Component Description
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Manufacturer That Filed Defect/noncompliance Report
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Begin Date Of Manufacturing
19981102
End Date Of Manufacturing
20000828
Vehicle, Equipment Or Tire Report
0
Potential Number Of Units Affected
8100
Date Owner Notified By MFR
20010419
Recall Initiator (MFR/OVSC/ODI)
MFR
Mfg
Ford Motor Company
Report Received Date
20010411
Record Creation Date
20010424
Regulation Part Number
Defect Summary
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY IN THE REAR KNUCKLE, WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES, IS DISPLACED LONGITUDINALLY FROM ITS INSTALLED POSITION, IT CAN CAUSE HIGHER STRESS LEVELS IN THE KNUCKLE CASTING. IF THIS OCCURS, THE CASTING COULD FRACTURE, ALLOWING THE CORNER OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP, AND THE LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD CONTACT THE INSIDE OF THE REAR WHEEL.
Consequence Summary
IN SOME CASES, DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE REDUCED.
Corrective Summary
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 19, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Recall Notes
ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).