1997 Ford Crown Victoria recalls

Steering

• Aftermarket equipment: applies only if this part was installed

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Vehicle speed control › Cruise control

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Vehicle speed control

Summary

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.

Consequence

This could result in an underhood fire.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly

Summary

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.

Consequence

If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts › Front › Anchorage

Summary

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.

Consequence

In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts › Front › Anchorage

Summary

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.

Consequence

In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Summary

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.

Consequence

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).

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch

Summary

Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.

Consequence

Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.

Remedy

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).

This recall on nhtsa.gov