The contact owns a 2004 Lincoln Aviator. While the contact was driving approximately 55 mph smoke circulated through the vents inside of the vehicle; and the vehicle was driven to the side of the road. The contact stated the smoke originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the technician advised that the front end differential had deteriorated. The vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense. After the service repair the vehicle was test driven and the failure recurred. The technician performed further diagnosis and repaired the vehicle. The failure continued to occur on four separate occasions which was repaired at the owner's expense. The manufacturer was notified of the front end differential failures and they accepted liability for the radio and steering column repairs that failed to function correctly due to the differential failures. In addition, the contact stated that the front tires were replaced in March of 2009; and five months later the tires had worn to the metal in result of the defective front end differential. The tires were replaced. An independent mechanic informed the problem originated from inexpensive Korean parts in the transfer case. The transfer case and U joint were replaced in the vehicle. The contact expressed anyone driving the vehicle life was in danger because of the safety defect. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was unavailable. Also, there was a crack under the rear liftgate. There was recall on the rearlift. However, the consumers VIN was not included. The entire shifting mechanism had to be replaced, the steering wheel would vibrate while making a turn. Updated 12/17/10

- Fairfiled, CA, USA