crashtest

1997 / Ford

1997 Ford Crown Victoria

Safety ratings

1997 Ford Crown Victoria 4-DR.

Not ratedOverall
Not ratedFrontal crash
Not ratedSide crash
Not ratedSide pole
Not ratedRollover
Frontal, driver: 5★Frontal, passenger: 5★Side, driver: 4★Side, rear passenger: 4★Rollover risk: 0.0%
  • Lane departure warningNo
  • Forward collision warningNo
  • Electronic stability controlNo

Crash test videos & photos

Crash test #1NHTSA test 2490

Full test report (PDF) ↗

Recalls (11)

  • SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINTCampaign 98V322000 · 16/12/1998

    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.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

  • FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 02I003000 · 15/10/2002

    IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.

    Risk: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.

    Fix: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI VEHICLES.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 05V086000 · 14/03/2005

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL, THE REAR BRAKE LINE MAY CHAFE DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN IT AND A FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB, AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK MAY OCCUR.

    Risk: THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY DEVELOP A "SPONGY" FEEL AND DROPS OF BRAKE FLUID MAY BE OBSERVED BENEATH THE VEHICLE. OVER TIME BRAKE PERFORMANCE MAY BE COMPROMISED AND STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE EXTENDED WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB. IF CONTACT IS EVIDENT, BUT NO ABRASION OR LEAKS EXIST, THE BRAKE TUBE WILL BE REPOSITIONED TO PRECLUDE FURTHER CONTACT AND POTENTIAL ABRASION. IF INDICATION OF ABRASION OR A LEAK IS EVIDENT, DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BRAKE LINE. THIS CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 00V157002 · 12/06/2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

    Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

  • SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGECampaign 00V157001 · 12/06/2000

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.

    Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.

  • SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGSCampaign 98I001000 · 07/04/1998

    THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.

    Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

  • FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYCampaign 03V472000 · 06/11/2003

    ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.

    Risk: IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

  • STEERINGCampaign 15E082000 · 06/10/2015

    Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

    Risk: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

    Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCHCampaign 97V024000 · 04/03/1997

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

    Risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER (VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS) OR REVISED STRIKER PLATE ATTACHING FASTENERS (VEHICLES WITH 1993-1997 MODEL HOODS).

  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROLCampaign 08V051000 · 04/02/2008

    FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

    Risk: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCampaign 07V336000 · 03/08/2007

    ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

    Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

    Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

Owner complaints

304
Complaints
9
Crashes reported
17
Fires reported
20
Injuries
0
Deaths

Most-reported areas

  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING88
  • SERVICE BRAKES54
  • HYDRAULIC53
  • SUSPENSION47
  • FUEL SYSTEM28
  • GASOLINE28
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL23
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM15
Read individual complaints (50 most recent)

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

  • 12/29/2008· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    WHILE CHECKING THE OIL IN THE CAR, WE NOTICED A CRACK IN THE INTAKE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM LIKE WITH THE FIREBIRD INTAKE RECALLS. *TR

  • 12/29/2006· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFire

    AT 1:15 A.M. ON DECEMBER 27, 2006, I DROVE MY 1997 CROWN VICTORIA FOR APROXIMATLY 20 MILES AND PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT AN HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATER, I WAS AWAKEN BY A POPPING SOUND AND THE DOG BARKING. I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW TO FIND THE CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I THEN CALLED 911 AND RAN OUT TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKING SYSTEMS MASTER CILINDER, THEN IGNITED THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENTS RENDERING THE HOSE INEFECTIVE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED, THE FLAMES HAD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND A MASSIVE PLASTIC / RUBBER FIRE ENSUED.THE FIREMEN DOUSED IT WITH WATER FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES THEN USED A FOAMING AGENT TO EXTINGUISH WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE REMAINS, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAUSE THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS MOSTLY INTACT. I HAD OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND HAD IT MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE ONLY MAJOR REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE CAR WAS REPLACING A DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD (THAT TOO SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED, DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING THAT PERTICULAR MANIFOLD DESIGN). AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN SEVERAL MODELS MADE BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. TO RESEARCH THIS PROBLEM GO TO WWW.VEHICLE-INJURIES.COM AND LOOK UNDER "FORD EXPEDITION CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH FIRES".

  • 12/28/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKED COOLANT. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55-60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE FAIR. THE CONTACT SAW A PLUME OF WHITE SMOKE FOLLOWING BEHIND HIM. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OR SIGNS OF OVERHEATING. THE DEALER REMOVED AND REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ADDED ENGINE COOLANT. *AK UPDATED 01/26/07. *JB

  • 12/21/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    97 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH 4.6 V8 ENGINES HAVE BOTH HAD THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING AND LEAKING COOLANT AND RESULTING IN CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THIS OWNER JOINED A CLASS-ACTION SUIT HELD IN FEDERAL COURT IN OAKLAND CALIF. AND ON 12-16-05 ISSUED A JUDGMENT RULING THAT FORD WOULD REIMBURSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. A VERY SHORT THREE MONTH PERIOD WAS PROVIDED FOR OWNERS TO CLAIM THIS REIMBURSEMENT. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE COURT REQUIRED NOTIFICATION OF THE OWNERS OF THIS RULING. IF IT DID THIS OWNER DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION. THE EXPENSE FOR BOTH CARS WAS $1500. FORD NOTIFIED FLEET OWNERS AND OFFERED REPLACEMENT OF THE MANIFOLD. HOWEVER, PRIVATE OWNERS WERE EXCLUDED. IN VIEW OF THIS NOTIFICATION AND THE COURT RULING, REIMBURSEMENT OF THIS EXPENSE SHOULD APPLY TO PRIVATE OWNERS. *JB

  • 12/21/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    WHILE DRIVING THE CONSUMER NOTICED STEAM COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACK AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *JB

  • 12/19/2006· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    TL* - THE CONTACT STATES THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS 1997 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT SAID THAT 8:20 AM ON 12/19/06 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN HE NOTICE A LARGE TRAIL OF STEAM AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND STEAM AND SMOKE STOPPED, AT WHICH TIME HE OPENED HOOD OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED COOLANT RUNNING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CONTACT CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP OF KANSAS. THE FORD DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONTACT THAT THE INTAKE RADIATOR HAD CRACKED. THE REPRESENTATIVE THEN ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PROBLEM AND TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE INTAKE FUEL MANIFOLD BUT, THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED IN 2004. THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE INTAKE HAD TO HAVE A CRACK IN IT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE.

  • 12/17/2004· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

    THE HOOD COVER CAME LOOSE WHILE THE CAR WAS MOVING ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT WAS CAUGHT BY A LATCH AT THE HORIZONTAL POSITION. *JB

  • 12/17/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    THE COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLDS DEVELOPED FATIGUE CRACKS, RESULTING IN TOTAL ENGINE COOLANT LEAKAGE. COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE, OWNER WAS LUCKY TO BE ON LOCAL STREET AND NEAR TO A CAR REPAIR SHOP, SPENT $1100 ON REPAIR. *JB

  • 12/15/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    (1) OUT OF (10) VEHICLES IN FLEET LOST BRAKES COMPLETELY BECAUSE THE BRAKES LINES CROSSED THE FRAME, CAUSING A HOLE TO RUB IN BRAKE LINE. OTHER (9) VEHCLE WERE CHECKED AND FLAT SPOTS WERE FOUND, BUT HAD NOT WORN INTO HOLES. ALL VEHICLES IN THE FLEET WERE REPAIRED. *AK

  • 12/11/2001· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS DEFECT BUT WILL NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE TO CUSTOMERS WHO OWN RESIDENTIAL CROWN VICTORIAS. THE DESIGN FLAW (FATIGUE CRACK IN COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD COOLANT CROSSOVER PASSAGE) AFFECTS VEHICLES WITH THE 4.6 LITER ENGINES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN 8/8/95 AND 11/22/97 AT THE ST. THOMAS PLANT. THE CRACK CAUSES A RAPID LOSS OF COOLANT DIRECTLY BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR AND CAN RESULT IN SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE DUE TO OVERHEATING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. THE TOW TRUCK TOOK IT TO THE FORD DEALER WHERE A REDESIGNED MANIFOLD WAS INSTALLED AT MY COST. *AK

  • 12/10/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,739. UPDATED 02/15/08. *LJ

  • 12/10/2003· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THERE WAS A DELAY IN BRAKING, WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINE WAS WORN AND CAUSED BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. *AK *CB *JB

  • 12/10/2001· STRUCTURE

    I FIXED THIS ONCE WITH GLUE AND REPLACED. THE ACTUATOR BROKE THE DOOR AGAIN. THIS CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM CONSIDERING IF WILL MAKE WINDOW DEFROSTER NON FUNCTIONAL. *AK

  • 12/10/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    BRAKE LINE WORN FROM RUBBING AGAINST VEHICLES BODY PARTS, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE.

  • 12/10/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    BRAKE LINE WORN FROM RUBBING AGAINST VEHICLES BODY PARTS, RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE. REFERENCED IN RQ03-004

  • 12/09/2004· SUSPENSION

    THE CONSUMER WAS BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FRONT END COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

  • 12/09/1999· SEATS

    FLOOR AT ATTACHMENT POINT OF FRONT SEAT ANCHOR BOLT HAS CRACKED SO THAT THE FRONT SEAT CAN ROCK UP AND DOWN (THIS IS DESCRIBED IN FORD TSB 98-24-5 FOR 1992-1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIAS); WILL THIS DEFECT AFFECT OCCUPANT'S PROTECTION IN A CRASH, AS THE SEAT IS NOW PERMITTED TO MOVE IN A LARGER RANGE OF MOTION DURING AN IMPACT THAN ITS ORIGINAL DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS? FORD TSB LISTS THIS REPAIR AS APPLICABLE UNDER ITS BUMPER-TO-BUMPER WARRANTY, BUT THIS DEFECT MAY EXIST IN OUT-OF-WARRANTY VEHICLES AS WELL. *AK

  • 12/09/1999· VISIBILITY

    VOLTAGE DROP TO 0 AND CAR WILL STOP WORKING WHILE WAITING ON RED LIGHT. WHEN ELECTR. WINDOWS ACTIVATED, VOLTAGE DROP AND WILL STOP WORKING.

  • 12/08/2009· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THOUGHT A COOLANT HOSE HAD RUPTURED BUT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S PLACE OF BUSINESS WAS TOLD THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR ONLY A FEW MODELS EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THEIR 8 CYLINDER 4.6 ENGINES UTILIZED THE SAME DEFECTIVE "COMPOSITE" INTAKE MANIFOLD. MY CROWN VICTORIA IS A 1997 WITH 60,000 ORIGINAL MILES! *TR

  • 12/05/2001· SUSPENSION

    THE INCIDENT CONSISTED OF A SUDDEN LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE, RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE SKIDDING TO A STOP ON THE A FRAME. DAMAGE ESTIMATE IS BASED ON THE COST OF NEW BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD, FENDER, AND TIRE REPLACEMENT COSTS

  • 12/04/2000· SEAT BELTS

    SEAT BELTS IN FRONT & REAR WILL NOT RETRACT BACK TO ORIGINAL POSITION AFTER BEING USED. REAR RIGHT WAS REPLACED BY DEALERSHIP, BUT NOT THE OTHER THREE SEAT BELTS.*AK

  • 12/03/2006· STRUCTURE

    NOTICEABLE DETERIORATION RUST THROUGH OF RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL ASSEMBLY FORWARD OF THE SHOCK TOWER AND SPRING ASSEMBLY. *2 PART FRAME RAIL, OUTSIDE ASSEMBLY NO APPARENT DETERIORATION BUT PASSENGER SIDE INNER ASSEMBLY HIDDEN BY PLASTIC COVER HAS SEVERE RUST AND SOME AREAS COMPLETE THROUGH. *JB

  • 12/01/2008· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL). THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DEACTIVATED AT THE COST OF $100. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE DEALER CHARGED HER FOR THE REPAIR AND WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE ADVISING HER TO RETURN TO THE DEALER TO FINISH THE REPAIR. SHE HAS NOT HAD THE REPAIR COMPLETED. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE INVOICE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

  • 12/01/2003· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    THE MANIFOLD IN MY 1997 CROWN VICTORIA CRACKED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A DEFECT PARTICULAR TO THE 4.6 LITER ENGINE WHICH MY CAR HAS. MY CAR IS LOW MILEAGE (ABOUT 47,000) IS SIX YEARS OLD AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER HAVING HAD IT FOR 4 YEARS. I HAVE HAD REGULAR SERVICE BY THE DEALER FROM WHOM THE CAR WAS PURCHASED. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE MANIFOLD ON THIS PARTICULAR SIZE ENGINE HAS BEEN FOUND DEFECTIVE IN OTHER MODEL CARS AND ALTHOUGH A RECALL WAS ISSUED MY VIN NO. DOES NOT MATCH A SPECIFIC LIST AND THEREFORE, I HAVE TO COVER THE $1000 EXPENSE. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER FORD WHEN I SELL THE ONE I NOW OWN AND I WILL STRONGLY ENCOURAGE OTHERS NOT TO BUY ANY MODEL CAR WITH THIS ENGINE. I PLAN TO FILE A SMALL CLAIMS LAWSUIT AGAINST FORD WHEN I HAVE ALL THE REPAIRS COMPLETED. FORTUNATELY, I HAD ONLY DRIVEN A MILE FROM HOME AND MY HUSBAND WAS WITH ME WHEN THIS OCCURRED. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR HIS ATTENTION TO DETAILS THINGS WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN REALLY BAD.*AK

  • 11/30/2004· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    RE; SERVICE BULLETIN #97 FOR INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACEMENT FOR 97 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. *BF *SC

  • 11/29/2010· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    WHILE DRIVING IN NJ, THE MANIFOLD BLEW AND MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERATIVE. LUCKILY, MY MECHANIC CAME AND TOWED THE CAR TO HIS GARAGE. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A PRESSURE TEST AND DETERMINED THAT THE 'PLASTIC MANIFOLD' HAD BLOWN. THE ORIGIN OF THE FLUID LEAK WAS BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR. THEN WE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM BACK IN 2004-5. I NEVER KNEW, NOR WAS I NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS JUST INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON, NO DISCUSSION WAS MADE ABOUT THIS MANIFOLD PROBLEM ... THEY EVEN CHECKED FOR ANY PREVIOUS TECHNICAL BULLETINS. SO, NOW WHAT HAPPENS?

  • 11/29/1999· FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

    INTAKE MANFOLD SPLIT. THIS IS NOT THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THIS VECHILE, BUT THERE IS A VIBRATION INTHE TRANSMISSION. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT BECAUSE IT'S OUT FORD MOTOR CO. DOESN'T WANT TO RESPOND IN GOOD FAITH.

  • 11/27/2007· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V36000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER. SINCE THAT TIME, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. HE WOULD LIKE HIS VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/31/07. *JB

  • 11/21/1999· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    DISC BRAKE ROTORS WARPING,CAUSING VIBRATION DURING BRAKING. THIRD INCIDENCE IN 35,500 MILES. *AK

  • 11/20/2015· STEERINGCrashFire

    DRIVING EAST ON ALLEN STREET IN SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS STEERING CONTROL LOCKED UP RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH A GAS STATION PUMP POLICE CRASH REPORT ID 15-3725-AC CAR WAS TOTALLED OUT WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE NO NOISE WAS HEARD SECONDS BEFORE CRASH. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REPLACEMENT PARTS BUT WONDER IF THE OEM PARTS COULD FAIL RESULTING IN CRASH.

  • 11/19/2004· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    I WAS HEADING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE WHEN I GOT THREE TO FOUR MILES OF MY HOME WHEN I NOTICED FROM MY REARVIEW MIRROR, THAT THERE WAS A HEAVY MIST BILLOWING FROM BEHIND MY CAR. THEN I BEGAN TO SMELL THE COOLANT FLUID SOON AFTER. I MANAGED TO PULL INTO THE NEXT CLOSEST GROCERY TO INVESTIGATE. HEAVY STEM FROM THE COOLANT BILLOWED UP FROM THE MIDDLE OF MY ENGINE WHICH SOAKED WIRES AND OTHER ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS. I LET IT COOL DOWN FOR SOME TIME BEFORE I COULD ADD MORE WATER AND SET FOR HOME WHICH WAS ONLY LESS THAN A MILE AWAY. THE NEXT DAY I GOT THE CAR TO A MECHANIC SO HE COULD INVESTIGATE TO WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. IT WAS THE INTAKE MANUFOLD WHICH WAS MADE OF ALL THINGS...PLASTIC!!! THE MECHANIC CONTACTED AND PICKED UP THE REPLACEMENT THAT WAS MADE OF METAL. HE HAD DISCOVERED THAT HE WAS TOLD THAT FORD CO. NEVER SENT OUT RECALL NOTICES TO CROWN VICTORIA OWNERS ABOUT THE MAIFOLDS CRACKING. I HAD TO PAY OVER $500 FOR THE PART. ALONG WITH PARTS AND LABOR COSTS ADDING UP TO OVER $800. I AM APSOLUTELY BUGGERED TO PUT IT NICELY THAT THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING!!! KNOWING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE PART! THEY JUST LOST A STEADY FORD CUSTOMER NOT JUST BECAUSE OF MY PLIGHT, BUT BECAUSE OTHER PEOPLE WERE LEFT IN THE DARK ABOUT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM! AND YES! I HAVE THE OLD MANIFOLD AND PHOTOS! *AK

  • 11/18/2005· SUSPENSION

    DT: THE CONTACT STATES THERE IS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 98V322000 CONCERNING THE LOWER BALL JOINT. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL, BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE.*AK UPDATED 12/27/2005 - THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT FAILED. *NM

  • 11/16/2010· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POLICE INTERCEPTOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT IT DID NOT STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IT HAD TO BE PUSHED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER OF RECALL 98I001000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC FOUNDATION, HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE PRE-OWNED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY 2005. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 167,000.

  • 11/16/2000· POWER TRAIN

    EXPERIENCING VIBRATION-SHUDDER DURING 2-3 UPSHIFT. THIS IS OCCURRING WITH THE FDQ 4R70W. THE ORIGINAL 4R70W HAD TO BE REPLACED AROUND 50,000 MILES. *AK

  • 11/14/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IN THE VEHICLE IS MADE OF PLASTIC. CONSUJMER STATES' MANIFOLD CRACKS CAUSING VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT AND DESTROY ENGINE. CONSUMER HAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHERT INFORMATION.

  • 11/11/1999· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    FAST DECELERATION FROM 70-80 KM HR OVER SMALL WASHBOARD,CAUSED THE FUEL RESET BUTTON TO COME OUT, CAUSING A STALL.LOSS OF POWER BRAKES/STEERING...IF YOU HAVE HEARD OF THIS BEFORE PLEASE LET ME KNOW. *AK

  • 11/10/1999· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLCrash

    SUDDEN ACCELORATION- ENGINE WENT TO FULL UNCONTROLLED ACCELORATION

  • 11/08/2002· SUSPENSION

    WHILE BACKING UP THE RIGHT LOWER BALL JOINT SNAP CAUSING THE FRONT END TO COLLAPSE. THE DEALER HAS NEEN NOTIFIED. *TS *NLM

  • 11/07/1997· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

    DUE TO DESIGN FLAW OF THE THROTTLE LINKAGE AND BRACKET THE LINKAGE WAS STUCK RESULTING IN SUDDEN ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE COLLISION.

  • 11/06/2002· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICCrash

    WHILE DRIVING, DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES. THEY DID NOT HOLD, WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE HAVING AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. UPON INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, THE DRIVER NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT BECAUSE OF A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE. MR A RECALL WAS ISSUED, BUT HAS NOT BEEN EXTENDED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. *JG REFERENCED IN RQ03-004

  • 11/04/2010· SUSPENSION

    I OWN A 1997 CROWN VICTORY , WITH 98015 MILES, AND WITHIN 6 MO. OF EACH EVENT I HAVE HAD 3 LOWER BALL JOINTS TO FALLING OUT. PLEASE TELL ME IF FORD DOING ANYTHING TO KEEP PEOPLE DRIVING 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORY SAFE? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE PERSON THAT IS DRIVING AND THE ON COMING PERSON, WHICH COULD BE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CEO, OR WORST HIS WIFE, OR MY WIFE !!!!!!!! *TR

  • 11/04/1997· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    BRAKE LINE INSTALLED TOO CLOSE TO FLOOR PAN, BRAKE LINE RUBS AGAINST FLOOR, CAUSING HOLE IN BRAKES LINE, THIS DEFECT CAN RESULT IN ACCIDENT. *AK

  • 11/03/2003· SUSPENSION

    SUBJECT:FORD CROWN VIC LOWER BALL JOINT COMMENTS: I HAVE A 1997 FORD CROWN VIC MANUFACTURED IN ONTARIO. THE LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT CAME APART IN THE FALL OF 2002 AND WAS REPLACED. IT IS NOW 14 MONTHS LATER AND IT WAS REPLACED AGAIN. ON YOUR SITE I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THAT ISSUE. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT IT AND HAVE HAD TO PAY THE FULL COST OF REPAIRS EACH TIME. WHAT IS MY RECOURSE? *LA

  • 11/02/2004· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

    YOUR AGENCY HAS CONTACTED ME TWICE, CONCERNING A BRAKE FAILURE ON MY 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. I HAVE LOCATED THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE LINE THAT YOU INQUIRED ABOUT, THE PIECE THAT WAS CUT OUT FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS NUMBER MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH MY COMPLIANT EA03012. I JUST CAN NOT REMEMBER THE GENTLEMANS NAME THAT FIRST CALLED ME. LATER AN ATTORNEY CALLED REPRESENTING HERSELF AS BEING WITH YOUR AGENCY. PLEASE CONTACT ME AGAIN.*AK

  • 11/02/2003· TIRES

    FOUR YOKOHAMA AVID TOURING TIRES ON MY 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA FAILED DUE TO INTERNAL SEPARATION RENDERING THE CAR DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THESE TIRES FAILED SEQUENTIALLY WITHIN 5000 MILES OF EACH OTHER. NO TIRE HAD MORE THAN 40% TREAD WEAR AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. *LA

  • 10/31/2007· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLFire

    1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT FIRE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT CAR WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALER FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART FOR THE RECALL REGARDING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM EVERYTHING WAS FINE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICAL.*JB

  • 10/30/2001· SUSPENSION

    RECALL 98 V 322 000/LOWER CONTROL ARM: LOST CONTROL WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH. VEHICLE TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, AND INFORMED CONSUMER OF A LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

  • 10/29/1999· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    WHILE DRIVING TAXI TO GARAGE TRANSMISSION WOULD KEEP SLIPPING, EVEN ON THE STREETS. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE IN MOTION & VEHICLE STOPPED. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. DRIVER WAS INFORMED LOCATION FROM ENGINE AFTER NOTICING SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. *AK

  • 10/29/1998· POWER TRAIN

    VEHICLE IS IN PARK POSITION WITH ENGINE ON. VEHICLE CAME OUT OF GEAR INTO REVERSE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

  • 10/27/2002· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    DRIVING ON HIGWAY AT 65 MPH BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR, AFTER PULLING OVER TO A SAFE LOCATION SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER HOOD. WHEN HOOD WAS OPENED FOR INSPECTION IT EMITTED A NOXIOUS ODOR AND IT WAS SPRAYING HOT ENGINE COOLANT FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AFTER ENGINE COOLED DOWN COOLANT WAS ADDED AND CAR WAS DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE HOME. VEHICLE WAS TOWED INTO THE DEALER EXPECTING THE REPAIR TO BE COVERED BY WARRANTY EITHER BY THE RECALL THAT IS OUT (APPARENTLY CURRENTLY ONLY APPLIES TO POLICE AND TAXIS) OR AS LISTED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL FOR CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS COMPONENTS DEFECTS. THE DEALER SAID THIS WAS NOT COVERED EITHER WAY. A CALL TO FORD CUSTOMER RELATIONS (EDITH) INITIATED A CLAIM. EDITH SAID SHE WOULD CONTACT THE DEALER FOR ASSISTANCE BUT MY VEHICLE WAS NOT RECALLED. THE DEALER REPRESENTATIVE WAS RECONTACTED AND REFUSED TO OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WHATSOVER. THIS ISSUE IS WELL ESTABLISHED AS NHTSA HAS THE BULLETINS LISTED AND THERE A NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS DOCUMENTED. SOME PEOPLE COULD DRIVE THEIR VEHICLE UNKNOWINGLY WITH THIS DEFECT WHICH COULD RESULT IN FIRE OR BURNING FROM ESCAPING STEAM. FORD MOTOR COMPANY MUST REIMBURSE ME AND OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD EXPENSES TO REPAIR THEIR PROBLEM OF A POOR ORIGINAL DESIGN. THE NEW PART HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH AN ALUMINUM COOLANT CROSSOVER INSTEAD OF PLASTIC. DT