Suspension: rearRecall 04V-328 · Ford and Lincoln vehicles
FORD MOTOR COMPANY recall 04V-328 covers 47,314 Ford and Lincoln vehicles for a suspension: rear problem, reported to NHTSA on July 7, 2004.
Source: NHTSA recall 04V328000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.
The risk
THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD RECALL NO. 04S16. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT ( 1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from October 10, 2001 to December 4, 2002. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- REAR AXLE FRACTURENHTSA