2001 Lincoln LS

On certain vehicles, the front suspension lower ball joints may not have been tightened to specifications during manufacture. This could result in loosening of the attaching nuts and, ultimately result in a fracture of the ball joint stud. This could adversely affect vehicle control and a crash could occur. Should the left side ball joint fracture, the wheel and tire could contact the fuel lines or the fuel filter potentially resulting in fuel leakage. Correction: Ball joint torque will be inspected and vehicles with loose ball joints will either have the fasteners tightened to specification or if necessary, the ball joints will be replaced.