NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
487 reports51,838 miles · Sep 1, 2011
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT IN THE VERY EARLY MORNING BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I SWITCHED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FROM THE AUTOMATIC POSITION TO THE MANUAL "ON" POSITION, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT COME BACK ON. I PUSHED THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH FORWARD TO THE HIGH BEAM POSITION BUT THIS FAILED TO TURN ON THE HIGH…
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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR AT IN THE VERY EARLY MORNING BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED ON A CURVY DOWNHILL ROAD. I SWITCHED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH FROM THE AUTOMATIC POSITION TO THE MANUAL "ON" POSITION, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT COME BACK ON. I PUSHED THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH FORWARD TO THE HIGH BEAM POSITION BUT THIS FAILED TO TURN ON THE HIGH BEAMS. I PULLED THE HIGH BEAM SWITCH BACK TO THE HIGH BEAM "FLASH" POSITION WHICH DID ILLUMINATE THE HIGH BEAMS. I HELD THE SWITCH BACK IN THIS POSITION (TO THE DISPLEASURE OF APPROACHING DRIVERS) UNTIL I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. I CYCLED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NO EFFECT. THE LIGHT DID FINALLY COME BACK ON THEIR OWN FOR A SHORT TIME, BUT THEM WENT OFF AGAIN. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES UNIT THEY FINALLY DID SOME BACK ON FOR A LENGTHY PERIOD OF TIME. THE NEXT DAY THE SAME SITUATION OCCURRED. AT ALL TIMES THE OTHER LIGHTS (DASH, PARKING, ETC) CONTINUED TO OPERATE. VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10422961
40,598 miles · Aug 24, 2011
Seat Belts
FAILURE OF SEAT BELT PRETENSIONER DRIVER SIDE RENDERING AIR BAG SYSTEM INOPERABLE REPLACEMENT COST $416.96 REPLACED SEAT BELT @ PRETENSIONER AIR BAG LIGHT THEN WENT OFF
NHTSA ODI #10422068
10,000 miles · Aug 22, 2011
Wheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT NOTICED AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE RIM BECAUSE ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF CORROSION ON THE WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,618…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT NOTICED AIR WAS LEAKING FROM THE RIM BECAUSE ALL FOUR WHEELS WERE CORRODED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF CORROSION ON THE WHEELS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,618. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10420945
97,460 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY WIFE PUT ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND THE HEADLIGHTS IMMEDIATELY FAILED, CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. SHE FRANTICALLY FIDDLED WITH VARIOUS LIGHT CONTROLS UNTIL FINALLY DISCOVERING THAT BY MANUALLY HOLDING THE "FLASH TO PASS" HIGH BEAM LEVER, IT BROUGHT THE HEADLIGHTS ON ALLOWING HER TO MAKE IT HOME.…
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WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY WIFE PUT ON THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND THE HEADLIGHTS IMMEDIATELY FAILED, CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. SHE FRANTICALLY FIDDLED WITH VARIOUS LIGHT CONTROLS UNTIL FINALLY DISCOVERING THAT BY MANUALLY HOLDING THE "FLASH TO PASS" HIGH BEAM LEVER, IT BROUGHT THE HEADLIGHTS ON ALLOWING HER TO MAKE IT HOME. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE CHECKED BY THE FORD DEALER ON AUGUST 5, 2011. TESTS REVEALED NO CAUSE BUT THE MECHANIC SUSPECTED THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. HE ADVISED FURTHER DRIVING, WHICH I DID THAT SAME EVENING ONLY TO EXPERIENCE REPEATED HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHEN USING EITHER TURN SIGNAL OR ACTIVATING THE HIGH BEAMS. THEN I DISCOVERED A NUMBER OF INTERNET POSTINGS IN WHICH DRIVERS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH GRAND MARQUIS' OR FORD CROWN VICTORIAS MADE IN THE 2000'S. THEN I FOUND A WEBSITE WHICH STATED THAT THE ORIGINAL LIGHT CONTROL MODULE HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM INVOLVING A BAD CIRCUIT THAT IS THE DEFINITIVE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ACKNOWLEDGED AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM (EVEN CITING SEVERAL CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS THAT REQUIRED LCM REPLACEMENT), BUT BECAUSE FORD HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, THEY WANTED OVER $1,000 FOR DIAGNOSIS, PART, AND LABOR. A WEBSITE ALSO NOTED THAT FORD RECENTLY COMPLETELY REVISED THE LCM WITH AN INTERNAL REDESIGN BY FORD ENGINEERS SO THAT THE NEW LCMS WILL NEVER FAIL. THE WEBSITE ALSO NOTED THAT SOME DEALERS CONTINUE TO SELL THE OLD DEFECTIVE LCM WHICH WILL ONLY FAIL AGAIN. MY OPINION: BESIDES NOT WANTING TO PAY AN EXHORBITANT AMOUNT TO REPLACE ONE COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE'S LIGHT SYSTEM, IT APPEARS FORD IS FULLY AWARE OF A POTENTIALLY DEADLY DEFECT AFFECTING MANY THOUSANDS OF GRAND MARQUIS' AND CROWN VICTORIAS CURRENTLY IN USE, BUT HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY DEFECT MUST BE ADDRESSED! IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE FATAL ACCIDENTS HAVE ALREADY OCCURRED BUT WERE MISATTRIBUTED.
NHTSA ODI #10418967
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
79,349 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Exterior Lighting
BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED, IN BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAM POSITIONS. THEY WILL NOT COME ON IN EITHER THE AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITIONS. (THE BULBS ARE STILL GOOD.) THE PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THIS FAILURE WI…
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BOTH HEADLIGHTS FAILED, IN BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAM POSITIONS. THEY WILL NOT COME ON IN EITHER THE AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITIONS. (THE BULBS ARE STILL GOOD.) THE PARKING LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS, AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUED TO FUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED AT NIGHT. IT SHOULD BE OBVIOUS THAT THIS FAILURE WILL *ALWAYS* OCCUR AT NIGHT, OR DURING STORMY WEATHER, THREATENING SAFETY, BECAUSE HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT NORMALLY USED DURING THE DAYTIME. LATER TESTING REVEALED THE PROBLEM TO BE INTERMITTENT. AT ONE POINT, THE AUTOMATIC DASHBOARD SWITCH POSITION WORKED FOR BOTH DIM AND HIGH-BEAMS, BUT THE MANUAL SWITCH POSITION DID NOT WORK. THE NEXT MORNING, BOTH THE AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL POSITIONS WORKED. WHEN THE PROBLEM FIRST OCCURRED, NEITHER POSITION WOULD WORK. THIS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM IS CONSISTENT WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS FOR THE 2003-2005 MODEL YEARS, AND THE PROBLEM IS THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. THIS MODULE IS SO UNRELIABLE THAT IT HAS BEEN NAMED THE "LIGHTS OUT MODULE" ON THE INTERNET. A SAMPLING OF COMPLAINTS CAN BE FOUND AT THESE WEB SITES: HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2003/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2004/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX HTTP://WWW.ARFC.ORG/COMPLAINTS/2005/FORD/CROWN_VICTORIA/EXTERIOR_LIGHTING/PROBLEM.ASPX. THIS IS A *SAFETY* ISSUE. LIVES ARE AT STAKE. PLEASE FORCE A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE KILLED. ALTHOUGH THE PARKING LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS CONTINUED TO WORK, SO OTHER DRIVERS CAN SEE THE CAR WITH THE FAILED HEADLIGHTS, THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WITH THE FAILED HEADLIGHTS *CANNOT* SEE WHERE HE IS GOING!! HE COULD RUN INTO A PARKED CAR, HIT A PEDESTRIAN, HIT A BICYCLIST, HIT A TREE OR OTHER OBSTRUCTION, ETC. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! *KB
NHTSA ODI #10413908
48,000 miles · Jun 27, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATING, THE LIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS CAUTIOUSLY MANUEVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATING, THE LIGHTS UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS CAUTIOUSLY MANUEVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED ONCE THE LIGHTS GO OFF, THEY DO NOT COME BACK ON; NOT EVEN THE HIGH BEAMS. UPDATED 09/28/11
NHTSA ODI #10409055
50,000 miles · Jun 22, 2011
Electrical SystemVisibility
AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONING/HEAT DEFECTIVE IN MANY, MANY CARS. MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS 2005. SERVICEMAN TELLS US THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM AS THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE NATIONWIDE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10408546
53,000 miles · Jun 20, 2011
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER ADVISED HIM THAT HE NEEDED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,000. UPDATED 08/01/11*LJ UPDATED 08/02/11
NHTSA ODI #10407538
Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. CONSUMER WRITES TO REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT *TGW THE CONSUMER'S CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT WAS DENIED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE COVERAGE AND PARTS/LABOR WERE NOT COVERED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE SERPENTINE BELT AND LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10405269
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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