NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
487 reports97,000 miles · May 7, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/13/20…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. ....UPDATED 07/22/15 *BF UPDATED 10/13/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10715089
47,924 miles · May 5, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts
CAR FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION DUE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON. DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER HAD FAILED, AND AIR BAG WOULD NOT INFLATE IN A CRASH. THE PRETENSIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMED LIKE A PREMATURE FAILURE, AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 47924 MILES. THE SERVICE DESK PERSON AT THE DEALER SAID THAT…
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CAR FAILED SAFETY INSPECTION DUE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON. DIAGNOSIS INDICATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER HAD FAILED, AND AIR BAG WOULD NOT INFLATE IN A CRASH. THE PRETENSIONER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS SEEMED LIKE A PREMATURE FAILURE, AS THE CAR HAS ONLY 47924 MILES. THE SERVICE DESK PERSON AT THE DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS VERY COMMON IN MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. I DID SOME CHECKING ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT HE WAS CORRECT, ACCORDING TO ALL OF THE REPORTS EXACTLY LIKE MINE. IN VIRGINIA A CAR FAILS FOR THIS LIGHT BEING ON. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT OTHER STATES. IN VIEW OF THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM, I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10714748
48,000 miles · Apr 30, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure
AS I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY VEHICLE'S LOW AND HIGH BEAMS (LIGHTS) SUDDENLY CUT OFF. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING BECAME VERY DARK BECAUSE I LIVE IN RURAL AREAS IN WEST VIRGINIA. UNFORTUNATELY, A SECOND LATER, MY CAR RAN OVER A SMALL BOULDER ON THE SIDE ON THE ROAD CAUSING A DAMAGE (SMALL CRACKS) AT THE BOTTOM RIG…
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AS I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY VEHICLE'S LOW AND HIGH BEAMS (LIGHTS) SUDDENLY CUT OFF. UNEXPECTEDLY, THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING BECAME VERY DARK BECAUSE I LIVE IN RURAL AREAS IN WEST VIRGINIA. UNFORTUNATELY, A SECOND LATER, MY CAR RAN OVER A SMALL BOULDER ON THE SIDE ON THE ROAD CAUSING A DAMAGE (SMALL CRACKS) AT THE BOTTOM RIGHT HAND SIDE OF MY BUMPER. NEVERTHELESS, I PUT THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS ON UNTIL I RETURNED HOME RIGHT AWAY. EARLIER THIS WEEK, I USED THE CAR AGAIN WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS ISSUES. HOWEVER A DAY LATER, THE ISSUE RETURNED AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS TRAVELING IN THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MILES PER HOUR. ALL LOW/HIGH BEAM LIGHTS CUT OFF. MY ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO HOLD THE "FLASH TO PASS" LEVER TOWARDS ME, AND THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WOULD TURN ON. HOWEVER, IT IS EXTREMELY CUMBERSOME DRIVING THIS WAY. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY MANY MECHANICS THAT THE MAIN CULPRIT IS THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM) AND THIS SAFETY ISSUE HAS BECOME EXTREMELY COMMON IN GRAND MARQUIS ESPECIALLY 2005 MODELS. CONSUMERS AND PERHAPS THE GOVERNMENT MAY NEED TO FURTHER INTERVENE, SO FORD CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SAFETY/HAZARDOUS. IN MY CASE, MY BOTTOM BUMPER SUFFERED, BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE - IT COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AT ANY GIVEN TIME. CURRENTLY, I ONLY USE MY VEHICLE DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS. I'VE BEEN TOLD THAT REPAIRS CAN EXCEED $700 OR MORE AND IN SOME INSTANCES, THE ISSUE RETURNS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS AFTER REPLACING THIS PART. THIS ELECTRICAL ISSUE SHOULD PERHAPS BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED AS THE LCM COULD BE THE MAIN CULPRIT, BUT SOMETHING ELSE COULD ALSO BE TRIGGERING THE LCM TO FAIL. THANK YOU GREATLY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713858
155,670 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Exterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. THE ONLY WAY THE HEADLIGHTS WORKS IF I HOLD THE HIGH BEAM PASS LEVER TOWARDS ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713009
59,500 miles · Apr 22, 2015
Air Bags
I STARTED MY VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH FLASHES THREE TIMES, THEN ANOTHER THREE TIMES, THAN STAYS ON SOLID. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS ARE SHORTED OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1608. THEY TOLD ME MY AIR BAGS WILL N…
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I STARTED MY VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH FLASHES THREE TIMES, THEN ANOTHER THREE TIMES, THAN STAYS ON SOLID. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONERS ARE SHORTED OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1608. THEY TOLD ME MY AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY DUE TO THIS MALFUNCTION. I CALLED FORD MOTOR CO AND THEY SAID THERE ARE NO PLANS TO ISSUE A RECALL OVER THIS PROBLEM. THEY DID GIVE ME A CLAIM NUMBER AND TOLD ME THAT IF I GET IT REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THERE EVER IS A RECALL, THEY WILL CONSIDER REIMBURSEMENT. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET INDICATES THAT THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 GRAND MARQUIS. GIVEN THAT THE AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT, HOW IS THIS NOT SUBJECT TO A SAFETY RECALL? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712268
88,000 miles · Apr 22, 2015
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE HIGH BEAMS HAD TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. AS A RESULT, THE HIGH BEAMS HAD TO BE USED WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
NHTSA ODI #10712222
77,250 miles · Apr 6, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON A BACK COUNTRY ROAD WITH NO MOON OR VISIBLE LIGHTS OF ANY KIND AT 55MPH WHEN I LOST ALL HEADLIGHTS, LOW BEAM AND HIGH BEAM DID NOT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703982
100,000 miles · Mar 28, 2015
Electrical System
DRIVING HOME ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. HEARD A CLICK SOUND BUT DID NOT RELATE IT TO LIGHTS IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS JUST APPROACHING TWILIGHT. I GUESS WE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY NOTICE THE LIGHTS AS THERE WAS STILL SOME DAYLIGHT. NEXT NIGHT DRIVING IN TOWN AFTER DARK AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, JUST SUDDEN DARKNESS. WE WERE ON BU…
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DRIVING HOME ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. HEARD A CLICK SOUND BUT DID NOT RELATE IT TO LIGHTS IMMEDIATELY. IT WAS JUST APPROACHING TWILIGHT. I GUESS WE DID NOT IMMEDIATELY NOTICE THE LIGHTS AS THERE WAS STILL SOME DAYLIGHT. NEXT NIGHT DRIVING IN TOWN AFTER DARK AND THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, JUST SUDDEN DARKNESS. WE WERE ON BUSINESS HWY 23 GOING OVER THE OVERPASS IN TOWN AND WERE ABLE TO GET OFF ON A SIDE STREET AND LIMP HOME HOPING THAT WE WOULD NOT GET STOPPED AND CITED. THIS IS MY VEHICLE THAT I USE FOR MY WORK. I NOW HAVE TO SCHEDULE MY WORK AROUND DAYLIGHT HOURS AS WE CAN NOT FIND THE LIGHT MODULE TO REPLACE MINE. THIS IS A HORRIBLE DANGER TO MYSELF, MY FAMILY AND OTHER DRIVERS AS WELL. WE HAVE CALLED MULTIPLE PLACES TO FIND THE MODULE AND THEY ALL SAY THEY CAN NOT GET THEM. THE MOST FRIGHTENING OF ALL, WE HAVE NEVER BEEN SENT A RECALL NOTICE ON THIS. WE ARE GOING TO TRY A GARAGE THAT SERVICES ALL THE STATE PATROL AND POLICE CARS IN THIS PART OF WISCONSIN. THERE ARE STILL SOME OF THE MERCURY'S OUT THERE IN SERVICE. I SUSPECT THEY WILL SURELY SUPPLY THEM WITH THE MODULES. HOPE TO FIND ONE THERE SO I CAN RESUME NORMAL WORK HOURS AND NOT HAVE TO SCHEDULE DAYLIGHT ONLY WORK MEETINGS. I HAVE LOVED THIS CAR FOR 8 YEARS. WOULD HATE TO HAVE TO GIVE IT UP FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS BUT THE FACT THAT MERCURY DOES NOT RESPOND IS UPSETTING TO SAY THE LEAST. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10702340
51,200 miles · Mar 12, 2015
Air BagsSeat BeltsUnknown Or Other
THIS STARTED OUT WITH LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS CUTTING OFF AND ON WITH NO APPARENT WEARING. ALSO BURNING SMELL. TOOK IT IN GOT THAT FIXED. I WAS INFORMED THIS HAD OCCURRED IN OTHERS SAME EXACT THING. RIGHT AFTER THAT NEXT THING WAS DASH LIGHTS FOR ABS, AIRBAG, AND ANTI SKID STAY ON. I TOOK IT TO 2 PLACES. WAS TOLD IT WAS…
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THIS STARTED OUT WITH LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS CUTTING OFF AND ON WITH NO APPARENT WEARING. ALSO BURNING SMELL. TOOK IT IN GOT THAT FIXED. I WAS INFORMED THIS HAD OCCURRED IN OTHERS SAME EXACT THING. RIGHT AFTER THAT NEXT THING WAS DASH LIGHTS FOR ABS, AIRBAG, AND ANTI SKID STAY ON. I TOOK IT TO 2 PLACES. WAS TOLD IT WAS A MODULE UNIT BY ONE PLACE THE OTHER COULDN'T FIND A REASON. I HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED SINCE I COULDN'T GET A CLEAR REASON FOR IT, ALSO THE CAR RUNS FINE. THE LIGHTS MUST MEAN SOMETHING. I'M GOING TO SELL IT BUT NEED TO GET AS MUCH A POSSIBLE FOR IT AND THIS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THE BUYING PRICE. NEED TO FIX BUT WAS TOLD THE MODULE UNIT REPAIR SEEMS STRANGE. PLEASE HELP ANY ADVICE WOULD BE HELPFUL. THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10693762
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FAILURE OF THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE, CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE ONLY WAY TO TURN THEM BACK ON, WAS TO REACH UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND TAP THE AFFECTED MODULE WHICH WORKED SOMETIMES …
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2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FAILURE OF THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE, CAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE ONLY WAY TO TURN THEM BACK ON, WAS TO REACH UNDER THE DASHBOARD AND TAP THE AFFECTED MODULE WHICH WORKED SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT DIDN'T. THE PART WAS ORDERED ON NOVEMBER 6, 2014. HOWEVER, THE DEALER HAD NO IDEA WHEN THE SHIP WOULD BE FOR THE PART. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10679156
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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