Recall 98V-322: 1990–1999 Ford Crown Victoria, 1990–1999 Lincoln Town Car
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall for suspension, reported to NHTSA on Dec 16, 1998, covering about 175,000 vehicles.
The problem
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
The risk
If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin january 18, 1999.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
| Manufacturer | FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
|---|---|
| Component | Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint |
| Recall started by | NHTSA (Office of Defects Investigation) |
| NHTSA campaign number | 98V322000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Crown Victoria | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 | All years |
| Lincoln Town Car | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 | All years |
Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 98V-322?
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
How is recall 98V-322 fixed?
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.