The contact owns a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle had the same failure as mentioned in recall # 96V135000. In 2003, the vehicle accelerated, but the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact shut the vehicle off, and had it towed to the personal mechanic. The mechanic stated that the ball joints were corroded and detached from the sockets. In addition, the pitman arms were not lubricated. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. On April 8, 2007, the vehicle was involved in a crash. The insurance company checked the vehicle's history and stated that the vehicle was included in a recall. The contact called the manufacturer again, and was still being informed that there was never a recall on the vehicle. The current mileage was 89,200, and failure mileage was 49,200. The consumer states that there are 2 recalls for this specific car which are 98V322000 and the recall for steering listed above. The consumer states that the car was totaled while running into a ditch. Update 05/04/07

- Carmel, IN, USA

Sudden failure of ball joints in Ford passenger cars.

- Everett, MA, USA