Ford/lower control arm
Defect Summary
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. the one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. this could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
Safety Consequence
If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Ford Motor Company or involving Suspension.
FAQ: Recall 98V322000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 98V322000?
NHTSA recall 98V322000 was issued by Ford Motor Company on December 16, 1998. It addresses: Ford/lower control arm. The recall affects approximately 175,000 vehicles, with the defect involving the Suspension component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Ford Motor Company dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 98V322000 or the manufacturer campaign number 98S37. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.