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1999 Ford Crown Victoria suspension problems

18 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 70,000.

owner complaints
18
of this car's complaints
14%
typical mileage
70,000
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Rear
    4
  • Front
    3
  • Front: control arm: upper ball joint
    2
  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    2
  • Front: control arm: upper arm
    1
  • Front: control arm: lower arm
    1
  • Front: control arm
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Crown Victoria suspension problems in other years

19901995200020052011

Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria suspension

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Ball joint 14

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported December 16, 1998 · 175,000 vehicles affected
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

What 1999 Ford Crown Victoria owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 13, 2015 · Suspension · 83,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford crown victoria. While driving at 50 MPH, the contact suddenly lost control of the vehicle. The contact was able to engage the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ball joint fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2009 · Suspension · 68,200 miles · OH

Previously reported under recall # 98v322000. This recall was limited to 1994-1999 crown victoria fleet vehicles, natural gas, and lincoln towncar limo's. A part search shows all crown victorias from 1994-1999 use the exact same part number for the ball joints. There is no distinction between fleet, passenger,cng, or limo's. This defective ball joint was apparently used on all 1994-1999 crown victorias either solely, or intermittently, but not limited to only fleet/commercial vehicles. Ford is developing a record for performing recalls and/or repairing defects for their "fleet customers" while ignoring the average consumer who is experiencing the same problem. In this case, however, the issue is one of safety, both to the occupants of the defective vehicle and to all other vehicles on the road. I believe ford motor co deliberately supplied false information to the federal safety agency regarding the scope of this defect. An investigation should be conducted including reviewing accidents involving these vehicles. Currently, my 1999 crown victoria (68,000 miles) has the right lower control arm laying on the ground in my garage. I am fortunate it happened while I was putting my car away and not the next day when I would have been traveling at high speeds on the ohio turnpike.

Filed Apr 12, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 81,865 miles · MD

Tl*-the contact took the 1999 ford crown victoria to the ford dealership for an unrelated service. The dealership stated that the contact had problems with the bolts in the steering shaft. The technician replaced them. The contact felt that this was a major safety problem. The current and failure mileage were 81,865.*ak the dealer also replaced the right front ball joint when the car was being repaired. The pitman arm was replaced. Update 5/4/07

Filed Dec 21, 2005 · Suspension · IL

Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign 98v322000 concerning the lower ball joints. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. There have been no repairs made to the vehicle.

Filed Oct 16, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 70,000 miles · MA

Sudden failure of ball joints and steering linkage parts.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Suspension · 24,108 miles · NJ

I own a 1999 ford crown victoria sedan. I recently discovered, that one of the bolts connecting the upper control arm to the frame, was missing the nut to secure it and it had backed itself out of the mounting bushing. The bolt had backed out about 2.5 inches when I discovered it. This left only one bolt holding the upper control arm to the car's frame. The car has only 24,000 miles on it and was recently purchased used,at a local dealer. The car is in excellent condition, except for the bolt problem. I suspect that the bolt came loose on its own because I noticed that the factory applied blue thread lock to the other upper arm bolts, but I found no trace of the compound on the bolt that backed out of the bushing. The bolt caused damage to the mounting hole of the frame mount as well as damaging itself. The bolt is slightly bent and several threads are worn off.the rubbing action of the bolt elongated the mounting hole too. This mount is welded to the frame at the factory and I fear that I will be stuck with a mount that is worn, even though I am going to replace the worn bolt and missing nut with a ford factory replacement part.I am complaining because I am concerned that this problem could occur to other vehicles.I did not notice any problems prior to discovering the bolt falling out. If this bolt let loose while I was driving at highway speeds, I don't know if I would be writing this to you. I was a certified mechanic for several years and I worked on ford vehicles at two of their dealers. I have never seen this happen to a mounting bolt on the upper arm assembly,during that time or since then. If I didn't just happen to open the hood and take notice of the problem, I'm sure I wouldn't know anything was wrong until it was too late. The bushing is not worn out and the rest of the suspension is tight,so I can't blame worn suspension parts.

Filed Jul 29, 2002 · Suspension · MA

While pulling into driveway wheel fell off . Dealer notified , ball joint was no good.

Filed May 3, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · NJ

Vehicle makes a squeaky noise when turning corners. Parts have been replaced more than usual. Dealer was notified. *akvehicle has had right and left upper ball joints and control arms replaced. The right front inner tie rod was replaced. The left outer tie rod has been replaced.

Filed Sep 26, 2000 · Suspension · CT

The frames on both sides of the rear trailing arm assemblies experienced cracking.

Filed Sep 26, 2000 · Suspension · CT

The frames on both sides of the rear trailing arm assemblies experienced cracking.

Questions about the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria suspension

Does the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Ford Crown Victoria suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 70,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V322000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Ford Crown Victoria have bad suspension?

The Ford Crown Victoria model years with the most suspension complaints are 1996 (51 complaints), 1997 (45 complaints) and 1995 (36 complaints).

Other 1999 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Engine 27Fuel system 19Brakes 15Wheels 12Electrical 10Lights 10Steering 10Transmission 9Acceleration 5Body 5Tires 4Seat belts 3Visibility 3Airbags 2Seats 1

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