The contact owns a 1995 Ford Crown Victoria. The vehicle had the same failure as mentioned in recall # 96V135000. In 2003, the vehicle accelerated, but the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact shut the vehicle off, and had it towed to the personal mechanic. The mechanic stated that the ball joints were corroded and detached from the sockets. In addition, the pitman arms were not lubricated. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. On April 8, 2007, the vehicle was involved in a crash. The insurance company checked the vehicle's history and stated that the vehicle was included in a recall. The contact called the manufacturer again, and was still being informed that there was never a recall on the vehicle. The current mileage was 89,200, and failure mileage was 49,200. The consumer states that there are 2 recalls for this specific car which are 98V322000 and the recall for steering listed above. The consumer states that the car was totaled while running into a ditch. Update 05/04/07

- Carmel, IN, USA

I saw smoke coming from a cylinder under the brake booster. I then checked under the hood, the smoke simmerd and went out. Just ariving home from work, I said ill get it checked out tomorow. Two hours later a neighbor knocked at the door, and said your car is on fire.

- Lauderhill , FL, USA

Sudden failure of ball joints in Ford passenger cars.

- Everett, MA, USA

Steering had become erratic. Dealer replaced steering linkage/ idler arm, and pitman arm. Please provide additional information.

- Summerdale, NJ, USA

Ball joint/ pitman arm separated, resulting in loss of steering.

- Peabody, MA, USA

While driving ball joints/pitman arm malfunctioned. Was no prior warning. Vehicle was serviced by dealership before problem happened. Steering linkages were defective after having vehicle checked.

- Georgetown, MA, USA

No summary

- Memphis, TN, USA

Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. Can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. Vehicle will have a noticeable "drift" or "shift" to either side, and seems quite dangerous. Dealer found that a recall had been done (96S45), but that this VIN was not included. The symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96S45. Visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive.

- Ellettsville, IN, USA

Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. Can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. Vehicle will have a noticeable "drift" or "shift" to either side, and seems quite dangerous. Dealer found that a recall had been done (96S45), but that this VIN was not included. The symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96S45. Visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive.

- Ellettsville, IN, USA

Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. Can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. Vehicle will have a noticeable "drift" or "shift" to either side, and seems quite dangerous. Dealer found that a recall had been done (96S45), but that this VIN was not included. The symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96S45. Visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive.

- Ellettsville, IN, USA

Loss of steering control, especially when changing lanes at highway speeds or making tight turns. Can also occur when holding steering wheel straight. Vehicle will have a noticeable "drift" or "shift" to either side, and seems quite dangerous. Dealer found that a recall had been done (96S45), but that this VIN was not included. The symptoms are exactly as described in recall 96S45. Visuall inspection by mechanic verified that this was the problem, and that the vehicle is probably dangerous to drive.

- Ellettsville, IN, USA

Recall 96V135000 ; the pittman arm was not lubricated enough which caused the ball joints to become corroded. Called manufacturer, but this vehicle is not included in the recall.

- Ashland, MA, USA

Pitman arm separating at joint.

- Penn Yan, NY, USA

Pitman arm separating from the shaft, presenting possibility of steering loss.

- Buffalo, MO, USA

Pitman arm worn, causing steering failure.

- Blue Bell, PA, USA

#PE96-029;had to replace pitman arm/ball joint (police department, town of mccandless).

- Wexford, PA, USA

Replaced loose pitman arm.

- Crevecoeur, MO, USA

PE96-029, active, pitman arm failure, discovered when checking the parts (other vehicle from 985920).

- Cheshire, CT, USA

Police car, pitman arm/ball joint let go, resulting in steering problems, in for repair.

- Houston , TX, USA

When turned corner, noticed clunking noise, found pitman arm had nearly separated.

- Nebraska Cit, NE, USA