NHTSA Recall 98V322000: Suspension: lower ball joint
FORD MOTOR COMPANY reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 175,000 vehicles. It affects 2 models including the Ford Crown Victoria.
| NHTSA campaign | 98V322000 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer campaign | 98S37 |
| Component | SUSPENSION › FRONT › CONTROL ARM › LOWER BALL JOINT |
| Report received | December 16, 1998 |
| Owner notification | January 18, 1999 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
Safety risk
If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Notes
Owner notification is expected to begin january 18, 1999.owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 98V322000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Ford Crown Victoria | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 |
| Lincoln Town Car | 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.