NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2011

Ford Crown Victoria recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 31 recall campaigns and 2,075 owner complaints for the Ford Crown Victoria, covering model years 1995 to 2011. The 1997 model year drew the most complaints (288), and Steering is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Ford Crown Victoria VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

31 recall campaigns on file
2,075 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
17 model years with data (1995–2011)

most complaints: 1997 (288 for that model year)
top component: Steering (363 complaints)
latest recall 15V861000 (reported Dec 22, 2015)

137 complaints reporting a crash (6.6%)
75 complaints reporting a fire (3.6%)
84 complaints reporting an injury (4.0%)
7 complaints reporting a death (0.3%)

Ford Crown Victoria complaints by model year

17 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1997 model year has the most complaints: 288 of 2,075, or 13.9%. Next come 1996 (276) and 1995 (250). The fewest are for 2010, with 12 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

Show the figures for all 17 model years

Ford Crown Victoria complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

Ford Crown Victoria complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting a fire	Reporting an injury	Reporting a death
1995	250	15	11	12	0
1996	276	13	16	12	2
1997	288	9	15	8	0
1998	119	3	6	4	0
1999	134	6	4	6	1
2000	85	6	2	4	0
2001	53	9	2	6	0
2002	58	9	3	4	0
2003	249	16	4	5	0
2004	138	2	4	3	0
2005	193	13	2	6	1
2006	53	10	0	1	1
2007	50	6	1	5	1
2008	50	11	3	5	1
2009	44	5	2	1	0
2010	12	3	0	2	0
2011	23	1	0	0	0
All model years	2,075	137	75	84	7

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Ford Crown Victoria components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Steering is the component named most often, in 363 complaints (17.5% of all 2,075), followed by Exterior Lighting (341) and Engine and Engine Cooling (286).

Components named most often in Ford Crown Victoria complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in Ford Crown Victoria complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Steering	363	17.5%
Exterior Lighting	341	16.4%
Engine and Engine Cooling	286	13.8%
Suspension	243	11.7%
Fuel System, Gasoline	166	8.0%
Electrical System	164	7.9%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	154	7.4%
Vehicle Speed Control	136	6.6%
Power Train	115	5.5%
Wheels	80	3.9%
Visibility	61	2.9%
Air Bags	59	2.8%
Structure	58	2.8%
Engine	44	2.1%
Tires	43	2.1%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Ford Crown Victoria recalls

31 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Crown Victoria, newest first. The 31 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2011. The 1996 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

31 recall campaigns

Ford Crown Victoria recall campaigns covering each model year
Decade	Years ending in 0	Years ending in 1	Years ending in 2	Years ending in 3	Years ending in 4	Years ending in 5	Years ending in 6	Years ending in 7	Years ending in 8	Years ending in 9
1990s						1995: 8 campaigns	1996: 9 campaigns	1997: 8 campaigns	1998: 7 campaigns	1999: 5 campaigns
2000s	2000: 7 campaigns	2001: 4 campaigns	2002: 2 campaigns	2003: 5 campaigns	2004: 2 campaigns	2005: 5 campaigns	2006: 2 campaigns	2007: 4 campaigns	2008: 3 campaigns	2009: 2 campaigns
2010s	2010: 2 campaigns	2011: 2 campaigns

Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 15V861000
Reported Dec 22, 2015
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Model years 2003–2005
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Consequence:
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 14V704000
Reported Nov 5, 2014
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft
Model years 2005–2011
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Consequence:
Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 13V385000
Reported Aug 29, 2013
Steering
Model years 2005–2011
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Consequence:
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 08V051000
Reported Feb 4, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Model years 1995–1998
Ford is recalling 225,000 MY 1992-2003 econoline, MY 1993-1995 taurus sho, MY 1992-1998 Crown Victoria, MY 1993 bronco, f-series, MY 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, MY 1992-1998 Mercury Grand Marquis, and MY 1992-1995 Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
Consequence:
As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 07V336000
Reported Aug 3, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control
Model years 1995–1998
On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.
Consequence:
This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected October 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on August 13, 2007, and mailing completed by September 19, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 07V270000
Reported Jun 26, 2007
Suspension › Front › Hub
Model year 2008
On certain passenger vehicles, a front wheel bearing and hub assembly may fracture due to improper heat treatment.
Consequence:
If a hub fractures, it may potentially detach from the wheel knuckle, resulting in the wheel being retained only by the brake caliper assembly. As a result, the wheel may separate from the vehicle potentially resulting in a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies and replace them free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 07V183000
Reported Apr 26, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Model year 2007
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 135, "passenger car brake systems." The front and rear right side brake lines may be reversed at the ABS hydraulic control unit.
Consequence:
The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the brake line connections and the hydraulic control unit and reposition them free of charge. The recallbegan on April 27, 2007. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 06V440000
Reported Nov 15, 2006
Visibility › Windshield
Model year 2007
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 212, 'windshield mounting.' The windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body.
Consequence:
If the windshield is not properly retained to the vehicle, wind noise, squeak/rattles and/or water leaks may occur. Also, loss of windshield retention may reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the windshield free of charge. The recall began on November 22, 2006. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 05V518000
Reported Nov 9, 2005
Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables
Model year 2005
On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable includes a fusible link that may contact and subsequently chafe on a #2 cross member attaching bolt.
Consequence:
This condition may result in heat damage and could lead to a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the fusible link and position it away from the cross member bolt. If the fusible link has already chafed and copper wires have been exposed, the fusible link will be replaced. The recall began on November 18, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673, or Lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 05V206000
Reported May 9, 2005
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Model years 2003–2005
On certain police interceptors (cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located under the vehicle positioned between the exhaust system and the underbody, could sag and possibly contact the surface of the catalytic converter.
Consequence:
If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odor, or smoke which may ultimately result in a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will remove the existing dash insulator and install a revised design insulator pad free of charge. The recall began on June 3, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company

Show 21 more recalls

NHTSA campaign 05V086000
Reported Mar 14, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Model year 1997
On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.
Consequence:
The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further contact and potential abrasion. If indication of abrasion or a leak is evident, dealers will repair the brake line. This campaign began on July 15, 2005. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 04V328000
Reported Jul 7, 2004
Suspension › Rear
Model year 2003
Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles.
Consequence:
This could lead to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle shaft fracture. In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would lose drive function and would coast to a stop. Loss of drive function could lead to a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals,and axle shafts. The recall began on July 15, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 03V472000
Reported Nov 6, 2003
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Model years 1996–2003
On certain natural gas vehicles, if a flame from a vehicle interior fire becomes locally directed at the natural gas fuel tank located immediately behind the rear seat, the flame could damage the fiberglass wrap on the tank weakening the tank.
Consequence:
If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will install an insulator behind the current seat back. Owner notification began on January 7, 2004. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 03V279000
Reported Aug 5, 2003
Wheels
Model year 2003
On certain police and taxi vehicles equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk.
Consequence:
The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect and replace the four road wheels and spare wheel with the manufacturing date codes of August 18, 2001 through September 22, 2002. In addition, Ford is providing extended warranty coverage for wheels on 2003 Crown Victoria police interceptor and taxis built from October 1, 2002 through April 29, 2003. These wheels are exhibiting cracks at a substantially lower rate than those wheels included in the recall. Owner notification began on August 8, 2003. Owners should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 02V249000
Reported Sep 6, 2002
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly
Model year 2002
On certain natural gas model vehicles, a t-fitting that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the on position or during refueling.
Consequence:
A gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create a combustible mixture and in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a redesigned "t" fitting on #4 fuel tank and tested for leakage. Owner notification began September 13, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 01V227001
Reported Jul 16, 2001
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Model year 2001
Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by TRW. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford Crown Victoria built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 Mercury Grand Marquis built at st. thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at Michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison plant from 3/13/00 - 5/25/01. Ford F-150 truck built at norfolk plant from 4/18/00 - 5/25/00; at Ontario plant from 5/10/00 - 5/28/01; at Kansas city plant from 9/11/99 - 5/25/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/9/01. Ford Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 trucks built at Kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 5/27/01; and at cuautitlan plant from 5/16/00 - 6/19/01. Ford excursions built at Kentucky plant from 4/17/00 - 10/2/00. Ford expeditions built at Michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01.
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began July 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V412000
Reported Dec 6, 2000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Model year 2001
Vehicle description: minivans and passenger vehicles. A restraint control module (RCM) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected.
Consequence:
In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the RCM and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V270000
Reported Sep 13, 2000
Air Bags
Model year 2001
Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and mini vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (RCM). In some cases, the RCM does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up.
Consequence:
This condition could result in personal injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the RCM in these vehicles. Owner notification began September 14, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V200000
Reported Jul 18, 2000
Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer
Model years 1998–2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles have jacking instructions which, if followed, could cause the vehicle operator to place the jack on a frame weld when attempting to raise a rear wheel. If the vehicle is jacked up with the jack placed on the frame weld and if the vehicle is free to roll (wheels not blocked or chocked), the jack could yield and the vehicle may drop suddenly.
Consequence:
If this occurs and any portion of the operator's body is under the vehicle, the potential for personal injury exists.
Remedy:
Owners will be provided with a revised jack instruction and stowage card and jack warning label, as well as a supplement to the owner guide.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V157002
Reported Jun 12, 2000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Model years 1996–2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket front passenger side seat belt assemblies that were sold by Ford parts departments from January 1, through June 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies." The equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by TRW vehicle safety systems, inc. (TRW) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies may have been installed as service replacement equipment on the vehicles involved in the recall.
Consequence:
In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from January 1 through June 13, 2000.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V157001
Reported Jun 12, 2000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Model years 1996–2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket driver's seat belt assemblies that were sold by Ford parts departments from January 1, through June 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 209, "seat belt assemblies." The equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by TRW vehicle safety systems, inc. (TRW) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies may have been installed as service replacement equipment on the vehicles involved in the recall.
Consequence:
In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from January 1 through June 13, 2000.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V138000
Reported May 17, 2000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Model year 2000
Vehicle description: a windshield wiper control module may not be capable of carrying the current required during high load conditions on the wipers (I.E., ice, snow, or other debris).
Consequence:
This condition could result in inoperative wipers with no advance warning.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the wiper control modules and replace if necessary.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V083000
Reported Mar 20, 2000
Seat Belts › Front › Retractor
Model year 2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with the left rear seat belt retractor attaching bolts incorrectly tightened.
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will tighten the retractor mounting bolts to the specified torque.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 00V050000
Reported Feb 17, 2000
Air Bags › Frontal
Model year 2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with lower than the intended level of torque on the bolts that attach the air bag electronic crash sensor module to the vehicle.
Consequence:
A loose module could result in a delayed air bag deployment in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will tighten the air bag electronic crash sensor attaching bolts.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 98V322000
Reported Dec 16, 1998
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Model years 1995–1999
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 Ford Crown Victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 Lincoln Town Car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 Ford Crown Victoria police, fleet, and NGV vehicles and 1990-1996 Lincoln Town Car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
Consequence:
If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 97V024000
Reported Mar 4, 1997
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Model years 1995–1997
Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
Consequence:
Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.
Remedy:
Dealers will install an improved hood latch striker (vehicles with 1992 model hoods) or revised striker plate attaching fasteners (vehicles with 1993-1997 model hoods).
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 96V135000
Reported Jul 18, 1996
Steering › Linkages
Model years 1995–1996
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.
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
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.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 96V070000
Reported Apr 22, 1996
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Model year 1996
When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in FMVSS No. 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Consequence:
The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 96V045000
Reported Mar 5, 1996
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Model year 1995
The rivets holding the rear outboard belt d-rings were not heat treated properly causing the heads of the rivets to fracture under load and fail to hold the d-rings to the straps. This does not conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages."
Consequence:
Consequence of non-compliance: this condition can reduce the restraining capabilities of the safety belt in the event of an accident.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a reinforcement plate on the rear outboard seat belt assembly anchorages involved in this campaign.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 95V189000
Reported Oct 2, 1995
Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Model year 1995
These vehicles were built with the non-cycling power window circuit breaker and the cycling headlamp circuit breaker interchanged.
Consequence:
In the event of a short or overload in the headlampcircuit, both headlamps can go out without warning, rather than flashing as intended with the cycling circuit breaker. This could lead to reduced night time driver visibility, increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect these vehicles, remove the circuit breaker and reinstall the breaker in the correct locations.
Filed by Ford Motor Company
NHTSA campaign 95V063000
Reported Mar 27, 1995
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Model year 1995
The seal material between the fuel filler pipe and fuel tank may not have been fully cured during the molding process which could allow for fuel leakage.
Consequence:
Fuel leakage could result in a vehicle fire if an ignition source were present.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the fuel filler pipe-to-fuel tank seal with a new seal of different material.
Filed by Ford Motor Company

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Ford Crown Victoria questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Ford Crown Victoria have?

NHTSA lists 31 vehicle recall campaigns for the Ford Crown Victoria, covering model years 1995 to 2011. The most recent, 15V861000, was reported on December 22, 2015 and is filed under “Exterior lighting”. The 1996 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Ford Crown Victoria model year has the most complaints?

The 1997 model year, with 288 of the 2,075 complaints in NHTSA’s file (13.9%). The next are 1996 (276) and 1995 (250). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Ford Crown Victoria complaint?

Steering is the component named most often: 363 complaints, or 17.5% of all 2,075. Exterior Lighting (341) and Engine and Engine Cooling (286) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Ford Crown Victoria?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Ford dealer.

How many Ford Crown Victoria complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 2,075 complaints, 137 report a crash, 75 a fire, 84 at least one injury and 7 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Ford models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Ford VIN decoder with every Ford model page, WMI code and VIN note.

Ford F-150 1995–2027 · 158 recalls · 35,790 complaints
Ford Explorer 1995–2027 · 131 recalls · 31,089 complaints
Ford Escape 2000–2026 · 95 recalls · 27,343 complaints
Ford Fusion 2006–2020 · 46 recalls · 22,383 complaints
Ford Focus 1999–2018 · 36 recalls · 22,086 complaints
Ford Windstar 1995–2005 · 33 recalls · 14,108 complaints
Ford Edge 2004–2024 · 43 recalls · 14,009 complaints
Ford Taurus 1995–2019 · 52 recalls · 12,702 complaints

All Ford models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.

Ford Crown Victoria complaints by model year

Most-reported Ford Crown Victoria components

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

Ford Crown Victoria recalls

Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft

Steering

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control

Vehicle Speed Control

Suspension › Front › Hub

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

Visibility › Windshield

Electrical System › 12V/24V/48V Battery › Cables

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

Suspension › Rear

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly

Wheels

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Air Bags

Equipment › Mechanical › Integrated Jack/Leveler/Stabilizer

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

Seat Belts › Front › Retractor

Air Bags › Frontal

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch

Steering › Linkages

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap

How to read this recall list

Ford Crown Victoria questions

How many recalls does the Ford Crown Victoria have?

Which Ford Crown Victoria model year has the most complaints?

What is the most common Ford Crown Victoria complaint?

Does every recall on this page apply to my Ford Crown Victoria?

How many Ford Crown Victoria complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Other Ford models