Problems with 2000 Lincoln LS SUSPENSION

Ball joint bolts loosen or don't tighten to specifications which causes a lot of wear and tear on the front end of my vehicle. i've had to have them replaced twice and tightened up or re-fixed several times it's unsafe at time. i take chances of my life safety. i mostly have had problems on the regular streets and to afraid at most times to even think about getting on a highway.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving 20 mph, the vehicle swayed and the contact heard an abnormal sound. the contact parked the vehicle and observed that the axle failed without warning. the vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 149,825.

My car sways from side to side due to the ball joints not being torqued down properly which can cause loss of control which can end in a fatality. the dealership said their are no recalls yet the number for the recall is 00v359001.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving at various speeds, there would be an abnormal squeaking sound emitting from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the driver and passenger side control arms failed and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 141,308.

I was getting on a freeway on ramp that turned not going more than maybe between 30-35 mph and when almost getting ready to merg on to the freeway my lower right ball joint broke. causing my wheel to turn side ways and put a dent in the fender. later after being repaired i saw there was a recall for this, and contacted a dealership and they told me my car was not part of that recall. but the stuff that is described in the recall seemed to fit exactly what happend to my lincoln ls. i was lucky i was on the on ramp and not driving 65-70mph on the freeway other wise i might not be here to day. the tow truck driver told me he has seen that flip cars. not only that but i have had nothing but problems with that car since i bought it almost 3 years ago. just about everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. i have spent somewhere between $10,000 to $20,000 on repairing that car.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact stated that the suspension was unstable in the front of the vehicle. without warning, the vehicle veered left or right and force had to be applied to the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centered on the road. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 00v359001 (suspension). the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 5 mph, the contact felt a vibration from the floor of the vehicle and noticed an abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that the lower ball joint and lower control arm needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 157,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving at various speeds, the vehicle veered to the right without warning. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a wheel alignment needed to be performed. the vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 00v359001 (suspension). the failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving low speeds, a loud abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle when making a turn or hitting a dip in the road. the failure occurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. the technician diagnosed that the front suspension lower ball joint needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not notified of the issue. the failure mileage was unknown.

My vehicle had a recalled and the work was performed at crouse ford in pennsylvania in june 18 2002. unfortunate from the information i received on the recall, the initial inspection and work was never done although the recall was said to be satisfied. the recall was for the lower steering suspension torque on the front of the vehicle but the only work was performed based on the dealership notes were the left spindle was replaced. i have called the lincoln center to get them to look into this and the representatives were very short and disrespectful. they would not give me names of immediate supervisors as if they were trying to hide something. i was told the investigation was thoroughly investigated but the representative told me she never read the recall and only took the word of the dealership in spite of the dealership explaining to her what work was done was clearly not on the recall but from a warranty standpoint. could you please look into this for me or give me a call so i can give you a better explanation. as of now the car isn't safe to drive based on what the recall was initially for even though its 12 years later. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

I was turning the corner of day avenue and 2nd street sw. as i turned the tire came all the way off. i looked online and researched and seen that this vehicle has been recalled due to the suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. i need to know what i need to do? nhtsa campaign #00v359001. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the front passenger wheel detached from the vehicle. the contact was able to pull over and noticed that the entire wheel and assembly was detached. the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. the manufacturer was contacted and they advised that the vehicle was not under recall. the failure and the current mileage was 143,062.

The design of the suspension causes premature failure of joints and rubber bushings. the parts can not be serviced (greased) and the rubber dries out to easily leading to wear and failure. in addition the wear parts are now cast (as opposed to pressed) into the larger metal parts so that the owner cannot just replace the bushing or joint, you must now replace the whole assembly resulting in the part only being available at the dealer and costing 20-30 times as much ($20 vs $400-$600). removing the grease fittings and making ford the only place the parts are available means ford has a healthy replacement parts stream designed into the car. it also means fewer people will fix this problem when it needs to be fixed leading to more unsafe cars being on the road. *tr

I own a 2000 lincoln ls v8. i have noticed that there is popping at the ball joint on the front suspension of the car.. i took it to a mechanic shop and he told me that he didn't want to touch it because he had found out that those particular year model cars had a recall for the suspension ball joints. i went home and did some research and came to a site called nhtsa. i got on the nhtsa database and it clearly shows: nhtsa campaign id number: 00v359001 component: suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint this is the only vehicle i have and it is now 2012. i have not had any notification that this particular car was being recalled. i don't have any money to fix this issue and wanted to see if the recall is honored currently. i have talked to many of people and they have told me that they can run the vin number to see if any recall service work has been done to my car.. this car gets me to and from work and makes me a living. i have to drive this car because its my only means of transportation. i have also read on forums that the ball joint supports the entire weight of the car and if it would to snap, it will cause great harm or even death. i would like to know what can be done on this matter please, it scares me. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact was driving 15 mph when the passenger side front wheel bearing and lower control arm detached from the vehicle. the vehicle was towed to a private mechanic. the mechanic confirmed that the lower control arm needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vin did not qualify for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the vin was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 140,000.

I have front ball joint and suspension issues. i looked on line and see there were a recall for my car. the nhtsa campaign id number is 00v359001. i spoke with my local ford motor dealership and they stated there were no recall. i called the nhtsa #800-392-3673 and they could not assist. i have spent over 400.00 already with more work needed for ball joint etc. could someone see if the recall were true for this vehicle? if so, why wasn't my particular car was not included. thanks *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact was driving 5 mph when they heard a noise emitting from the fender. the contact noticed that the ball joint was disconnected. the vehicle was towed to his residence. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer was contact and confirmed that the vin did not qualify for nhtsa campaign id number :00v359001(suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 102,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds he would hear a loud noise in the front of the vehicle. the vehicle was then inspected by an independent mechanic who advised him that the front lower ball joints needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 129,300. the vin was unavailable.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact was driving approximately 10 to 15 mph when the front driver side of the vehicle suddenly collapsed without warning. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they advised the contact that the ball joints were fractured. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 35 mph the front passenger side wheel came off. the contact stated that there were no warning lights on the dashboard. the vehicle stalled in the middle of an intersection. the bolts that were connected to the passenger side lower ball joint came off and damaged the inner fender wheel well. the vehicle was towed to his residence. the vehicle had not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 200,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact stated that while driving approximately 30mph the vehicle began to "wiggle" around on the highway. the owner stated that there is a bolt on the lower control arm that needs to be repaired. the contact referenced recall campaign 00v359001, suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. the owner contacted ford and they stated that his vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle is currently at the dealer for repairs. the failure mileage was approximately 149,000. the current mileage is the same.

Without any warning, my daughter was driving her 2000 lincoln ls and the left front lower ball joint stud broke and the wheel jammed under the fender and the car swerved to the rt side of the road. i called the local lincoln dealer and they stated that this happens quite often on the lincoln ls ball joints and they sell a $500 part to replace the ball joint and spindle. this is a very dangerous design and flaw if it breaks straight off with no warning. good thing she was only driving 25mph when it happened and not 65 mph, who knows. i can only now worry that the right side might break too without warning?? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired for nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension front control arm, lower ball joint). while accelerating from a stop light the contact heard a loud popping noise. the vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and the contact noticed the front driver's side lower ball joint was fractured. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where it was repaired. approximately one year later the same failure occurred on the front passenger side lower ball joint. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was not yet repaired. the failure mileage was 178,000 and the current mileage was 188,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the contact was driving approximately 55 mph. there was rattling noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection. the technician recommended that the vehicle not be driven due to a potential safety hazard. there was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number 00v3590010 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint). however, the vin was excluded from the recall defect. the vehicle has not been repaired at this time. the failure mileage was 82,500.

In february 2010, at speed of 25-35mph loud squeaking occurred. took it to ford dealership to be checked and discovered it was the lower ball joints,and control arm, i had read there had been a recall. ford said my 2000 lincoln was not part of the recall so i paid the outlandish price for repair. it is now october 2012 and, once again, i have the same problem. i am sure that if i contact ford, they will say that my car was not part of the recall. it is hard to believe that the same problem could occur with only an additional 32000 miles on the car and in this short amount of time if there was not some underlying problem in the first place. would you please check into this further for me? thank you. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving at speeds of 50 mph, there was a loud, unusual rattling noise coming from under the vehicle. the dealer advised the steering and ball joints were defective and would need to be replaced. the manufacturer advised there were no recalls for the vehicle and would not provide any assistance. the contact was concerned that if the ball joints were to separate, the wheel would fracture from the vehicle and could potentially cause a crash. the failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. she received a recall letter for the suspension, nhtsa campaign id number: 00v359001; component: suspension front control arm, lower ball joint. the vehicle was taken into the dealer where the necessary recall repairs were performed. on a later date, while driving in very windy weather and at speeds of 55 mph, the vehicle felt as if there were "grooves in the road". the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they found that the front driver's side wheel was falling off of the vehicle and the bolts used to secure the wheel had come loose. the bolts were tightened and he advised installing a cotter pin to ensure the bolt would not come loose again. no further repairs were made to the vehicle. the failure and current mileages were under 71,000. the vin was not available.

2000 lincoln ls brought to the dealership to fix a problem with squeaking, still squeaks. they fixed right front control arm ball joint(so many lincoln ls 2000 still on the road with this problem, & no recalls for it?) why? now that i had the front right control arm ball joint replaced back in june, i have the same problem on front left side today, very expensive to fix. i've heard to many complaints about this same problem but no recall???? same problem now on front left side. very dangerous! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle began to drift to the right and to the left without intention. she was able to continue operation with caution. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. the failure was contributed to both front lower ball joints. the parts were ordered for the repair. since his vehicle identification number was excluded from recall nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) she would have to pay $1300.00 for the repair. the failure and current mileages were 117,000.

I brought a 2000 lincoln ls from a dealer by the name of import auto sales located at 589 e 32nd st. paterson new jersey 07513. when i was taken for a test drive by the salesman i question him on a squeaky bumpy noise on the front side of the car . he told me that the tires needed air and the road in this area is very bumpy. to later find out that on that model car there was a ball joints recall . before i found out thru the website google about the recall i took it to a repair shop ( lincoln ford dealer ) and the price they gave me was $4,000 including labor. i had just finished spending $2,000 on regular maintenance work (tune-up - oil change - cooling flush- new rotors with brakes .and other regular work that you need to do on a car with over 100,000 miles.now the car is park because i don't have the money to repair it. i was told that if i drive it with bad ball joints the wheel might become separated and get into a fatal crash that could kill the driver and passengers. *tr

I have a 2000 lincoln ls, 6 months back took the car to dealership cause of squeaking noises, dealer fixed right control arm ball joint...... two months later having same problem only on left side, i noticed it out of nowhere, the car started jerking to the other direction when the steering wheel was still straight....very scary when driving with family......why has there been no recall for this problem? they say my car is not apart of the recall, but im very afraid to keep driving the car, unsure of what will happen in the future...i notice alot of complaints with this same problem as the ball joint recall for 2000 ls but lot of lincoln ls 2000 not on recall, why? *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001, but the failure still persists. the vehicle has been repaired more than 16 different times. the current and failure mileages were 126,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 45 mph, the contact experienced uncontrollable steering. the dealer stated that the vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint). the contact would have to pay $1,131.42 to replace the steering knuckle and the lower ball joint. the vehicle was repaired. the failure and current mileages were 76,018.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving various speeds over a bump in the road, the contact hears a loud popping sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. he took the vehicle to a local repair shop and a mechanic stated that the lower ball joints needed to be replaced. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) and would cost $2,000 to repair. the manufacturer did not assist. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were 160,000. updated 05/07/09. *lj updated 05/07/09.*jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving the vehicle in reverse at approximately 5 mph, the front driver's side tire detached from the vehicle. the driver placed the tire back on the vehicle and drove to a local repair shop. the mechanic stated that the front lower ball joints were defective. the vehicle was not repaired and was towed back to the owner's residence. the dealer was not notified. the manufacturer stated that there were no recalls relating to the vehicle; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. the current and failure mileages were 129,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while backing out of a parking space, the upper ball joints failed. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint), although the failures were identical. the contact paid for the repair work. the failure mileage was 137,000 and current mileage was 138,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the vehicle has severeal problems with the engine coil system, radiator and supsesion.the vehicle had these problems since the time a of purchase in september 2008. the vihicle mileage was 53587 when the failures started and 73189 current miles. the vehicle has stalled in highway conditions. the contact feels this is a major safety hazzard.

A hollow thunking noise in the front end of my lincoln ls led me to seek a diagnosis and repair estimate from 3 mechanics, including the dealership from which the car was purchased. all 3 agreed that the ball joints and suspension had failed to an extent that the car was "unsafe to drive." i used the middle estimate, offered by a highly reputable mechanic who specializes in high end cars, and spent nearly $2000. the replacement parts included 4 ball joints, 2 outer tie rods, and 4 sway bar links. *tr

2000 lincoln ls ball joint failure at 65,000 miles. no incidents. cost to repair $1400. *tr

My 2000 lincoln ls had a safety recall regarding the lower control arm and ball joint assembly in 12/2000. my vehicle was inspected by the dealer at that time but no repair or replacement was done. in 2004, i had the vehicle repaired for a similar issue with the suspension and steering but the dealer did not notify me of any recalls that could have affected the suspension. yesterday, 10/08/2008, i became aware of the recall from a retail store after trying to get my car to align properly, after several failed attempts. i contacted ford customer service at (800) 392-3673 to verify if there was a recall on my vehicle, in which they notified me that south pointe lincoln mercury inc at 945 motor city drive, colorado springs, co 80905, inspected the vehicle in 12/4/2000 but did not repair or replace any parts on the vehicle. i now have an unsafe vehicle that wanders on the road with the potential of my entire front suspension assembly falling off if i drive the car. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 20 mph, the front ball joint fractured and the front end of the vehicle fell to the ground. the front end was damaged. the road conditions did not have potholes and was not a factor. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic and is currently being repaired. nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint) is related to the failure. the failure occurred on july 25, 2008, and the contact has owned the vehicle for one year. the current and failure mileages were approximately 46,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving 30 mph, the stud on the lower ball joints failed and the contact lost control of the vehicle. the front passenger side wheel detached and the vehicle was towed to his residence. he called the dealer and was advised to call ford motor company because they would provide him information about nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). ford stated that the vehicle had previously been inspected for this recall. the current and failure mileages were 74,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while turning into a parking lot at 30 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly dropped to the ground. the contact looked under the vehicle and noticed that the front lower ball joints had fractured. the vehicle was towed to his residence and he discovered a recall for the same failure. the dealer informed him that his vin was not included in the recall. the vehicle is still currently parked at his home and has not been repaired. the recall number was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 120,000.

Noticed the cars right side was making a noise but brakes and tire was fine then the right side lower ball joint stud fractured just as the recall for this model says and did not result in a crash but could have. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance and the contact was informed that the front driver side lower ball joint needed to be replaced. he noticed that the vehicle felt differently while driving a week before the failure, but there were no other warning indicators. the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired according to nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front: control arm:lower ball joint) in 2000. the current and failure mileages were 65,100. updated 08/04/08 *bf udpated

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 40 mph, the front passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. the failure was caused by the separation of the front passenger side ball joints. the dealer has not been notified. the manufacturer stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint). the current and failure mileages were approximately 183,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving 45 mph, the nut from the front passenger side lower ball joints detached from the vehicle. the contact is constantly tightening the nuts, but they continue to detach. the failure has been ongoing for quite some time. the contact discovered a recall; however, the dealer stated that the vin was not included. she will have to repair the vehicle at her own expense. the recall number was unknown. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Steering knuckle broke while driving car - was recalled by ford in 2000 for this very thing. ford is saying the vehicle was repaired by the first owner but i don't think it ever was. ford dealer used by me for repair said the other one was about to break too. repaired both of them. i could easily have been killed. had just pulled off the interstate. probably would be dead if this had happened 5 minutes earlier. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 lincoln ls. while driving approximately 35 mph on normal road conditions, the vehicle wobbled excessively. the front end began to shimmy after pressure was applied to the brake pedal. there were no prior warnings to these failures. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection and the technician stated that the ball joints were worn. the ball joint nuts were also loose and were tightened securely by the technician. the manufacturer was notified and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v359001 (suspension:front;control arm;lower ball joint), although the failures were identical. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 98,000 and current mileage was 102,000.

At about 13,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a front ball joint fracture that resulted in a rather expensive repair to the car which is becoming more prone to such issues. is this ball joint covered by any recall? if it might be, how do i look into it? *tr