1995 Ford Crown Victoria

Above average

Owners filed 250 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering › linkages. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

38 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 98,007 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering › Linkages65
203
Vehicle Speed Control8
112
Suspension › Front8
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission8
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint7
201
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System7
000
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip7
301
Steering6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings6
000

12 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering15E082000
Filed Oct 6, 20151,767 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

Defect. Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.

Risk. If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control08V051000
Filed Feb 4, 2008225,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Vehicle Speed Control07V336000
Filed Aug 3, 20073,600,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly02I003000
Filed Oct 15, 2002350,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.

Risk. SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.

Remedy. FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI VEHICLES.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint98V322000
Filed Dec 16, 1998175,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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).

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings98I001000
Filed Apr 7, 1998167,742 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.

Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch97V024000
Filed Mar 4, 1997125,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

Risk. 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).

Steering › Linkages96V135000
Filed Jul 18, 199672,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

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.

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage96V045000
Filed Mar 5, 199649,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers95V189000
Filed Oct 2, 199545,000 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE NON-CYCLING POWER WINDOW CIRCUIT BREAKER AND THE CYCLING HEADLAMP CIRCUIT BREAKER INTERCHANGED.

Risk. 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.

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Apr 15, 2019116,000 milesPA

STEERING SHAFT IS BAD, EXCESSIVE RUST TO THE U JOINT IS CAUSING VARY STIFF STEERING AND STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP IN TURNS

Air Bags
Filed Jan 15, 2017118,000 milesNE

STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE, FEELS LIKE IT COULD COME. AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, CRUISE CONTROLNOT WORKING CORRECTLY. ALL THESE THINGS ARE SAFETY RELATED AND SHOULD BE FIXED. I THINK STEERING WHEEL SHOULD BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE, SINCE IT'S A MAJOR PROBLEM.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 5, 2013181,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF WHILE IN DRIVE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) AND CALLED THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 3, 2013215,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE HORN FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 215,000.

Suspension
Filed Jul 11, 2013192,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING A RESIDENTIAL DRIVE WAY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT FRACTURED AND SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 98V322000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 192,000.

Suspension
Filed Nov 29, 201193,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FELL TO THE GROUND AND THE TIRE BUCKLED INWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BALL JOINT HAD COME OUT FROM THE SOCKET AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 15, 201183,000 milesAL

I HAVE A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WITH 83,000 MILES ON IT. THE CONTROL ARM DROPPED AND HIT THE ROAD, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. LUCKY FOR US WE WERE GOING SLOW TURNING INTO A PLACE OF BUSINESS, IF WE WERE GOING FAST IT COULD HAVE BEEN BAD NEWS. THIS CAR STARTED A SQUEAK ON THE FRONT A LITTLE WHILE AGO, I GUESS IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH IT. I HAVE NOTICED ALOT OF 90'S AND SOME 2000'S MODEL FORDS HAVE THIS SAME SQUEAK. I CONTACTED FORD, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY MODEL, I TOLD THEM THERE SHOULD BE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 7, 2010118,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 16, 201094,000 milesKY

1995 CROWN VICTORIA HAD A BLOW OUT ON THE EXPRESSWAY AT 55 MPH AT ABOUT MIDNIGHT AFTER PICKING UP OUR GRANDSON FROM THE AIRPORT DON'T KNOW FOR SURE IF BALL JOINT BROKE FIRST OR TIRE DID MY HUSBAND MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HITTING ANY THING. THIS HAPPENED MAY 24TH 2009 THE OTHER BALL JOINT JUST BROKE TODAY AUGUST 16 2010 CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 5MPH WHEN IT HAPPENED TODAY. WHAT ARE THE ODDS THIS WAS JUST A COINCIDENCES OR THIS WAS A DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WE WERE LUCKY. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Jul 30, 201051,717 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 60 TO 70 MPH AND ENGAGED THE CRUISE CONTROL; HOWEVER, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY REFUSED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS FUNCTIONAL BEFORE THE RECALL REMEDY REPAIR WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,717. UPDATED 09/28/10 *BF THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AFTER THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS INSPECTED. UPDATED 10/01/10

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 29, 2008130,000 milesMD

FIRST RELATED SYMPTOM: FEW YEARS AGO BRAKE LINES RUSTED UNDER THE HOOD. ORIGINAL REMEDY: I HAVE PAINTED THEM TO PROTECT THEM FROM FURTHER RUST. CURRENT ISSUE: 12/26/2008 BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHED ON DURING DRIVE TO WORK. 12/26/2008 BRAKE PEDAL GOT SOFT ON THE WAY BACK TO HOME. 12/27/2008 I HAVE CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID. IT WAS LOW. I HAVE BOUGHT AND ADD MORE FLUID (CAR WAS NOT MOVED THIS DAY). WHILE FLUID WAS ADDED I STARTED THE ENGINE AND IN PARK GEAR I HAVE PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL. IT REMAINED SOFT. FLUID GOT LOW AGAIN... THERE WAS A FLUID ON THE PAVEMENT BETWEEN REAR AXLE AND THE FUEL TANK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR. SPEED OF BREAK DETERIORATION AND SPEED AT WHICH CAR IS LOOSING FLUID MIGHT LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. VEHICLE: CROWN VICTORIA 1995, WITH ABS AND TRACTION ASSIST. BREAK LINES HAVE CORRODED SEVERAL YEARS AGO, NOW FIRST HAS DEVELOPED LARGE LEAK. I WILL HAVE TO REPAIR THE CAR IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THIS IS FIRST TIME I WILL REPAIR THE LINES. THE VEHICLE HAS 130K MILES. I HAVE NEVER SEEN OTHER VEHICLE WITH SUCH BRAKE LINE CORROSION. *TR

Suspension
Filed Oct 28, 2008140,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING STEERING FAILURE. HE STATED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WERE LOOSE ON THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE TIGHTER. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V135000 (STEERING:LINKAGES). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 140,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 7, 2008125,000 milesKY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE LINE EXPLODED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98I001000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 1, 2008KY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. IN AUGUST OF 2007, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. SINCE THAT TIME, SHE HAS BEEN INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE THE FOLLOWING MONTH. IN JANUARY OF 2008, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE, RECALL NUMBER, AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 163,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint1 injured
Filed Nov 14, 2007NC

FRONT DRIVER BALL JOINT DESIGN DESIGNED FOR FAILURE, UNDER NORMAL USE LOWER BALL JOINT RAPIDLY DETERIORATES AND CAUSES AN UNSAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR VEHICLE. STEERING BECOMES ERRATIC AND STEERING WHEEL FEELS LOOSE. *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 30, 2007125 milesCT

JULY 2006 MY CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A BRAKE SWITCH AND CRUISE CONTROL WIRING PROBLEM I NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY RECALL OR PROBLEM WITH SUCH HAPPENINGS THEY TOLD ME NO. AUGUST 2007- I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY CROWN VICTORIA THAT THIS PROBLEM DOES EXIST= I ALMOST LOST MY CAR TO THIS FIRE I HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY MECHANIC IN JULY THEY SAME DAY THE FIRE HAPPENED I HAD IT FLATBEDDED TO HIS GARAGE. IN SEPTEMBER 2007- I BROUGHT THE RECALL LETTER AND THE BILL TO MANTILLA FORD TO SEE ABOUT A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS PROBLEM JUST LIKE THE RECALL LETTER TOLD ME TO DO WITH ALL THE APPROPRIATE BILLS ETC. I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT MANTILLA THAT THEY WOULD GIVE IT TO THEIR REGIONAL MANAGER AND HE WILL CALL ME.. ON OCTOBER 26, 2007 I CALLED MANTILLA BECAUSE I HEARD NOTHING THEY SAID HE WOULD CALL ME TODAY WELL NOW OCTOBER 30, 2007 I HAVE HEARD NOTHING AT ALL. I ONLY WANT THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED AND REIMBURSEMENT FOR A REPAIR PER THE RECALL WHICH I THINK I AM ENTITLED TO. BUT I AM HAVING NO SATISFACTION AT ALL--CAN YOU HELP ME DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME IN JULY AND THEN IN AUGUST I GET A RECALL FOR THE PROBLEM I JUST WENT THROUGH WHICH WAS SCARY AND COSTLY I HOPE THIS IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO COMPLAIN IF NOT PLS CONTACT ME OR EMAIL ME EITHER WAY. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Oct 20, 200747,000 milesNC

HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATS AND CAUSES A TEMPORARY FAILURE OF ENTIRE VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM. THIS IS A DOCUMENTED PROBLEM WHICH HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Oct 19, 2007140,931 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE VEHICLE WAS A FLEET. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V322000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,931 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 141,000. UPDATED 11/15/07 *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 19, 200793,402 milesMI

FORD CROWN VICTORIA RUSTED OIL PAN AND BRAKE FAILURE. CUSTOMER STATES THE BRAKES FAILED WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE OIL PAN RUSTED AND WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED ON A MAINTENANCE SERVICE. *KB UPDATED 12/12/07 *BF WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED, FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM UNDER THE LEFT/CENTER BODY. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE BRAKE LINE WAS ENCLOSED IN THE FRAME CHANNEL AND THE BODY WOULD HAVE TO BE LIFTED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE REPAIR. *JB UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator ModuleFire
Filed Sep 6, 2007147,000 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CARPORT, THE MIDDLE OF THE STEERING WHEEL MELTED FROM THE AIR BAG MODULE INSIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AS A RESULT, THE AIR BAG IS HANGING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THERE IS A STRONG SMELL PRESENT FROM THE AIR BAG MELTING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL, HOWEVER, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 147,000.

20 of 250 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1992
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201123200Routine
201012200Routine
200944220Routine
200850331Fatalities reported
200750411Fatalities reported
200653301Fatalities reported
2005193621Fatalities reported
2004138340Routine
2003249740Above average
200258530Routine
200153720Routine
2000851020Routine
1999134841Fatalities reported
19981191060Routine
199728811150Above average
199627612164Fatalities reported
1995 — this page25012110Above average
19941927142Fatalities reported
19931829114Fatalities reported
19923109243Fatalities reported
199155450Routine
199043370Routine

Compare every Crown Victoria year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 6, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.