NHTSA recall 96V-135 (96V135000)

steering recall reported July 18, 1996 - about 72,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 96V135000
Also written as: 96V-135
Reported: July 18, 1996
Vehicles affected: ~72,000
Component: steering

What is being recalled

THE PITMAN ARMS WERE NOT FULLY LUBRICATED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE "BALL JOINT" AT THE OUTER END OF THE PITMAN ARM CAN BECOME CONTAMINATED AND CORRODE.

Why it is dangerous

SUCH CORROSION CAN RESULT IN ABNORMAL WEAR OF THE JOINT, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE JOINT. LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE JOINT IS FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT WEAR, THE ARM WILL BE REPLACED. THOSE PITMAN ARMS NOT REPLACED WILL HAVE THE "BALL JOINT" FULLY GREASED.

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 96V-135 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Ford Crown Victoria - 1995, 1996

Lincoln Town Car - 1995, 1996

Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.

Is YOUR car included? A campaign rarely covers every single vehicle of a model year. Check your exact car by its 17-character VIN with the free VIN decoder and recall check.

Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.