NHTSA recall 98V-322 (98V322000)

suspension recall reported December 16, 1998 - about 175,000 vehicles affected.

NHTSA campaign number: 98V322000
Also written as: 98V-322
Manufacturer number: 98S37
Reported: December 16, 1998
Vehicles affected: ~175,000
Component: suspension

What is being recalled

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.

Why it is dangerous

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix (free at any franchised dealer)

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

Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 98V-322 when calling a dealer.

Affected 2 models

Ford Crown Victoria - 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

Lincoln Town Car - 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

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.