The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. While driving 25 mph, the contact heard a grinding and knocking noise coming from the driver side rear tire. He stated that the bearings punctured the axle shaft. The mechanic stated that the bearings and axle shaft needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 82,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Recall campaign 04V328000 concerning rear axle shaft fracture. A roaring noise would come from the rear of the vehicle when driving at any speed. Vehicle was taken to a repair shop, and mechanic determined that the rear wheel bearing, seals and the axle shafts needed to be replaced. He found this recall on all data, and suggested that the consumer contact the dealer. Dealer informed consumer that this vehicle was not covered under this recall.

- Carrollton, GA, USA

My 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, developed a grinding noise in the rear end on 8/05/04. Took it to have it checked on 8/12/04 and found out that the rear axle bearings were bad and that they had cut into the axle shaft. I had to have the axle shafts, bearings and seals replaced at a cost of $513.45. I searched the internet and found out that there had been a recall on the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria "fleet" vehicles (recall #04S16) for the same problem. I called Ford on 8/13/04 and found out that it only applied to vehicles assembled at the St. Thomas facility between 12/01 and 12/02. They also verified by my VIN# [xxx], that my car was assembled in the St. Thomas facility in 7/02. I was informed that my car is not involved in this recall. I also found that Ford had issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) advising dealers to be on the lookout for service complaints centering around rear axle noise in the 2003 Crown victorias, and two other models manufactured prior to 01/01/03 and included all chassis configurations (not only fleet vehicles) except heavy-duty limousine and hearse chassis. According to Ford recall information, "early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture would lead to loss of drive function and could lead to a crash". I also found that it could lead to a wheel-off failure and a resulting crash. I also find that Ford issued a "silent recall" or "secret warranty" to deal with customer problems prior to the end of the factory warranty (dealer operation code 030505A). My car had approx 21000 miles on it when I bought it and now has approx 69000 miles on it. In my opinion, Ford is aware of this problem and has decided to be selective in which vehicles they are recalling without regard for the average person. I believe this is a safety issue and not something that should overlook the many people that ferry their families around on a daily basis in a car that is not deemed a "fleet" car but that apparently still has a problem. Updated 07/25/2012 information redacted pursuant to

- Pearl, MS, USA