THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE. I HAVE TO HOLD MY BRIGHT SWITCH DOWN FOR A 30 MIN DRIVE HOME. I HAVE HAD A FUSES CHECKED, AFTER LOOKING ON LINE IT LOOKS LIKE SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE, THIS IS SCARY, CONSIDERING I HAVE 3 CHILDREN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459906
67,991 miles · May 25, 2012
Exterior Lighting
LET ME START BY SAYING THIS IS A SAFETY RISK THAT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. INSTRUMENT ILLUMINATION STAYED ON. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS CYCLED AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAM BACK ON. THEY TURNED OFF MINUTES LATER. AFTER PULLING OVER AND CYCLING THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE HEADLAMP SWITCH…
Read full complaint
LET ME START BY SAYING THIS IS A SAFETY RISK THAT COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF LIFE. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. INSTRUMENT ILLUMINATION STAYED ON. HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS CYCLED AND THE HEADLIGHTS CAM BACK ON. THEY TURNED OFF MINUTES LATER. AFTER PULLING OVER AND CYCLING THE BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE HEADLAMP SWITCH, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT DRIVING WITH THE SIGNAL LIGHT PULLED BACK INTO BRIGHT-FLASH POSITION WAS THE ONLY WAY TO DRIVE. THIS WAS AFTER SEVERAL PULL-OFF-THE-ROAD EVENTS. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC, WHO DETERMINED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH TO BE BAD. $300 AFTERWARDS, THE INTERMITTENT SYMPTOMS WENT AWAY. HOWEVER, THE HEADLIGHTS NEVER ILLUMINATED. FROM 12/11 THROUGH 5/12, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONLY DURING THE DAY -- OCCASIONALLY AT NIGHT, BUT WITH THE TURN SIGNAL PULLED BACK TO HIGHBEAM FLASH. AFTER REVIEWING MANY INTERNET POSTS, I DISCOVERED THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE (LCM) WAS THE SUSPECT COMPONENT. THE DEALERSHIP PRICE FOR THIS COMPONENT, AS OF 5/12, IS $521.67. I REMOVED THE LCM AND OPENED IT TO INSPECT. AFTER NOTHING WAS FOUND (BURNED COMPONENTS, COLD SOLDER JOINTS, ETC.), I REASSEMBLED AND REINSTALLED IT. AFTER AN OPERATIONAL CHECK TO SEE IF RESEATING THE CONNECTORS FIX IT, I DISCOVERED THE HEADLIGHT SYSTEM FULLY FUNCTIONAL. WE'LL SEE IF THE PROBLEM REPEATS ITSELF. THIS PROBLEM WAS REPORTED AN MANY INTERNET REPAIR POSTS FOR 2003-2005 FORD CROWN VICS AND GRAND MARQUIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10459673
76,000 miles · May 15, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 0717/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS HAPPENED ON …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 0717/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE OF THE HEADLIGHTS HAPPENED ON EIGHT SEPARATE OCCASIONS, AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED. OCCASIONS IN BETWEEN, THE LIGHTS ENGAGED PROPERLY. UPDATED 07/17/12
NHTSA ODI #10458519
38,000 miles · Apr 25, 2012
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT IN STOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000. UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF UPDATED 07/25/12
NHTSA ODI #10456487
48,000 miles · Apr 17, 2012
Exterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 11 PM ON APRIL 15, 2012 WHEN HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. BLINDLY SWERVED OFF ROAD ONTO GRASS. SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ENGAGE. DROVE REMAINING DURATION OF TRIP WITH HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN TWO WEEKS. THE FIRST TWO OCCURRENCES WERE AT AROU…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 11 PM ON APRIL 15, 2012 WHEN HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. BLINDLY SWERVED OFF ROAD ONTO GRASS. SHUT CAR OFF AND RESTARTED. HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ENGAGE. DROVE REMAINING DURATION OF TRIP WITH HIGH BEAMS ENGAGED. THIS IS THE THIRD OCCURRENCE IN TWO WEEKS. THE FIRST TWO OCCURRENCES WERE AT AROUND 15 MILES PER HOUR. THE THIRD INSTANCE ALMOST RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10455471
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.
Illustration