1990-1999 Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car recall: lower ball joint

Ford Motor Company reported this safety recall on December 16, 1998. It covers about 175,000 vehicles.

vehicles affected: 175,000
reported: Dec 16, 1998
owners notified: Jan 18, 1999
related complaints: 410

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

Affected vehicles

Ford Crown Victoria 1990-1999 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Lincoln Town Car 1990-1999 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Owner complaints about the same problem

Owners of these vehicles have filed 410 complaints about suspension problems.

1996 Ford Crown Victoria 1997 Ford Crown Victoria 1998 Ford Crown Victoria 1999 Ford Crown Victoria 1996 Lincoln Town Car 1997 Lincoln Town Car 1998 Lincoln Town Car 1999 Lincoln Town Car

Questions about recall 98V322000

Is there a recall on the 1990-1999 Ford Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car lower ball joint?

Yes. Recall 98V322000, reported on December 16, 1998, covers about 175,000 vehicles.

What is the fix for recall 98V322000?

Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).

Is the recall repair free?

Safety recall repairs are done free of charge at authorized dealers. A dealer can confirm with the VIN whether a specific vehicle is included and whether the repair has already been done.

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