About two years ago I started to notice a noise from the front end of the car. Over time it gradually became louder and more frequent. When I went to my local garage, the noise would not initally be present. Finally it became more present and the local mechanic said that it was probably the tie rods and that Ford was known to frequently have that problem. He also indicated that it would probably be fixed by the dealer under warranty. At that time I had about 40,000 miles on T he car. I took it to the Ford dealer and told them what the mechanic said. They repaired the car and charged me for the repair since they claimed that there was no warranty on the car (hidden or otherwise) since I had pressed this point with the service manager and later with his manager. Note: I had previously seen many complaints on your web site regarding this same problem. It does seem that tie rods should not be failing at 38-40,000 miles. And, that ultimate failure could result in serious crashes and injuries.

- Rolling Hills Estates, CA, USA

6th time in 6 months lugs: Bolts have sheared, normal driving w/ no incident. Wheels, hubs, tie rods and lug bolts have all been replaced w/ no change in regularity of event. No substantive vibration experienced. Mechanics have all been advised of history. Cowles Ford, C&J auto, D&B auto, aaa and and Firestone have serviced the incidents. Requested review on tsb's and other complaints to Ford - to no avail. Real serious - one to four lugs have sheared on each incident; involved both front wheel assys and one rear assy.

- Chesterfield, VA, USA

Inner and end tie rods have been replaced 6 times in 2 years. First time at 16000 miles. Consumer hears noise from front end, then, has vehicle inspected by dealer, who then finds tie rods are breaking.

- West Springfield, MA, USA

While traveling at approximately 10 mph vehicle started pulling to right, and came to a stop. Consumer examined vehicle, and saw that left rear tire was positioned against bumper of vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle and determined that rear axle/ tie rod broke. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Wendell, NC, USA

There is a grinding noise coming from front of vehicle when traveling slowly and making a turn. Dealership examined vehicle and informed consumer that tie rods were defective. A Firestone service center informed consumer that problem was due to rack and pinion steering. There was NHTSA recall 97V165001; however, manufacturer informed consumer that this vehicle was not included in recall due to VIN.

- Ojai, CA, USA

No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

Tie rod and rotors needed to be replaced at approximately 35000 miles. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

- Mogadore, OH, USA

When brakes are applied vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. Also, dealer has replaced tie rods and the brake system. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

Whenever steering wheel is being turned, left or right it would make a great deal of noise. Had taken vehicle to dealer for diagnostics & was informed it was the tie rod. Had taken vehicle to private mechanic who stated that it was the rack & pinion that needed to be replaced.

- Orange Vale, CA, USA

The amp to the radio and cd keeps burning out and the last time it caught on fire. It's been fixed (again) but I'm still scared to drive it. My van stinks like electrical burnt transformer. They said they found a short, but I wonder"?? also, why is my exhaust putting out so much black soot on my van? I clean it off and every time I drive it, it becomes all sooted up again. My left tie rod went out too. Is that normal for such low mileage" I'm very unhappy with this vehicle.

- Kingston, OK, USA