Lemon Law Center

ford is recalling 123,632 my 2007-2008 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles. the door handle housing embossment retaining the bottom of the interior door handle spring on all side doors may fracture during normal customer usage. this can result in insufficient spring force to return the handle to the fully closed position. the handle may be loose causing a rattle or noise and the handle may not return to the fully closed position. this condition may also provide a delayed resistance when actuating the handle prior to opening the door.

Corrective Action

in the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. the recall is expected to begin during february 2008. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2007 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Fuel Rail

Consequence of Defect

ford is recalling 57,199 my 2006-2007 e-150, e-250, e-350, and my 2007 expedition and lincoln navigator vehicles equipped with 5.4l engines. the fuel rail cross-over hose may contain weak areas. as a result, the hose may crack, which could cause a fuel odor and/or fuel leak.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the fuel rail assembly. the recall is expected to begin during march 2008. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2007 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

in the event of a side impact crash, the interior door handle may cause the door latch to open increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the interior handle spring on all side doors. the recall is expected to begin during february 2008. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2006 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Consequence of Defect

on certain trucks, passenger cars and sport utility vehicles, the windshield wiper motor may have been produced without grease being applied to the output shaft gear.

Corrective Action

after a period of continuous use on the high speed setting, lack of grease on the output shaft gear may cause the gear to distort or fracture during operation resulting in a loss of wiper function. inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the wiper motor for the presence of grease and grease the wiper motor gears if necessary. the recall began on november 22, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673 or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.

2006 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Tires:Tread/Belt

Consequence of Defect

on certain sport utility vehicles, the front and rear tires on the driverøs side of affected vehicles may have been damaged at the center tread during production.

Corrective Action

over time, the damage may be sufficient to allow belt corrosion ultimately leading to a tread separation, which could result in a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect all four tires (to ensure inspection of the left hand side tires that may have been rotated to the other side of the vehicle) for tire tread damage and, if necessary, replace the damaged tire. the recall began on july 13, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2006 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission

Consequence of Defect

certain passenger vehicles may have been built with an incorrectly manufactured automatic transmission parking pawl guide plate.

Corrective Action

this could cause the parking lock system not to engage, after the transmission is placed in the park ("p") position. if the vehicle was parked on an incline, and the parking brake was not engaged, this could result in a vehicle rollaway condition.

Recall Notes

dealers will repair and replace the automatic transmission guide plate. the recall began on november 18, 2005. owners may contact lincoln at 1-800-248-0186.

2003 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Exterior Lighting

Consequence of Defect

certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

Corrective Action

lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

2002 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

a fire at the switch could occur.

Recall Notes

by letter dated september 12, 2005, owners were instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. owners who have had their speed control deactivated are being notified that parts will be available and advised to make an appointment to reconnect the speed control beginning in february 2006. owners who did not have their speed control deactivated are being notified to have their system remedied beginning in february 2006. owners are urged to avail themselves of the free disconnect service as soon as possible because of the significant risk of fire. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v017 and 06v286)

2002 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Exterior Lighting

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

2002 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline

Consequence of Defect

certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached.

Corrective Action

failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

Recall Notes

ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, and light and medium duty pickup trucks. a switch located in the plastic cover of the wiper motor gear case could malfunction and overheat, potentially resulting in loss of intermittent wiper function, loss of wiper park function, complete loss of wiper function, or ignition of the plastic cover material. switch malfunction is most likely to occur when the intermittent setting of the wipers is being used, or when snow or ice obstructs the blades from returning to the "parked" position at the bottom of the windshield. these vehicles were built at the following assembly plants: atlanta plant from 2/11/00 through 7/31/00; chicago plant from 2/14/00 through 8/4/00; kansas city plant from 2/26/00 to 9/4/00; kentucky truck plant from 2/18/00 to 8/31/00; michigan truck plant from 2/23/00 through 8/3/00; norfolk plant from 2/21/00 through 7/27/00; wayne stamping and assembly plant from 2/25/00 through 8/15/00; and wixom plant from 2/15/00 through 8/8/00.

Corrective Action

loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the date code on the wiper motor. motors built with the suspect time frame will have the wiper motor gear case cover replaced. owner notification began august 20, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

a fire at the switch could occur.

Recall Notes

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Exterior Lighting

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

Recall Notes

ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.

2001 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. it is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. ford crown victoria built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. ford f-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. ford super duty f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. ford excursions built at kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. ford expeditions built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. owner notification began july 25, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332.

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

loss of visibility while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. the trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.

Corrective Action

the trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

a fire at the switch could occur.

Recall Notes

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Exterior Lighting

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall is expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

Recall Notes

ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.

2000 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

this condition could lead to a fire. fires have occurred while the vehicles were parked with the ignition 'off.'

Recall Notes

as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. as soon as replacement parts are available (early april 2005), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a new switch free of charge. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673. (note: also see recalls 05v388 and 06v286)

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. the trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.

Corrective Action

the trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

a fire at the switch could occur.

Recall Notes

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with four-wheel-drive (4x4), 17" chrome steel wheels. the clamp load can be lost on the wheel lugs due to insufficient wheel contact area with the hub. in some cases, the contact area can deform, resulting in a loss of lug nut torque.

Corrective Action

loss of lug nut torque can cause vibration or separation of a wheel and tire from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will re-torque the wheel lugs to proper specifications and also install a label that specifies that the wheel lugs be torqued to 110 lb-ft any time the wheel is removed.

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals And Linkages

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. these vehicles may have a missing or partially installed retainer clip that holds the master cylinder push rod to the brake pedal arm.

Corrective Action

increased brake stopping distance can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect these vehicles to see if the retainer clip was installed, and repair, if necessary.

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.

Recall Notes

ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876.

1999 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the fuel line assemblies may have been damaged by the supplier during manufacturing, allowing leakage.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect these vehicles and, if necessary, replace the front and rear fuel line assemblies.

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. the trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.

Corrective Action

the trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with speed control, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn.

Corrective Action

a fire at the switch could occur.

Recall Notes

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Exterior Lighting:Headlights

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the text and/or graphics for the vehicle headlamp aiming instructions provided in the owner guides are not sufficiently clear. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Corrective Action

if the headlamp assemblies are replaced, customers may be confused by the aiming instructions provided in the owner guides causing the headlamps to be improperly aimed.

Recall Notes

owner guides containing revised aiming instructions will be mailed to owners of these vehicles.

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles and light duty pickup trucks. the lug nuts on these vehicles may not create sufficient clamp load allowing wheel movement in relation to the hub/rotor mounting surface.

Corrective Action

this can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

owners of these vehicles will be receiving two notifications. the first notification, which began in may 1998, will provide an interim repair procedure until parts become available. this interim procedure can be completed by owners or their dealers. it specifies that the lug nut torque must be verified to be 100 lbs. then the lug nuts need to be tightened an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn more. there will be a second owner notification, which is expected to begin july 20, 1998, under which dealers will inspect the wheel studs and replace the wheel lug nuts.

1998 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Gear Position Indication (Prndl)

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. if the automatic transmission shift cable assembly was not fully attached to the steering column bracket, the shift cable assembly can come out of the bracket. the vehicle operator would then not be able to shift the transmission from one of the drive gear positions into the park position even though the gear shift selector would indicate "park."

Corrective Action

the condition would not allow a disengagement of the transmission from the park position or affect proper neutral start switch operation. unintended vehicle movement could occur if the parking brake was not set.

Recall Notes

dealers will make the proper attachment of the transmission shift control cable to the steering column bracket and add a tie strap to that connection.

1997 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: multi-purpose vehicles. the trailer hitch assembly to the frame attaching bolts could lose the clamp load.

Corrective Action

the trailer hitch could then separate from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the trailer hitch mounting bolts and nut plates.

1997 Lincoln Navigator

Component

Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this can result in the loosening of lug nuts, stud fatigue failure, and the potential for a wheel separation from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.