Recalled: 2000 2001Lincoln LS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today released a list of auto safety recalls announced in November and December 2000 and urged consumers to have the problems fixed promptly.

Ford Motor Company

Models: Lincoln LS Years: 2000-2001

Number Involved: 82,300

Dates of Manufacture: August 1998 - September 2000

Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints were not tightened to specifications when they were attached to the lower control arms. If the ball joint attaching nuts are not adequately tightened, they can loosen and, ultimately, result in fracture of the ball joint stud. If the ball joint fractures, control of the vehicle could be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the torque on the two ball joint attaching nuts. Vehicles with loose ball joint attaching nuts will either have the fasteners tightened to specification, or if necessary, the ball joints will be replaced. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Nov. 27, 2000. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. [NHTSA Recall No. 00V359001/Ford Recall No. 00S39]