The problem
The pitman arms were not fully lubricated at the assembly plant. The "ball joint" at the outer end of the pitman arm can become contaminated and corrode.
The risk
Such corrosion can result in abnormal wear of the joint, resulting in separation of the joint. Loss of steering control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and if the joint is found to have significant wear, the arm will be replaced. Those pitman arms not replaced will have the "ball joint" fully greased.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 96V-135 (96V135000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Steering › Linkages |
| Report date | July 18, 1996 |
| Owners notified | August 28, 1996 |
| Vehicles affected | 72,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the steering
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 96V-135 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and if the joint is found to have significant wear, the arm will be replaced. Those pitman arms not replaced will have the "ball joint" fully greased.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 72,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.