All Investigations » Investigation RQ03004

  Defect Investigation of Rear Brake Line Failure

Investigation of Rear Brake Line Failure

Subject: Rear brake line failure
Components covered:
  • Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Service brakes fluid
  • Brake foundation components
  • Brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Mar. 11, 2003. It was closed on Jul. 25, 2003. Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year. An additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from Ford. A leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance. A search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving Chrysler lh-cars. The investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further evaluate the frequency, scope, and causal factors related to rear brake line failures in the subject vehicle population.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 1995 Ford Crown Victoria
  • 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
  • 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
  • 1995 Lincoln Town Car
  • 1996 Lincoln Town Car
  • 1997 Lincoln Town Car
  • 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis
  • 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis
  • 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis

    Other investigations related to Ford vehicles

  Defect investigation of door latch failures

  Defect investigation of door latch failure

  Defect investigation of wheel separation

  Defect investigation of front brake hose failure

  Defect investigation of air bag inflator rupture