Vehicle Data Hub

Recall 98V-322

FORD MOTOR COMPANY recalled the 1990 to 1999 Ford Crown Victoria and 1 other model: Suspension (front, control arm, lower ball joint).

At a glance

Campaign number
98V-322
Reported
December 16, 1998
Vehicles affected
175,000 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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 from the manufacturer

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-[removed].also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles