2003 Ford Crown Victoria: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 22, 2016 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · NJ

While in motion, car began making a grinding noise from rear. What I though might be a bad tire or failed brake turned out to be a leaking rear axle seal , damaged axle shafts and bearings. This is the exact recall under 04s16 which applies toward 2003 fleet cv's. Ford continually disappoints as I was told that my car VIN is not included. I had a similar incident with my lcm (lighting control module)-- had to pay repair and save receipts for 2 years until ford fessed up and expanded recall and finally got a refund. As of this incident, the car is a passenger family vehicle in great shape/care with approximately 110,000 miles on it. 4.6 v8 engine. I expect a full refund for this repair which is effecting others and could have killed me and my family. I called 1(800)392-3673 ford customer relations and was told to tuck my receipt in wallet and wait to see if a recall is ever issued. They do in fact acknowledge exact issue with p70, p71, p72--- just not my p74. Ford, do right by your people! No wonder why many go to foreign cars. Let's hope the federal safety agency and ford can restore american hope. ---not to mention our lives on the road.

Filed Nov 5, 2010 · Suspension · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford crown victoria. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard a loud clunking and grinding noise coming from the rear axle area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they replaced the rear passenger side wheel bearings and axle shaft. The failure occurred six months after the repair. There was a recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v328000 (suspension: rear). The VIN was not included in the recall defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 24, 2007 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · NC

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 ford crown victoria. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a grinding and knocking noise coming from the driver side rear tire. He stated that the bearings punctured the axle shaft. The mechanic stated that the bearings and axle shaft needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 82,000.

Filed Mar 19, 2007 · Suspension · SC

Tl*-the contact stated that while driving his 2003 crown victoria at a speed of 55 MPH, the vehicle started making a knocking noise and the vehicle sounded of metal grinding against metal. The contact stated that the vehicle came to a complete stop and a few seconds later the vehicle started moving again. When the vehicle stopped, he took his foot off of the accelerator and the vehicle would start going at a low speed and would accelerate to 55 MPH. He took the vehicle to a mechanic shop and was informed that there were problems with the rear suspension. The current mileage was 96,000 miles.

Filed Aug 14, 2004 · Transmission · 67,707 miles · MS

My 2003 ford crown victoria, developed a grinding noise in the rear end on 8/05/04. Took it to have it checked on 8/12/04 and found out that the rear axle bearings were bad and that they had cut into the axle shaft. I had to have the axle shafts, bearings and seals replaced at a cost of $513.45. I searched the internet and found out that there had been a recall on the 2003 ford crown victoria "fleet" vehicles (recall #04s16) for the same problem. I called ford on 8/13/04 and found out that it only applied to vehicles assembled at the st. Thomas facility between 12/01 and 12/02. They also verified by my VIN# [xxx], that my car was assembled in the st. Thomas facility in 7/02. I was informed that my car is not involved in this recall. I also found that ford had issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) advising dealers to be on the lookout for service complaints centering around rear axle noise in the 2003 crown victorias, and two other models manufactured prior to 01/01/03 and included all chassis configurations (not only fleet vehicles) except heavy-duty limousine and hearse chassis. According to fords recall information, "early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture would lead to loss of drive function and could lead to a crash". I also found that it could lead to a wheel-off failure and a resulting crash. I also find that ford issued a "silent recall" or "secret warranty" to deal with customer problems prior to the end of the factory warranty (dealer operation code 030505a). My car had approx 21000 miles on it when I bought it and now has approx 69000 miles on it. In my opinion, ford is aware of this problem and has decided to be selective in which vehicles they are recalling without regard for the average person. I believe this is a safety issue and not something that should overlook the many people that ferry their families around on a daily basis in a car that is not deemed a "fleet" car but that apparently still has a problem.*ak updated 07/25/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to th