A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was issued by Ford in October 2001. The Bulletin recommended that modifications made to "reduce the unlikely possibility of a fuel tank puncture during an extremely high-speed rear impact."

The primary suggestion in the bulletin is to modify the hex bolt that could puncture the gas tank. This modification is covered under the Bumper to Bumper warranty, but has not been tested to see if it will work. Even better solutions involve adding gas tank bladders or tank shields.

Ford currently uses the technology in other makes of vehicles to prevent the exploding gas tanks like the ones put into the CVPI. Safety experts have said that the only real fix would be to redesign the car, which has not been done since 1979. The Crown Victoria fuel system design is based an out-moded technology from 1960's.

Since the TSB was not widely distributed, not many people who purchase or maintain the CVPI have heard of it, much less the safety problem. Even though the TSB modifications are not adequate, they are helpful and should be done as soon as possible.

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Ford's Defect notification and Recall:  No notice to the public - TSB to dealers ONLY.  No testing of effectiveness of repairs - Still not testing above 50mph.  Owner expense if warranty expired.

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