Investigation PE98052: 1998 Lincoln Town CAR

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Sep 25, 1998

Closed

Apr 9, 1999

Model years

1998

Subject

Fuel spit back during refueling

Component: Vehicle speed control › Linkages

Summary

The subject vehicle is fitted with an onboard refuelig vapor recovery (orvr) system, as required by the epa.the epa safety requirements, prepared in cooperation with ,and approved by nhtsa, require vehicles to be refueled at a rate of 10 gallons per minute (the maximum rate allowed to be used in refueling stations, by epa regulation) without fuel being forced out the fuel filler pipe.this requirement was based on a history of fires in filling stations and incidents of fuel spitting back are considered to be a fire safety risk.of the 114 complaints and warranty claims alleging problems while attempting to refuel the vehicle, 27 specifically stated that fuel spit-back out of the fuel filler pipe.ford reportscomplaints are still being received.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1998 Lincoln Town CAR154 complaints