NHTSA Complaint #10060495 — 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

MY CONCERN IS FOR THE 2003 FORD POLICE CROWN VICTORIA (POLICE INTERCEPTOR) PROGRAM 03M03 WHICH IS CONCURRENT WITH SAFETY RECALL 03S05. THEY BOTH INVOLVE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT OF CRACKED RIMS. HOWEVER, THE 03M03 DOES NOT ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. IT ONLY EXTENDS THE WARRANTY. BOTH CONCURRENT CAMPAIGNS DESCRIBE THE SAME SYMPTOMS (REPEATED SLOW AIR LEAK, NIBBLE IN STEERING, DIFFICULTY IN BALANCING TIRES AND RAPID AIR LOST). HOWEVER, AFTER CONTACTING MY LOCAL FORD DEALER AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY, I WAS TOLD THE RIMS WOULD NOT BE INSPECTED AT MY REQUEST. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THIS WITH CITY OF RICHMOND FUNDS. FORD STATES "THAT ONLY A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF STEEL WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 23, 2002 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2003 WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS CONDITION" . I FEEL A FAILURE THAT COULD OCCUR DURING A HIGH SPEED PURSUIT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. FORD ALSO SAYS IN THE 03S05 SAFETY RECALL THAT RAPID AIR LOSS MAY AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL , POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT.....PERSONAL INJURY OR POSSIBLE DEATH. PLEASE ADVISE ME CONCERNING THE ACTION TO TAKE WITH THESE RIMS. WE (CITY OF RICHMOND), ARE NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. MARK SCHULTZ FLEET MAINTENANCE TRAINING & QUALITY ASSURANCE CITY OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA . *JB