Axle Assembly problems of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria

Rear axle bearings failed at 39,000 miles. Out of warranty, there is a recall for fleet buyers. Why not my car? I repaired it at my expense.

My 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, developed a grinding noise in the rear end on 8/05/04. Took it to have it checked on 8/12/04 and found out that the rear axle bearings were bad and that they had cut into the axle shaft. I had to have the axle shafts, bearings and seals replaced at a cost of $513. 45. I searched the internet and found out that there had been a recall on the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria "fleet" vehicles (recall #04s16) for the same problem. I called Ford on 8/13/04 and found out that it only applied to vehicles assembled at the st. Thomas facility between 12/01 and 12/02. They also verified by my VIN#(2fafp74w83x134151), that my car was assembled in the st. Thomas facility in 7/02. I was informed that my car is not involved in this recall. I also found that Ford had issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) advising dealers to be on the lookout for service complaints centering around rear axle noise in the 2003 Crown Victorias, and two other models manufactured prior to 01/01/03 and included all chassis configurations (not only fleet vehicles) except heavy-duty limousine and hearse chassis. According to Fords recall information, "early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture would lead to loss of drive function and could lead to a crash". I also found that it could lead to a wheel-off failure and a resulting crash. I also find that Ford issued a "silent recall" or "secret warranty" to deal with customer problems prior to the end of the factory warranty (dealer operation code 030505a). My car had approx 21000 miles on it when I bought it and now has approx 69000 miles on it. In my opinion, Ford is aware of this problem and has decided to be selective in which vehicles they are recalling without regard for the average person. I believe this is a safety issue and not something that should overlook the many people that ferry their families around on a daily basis in a car that is not deemed a "fleet" car but that apparently still has a problem.

Four 2003 Ford Crown Victoria police cruisers were inspected and mechanic found three out of four had damaged axles. The problem was with the rear axles. One out the axles was said to have damage to the point the vehicle wasn't drivable. The unit had 25,300 miles on it. The dealer made repairs.

Foia request all documents, complaints, defect investigations, recalls, service bulletins, etc relating to NHTSA's investigation into the power train assembly, axle shaft of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, NHTSA pe 04010, ES have no records. (nar).