1999 Ford Crown Victoria: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 8, 2023 · Electrical · MO

My 99 ford crown victoria lx has front end issues. I have had to replace the ball joints about 4 times every 2 to 3 months because the front end keeps dropping. I'm not sure if you guys know about this but I've spoken with our local Ford mechanic and a few friends who have crown Victoria's as well and said that it has been a big issue with them along with the electrical components for the turn signals

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 Aug 16, 2006 · Steering · 40,000 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated on two occasions, the vehicle's front tie rods were loose and had to be replaced. The vehicle had an oil change performed at the service dealer on 08/16/04 who noticed the right tie rod was loose. The right tie rod was replaced, and the same incident occurred with the left tie rod two years later. The manufacturer was not contacted.

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 Dec 21, 2004 · Steering · 97,350 miles · IL

Consumer stated that the tie rod ends on the front of the vehicle fell off, appeared as if they were never tightened. They had just been adjusted. *ak reference 10099733

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Steering · 97,350 miles · IL

Complaint received via e-mail. On my way to michigan from illinois on of the tie rod ends fell off of my car. Dealer called me, and informed me that the one fell off was not the only one, the rest of them were about to go. Mind you this vehicle was not quite 5 years old. Ford sent out letters to truck and SUV owners, but not to car owners about this problem. *ak reference 10099643.

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.