Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while making a left turn off a driveway onto a lot, there was a loud metal braking noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front driver side collapsed to the ground. The contact noticed the lower ball joint detached. The vehicle was towed to a private independent parking lot where the contact was to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 136,000. *bf consumer stated faulty rubber seal was due to corrosion and may have another one with same problem.*jb
1996 Ford Crown Victoria: ball joint or control arm failure
42 of the 276 complaints about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 42
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 125,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated while driving at a low speed the front drivers side lower control arm broke. The contact did not talk to the manufacturer regarding the lower control arm. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Dt*: the contact stated the lower control arm ball joint fractured while driving 20 MPH on a dry highway. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 98v322000, regarding the suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt: consumer has a 1996 ford crown victoria. He complained about a lower ball joint problem. He found, on the internet the federal safety agency recall 98v322000 . He went to ford web site and entered the VIN the web site showed that this vehicle was not included in recall. The vehicle is now not drivable due to ball join problem. Lower ball failed on 8-3-2005 while driving. There was no accident, he traveling ball joint separated just like mentioned in the recall. Consumer would like to have vehicle included in this recall.
While driving at any speed consumer heard a groaning sound. Vehicle was parked parked when the right front end collapsed. A repair shop examined the vehicle, and found that the lower right ball joints broke.*ak updated 11/18/09. *lj updated 11/19/09.
Consumer stated having the same problem as recall#98v322000 lower control arm. Dealer notified ts
Front suspension components have failed (tie rods, control arms).
While driving 60 MPH intake manifold cracked and coolants was all over the engine. It was almost inpossible to keep control of vehicle. Lower ball joints were cracked. Technician stated that ford was fixing this problem on the police vehicles.
While driving at highway speeds, making a turn on a smooth curve, vehicle just straightened out unexpectedly. Pitman arm and control arm were relaced at owner's expense.
Front passenger's side control arm broke. Owner has had vehicle repaired at his own expense. A recall was issued on the vehicle make and model, however, this vehicle was not included. Manufacturer has been notified.
Front passenger side ball joint failed,dealer refused recall repairs due to milage.
Vehicle experienced lower ball joint failure while driving at approimately. 40 MPH. Dealer notified and informed consumer that vehicle was not under a manufacturer's recall even though a recall notice was received concerning that defect in late jan of 1999.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
- 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.
- Risk
- If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Recall number 98V322000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria?
42 of 276 owner complaints about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria (15%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria?
There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
Overheating 21Fire or smoke 14Stalling 11Steering lock-up 8Check engine light 7Adaptive cruise 5
VIN decoder
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