1996 Ford Crown Victoria

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 276 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline › carburetor system. It has been recalled 12 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
103,582 milesMedian miles at failure

55 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 150,000200,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline › Carburetor System29
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe25
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint19
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings14
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine13
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline12
020
Vehicle Speed Control10
123
Suspension › Front › Control Arm10
000
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System9
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, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly03V472000
Filed Nov 6, 20034,218 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage00V157001
Filed Jun 12, 20001,167 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage00V157002
Filed Jun 12, 20001,129 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

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).

Showing 10 of 12 campaigns, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Aug 2, 2017136,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN OFF A DRIVEWAY ONTO A LOT, THERE WAS A LOUD METAL BRAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE COLLAPSED TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE LOWER BALL JOINT DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE INDEPENDENT PARKING LOT WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. *BF CONSUMER STATED FAULTY RUBBER SEAL WAS DUE TO CORROSION AND MAY HAVE ANOTHER ONE WITH SAME PROBLEM.*JB *BF

Engine
Filed Oct 27, 2015MA

#1 - I CONSTANTLY HAVE MY ENGINE LIGHT ON AND DURING 2 INSPECTIONS I RECEIVED A SAFETY/EMISSIONS RECALL PRINTOUT, DEFECT # DR-1209 FOR MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS. BOTH TIMES I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THEY CLAIMED THERE'S NO RECALL FOR IT. I JUST NOTICED ON THE NHTSA SITE, THAT RECALLS ONLY GO BACK AS FAR AS 1999. THEY ALSO SAID THAT SINCE IT'S NO LONGER A "POLICE OWNED" VEHICLE, THEY WOULDN'T FIX IT. # 2 - I HAVE BEEN GETTING A CONSTANT SEVERE FUEL SMELL THAT PERMEATES THROUGH THE CAR WHICH IS EXACERBATED WITH WARM WEATHER AND OR WHEN THE CAR WARMS UP. #3 - THERE'S A CONSTANT ISSUE OF THE CAR VIBRATING WHEN BEING DRIVEN AT 55 - 60 MPH.

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2014150,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FRACTURED IN THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 3/21/14*CN

Engine
Filed Jan 13, 2014150,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANIFOLD HAD FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL FRACTURE IN THE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURED WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 18, 201135 milesAZ

I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 24TH, 2011 FROM A PRIVATE PARTY WHO SAID, "THE COOLANT LEAK", BUT THE VEHICLE OVER HEATED WHEN I DROVE IT HOME LESS THAN 3 MILES AWAY THE HOOD OF MY CAR WAS SMOKING. AFTER TAKING IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WITH MY FRIEND WHO DROVE HIS CAR TO ENSURE MY SAFETY, MY CAR BEGAN TO OVER HEAT AFTER DRIVING IT FOR 10 MINUTES! I WAS SO FRANTIC THAT I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BURNED UP IN THE CAR. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THE NEXT DAY IT WAS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND INFORM ME THAT THIS MAY BE A RECALL AND TO CHECK WITH THE FORD CORPORATION AND I DID CALLED FORD CORPORATION AND FOUND OUT THIS VEHICLE HAD CONTROL CRUISE HARNESS AND A INTAKE MANIFOLD RECALL ID IS 01M02, THE DEALERSHIP FOR CAMELBACK FORD IN PHOENIX, MR. CHAD MCDOWELL OFFER THIS RECALL NUMBER BUT HIS EMPLOYEE [XXX] OFFER TO HELP ME FIX THE BOTH PROBLEMS, THEN LATER ON NEGATED. I FEEL A RECALL OF ANY VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER BE EXPIRED BASE ON THESE ISSUES OF SAFETY AND REGARDLESS OF A SETTLEMENT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN REACHED, THERE ARE MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO NEED TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIR TO MAKE IT AT LEAST A WHOLE AGAIN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND AVOID A POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH. I FOUND THE RECALL OF THIS INTAKE MANIFOLD OFFERING CONSUMER UP TO $ 750 TO REPAIR THE CAR WITHOUT ANY RECEIPTS? WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE AFTERWARDS, IS THAT FAIR. NOW MY CONCERN IS THAT I AM SMELLING GASOLINE WHEN I AM DRIVING AND I BELIEVED IT MAY HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE GAS LINE OR THE SENSOR, AND I HA

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 17, 2011125,000 milesIL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BROKE. THE CONTACT DID NOT TALK TO THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Structure
Filed Oct 19, 200917,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE WAS POSITIONED INCORRECTLY, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK THAT A FIRE WOULD OCCUR. (HE STATED THAT HE COULD NOT REMEMBER SPECIFICALLY WHAT THE MECHANIC SAID). HE HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OR SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER TO-DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 11, 200982,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR INTAKE MANIFOLD ON THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED OUT OF PLASTIC, WHICH CAUSED ANTI-FREEZE TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE. THE ANTI-FREEZE LEAK WAS NOTICED DUE TO THE BURNING CHEMICAL ODOR AND SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST OVER $1,000 AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. HE WAS DENIED REPAIRS UNDER THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. WHEN THE HEATER WAS ACTIVATED, THE ODOR FROM THE ANTI-FREEZE WAS OVERBEARING IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 82,000. UPDATED 4/16/09 *CN UPDATED 04/20/09. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineFire
Filed Dec 29, 2008196,000 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WHICH WAS PURCHASED IN 2004. SHE NOTICED AN ORANGE FLAME UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND THE FIRE QUICKLY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 196,000. UPDATED 03/17/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/17/09. *JB

Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed May 23, 2008MS

1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT FIRE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE IN AUGUST AND SHE RECEIVED A RECALL IN SEPTEMBER. SHE BELIEVES THAT SHE WASN'T TREATED FAIRLY BY FORD. SHE LOST BOTH CARSEATS, TIRES, BRAKES, AND ROTORS IN THE FIRE. *KB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation ComponentsFire
Filed Apr 30, 2008150,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE BRAKE RESERVOIR CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO FAIL. THE FAILURE ALSO CAUSED THE WHEELS TO LOCK. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL HIS INSURANCE COMPANY FOR A CLAIM. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE TIME OF THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Apr 17, 2008103,582 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIRED FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. THE SAME DAY AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SHE DISCOVERED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TWO TIMES TO HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,582.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Apr 14, 2008111,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE THERMOSTAT STUCK AND BECAME HOT. THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 111,000.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Apr 2, 2008VA

RECALL AND THEN NO AVAILABLE REPLACEMENT PART FOR 6+ MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THERE ARE OVER 700 PEOPLE AHEAD OF ME WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART! *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 30, 2008WI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED AT THAT TIME. HE HAS BEEN INFORMED EVERY MONTH THEREAFTER THAT THE RECALL PART HAS STILL NOT BEEN RECEIVED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 11, 2008SC

FORD RECAL NUMBER 05S28 REPLACE FAULTY SPEED CONTROL HARNESS. I RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECALL DATED AUG OF 2007 AND WENT TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THE SPEED CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED AND THEN THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE PREPLACEMENT PART WAS NOT IN STOCK THE RECALL LETTER STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE 4TH QUARTED OF 07. I CALLED THE DEALER ON MANY OCASSIONS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FROM FORD MOTOR CO. HERE IT IS JAN 2008 AND I STILL DON'T HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 7, 2008NY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH HAS NOT YET BEEN DISCONNECTED. HE NOTIFIED FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND THEY CONTINUE TO INFORM HIM THAT THE PARTS ARE UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. UPDATED 02-19-08 *BF UPDATED 02/19/08 *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 8, 2007160,839 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS DISCONNECTED BY THE DEALER. FORD STATED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 01/09/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED MADE 2 CALLS TO THE DEALER INQUIRING ABOUT THE PART AND REPAIR TO THE CRUISE CONTROL WHICH IS NEEDED BECAUSE OF NERVE DAMAGE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash3 injured
Filed Oct 15, 2007181,615 milesLA

MY 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WAS BEING DRIVEN A 7 MILE DRIVE TO CHURCH ON A SUNDAY MORNING. THE DRIVER OF MY CAR NOTICED THE CAR WAS GOING VERY FAST, (APPROX. 80 MILES PER HOUR.) THE DRIVER STEPPED ON THE BRAKE, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. AFTER RIDING THE BRAKE FOR ABOUT 4 MILES, THE PANICKY DRIVER CALLED A RELATIVE FOR HELP. THE RELATIVE TOLD THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO GET THE DRIVER OUT OF THE DANGER OF THE HIGHWAY. AFTER HOLDING THE BRAKE DOWN FOR SO MANY MILES, THE CAR FINALLY SLOWED TO AROUND 40 MILES PER HOUR. OUR CAR STRUCK A VAN TRYING TO MAKE A TURN INTO THEIR CHURCH PARKING LOT. OUR CAR WAS FILLED WITH SMOKE AND SHAKING VIOLENTLY BEFORE HITTING THE VAN. AFTER BEING EXAMINED BY TWO MECHANICS, OUR CARS ACCELERATION WAS CAUSED BY A FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL. THE CAR'S DAMAGES AS WELL AS THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS MENTAL ANGUISH WAS TREMENDOUS. MY CAR IS STILL SITTING IN A BODY SHOP PARKING LOT WAITING TO BE REPAIRED. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Oct 1, 200799,500 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS WAS ON FIRE. HE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY IF HE COULD PROVIDE PICTURES, A POLICE REPORT, AND THE TITLE BECAUSE A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE SPEED CONTROL. THE CONTACT COULD NOT LOCATE THE POLICE REPORT. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,500 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

20 of 276 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
1996 — this page27612164Fatalities reported
199525012110Above average
19941927142Fatalities reported
19931829114Fatalities reported
19923109243Fatalities reported
199155450Routine
199043370Routine

Compare every Crown Victoria year →

Reading this record

4 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

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.