NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
39 reportsClear category filter150 miles · Oct 28, 2011
Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE WHERE THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED FAILURES WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE REPLACED BUT THE ABNORMAL ACCELERATION FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,600.
NHTSA ODI #10433483
5,000 miles · Aug 9, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. ALSO, WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNTIL THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. ALSO, WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA ODI #10418154
8,770 miles · Feb 25, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 44 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE ENGINE ROARED LOUDLY. THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE THEN GRADUALLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE TO A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 44 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE ENGINE ROARED LOUDLY. THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE THEN GRADUALLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE TO APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. HE THEN DISENGAGED THE OVERDRIVE FEATURE AND ONCE THE VEHICLE REACHED A SPEED OF 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,770.
NHTSA ODI #10384523
41,000 miles · Dec 6, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, MY 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS HAS SUDDENLY STALLED WHEN I BEGIN TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN FORWARD MODE AND ONCE IN REVERSE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, I HAD GOTTEN SEVERAL FEET INTO THE BUSY INTERSECTION AND IN ONE INCIDENT, AN ACCIDENT NEARLY OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10294678
17,816 miles · May 26, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
ARRIVED AT SON'S HOME AND STOPPED IN DRIVEWAY WITH FOOT ON BRAKE WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY, SPINNING WHEELS IN GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING GARAGE AND RAN HEAD ON INTO A PINE TREE RESULTING IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO ENTIRE FRONT END OF VEHICLE (EXPECT VEHICLE TO BE CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS) A…
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ARRIVED AT SON'S HOME AND STOPPED IN DRIVEWAY WITH FOOT ON BRAKE WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY, SPINNING WHEELS IN GRAVEL DRIVEWAY. DRIVER SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING GARAGE AND RAN HEAD ON INTO A PINE TREE RESULTING IN SEVERE DAMAGE TO ENTIRE FRONT END OF VEHICLE (EXPECT VEHICLE TO BE CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS) AND INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND TWO PASSENGERS. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT DESTINATION, DRIVER HAD USED THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN MOVED AND AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR INSURANCE ADJUSTER TO INSPECT VEHICLE. BOTH DRIVER AND FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUFFERED SEVERE BRUISING ON FACE, ARMS, CHEST AND ABDOMEN, PRESUMABLY FROM DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAGS AS WELL AS FROM THE SEAT BELTS. REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUFFERED A CONTUSION ON THE FOREHEAD AND A SPRAINED HAND. ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION AND RELEASED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269914
29,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IN FEBRUARY OF 2009, WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB, RACED OVER THE MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEH…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. IN FEBRUARY OF 2009, WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB, RACED OVER THE MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO FAILURES. THE FAILURE PREVIOUSLY OCCURRED ON APPROXIMATELY THREE OR FOUR OCCASIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.
NHTSA ODI #10268631
30,200 miles · May 14, 2008
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash
CAR WAS SLOWING FOR RED LIGHT, STEPPED ON BRAKE, ENGINE OVERSPED, VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, COLLIDED WITH PICK UP TRUCK AHEAD, PICK UP WAS PUSHED INTO A COMPACT CAR AHEAD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEHIND MY CAR AND TIRE MARKS ON ROADWAY CONFIRMED BRAKE PEDAL, NOT ACCELERATOR, WAS DEPRESSED. CAR EXPERIENCED A…
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CAR WAS SLOWING FOR RED LIGHT, STEPPED ON BRAKE, ENGINE OVERSPED, VEHICLE WAS UNCONTROLLABLE, COLLIDED WITH PICK UP TRUCK AHEAD, PICK UP WAS PUSHED INTO A COMPACT CAR AHEAD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CLOUDS OF SMOKE BEHIND MY CAR AND TIRE MARKS ON ROADWAY CONFIRMED BRAKE PEDAL, NOT ACCELERATOR, WAS DEPRESSED. CAR EXPERIENCED A SLIGHT OVERSPEED ON A PREVIOUS OCCASION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227779
13,000 miles · Jan 2, 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
WHILE PARKED AT THE END OF HER DRIVEWAY, WAITING FOR ONCOMING VEHICLES TO BYPASS, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED, AND MADE A HALF TURN AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE, AS A RESULT, HIT A TREE. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOWS WERE DAMAGED, THE FRONT SEATS, WHERE THE OCCUPANTS WERE SEATED, WHILE WEARING THE SEAT BELTS, WERE THR…
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WHILE PARKED AT THE END OF HER DRIVEWAY, WAITING FOR ONCOMING VEHICLES TO BYPASS, THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY ACCELERATED, AND MADE A HALF TURN AT 40 MILES PER HOUR. THE VEHICLE, AS A RESULT, HIT A TREE. AS A RESULT, THE WINDOWS WERE DAMAGED, THE FRONT SEATS, WHERE THE OCCUPANTS WERE SEATED, WHILE WEARING THE SEAT BELTS, WERE THROWN TO THE REAR PORTION OF THE VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY HER INSURANCE AGENCY ( SAFECO) [ENGINEER] ) WHO STATED THAT THIS IS DEFINITELY A RESULT IN AN ECM MANUFACTURERS' DEFECT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DAMAGED. THE OCCUPANTS SUSTAINED SEVERE WHIPLASH, AND PINCHED NERVES. SHE CAN NO LONGER PLACE WEIGHT ON HER FEET, WHICH COULD RESULT IN SEVERE BACK PAIN. SHE HAS HAD BOTH KNEES REPLACED. SHE AND HER HUSBAND, HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER AS OF YET. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE 13,000. THE POLICE AND EMS DID COME TO THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT WERE A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. --DS UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/14/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10213409
31,900 miles · Jul 16, 2007
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE FAILURE CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN BACK AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SU…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING TO APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE FAILURE CAUSED HER TO CRASH INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN BACK AND THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BRUISED BOWEL AND INTERNAL BLEEDING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. AS OF JULY 16, 2007, THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 32,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,900.
NHTSA ODI #10196523
500 miles · Feb 16, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control
WHEN VEHICLE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER TO HAVE IT STOP. ON ONE OCCASION I WAS FORCED TO PASS A STOP LIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THESE OCCASIONS HOWEVER DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PA…
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WHEN VEHICLE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE BEGINS TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE REQUIRES EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER TO HAVE IT STOP. ON ONE OCCASION I WAS FORCED TO PASS A STOP LIGHT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THESE OCCASIONS HOWEVER DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS AND ARE NOW CONSIDERING INSTALLING A "BLACK BOX" TO RECORD THE INCIDENT IF IT OCCURS IN THE FUTURE AND FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10182793
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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