This happened while driving my 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. The lower control arm ball joint broke while driving, resulting in suspension collapse. This breakage resulted in a irrefutable total loss of vehicle control. There was not a crash because luckily I was driving at very low speed in a street while there were not other vehicles around. If this had happened a few minutes before when I was in the expressway I am totally sure it had resulted in a catastrophic multi car accident. Car is in a repair shop.

- Southwest Ranches, FL, USA

1997 Mercury Grand Marquis. Mileage 86,000. Refer to ido investigation #rq 03-002 and recall #98V-322. On 12/27/08, the front passenger-side ball joint suddenly separated while being driven, dropping entire right front end of vehicle to the ground and the body of the vehicle onto front tire. Vehicle came to an immediate stop. Thankfully, failure occurred at a low speed, in no traffic - at high speed or in traffic this could have been extremely dangerous, if not fatal. I have learned this is not an isolated incident - your office investigated this exact problem in the past as cited above. A recall was issued for Grand Marquis police and commercial vehicles due to similar complaints. I now know this vehicle is suspect. I request that the NHTSA consider reopening this investigation because of the potential seriousness/danger involved, and the major expense required to repair this seemingly defective assembly. I believe other owners of this vehicle have also experienced this failure since the time the investigation was closed. Your previous investigation did not rule out a defect exists, and that further action would be taken if warranted. Please take further action. This vehicle passed nys inspection on 12/8/08. While the ball joint inspection is not required by nys to pass, my mechanic would have looked at it regardless as a general safety issue. Additionally, in the summary report, Ford claimed there was ample warning of an imminent failure of this assembly (please read the summary report). Following the mechanic's inspection test drive, he reported none of the symptoms (loose steering, front end noise) which Ford claims will warn of a potential imminent failure. I also noticed none of these symptoms. To correct this I have to go to a significant expense. I have contacted Ford and they offer no responsibility for repair. Buyer and driver it seems, according to Ford, beware. Part will be available for inspection.

- Adams,, NY, USA

Dealer (bob sight Ford) told me this is a common problem with Ford and Mercury and that Ford has re-designed the front-end components. This repair cost me $966. Ford has still not offered a recall despite many failures of these parts.

- Lee's Summit, MO, USA

Dealer (bob sight Ford) told me this is a common problem with Ford and Mercury and that Ford has re-designed the front-end components. This repair cost me $966. Ford has still not offered a recall despite many failures of these parts.

- Lee's Summit, MO, USA

When driving 30 mph or above front end vibrates or shakes, becomes very difficult to keep control of the steering wheel. The car also makes a popping sound when making sharp turns. Dealer cannot identify the cause of the problem.

- Ellis Grove, IL, USA

When driving at about 60mph steering becomes more uncontrolable. When driving the vehicle jumps to the right. Dealer says it's a design flaw.

- Niantic, CT, USA

While driving vehicle is experiencing vibration in steering column. Cause unknown.

- Emery, TX, USA

Poor suspension, causing instability.

- Memphis, TN, USA

Front end not properly aligned, causing constant steering adjustments.

- Kerrville, TX, USA

When driving and turning to the right there is a noise (like rubbing against something ) and vibration in the car, took to dealer on two occasions.

- Rockville, MD, USA