2003 Lincoln Town Car

Certain Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Crown Victoria commercial vehicles and Lincoln Town Car fleet vehicles.  As opposed to civilian vehicles, the potentially affected vehicles typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis, including the wheel bearings and axles, as a result of steering, suspension and tire design differences, as well as vehicle usage patterns and vehicle operating weight.  The increased loading and/or weight these vehicles experience during their high duty cycles result in increased stress on the rear axle shafts and bearings.  This may lead to early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture.  In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would loose drive function and would coast to a stop.  The wheel is likely to be retained in the wheel well by the brake caliper and brake rotor, and vehicle control is maintained.  Correction:  Dealers will replace rear wheel bearings, seals and axle shafts.