NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
39 reportsClear category filter5,500 miles · Aug 28, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE REVVED, AND THE TACHOMETER ROSE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE PROB…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE SURGED IN REVERSE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE REVVED, AND THE TACHOMETER ROSE QUICKLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER TOLD THE CONSUMER, THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO DRIVER ERROR AND WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKE SHE INADVERTENTLY PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR AS WELL. UPDATED 09/11/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10166704
1,800 miles · Apr 9, 2006
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON JANUARY 26 2006 NEW WITH LEES THAN 100 MILES ON IT. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A PARKING PLACE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HAND ON GEAR SHIFT TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK IN FRONT OF A NURSING HOME. SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL WITH ENOUGH SPEED IN THE SHORT DISTA…
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THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON JANUARY 26 2006 NEW WITH LEES THAN 100 MILES ON IT. WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP IN A PARKING PLACE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND HAND ON GEAR SHIFT TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK IN FRONT OF A NURSING HOME. SUDDENLY THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD OUT OF CONTROL WITH ENOUGH SPEED IN THE SHORT DISTANCE TO GO THROUGH A WALL INTO A ROOM OF THE NURSING HOME. LUCKILY THE ROOM IN THE NURSING HOME WAS UNOCCUPIED. I DID SUFFER AN INJURY TO THE TOP AND RIGHT SIDE OF MY RIGHT FOOT, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE ACCELERATOR UP WITH MY RIGHT FOOT AND PLACING MY LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CAR DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING UNTIL THE IMPACT INTO THE NURSING HOME. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE SAME DAY AND THE OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP AND SERVICE PERSONNEL WAS NOTIFIED OF THE POSSIBLE DEFECT. TO THIS DATE THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY CONCERNS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10154891
15,286 miles · Mar 6, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PRESSURE THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED. UPDATED 03/22/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10151857
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed ControlCrash
THIS CAR HAS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. RANDOMLY WHEN IN A STATIONARY POSITION, BY HOLDING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES SUDDENLY ACCELERATES POWERFULLY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO HOLD THE CAR. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS DEFECT, SEVERAL TIMES IN WRITING AND BY PHONE. DEC, 29, 2005 THEY TOOK IT ON A DRIVE, AND…
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THIS CAR HAS A DANGEROUS DEFECT. RANDOMLY WHEN IN A STATIONARY POSITION, BY HOLDING THE BRAKES, THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SOMETIMES SUDDENLY ACCELERATES POWERFULLY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO HOLD THE CAR. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER ABOUT THIS DEFECT, SEVERAL TIMES IN WRITING AND BY PHONE. DEC, 29, 2005 THEY TOOK IT ON A DRIVE, AND CLAIMED TO HAVE FOUND NO DEFECT. SUBSEQUENTLY, JAN, 15, 2006 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:00 PM, I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT ON GRAND ST. NYC BEHIND AN SUV, BY HOLDING THE BRAKES, ALL OF A SUDDEN IT ACCELERATED, AND IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD THE CAR. IT SLAMMED INTO THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME, SMASHING MY FRONT. LUCKILY, THE SUV WAS NOT DAMAGED. BUT EVEN MORE LUCKILY, WE DID NOT GET HURT, (I HAD IN THE CAR MY WIFE, AN ADULT DAUGHTER, AND 2 GRAND CHILDREN). IN ADDITION, I GUESS WE WERE EXTRA LUCKY THAT WE HAD THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME, WHICH AVERTED A CATASTROPHIC MOWING DOWN OF PEDESTRIANS CROSSING. THE DEALERS TOOK IN THE CAR, AND NOTIFIED ME YESTERDAY, JAN, 19, 2006, THAT THEY RAN TESTS AND FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10148204
8,100 miles · Dec 30, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE ENGINE SPED UP (ACCELERATED DRASTICALLY) CAUSING THE WHEELS TO SPIN AND ONLY BY QUICK APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE WAS AN INCIDENT AVOIDED. I DROVE INTO A PARKING SPACE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THEN NOT SATISFIED WITH THE POSITION I ATTEMPTED TO BACK UP, THAT'S WHEN THE CAR ACCE…
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ON THREE OCCASIONS WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE THE ENGINE SPED UP (ACCELERATED DRASTICALLY) CAUSING THE WHEELS TO SPIN AND ONLY BY QUICK APPLICATION OF THE BRAKE WAS AN INCIDENT AVOIDED. I DROVE INTO A PARKING SPACE, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, THEN NOT SATISFIED WITH THE POSITION I ATTEMPTED TO BACK UP, THAT'S WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10146592
10,000 miles · Dec 13, 2005
Vehicle Speed Control
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 63 MPH AND GOING UP A SMALL HILL, CRUISE CONTROL SPED THE VEHICLE UP TO 71 MPH. HE HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. HE FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE CONCERNING THIS PRO…
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DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET ON 63 MPH AND GOING UP A SMALL HILL, CRUISE CONTROL SPED THE VEHICLE UP TO 71 MPH. HE HAD TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. HE FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM. THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK UPDATED 01/19/06. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10145075
4,100 miles · Sep 9, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR STUCK THREE TIMES. THE OWNER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO GIVE THE CAR GAS AND THE ACCELERATOR STUCK. THE DRIVER ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AT 25 MPH. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY TH…
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DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR STUCK THREE TIMES. THE OWNER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WENT TO GIVE THE CAR GAS AND THE ACCELERATOR STUCK. THE DRIVER ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AT 25 MPH. THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP TO BE INSPECTED. THE DEALER COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK *JB
NHTSA ODI #10132221
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RENTED A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WHICH HE BACKED INTO THE DRIVEWAY,AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS STREET, THROUGH A NEIGHBOR'S LAWN AND THROUGH A HEDGE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS THOUGHT IT WAS A …
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DT: CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RENTED A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WHICH HE BACKED INTO THE DRIVEWAY,AND PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE FROM REVERSE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ACROSS STREET, THROUGH A NEIGHBOR'S LAWN AND THROUGH A HEDGE INTO A NEIGHBOR'S CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED. THE INVESTIGATING OFFICERS THOUGHT IT WAS A MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION. CONSUMER WAS NOT CITED FOR THIS INCIDENT. HERTZ RENTAL HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE SERVICE CENTER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10126659
200 miles · Jul 22, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
DT: WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE THE PEDAL GOES PAST THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, MOST OFTEN THIS OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PLACING IT IN GEAR. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT IS EASY TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL AS WELL WHEN TRYING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE. THIS CAUSES THE TIRES TO SQUEAL AND THE CAR TO LUNGE FORWARD. HAS BEEN …
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DT: WHEN APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE THE PEDAL GOES PAST THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR, MOST OFTEN THIS OCCURS WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND PLACING IT IN GEAR. WHEN THIS OCCURS IT IS EASY TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL AS WELL WHEN TRYING TO APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE. THIS CAUSES THE TIRES TO SQUEAL AND THE CAR TO LUNGE FORWARD. HAS BEEN TO A DEALER WHO SAID HE WOULD HAVE A SERVICE MANAGER CALL THE CONSUMER ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT HE NEVER RETURNED THE CALL. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NOTED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. NO REPAIRS OR CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10129725
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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