NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Exterior Lighting complaints
292 reportsClear category filter50,000 miles · Dec 18, 2014
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING AND CANNOT BE REGAINED WITH HEADLIGHT SWITCH. IN FACT, NO POSITION OPERATES WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH - NO PARKING LIGHTS, NO HEADLIGHTS, ETC. ONLY AFTER A SEEMINGLY RANDOM COOLING PERIOD WILL THE MODULE ALLOW THE CIRCUIT TO RE-ENGAGE. FORD ISSUED RECALL 14N01 BUT TO DA…
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HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING AND CANNOT BE REGAINED WITH HEADLIGHT SWITCH. IN FACT, NO POSITION OPERATES WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH - NO PARKING LIGHTS, NO HEADLIGHTS, ETC. ONLY AFTER A SEEMINGLY RANDOM COOLING PERIOD WILL THE MODULE ALLOW THE CIRCUIT TO RE-ENGAGE. FORD ISSUED RECALL 14N01 BUT TO DATE HAS NOT PROVIDED CAR DEALERS NOR RETAIL CUSTOMERS WITH A REPLACEMENT SWITCH. ONE FORD DEALER ( TOM PECK FORD 608-676-2273) SAYS BACK ORDERS ARE UNFILLED . NO FORD DEALERS NOR AFTER MARKET AUTO PARTS COMPANIES ARE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE PART. EVEN IF THE VEHICLE OWNER ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE AND REPLACE THE SMALL CIGARETTE SIZED BOX CALLED A "LIGHT CONTROL MODULE" OUT OF POCKET, RATHER THAN WAITING ON FORD, IT CANNOT BE FOUND ON THE MARKET IN COMPANIES LIKE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS. THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS A SHRILL COMPLAINT ABOUT FORD. BUT THE DANGER IS HUGE TO THE DRIVER AND OTHER VEHICLES WHEN THIS PART RANDOMLY CAUSES ALL POWER TO BE LOST TO THE HEADLIGHTS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE TO A STOP IN TOTAL DARKNESS. THE PART FAILURE IS INCREASING IN FREQUENCY, AND IS HAS BECOME A SAFETY MENACE. SOME FORD OR MERCURY OWNERS MAY NOT BE AFFLUENT ENOUGH TO OWN A SECOND VEHICLE TO DRIVE ONLY AT NIGHT. NO DRIVERS WANT TO ENCOUNTER ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH THAT KIND OF MALFUNCTION. IN FACT, ALL THE VEHICLES WITH THAT KNOWN HAZARD SHOULD BE OFF THE ROAD AT NIGHT. NO DOUBT FORD HAS BEEN ADDRESSING THE LIGHT CONTROL MODULE ISSUE SINCE THE APRIL 2014 RECALL, BUT CERTAINLY NOT WITH THE URGENCY REQUIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10667183
93,300 miles · Dec 3, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TEC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR THE HEADLIGHTS TO RESUME NORMAL FUNCTION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTING MODULE HAD BEEN REPAIRED PREVIOUSLY UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,300.
NHTSA ODI #10661944
104,000 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. I HAD RECEIVED A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM" RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR ADVISING THAT THE "LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE" (LCM) COULD FAIL CAUSING THE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. THE CAR …
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HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. I HAD RECEIVED A "CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM" RECALL FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR ADVISING THAT THE "LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE" (LCM) COULD FAIL CAUSING THE LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. THE CAR WAS EXAMINED, THE DEFECT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED, AND THE REPLACEMENT LCM WAS ORDERED. IT HAS NOW BEEN WELL OVER TWO MONTHS SINCE THE LCM WAS ORDERED. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THE SUPPLY OF THE LCM IS SHORT DUE TO THE MASSIVE NUMBER OF DEFECTS. I HAVE PLEADED FOR RELIEF BY EMAILING FORD BUT THEY HAVE NOT SEEN FIT TO EVEN RESPOND TO MY COMMUNICATION. IT IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION HOW ANY PRUDENT PERSON, CORPORATION, OR ADMINISTRATION COULD CATEGORIZE LOSING THE HEADLIGHTS AS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A SAFETY ISSUE! IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT LITTLE ACTION IS BEING TAKEN TO CORRECT THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL SITUATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652992
110,125 miles · Nov 4, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD IN APRIL OF 2014 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL/LIGHTS PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD REPAIR IF OWNER ACTUALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. I HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL OCT 2014. WENT TO MY DEALER QUICK LANE/FORD IN TOPEKA, KS. THEY REPORTED THAT PART HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER SINCE MAY OF 2014. CONTACT ANOTHER F…
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HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD IN APRIL OF 2014 THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL/LIGHTS PROBLEM AND THEY WOULD REPAIR IF OWNER ACTUALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. I HAD NO PROBLEM UNTIL OCT 2014. WENT TO MY DEALER QUICK LANE/FORD IN TOPEKA, KS. THEY REPORTED THAT PART HAS BEEN ON BACK ORDER SINCE MAY OF 2014. CONTACT ANOTHER FORD DEALER WHO REPORTED SAME. LIGHT HAVE REGULARLY GONE OFF SINCE THAT TIME. WHAT IS A REASONABLE TIME TO EXPECT THAT THEY WOULD HAVE CORRECT PARTS TO REPLACE AS NEITHER DEALER HAD ANY REPORT AS TO WHEN PART MIGHT COME. VIN: [XXX] FIELD SERVICE ACTION NUMBER: 14N01 FSA TITLE: EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE ON LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10652553
115,749 miles · Oct 26, 2014
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON AUTO-ON, THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR VEHICLE TURNED OFF. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THEM ON MANUALLY, BUT THEY WOULD NOT COME ON. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THEY DO EVENTUALLY COME ON, SOMETIMES WHEN PLAYING WITH THE LIGHT SWITCH M…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ON AUTO-ON, THE HEADLIGHTS ON OUR VEHICLE TURNED OFF. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THEM ON MANUALLY, BUT THEY WOULD NOT COME ON. THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THEY DO EVENTUALLY COME ON, SOMETIMES WHEN PLAYING WITH THE LIGHT SWITCH MANUALLY AND SOMETIMES NOT UNTIL YOU STOP, TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON AGAIN. OCCURRENCES ARE RANDOM. THERE IS NO STEADY PATTERN. THANKS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650050
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2014
Exterior Lighting
THIS IS A COMPLAINT ON FORD MOTOR CO. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FOR A RECALL IN APRIL, FOR THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. NOT LONG AFTER, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. NOTHING COULD GET THEM BACK ON. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE STATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART. THAT WAS OVER TWO MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PAR…
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THIS IS A COMPLAINT ON FORD MOTOR CO. WE RECEIVED A LETTER FOR A RECALL IN APRIL, FOR THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. NOT LONG AFTER, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. NOTHING COULD GET THEM BACK ON. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE STATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART. THAT WAS OVER TWO MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. SO THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING THERE FOR THAT LENGTH OF TIME. WE COULD NOT TAKE A CHANCE OF DRIVING IT WITHOUT ANY LIGHTS. HOW CAN THE DEALER GET THE PART FROM CO? IT IS RIDICULOUS TO SEND OUT A RECALL LETTER AND THEN NOT SUPPLY THE PART. ...UPDATED 10/22/14 *BF
NHTSA ODI #10650172
66,836 miles · Oct 1, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAMS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INDICATE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAMS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INDICATE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,836.
NHTSA ODI #10640559
60,000 miles · Sep 25, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL MODULE TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILUR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED AN UNKNOWN RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL MODULE TO BE REPLACED, BUT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10638884
84,200 miles · Sep 24, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
FAILED LAMP CONTROL MODULE, HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO WORK, ONLY HIGH BEAMS WORK WHEN LEVER IS HELD IN FLASH POSITION. FORD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM 14NO1 IN THE SPRING OF 2104 FOR JUST THIS PART FOR 15 YEARS OR 250,000 MILES. NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE USA. THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE A WAITING LIST THAT GOES B…
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FAILED LAMP CONTROL MODULE, HEADLIGHTS FAIL TO WORK, ONLY HIGH BEAMS WORK WHEN LEVER IS HELD IN FLASH POSITION. FORD ISSUED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM 14NO1 IN THE SPRING OF 2104 FOR JUST THIS PART FOR 15 YEARS OR 250,000 MILES. NO REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE USA. THE DEALER SAYS THEY HAVE A WAITING LIST THAT GOES BACK SIX MONTHS. HAVE TALKED TO REGIONAL MANAGERS IN DEARBORN, MICH. ALL SAY THEY HAVE NO IDEA OF A SHIPPING DATE, MUCH LESS A DELIVERY DATE, FROM SUPPLIER. WON'T INDICATE HOW MANY VEHICLES ARE EFFECTED, BUT HAS TO BE MANY DUE TO EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM. THEIR SOLUTION IS IF THE LIGHTS DON'T COME ON OR GO OUT WHILE DRIVING IS TO HIT UNDER THE DASH TO THE RIGHT OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THEY SHOULD COME ON. THIS MEANS THERE ARE CARS ON THE ROAD THAT PEOPLE ARE DRIVING DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS KNOWING THAT THEIR CARS HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING CORRECTLY, BUT NO PARTS AVAILABLE FROM FORD TO HONOR WARRANTY. THIS MEANS THAT CARS ARE BEING USED THAT MAY NOT BE LEGAL TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN (MOST STATES HAVE HEADLIGHT ON IF RAINING LAW) AND ALSO WILL NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION. I UNDERSTAND THAT PARTS ARE NOT ALWAYS READILY AVAILABLE, BUT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN SEVERAL DAYS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM, WHY ARE THERE NO PARTS? NO OTHER HELP OR LOANER VEHICLE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10638733
53,000 miles · Sep 15, 2014
Exterior Lighting
ALL HEADLIGHTS AND PARKING LIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE DARKEST PART OF THE ROAD. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE SET ON AUTOMATIC, AND WHEN THEY ARE SET ON MANUAL. THERE WAS ONLY A DITCH ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD (NO SHOULDER) AND NO STREET LIGHTS....SCARY!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10633360
Official recalls
4Dec 22, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
Nov 5, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Aug 29, 2013
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Nov 9, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY RESULT IN HEAT DAMAGE AND COULD LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUSIBLE LINK AND POSITION IT AWAY FROM THE CROSS MEMBER BOLT. IF THE FUSIBLE LINK HAS ALREADY CHAFED AND COPPER WIRES HAVE BEEN EXPOSED, THE FUSIBLE LINK WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673, OR LINCOLN/MERCURY AT 1-800-521-4140.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4PE15028 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Aug 10, 2015 · Closed Jan 8, 2016
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 4173 unique reports related to the alleged problem.There were a total of 11 crashes reported within that group as well as one injury that occurred when the vehicle struck an unseen object on the side of the road when the headlights failed. Ford also submitted 49,843 warranty claims related to headlight failures.Most reports indicate that the headlights failed without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some noted the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.Consumers also noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is physically actuated.On December 21st, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-861) to remedy headlight failures on (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.According to Ford, the headlights of the vehicle are controlled by the Lighting Control Module (LCM) located in the engine compartment of the vehicle.The LCM uses an internal relay, mounted to a circuit board, to control power to the headlights. The headlight relay is soldered to the circuit board at six different terminals. The original equipment LCMs were manufactured in a manner that resulted in the solder joints fatiguing and/or cracking as a result of repeated thermal cycling and/or vibration, a defect condition. The condition could be exacerbated by manufacturing quality issues such as an insufficient amount of solder, effecting the continuity between the circuit board and the relay terminal, and resulting in loss of headlights while driving.Other lighting functions are unaffected by this condition.The LCM manufacturing processes were revised to address the defect condition and Ford has been conducting a warranty extension program to cover defective LCMs since late 2013.Under the recall Ford will replace any remaining defective LCMs in recalled vehicles with remedy LCMs once they become available.See NHTSA recall 15V-861 for further details on the safety recall.The recall action initiated by Ford addresses the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 4173 unique reports related to the alleged problem.There were a total of 11 crashes reported within that group as well as one injury that occurred when the vehicle struck an unseen object on the side of the road when the headlights failed. Ford also submitted 49,843 warranty claims related to headlight failures.Most reports indicate that the headlights failed without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some noted the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.Consumers also noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is physically actuated.On December 21st, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-861) to remedy headlight failures on (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.According to Ford, the headlights of the vehicle are controlled by the Lighting Control Module (LCM) located in the engine compartment of the vehicle.The LCM uses an internal relay, mounted to a circuit board, to control power to the headlights. The headlight relay is soldered to the circuit board at six different terminals. The original equipment LCMs were manufactured in a manner that resulted in the solder joints fatiguing and/or cracking as a result of repeated thermal cycling and/or vibration, a defect condition. The condition could be exacerbated by manufacturing quality issues such as an insufficient amount of solder, effecting the continuity between the circuit board and the relay terminal, and resulting in loss of headlights while driving.Other lighting functions are unaffected by this condition.The LCM manufacturing processes were revised to address the defect condition and Ford has been conducting a warranty extension program to cover defective LCMs since late 2013.Under the recall Ford will replace any remaining defective LCMs in recalled vehicles with remedy LCMs once they become available.See NHTSA recall 15V-861 for further details on the safety recall.The recall action initiated by Ford addresses the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 4173 unique reports related to the alleged problem.There were a total of 11 crashes reported within that group as well as one injury that occurred when the vehicle struck an unseen object on the side of the road when the headlights failed. Ford also submitted 49,843 warranty claims related to headlight failures.Most reports indicate that the headlights failed without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some noted the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.Consumers also noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is physically actuated.On December 21st, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-861) to remedy headlight failures on (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.According to Ford, the headlights of the vehicle are controlled by the Lighting Control Module (LCM) located in the engine compartment of the vehicle.The LCM uses an internal relay, mounted to a circuit board, to control power to the headlights. The headlight relay is soldered to the circuit board at six different terminals. The original equipment LCMs were manufactured in a manner that resulted in the solder joints fatiguing and/or cracking as a result of repeated thermal cycling and/or vibration, a defect condition. The condition could be exacerbated by manufacturing quality issues such as an insufficient amount of solder, effecting the continuity between the circuit board and the relay terminal, and resulting in loss of headlights while driving.Other lighting functions are unaffected by this condition.The LCM manufacturing processes were revised to address the defect condition and Ford has been conducting a warranty extension program to cover defective LCMs since late 2013.Under the recall Ford will replace any remaining defective LCMs in recalled vehicles with remedy LCMs once they become available.See NHTSA recall 15V-861 for further details on the safety recall.The recall action initiated by Ford addresses the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
DP15002 · Loss Of Headlamp/exterior Lighting
Opened Apr 1, 2015 · Closed Aug 11, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting; Exterior Lighting:headlights
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a defect condition that was evaluated under a prior ODI investigation (PE08066).Most consumer VOQs indicate that the headlights failed suddenly and without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some report the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.In some cases drivers were able to turn the headlights back on after a period of time while others reported the headlights would not come back on at all.Consumers noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is actuated.ODI identified 4 VOQ reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers indicated running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's April 7, 2015 Information Request letter, Ford provided data indicating it has received 3,092 complaints of failed headlights related to the Lighting Control Module (LCM), a device that controls the headlights and other lighting functions.This number includes the complaints Ford reviewed and classified as headlight failure due specifically to the LCM.Within Ford's complaints, there are 11 reports alleging a crash occurred.These drivers reported hitting objects, including other vehicles after the headlights failed causing damage to the affected vehicles.One driver was injured when their car struck an unseen object in the road, jerking the steering wheel from their hands and injuring their shoulder.In total 15 crash allegations were identified, all of which have occurred since ODI's prior evaluation of this issue.This petition has been granted.Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SarchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a defect condition that was evaluated under a prior ODI investigation (PE08066).Most consumer VOQs indicate that the headlights failed suddenly and without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some report the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.In some cases drivers were able to turn the headlights back on after a period of time while others reported the headlights would not come back on at all.Consumers noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is actuated.ODI identified 4 VOQ reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers indicated running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's April 7, 2015 Information Request letter, Ford provided data indicating it has received 3,092 complaints of failed headlights related to the Lighting Control Module (LCM), a device that controls the headlights and other lighting functions.This number includes the complaints Ford reviewed and classified as headlight failure due specifically to the LCM.Within Ford's complaints, there are 11 reports alleging a crash occurred.These drivers reported hitting objects, including other vehicles after the headlights failed causing damage to the affected vehicles.One driver was injured when their car struck an unseen object in the road, jerking the steering wheel from their hands and injuring their shoulder.In total 15 crash allegations were identified, all of which have occurred since ODI's prior evaluation of this issue.This petition has been granted.Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SarchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
Exterior Lighting:headlights
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a defect condition that was evaluated under a prior ODI investigation (PE08066).Most consumer VOQs indicate that the headlights failed suddenly and without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some report the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.In some cases drivers were able to turn the headlights back on after a period of time while others reported the headlights would not come back on at all.Consumers noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is actuated.ODI identified 4 VOQ reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers indicated running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's April 7, 2015 Information Request letter, Ford provided data indicating it has received 3,092 complaints of failed headlights related to the Lighting Control Module (LCM), a device that controls the headlights and other lighting functions.This number includes the complaints Ford reviewed and classified as headlight failure due specifically to the LCM.Within Ford's complaints, there are 11 reports alleging a crash occurred.These drivers reported hitting objects, including other vehicles after the headlights failed causing damage to the affected vehicles.One driver was injured when their car struck an unseen object in the road, jerking the steering wheel from their hands and injuring their shoulder.In total 15 crash allegations were identified, all of which have occurred since ODI's prior evaluation of this issue.This petition has been granted.Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SarchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
PE14021 · Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
Opened Jul 7, 2014 · Closed Nov 21, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System; Steering
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
Steering
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
PE08066 · Loss Of Headlight Function
Opened Nov 26, 2008 · Closed Mar 24, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD AND COMPLAINANT INTERVIEWS. FORD FOUND THAT SOME LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES (LCM) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONTAINED DEFECTIVE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO POOR HEADLIGHT PERFORMANCE RANGING FROM INTERMITTENT OUTAGE AND DIMMING TO EVENTUAL HEADLIGHTS FAILURE.THE FAILURE DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER LIGHTING FUNCTIONS (PARK, EMERGENCY FLASHER, BRAKE AND FLASH TO PASS LIGHTS).THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 306 CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND NO REPORT OF CRASH, INJURY OR FATALITY.FORD REPORTS 2,074 WARRANTY CLAIMS RELATED TO HEADLIGHT FAILURE LINKED TO THE LCM DURING THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF OPERATION.ABOUT 12% (247) OF THESE CLAIMS ARE SPECIFIC TO HEADLIGHT FAILURE WHILE DRIVING.THE AVERAGE WARRANTY RATE FOR HEADLIGHT FAILING WHILE DRIVING IS LOW (0.05%).FORD REPORTS A SLIGHTLY HIGHER WARRANTY RATE EXPERIENCED FOR THE CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AND THIS IS ATTRIBUTED TO THE HIGHER DUTY CYCLE OF THESE VEHICLES (HEADLIGHTS ON FOR LONGER PERIODS).A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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