The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph the front end of the vehicle collapsed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The mechanic replaced the lower and upper ball joints on the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact called the manufacturer regarding the dangers of the lower and upper ball joints. The manufacturer informed the contact that since there isn't a recall there was nothing they could do. The failure could have caused a crash to occur. The failure mileage was 50,017. Updated 04/01/10. The lower suspension support stuck the pavement and the wheel became detached from the steering mechanism, which made the vehicle uncontrollable. Updated 06/07/10 the consumer no longer owns the vehicle as it was involved in an accident and totaled. The accident was not related to the ball joint failure. Updated 06/30/10.

- West Orange, NJ, USA

: the contact stated while driving at 30 mph, the right front lower ball joint fractured and the control arm dropped to the ground. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and towed to the local dealership for repair.

- Holliston, MA, USA

The contact states there is NHTSA recall campaign 98V322000 concerning the lower ball joint. This vehicle is experiencing the same problems as indicated in the recall, but is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. Updated 12/27/2005 - the passenger side lower ball joint failed.

- Herkimer, NY, USA

I own a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. I was pulling out of a parking spot in a MINImall when the front right tire fell off my vehicle. It turns out that the ball joint had snapped. Had this happened 10 minutes earlier, I would have been seriously hurt as I was driving on the New Jersey turnpike doing 65 mph. It has come to my attention that this has happened on other Ford products as well and as such I think that your Agency is responsible. In addition, a previous letter to this defect was submitted, but I have not had any reply.

- New York, NY, USA

The consumer was backing out of the garage and without warning the front end collapsed to the ground. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that both driver and passenger side lower ball joints needed to be replaced. Please fill in additional information.

- Toledo, OH, USA

While driving 15 mph lower ball joints separated from the vehicle. As a result, the steering failed, and the front end collapsed.

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

While backing out of the driveway, the front driver side lower ball joint snapped. The consumer had the vehicle towed.

- Ramona, CA, USA

While driving there was a severe vibration in the front end. Consumer found on NHTSA web site recall 98V322000 which applied to the problem on this vehicle. The consumer was concerned with the following recalls: 981001000, 00V157001, 03V472000 00V152002, 98V322000, 97V024000 and tsb's 01M02, 99M01, and 97M91.

- Sun River, MT, USA

Subject:Ford crown vic lower ball joint comments: I have a 1997 Ford crown vic manufactured in Ontario. The lower right ball joint came apart in the fall of 2002 and was replaced. It is now 14 months later and it was replaced again. On your site I found that there was a recall for that issue. I have never received any information about it and have had to pay the full cost of repairs each time. What is my recourse?

- Woodstock, CT, USA

While traveling 55 mph, the frame control arm bracket pulled away from the vehicle and caused a collision. (pulled a "big chunk" out of the frame) the consumer requested that Ford cover the expenses for the repair. Recall# 98V322000.

- Elyria, OH, USA

While backing up the right lower ball joint snap causing the front end to collapse. The dealer has neen notified.

- Clovis, NM, USA

While driving lower ball joints broke, and consumer could no longer control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was taking a look at vehicle.

- Lowell, MA, USA

Consumer states that when making a turn the ball joints and the bushing squeak. The dealer has been contacted. Nlm there is a recall, 98V322, regarding this problem, however consumers vehicle is not included.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

The incident consisted of a sudden lower ball joint failure, resulting in the vehicle skidding to a stop on the a frame. Damage estimate is based on the cost of new ball joints, tie rod, fender, and tire replacement costs

- Diamnond, OH, USA

While driving 5 mph vehicle dropped on right side. Towed to dealer, and lower ball joint was replaced.

- Somerset, NJ, USA

98V322 000/lower control arm : both sides lower control arm/ball joints failed at 42,000 miles. Dealer notified, and repairs/replacement was done at consumer's cost.

- Brick, NJ, USA

Ball joint failure.

- Rockingham, NC, USA

Recall 98V322000, the other vehicle VIN# [xxx], both of these vehicle which are police packaged. The dealer does not have the parts yet, and the police station needs the vehicle to be repaired as soon as possible. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Manila, AR, USA

Sedona police department having problems with the lower passenger side control arm came off the vehicle when travling at 10 mph, puncturing the front tire, resulting in the tire blowing off the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer replaced parts.

- Sedona, AZ, USA