36 of the
358 complaints about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria are about the
braking system — 10% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
73,666 miles.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO FAIL. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE WHEELS TO LOCK. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL HIS INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10226322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,873 milesWantagh, NY
PARKING BRAKE:DRIVELINE:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
REPLACED RUSTED STEEL BRAKE TUBING ON LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10131831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,666 milesAnnandale, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
METAL BRAKE LINES ALONG DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10126398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,786 milesBrooklyn, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS PUMP TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE RUSTED THROUGH WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ALL FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THE TWO REAR BRAKE LINES ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED. THE LOCATION OF THE FAILURE AND THE EXTENSIVELY RUSTED REAR LINES WAS DIRECTLY UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON TOP OF THE CHASSIS RAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10100710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,786 milesBrooklyn, NYCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE BRAKE LINE FROM THE ABS PUMP TO THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE RUSTED THROUGH WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF ALL FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER. FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THE TWO REAR BRAKE LINES ALSO SEVERELY RUSTED. THE LOCATION OF THE FAILURE AND THE EXTENSIVELY RUSTED REAR LINES WAS DIRECTLY UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON TOP OF THE CHASSIS RAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10100710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,923 milesWantagh, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
REAR STEEL BRAKE LINES RUSTED. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10074140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chunchula, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT WHAT I HEAR ABOUT THE GRAND MARQUIS HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL TANK IS RATHER DISTURBING TO ME I AM AWARE NOW THAT THESE CARS ARE CAPABLE OF CATCHING ON FIRE IF HIT FROM BEHIND. I CARRY THREE SMALL CHILDREN TO SCHOOL EVERY MORNING IN "THIS CAR" I HAVE CONTACTED THE FORD CORP. ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SEEM TO NOT BE BOTHERED ABOUT THIS FACT. NOW TO MY OTHER PROBLEMS. I HAVE JUST REPLACED MY INTAKE MANIFOLD BECAUSE THE ONE THAT CAME WITH THE CAR CRACKED WHILE I WAS DRIVING IT. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT HE FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 1996 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE FORD CORP. HAS REDESIGNED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR THIS MODEL AND RAISED THE PRICE FROM ABOUT 250.00 TO ALMOST 500.00. IN JULY OF 2002 THERE WAS A PART THAT WENT OUT ON MY A/C UNIT THAT I HAD TO REPLACE (I HAVE TO CONTACT MY MECHANIC TO SEE WHAT PART IT WAS THAT WAS REPLACED) IN JULY 2002 I HAD TO HAVE MY ROTERS TURNED, IN JANUARY 2003, I HAD TO HAVE THEM TURNED AGIAN AND HAVE MY RIGHT BACK ROTER REPACED BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER GOOD. (ALL THIS WAS DONE ON JANUARY 10 2003 NOW IT IS JAN. 20, 2003 AND MY RIGHT FRONT ROTER IS GRINDING AGAIN (I ALSO HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON ALL AROUND JAN.10,2003. MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS DROOPING BECAUSE IT NEEDS A NEW PIN PUT IN... MY CAR ALSO SEEMS TO BALK WHEN I PUSH ON THE GAS PEDDAL,MY CAR ALSO HAS A POPPING NOISE WHEN I HIT A HOLE OR TURN. WHEN I CALLED THE FORD CORP. ON THESE ISSUES THEY SEEMED LIKED THEY REALLY DIDN'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THESE THINGS. MAYBE YOU MIGHT KNOW SOMEONE THAT I COULD CONTACT IN THE FORD CORP. THAT IS "HIGH UP" AND THAT WOULD LISTEN TO MY ONCERNS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, SINCERLY, DIANE
NHTSA complaint #10069858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caseville, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. DETERIATED FLUID LINE UNDER DRIVER'S DOOR. ALL FLUID WAS DISCHARGED AND WAS LEFT WITHOUT ANY BRAKES AT ALL. SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *AK REFERENCED IN RQ03-004
NHTSA complaint #10025757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,510 milesArlington, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKES FAILED. DRIVER NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAK AND ADDED BRAKE FLUID TO GET THE CAR BACK TO OUR RESIDENCE. A REVIEW OF THE BRAKE LINES SHOWED CORROSION AND LEAKAGE IN THE BRAKE LINE ONLY. ALL OF THE OTHER LINES AND THE UNDER CARRIAGE SHOW NO CORROSION AT ALL. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF A DEFECT IN THE MATERIAL USED FOR THE BRAKE LINE. THIS INCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN MORE SERIOUS, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURIES OR DEATHS IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE ACTIONS OF THE DRIVER. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winston Salem, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE DRIVING BRAKES CONSTANTLY RUBBING AND CAUSING BRAKE LINE TO FAIL. *AK REFERENCED IN RQ03-004
NHTSA complaint #8007180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ALL OF OUR 1995-1997 CROWN CROWN VICTORIAS. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY.
NHTSA complaint #740213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Mirada, CA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE: THE LINING ON THE PARKING BRAKES (DRIVER SIDE) WAS SEPARATED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE DISK/DRUM COMBINATION OF THE REAR ROTORS IS THAT DURING BRAKES INSPECTIONS THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BE OVERLOOK. IF THE BRAKE LINING WERE TO SEPARATE WHILE DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A WHEEL TO FREEZE AND MAKE THE DRIVER LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #732495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Mirada, CA
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE: THE LINING ON THE PARKING BRAKES (DRIVER SIDE) WAS SEPARATED AND WOULD NOT ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE WHEN APPLIED. THE PROBLEM WITH THE DISK/DRUM COMBINATION OF THE REAR ROTORS IS THAT DURING BRAKES INSPECTIONS THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BE OVERLOOK. IF THE BRAKE LINING WERE TO SEPARATE WHILE DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A WHEEL TO FREEZE AND MAKE THE DRIVER LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #732495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskego, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES WERE VIBRATING VERY LOUD, CONSUMER WAS VERY CONCERNED THAT BRAKES WERE GOING TO QUIT.*AK THE FRONT DISC ROTORS FAILURE AND FRONT ROTORS PULSATING WAS THE CAUSE FOR LOUD VIBRATION OF BRAKES. THE PROBLEM REOCCORED DUE TO BRAKE PAD FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #868426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINE FOWARD OF REAR AXLE AND ABOVE FUEL FILTER RUBS ON CAR BODY RESULTING IN A HOLE IN BRAKE LINE
NHTSA complaint #721581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
BRAKE LINE FOWARD OF REAR AXLE AND ABOVE FUEL FILTER RUBS ON CAR BODY RESULTING IN A HOLE IN BRAKE LINE
NHTSA complaint #721581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
OFFICER WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON SUMMIT AVE E AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35MPH. AT THE INTERSECTION OF SUMMIT AND E. HARRISON ST, THE OFFICER SLOWED TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION AND TO NEGOTIATE HER PATROL VEHICLE AROUND A TRAFFIC CIRCLE. THE OFFICER NEGOTIATED HER VEHICLE AROUND THE CIRCLE. NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION, THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND - ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ABS MODE DID NOT FUNCTION. THE OFFICER THEN ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE, BUT FOUND THAT THE STEERING HAD FAILED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED. THE OFFICER'S VEHICLE WAS NOW HEADING WEST TOWARDS A LEGALLY PARKED VEHICLE ON THE WEST SIDE OF SUMMIT AVE. E. THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLES MOVEMENT. THE OFFICER FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN LIKE IT HAD BEEN LOCKED. THE VEHICLE HAD TOTAL STEERING FAILURE. THE OFFICER WAS HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE PARKED VEHICLE, JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS SHE COULD TO THE RIGHT. HER VEHICLE RESPONDED BUT ENDED UP HITTING TWO PARKED VEHICLES ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE STREET. THESE VEHICLES WERE PUSHED INTO TWO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES AND A MOTORCYLE. THE OFFICE WAS TREATED FOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #715166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
OFFICER WAS TRAVELING NORTHBOUND ON SUMMIT AVE E AT APPROXIMATELY 30-35MPH. AT THE INTERSECTION OF SUMMIT AND E. HARRISON ST, THE OFFICER SLOWED TO CLEAR THE INTERSECTION AND TO NEGOTIATE HER PATROL VEHICLE AROUND A TRAFFIC CIRCLE. THE OFFICER NEGOTIATED HER VEHICLE AROUND THE CIRCLE. NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION, THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND - ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND THE ABS MODE DID NOT FUNCTION. THE OFFICER THEN ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE VEHICLE BUT FOUND THAT THE STEERING HAD FAILED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE FISHTAILED. THE OFFICER'S VEHICLE WAS NOW HEADING WEST TOWARDS A LEGALLY PARKED VEHCILE ON THE WEST SIDE OF SUMMIT AVE. E. THE OFFICER ATTEMPTED TO STEER TO THE RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE VEHICLES MOVEMENT. THE OFFICER FOUND THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN LIKE IT HAD BEEN LOCKED. THE VEHICLE HAD TOTAL STEERING FAILURE. THE OFFICER WAS HEADED STRAIGHT TOWARDS THE PARKED VEHICLE, JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL AS HARD AS SHE COULD TO THE RIGHT. HER VEHICLE RESPONDED BUT ENDED UP HITTING TWO PARKED VEHICLES ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE STREET. THESE VEHICLES WERE PUSHED INTO TWO ADDITIONAL VEHICLES AND A MOTORCYLE. THE OFFICE WAS TREATED FOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #713237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brightoin, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED ON WET PAVEMENT THE PEDAL BECOMES HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKE BOOSTER, PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #838527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST Joseph, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
NO SUMMARY
NHTSA complaint #706091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
PROBLEM INVOLVES NHTSA RECALLS 98I001000 AND 98V322000. DEALER AND FORD SAY MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. I DO NOT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF HAVING MY STEERING CONTROL FAIL, OR HAVING MY BRAKES FAIL. PLEASE HELP. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION HAS AN EXTREMELY LONG SHIFT FROM FIRST TO SECOND. FORD HAS A TSB ON THIS, AND STATES THIS WILL NOT AFFECT THE TRANSMISSION,BUT IT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE AND LEAD TO POSSBILE ACCUMULATOR BORE SCUFFING. THANKS!
NHTSA complaint #703492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murphysboro, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CHIEF OF POLICE CALLED TO INFORM OF RECALL NOTICE RECEIVED CONCERNING FORD CROWN VICTORIA LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE. *AK DOOR HANDLES WERE REPLACED. REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED AT 18290, FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 28679 MILES, FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED AT 51031 MILES. INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED TWICE. HEATER HOSE REPLACED. PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT REPLACED. TIRE ROTATIONS ARE DONE EVERY 3000 MILES, HOWEVER TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT APPROXIMATELY 9600 MILES AND AT 600000 MILES, NO SPECIFIC TIRE INFORMATION GIVEN. COOLING FANT AND MOTOR REPLACED. TPC, PVC, AND FUEL REGULATOR REPLACED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #824783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsdale, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR DUE TO FAILURE OF THE STOP SWITCH AND CLIP ON PEDAL.
NHTSA complaint #507397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD WHEN STEERING LOCKED UP AND HE COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL, AND STARTED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT.TRIED TO APPLY BRAKES, BUT THEY DID NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #830874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAKE LINE RUNNING TO THE REAR BRAKES RUBS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR BODY AT THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER.
NHTSA complaint #605723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAKE LINE RUNNING TO THE REAR BRAKES RUBS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR BODY AT THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER
NHTSA complaint #605720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAKE LINE RUNNING TO THE REAR BRAKES RUBS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR BODY AT THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER.
NHTSA complaint #605722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAKE LINE RUNNING TO THE REAR BRAKES RUBS ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR BODY AT THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER.
NHTSA complaint #605721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mansfield, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEEL BRAKE LINE RUNNING TO THE REAR BRAKES RUB THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CAR BODY AT THE TRANSMISSION CROSSMEMBER.
NHTSA complaint #527158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weymooth, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
METAL BRAKE LINE WHICH RUNS UP/OVER THE DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME CHAFED, LINES ROUTED TOO CLOSE TO THE BODY.
NHTSA complaint #525747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.