One problem related to ball joint has been reported for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
On 06/05/1996 evening shift lt. C. Davis was driving vehicle #102, a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria police package sedan. Was coming to a stop on city street when lf ball joint nut came off. Lf suspension came loose and vehicle landed on pavement. Called wrecker service had vehicle towed to vehicle services. Ball joint nut was found and placed in ash tray of #102. Vehicle towed to bobby jones Ford on 06/06/1996. Replaced lf suspension arm assy. Vehicle services checked other cruisers. No other ball joint problems found. Saw article in fleet management-oct. 98/vehicle recall report.