NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Tires complaints
23 reportsClear category filter30,000 miles · Mar 9, 2013
TiresWheels
I HAVE HAD TWO FLAT TIRES, ONE FRONT AND ONE REAR. BOTH HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ONCE IN MY GARAGE AND THE OTHER IN THE PARKING LOT OF HOME DEPOT. BOTH ABOUT A YEAR APART. BOTH TIRES WERE INSPECTED BY MY MECHANIC AND BOTH TIRES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE VALVE STEMS AS THEY FAILED. I AM GLAD IT HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICL…
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I HAVE HAD TWO FLAT TIRES, ONE FRONT AND ONE REAR. BOTH HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. ONCE IN MY GARAGE AND THE OTHER IN THE PARKING LOT OF HOME DEPOT. BOTH ABOUT A YEAR APART. BOTH TIRES WERE INSPECTED BY MY MECHANIC AND BOTH TIRES HE HAD TO REPLACE THE VALVE STEMS AS THEY FAILED. I AM GLAD IT HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR CO. OF MY PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES AND RECEIVED NO SATISFACTION. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 35000 MILES ON THE MICHELIN TIRES AND I CAN'T WAIT TO CHANGE TIRES AND VALVE STEMS. I READ SOMEWHERE THAT THE 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WAS ONE OF THE FORD PRODUCTS THAT HAS A DEFECTIVE TIRE VALVE STEM MADE IN CHINA. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL BACK IN 2007. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10502171
14,000 miles · Apr 12, 2011
Tires
REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE 08060.ON 7 APRIL, 2011 I HAD FAILURE OF TWO TIRE VALVES AND DESTRUCTION OF ONE TIRE. BOTH VALVES LEAKING AIR AT POINT OF INSERTION, IE CRACKED STEMS.VISITED LOCAL FORD DEALER, CARBONE FORD-LINCOLN ON 11 APRIL 2011. WAS TOLD NO RECALL WOULD FIX FOR A PRICE. TOLD HIM OF NHTSA REPORT AND THAT IT WAS…
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REFERENCE NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE 08060.ON 7 APRIL, 2011 I HAD FAILURE OF TWO TIRE VALVES AND DESTRUCTION OF ONE TIRE. BOTH VALVES LEAKING AIR AT POINT OF INSERTION, IE CRACKED STEMS.VISITED LOCAL FORD DEALER, CARBONE FORD-LINCOLN ON 11 APRIL 2011. WAS TOLD NO RECALL WOULD FIX FOR A PRICE. TOLD HIM OF NHTSA REPORT AND THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE AND WAS TOLD I WAS BEING UNFAIR. IN MY REQUEST. GOT NOWHERE WITH FORD , THEY DID NOT EVEN WANT TO INSPECT PROBLEM, JUST PAY OR LEAVE. ON 12 APRIL 2011, I CONTACTED FORD MOTORS BY PHONE AND SPOKE WITH DENISE. DENISE WAS SURPRISED TO HEAR OF SUCH A PROBLEM (???) TOLD ME THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RUDE TO ME AND INFORMED ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE. I TOLD HER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS PRESENT IN VEHICLES, MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS BUILT BETWEEN DECEMBER 2006 AND MARCH 2007 AND THAT MY CAR WAS BUILT IN MARCH 2007.SHE SAID IT DIDN'T APPLY TO MINE AND THAT I CAN RETURN TO THE FORD DEALER AND HAVE IT REPAIRED FOR A PRICE AND WOULD GET A 12 MONTH WARRANTY WITH THE PAID REPAIR.I REMEDIED THE SITUATION BY PURCHASING A NEW SET OF FOUR TIRES INSTEAD OF SPENDING $200 ON ONE TIRE I DON'T LIKE TO MATCH THE OE MICHELIN LX. I LIVE IN SNOW COUNTRY AND THE LX DO NOT GO IN SNOW AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395634
24,000 miles · Sep 30, 2010
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS EQUIPPED WITH GOOD YEAR ASSURANCE COMFORTED TIRES, TIRE SIZE 225/70/16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO TIRE SHOP WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS EQUIPPED WITH GOOD YEAR ASSURANCE COMFORTED TIRES, TIRE SIZE 225/70/16. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE REAR TIRE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO TIRE SHOP WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL TREAD SEPARATION WITH THE WIRE BELTS VISIBLE. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE AND THE OTHER THREE TIRES WERE REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE BY A DIFFERENT MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,000 THE DOT WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND. UPDATED 01/03/11
NHTSA ODI #10358467
15,000 miles · Dec 30, 2009
Tires
2007 MERCURY MARQUIS WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 P225-60 R16 TIRES WITH 15,000 MILES. AT 65 MPH FELT VIBRATION IN FRONT END, I STARTED BRAKING AND PULLING TO SHOULDER WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED. INSPECTION OF TIRE SHOWED THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL BLEWOUT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS REPORTED. TH…
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2007 MERCURY MARQUIS WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 P225-60 R16 TIRES WITH 15,000 MILES. AT 65 MPH FELT VIBRATION IN FRONT END, I STARTED BRAKING AND PULLING TO SHOULDER WHEN LEFT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED. INSPECTION OF TIRE SHOWED THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL BLEWOUT. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS OF THIS REPORTED. THIS TIRE IS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY INVESTIGATED. I WILL TAKE PICTURES FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND I WILL HAVE THE TIRE REPLACED. I HOPE PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO DIE BEFORE THIS GETS FIXED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297593
18,463 miles · Nov 30, 2009
Tires
WHILE TRAVELING ON VACATION TIRES DEFLATED TO 10 PSI AND OVERHEATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10293983
23,000 miles · Sep 30, 2009
Tires
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE LOST AIR. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXCHANGE THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED ON ALL FOUR TIRES AT AN EXPENSE OF $63.00. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THE VAL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE LOST AIR. HE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY EXCHANGE THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPLACED ON ALL FOUR TIRES AT AN EXPENSE OF $63.00. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, AND HE WILL BE REIMBURSED FOR THE VALVE STEMS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000. UPDATED 10/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 10/20/09
NHTSA ODI #10285773
21,000 miles · Jul 2, 2009
Tires
HIGH SPEED TIRE FAILURE - JUNE 7 AND JUNE 28 - 2007 MERCURY LS - 21000 MILES JUNE 7, 2009 DRIVING I-49 SOUTH, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA, TEMPERATURE ABOUT 95. WIFE ONLY PASSENGER. ROADWAY CLEAR, NO DEBRIS OR THRASH, TRAFFIC LIGHT, WITHOUT WARNING, RIGHT FRONT DEFLATES. DROVE ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO EXIT BEFORE STOPPING. SIDES OF TIRES …
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HIGH SPEED TIRE FAILURE - JUNE 7 AND JUNE 28 - 2007 MERCURY LS - 21000 MILES JUNE 7, 2009 DRIVING I-49 SOUTH, LAFAYETTE PARISH, LA, TEMPERATURE ABOUT 95. WIFE ONLY PASSENGER. ROADWAY CLEAR, NO DEBRIS OR THRASH, TRAFFIC LIGHT, WITHOUT WARNING, RIGHT FRONT DEFLATES. DROVE ABOUT 1/2 MILE TO EXIT BEFORE STOPPING. SIDES OF TIRES STILL FIRMLY ATTACHED TO RIM. ROADSIDE OF TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM SIDES. THERE WAS NO NOISE SUCH AS A BLOWOUT. ON REMOVING TIRE TO CHANGE NO EVIDENCE OF A PUNCTURE, OUTSIDE OR INSIDE WAS SEEN. NEW TIRE PURCHASED JUNE 8, 2009. DEALER WOULD NOT GIVE CONSIDERATION TO PRO RATE . JUNE 28, 2009, 2 PASSENGERS, DRIVING RIGHT LANE I-12 EAST, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH,LA,, 73MPH, TEMPERATURE ABOUT 97 DEGREES. TRAFFIC HEAVY. RIGHT REAR TIRE SUDDENLY DEFLATES (NO BLOWOUT NOISE) , CAR SWERVES SLIGHTLY INTO LEFT LANE NEARLY COLLIDING INTO LEFT LANE CAR. SWERVE CONTROLLED AND CAR DRIVEN TO LEFT SHOULDER. TOO FAR FRONT EXIT TO DRIVE OFF. REMOVED WHEEL, SIDEWALLS STILL FIRMLY ATTACHED TO RIM. ROADSIDE OF TIRE INTACT. NO SIGN OR EVIDENCE OF PUNCTURE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. TIRE IN EACH INSTANCE HAD LITTLE TREADWEAR. CONTACTED MICHELIN CUSTOMER SERVICE VIA PHONE. ADVISED TO HAVE DEALER EXAMINE TIRE AND CONTACT THEM. BILL AT DELTA WORLD TIRE, 203 GUILBEAU RD, LAFAYETTE, LA, ON THURSDAY JULY 3 LOOKED OVER TIRE STATED SEVERAL POSSIBILITIES BUT COULD GIVE A DEFINITE CAUSE OF DEFLATION, SAME AS OTHER (JUNE 8) DEALER. NO PRO RATE OR FREE REPLACEMENT. THAT DID NOT MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE AS MY REPORTING THE INCIDENTS. I AM SCARED WITH MY REMAINING ORIGINAL TIRES. TIRE: MICHELIN LX4 WW --225/60R16. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275676
4,750 miles · Jun 29, 2009
Tires
I PURCHASED A NEW MERCURY 2007 GRAND MARQUIS LS. I HAVE MICHELIN LX4 ENERGY TIRES. I HAD A BLOW OUT ON FRONT LEFT TIRE AT 4700 MILES, THE SIDE WALL CAME APART. I HAD A SECOND BLOW OUT ON FRONT RIGHT TIRE AT 5840 MILES AGAIN SIDE WALL CAME APART. I HAD THIRD BLOW OUT AT 6000 MILES ON LEFT REAR SAME SIDE WALL DAMAGE, AT THIS T…
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I PURCHASED A NEW MERCURY 2007 GRAND MARQUIS LS. I HAVE MICHELIN LX4 ENERGY TIRES. I HAD A BLOW OUT ON FRONT LEFT TIRE AT 4700 MILES, THE SIDE WALL CAME APART. I HAD A SECOND BLOW OUT ON FRONT RIGHT TIRE AT 5840 MILES AGAIN SIDE WALL CAME APART. I HAD THIRD BLOW OUT AT 6000 MILES ON LEFT REAR SAME SIDE WALL DAMAGE, AT THIS TIME I REPLACED RIGHT REAR TIRE BECAUSE I WAS TRAVELING OUT OF MY AREA. I TRIED TO GET DEALER TO REPLACE TIRES UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY REFUSED AND SAID IT WAS A MICHELIN PROBLEM. I REPLACED TIRES WITH MICHELINS WHICH I AM SORRY I DID THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275199
12,000 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Tires
I BOUGHT A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS "PROGRAM CAR" IN SEPT 2007 FROM A FORD DEALER. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT HAD 10,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE ORIGINAL TIRES WHICH WERE IN GREAT SHAPE. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP TWO DILL VALVE STEMS FAILED, IN EACH CASE CREATING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION AND IN EACH CASE COSTI…
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I BOUGHT A 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS "PROGRAM CAR" IN SEPT 2007 FROM A FORD DEALER. WHEN I BOUGHT IT IT HAD 10,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THE ORIGINAL TIRES WHICH WERE IN GREAT SHAPE. WITHIN THE FIRST 2 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP TWO DILL VALVE STEMS FAILED, IN EACH CASE CREATING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION AND IN EACH CASE COSTING ME APPROXIMATELY $200 TO REPLACE THE ASSOCIATED TIRE. AFTER THE SECOND FAILURE I HAD THE REMAINING 2 VALVE STEMS REPLACED AND THEY TOO SHOWED SIGNS OF CRACKING. I FEEL DILL OWES ME $400. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10265277
3,650 miles · Mar 2, 2009
Tires
LEFT FRONT TIRE ON MY 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS BLEW OUT WHILE DOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY 85. I SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER. AT THE SAME TIME I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS VERY LOW.I INSTALLED THE DONUT SPARE ON THE LEFT FRONT AND PUMPED UP THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AND SLOWLY DR…
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LEFT FRONT TIRE ON MY 2007 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS BLEW OUT WHILE DOING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY 85. I SLOWED DOWN UNTIL I COULD PULL OFF THE ROAD ONTO THE SHOULDER. AT THE SAME TIME I FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS VERY LOW.I INSTALLED THE DONUT SPARE ON THE LEFT FRONT AND PUMPED UP THE RIGHT REAR TIRE AND SLOWLY DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION TO INFLATE BOTH TIRES TO PROPER PRESSURE. I THEN WENT HOME. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO MY MERCURY DEALER, THEY INSPECTED THE BLOWN OUT TIRE AND TOLD ME THAT I WAS DRIVING ON AN IMPROPERLY INFLATED TIRE AND FORD MOTORS WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME ,BUT THEY OFFERED TO SELL ME A NEW TIRE AND MOUNT IT AT NO CHARGE. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP AND WENT TO A TIRE DEALER THAT I HAVE USED ON OTHER OCCASIONS FOR TIRES FOR OTHER CARS,WHEN HE WENT TO REMOVE THE BLOWN TIRE FROM THE RIM HE FOUND THAT THE VALVE STEM WAS CRACKED AND COULD HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE TIRE FAILURE,I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE LOW PRESSURE IN THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HE PRESSED THE VALVE STEM SLIGHTLY SIDE WAYS AND THE AIR LEAKED OUT, HE DID THE SAME TO THE OTHER 2 TIRES AND THEY SEEMED OK. HE REMOVED THE RIGHT REAR TIRE IT SHOWS SEVERAL WORN SPOTS INSIDE AND HE RECOMMENDS CHANGING IT ALSO. HE TOLD ME THEIR IS A RECALL ON SOME VALVE STEMS,AND WE CHECKED OUT INFO ON GOOGLE AND FOUND THAT MY CAR HAS THE DILL-ACP TR-414 TIRE VALVES, HE REPLACED BOTH TIRE AND ALL 4 VALVE STEMS. I WENT TO MY DEALER THE OWNER AND TIRE EXPERT SAID THEY KNEW NOTHING ABOUT ANY VALVE STEM PROBLEMS. I GAVE THE OWNER THE GOOGLE PRINT OUT HE SAID HE WOULD CHECK WITH FORD AND LET ME KNOW. THAT WAS FRIDAY 27 FEB 09. TODAY IS MONDAY MAR 2 09. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260415
Official recalls
3Nov 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 15, 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE WINDSHIELD IS NOT PROPERLY RETAINED TO THE VEHICLE, WIND NOISE, SQUEAK/RATTLES AND/OR WATER LEAKS MAY OCCUR. ALSO, LOSS OF WINDSHIELD RETENTION MAY REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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
2PE14021 · 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.
PE08060 · Tire Valve Cracking
Opened Oct 14, 2008 · Closed Apr 9, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Tires:valve
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BOTH INVOLVED INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING DUE TO ISSUES WITH THE SUPPLY OF ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS TO TOPSEAL FOR A PERIOD FROM JULY TO MID-NOVEMBER 2006.THE AFTERMARKET VALVES WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A BLEND OF EPDM AND NATURAL RUBBER, USING A RELATIVELY LOW PERCENTAGE OF EPDM (EPDM PROVIDES INHERENT RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING).HENCE, THE NEED FOR ANTI-OZONANT CHEMICALS AND THE PROBLEMS WITH CRACKING WHEN THOSE CHEMICALS WERE MISSING OR OUT OF SPECIFICATION IN SOME LOTS OF VALVES.BOTH RECALL CAMPAIGNS INVOLVED INSPECTION PROGRAMS TO IDENTIFY AND REPLACE VALVES WITH VISIBLE SURFACE CRACKING.ALTHOUGH THE TOPSEAL VALVES SUPPLIED TO FORD ALSO APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THE ANTI-OZONANT SUPPLY ISSUES IN MID TO LATE-2006, FORD INDICATED THAT ITS VALVES WERE MADE AT A DIFFERENT TOPSEAL PRODUCTION LINE AND WERE COMPOUNDED WITH A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF EPDM RUBBER TO MEET MORE STRINGENT SPECIFICATIONS FROM FORD.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA PROVIDED BY FORD SHOWED THAT PROBLEMS WITH CRACKED TIRE VALVES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER FOR MY 2007 VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007.FORD RESPONDED BY IMPLEMENTING CHANGES IN ITS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SNAP-IN RUBBER TIRE VALVES AND ALSO INCREASING THE QUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE STANDARDS FOR VALVES IMPORTED FOR USE IN ITS VEHICLES.WHILE THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY CLAIM RATES ARE ELEVATED FOR SUBJECT VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2006 THROUGH MARCH 2007, THE RATES OF LEAKING VALVES ARE WELL BELOW ONE PERCENT OF PRODUCTION FOR EACH OF THE PEAK MONTHS FOR ALL OF THE AFFECTED MODELS.A SUBSTANTIAL MAJORITY OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS (TPMS) WHICH WARN THE DRIVER WHEN ANY TIRE PRESSURES DROPS BELOW 25 PERCENT OF RECOMMENDED INFLATION PRESSURE. AS OUTLINED IN A LETTER TO ODI DATED APRIL 6, 2009, FORD HAS AGREED TO SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS OF CERTAIN MY 2007 AND 2008 FORD, LINCOLN AND MERCURY VEHICLES TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CRACKING CONCERN. LETTERS WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS OF VEHICLES BUILT FROM NOVEMBER 2006 THROUGH MAY 2007.OWNERS CAN OPT FOR A FREE DEALER INSPECTION.VALVES EXHIBITING SURFACE CRACKS OR AIR LEAKAGE RELATED TO OZONE ATTACK WILL BE REPLACED BY FORD UNDER ITS NORMAL WARRANTY TERMS.FORD EXPECTS TO SEND THE LETTER BY APPROXIMATELY MID-MAY 2009. BASED ON THE USE OF TPMS IN THE MAJORITY OF SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE RELATIVELY LOW RATES OF REPAIRS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING VALVES AND RESULTANT TIRE DAMAGE, ODI BELIEVES THAT THE ACTIONS FORD HAS AGREED TO TAKE WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EXPEDITIOUS RESOLUTION FOR VEHICLES THAT WERE BUILT DURING THE PERIOD WHEN VALVES WITH INADEQUATE RESISTANCE TO OZONE CRACKING WERE MOST LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN USED IN VEHICLE PRODUCTION.FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.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 CONTINUE TO