“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 FORD crown victoria. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the engine warning light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The engine then began to overheat. The contact pulled over to further inspect the vehicle and noticed steam near the engine. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they stated that because the intake manifold was made out of plastic, it failed.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 28, 2008 at 91,000 miles
“I own a !997 crown victoria, which overheated due to a crack in the intake manifold. I have owned this vehicle since 4-06-2002, and did not know about the recall until I looked it up on the internet! I had to pay for the repair myself, I think I should have been notified by FORD! *jb”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 15, 2007 at 93,608 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1997 Crown Victoria peaked in 2003, with 34 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 27% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.
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.
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.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings05V086000
Filed Mar 14, 200543,626 vehiclesFord Motor Company
Defect. 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.
Risk. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 10 name the 1997 Crown Victoria.
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEADDefect petition DP05005Closed
Opened Sep 22, 2005Closed Jan 4, 2006engine
On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 FORD vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or the dealer repairing the vehicle, reported that a spark plug detached from the cylinder and/or ejected from the engine.as of december 8, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations where the alleged defect resulted in a loss of vehicle control, a crash, an injury, or a fatality in …
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILUREEngineering analysis EA03012Closed
Opened Jul 25, 2003Closed Apr 11, 2005Led to recall 05V086000brakes
In a letter dated february 25, 2005, FORD motor company (FORD) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (FORD no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 FORD crown victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electronic traction control that werebuilt after march 19, 1997.these vehicles have an additional rear brake line and a mastic patch causing reduced clearance from a stiffening rib in the floor pan.odi?s analysis showed higher complaint and warranty rates related to rear brake line …
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURERecall query RQ03004Closed
Opened Mar 11, 2003Closed Jul 25, 2003brakes
Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from FORD.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database for peer vehicle complaints, using the same brake line failure criteria as for the subject vehicles and the same model years (1995-97), identified only 1 complaint involving general motors caprice/implala/88/98/regal vehicles and only 2 complaints involving chrysler lh-cars.the …
CNG TANK EXPLOSIONEngineering analysis EA03001Closed
Opened Jan 27, 2003Closed Nov 19, 2003Led to recall 03V472000fuel system
In september 2002, a fuel cylinder in a natural gas powered vehicle (ngv) exploded during a fire.FORD and vrtc test engineers jointly examined the incident vehicle and reviewed testing to determine whether the performance of the pressure relief valve (prd) was proper.the purpose of a prd is to protect a compressed natural gas tank from overpressure by allowing the cng to vent when the temperature reaches a specific point.the prd was removed from the failed tank and subjected to a yield temperature determination test. It was concluded that a direct flame (from the interior of the vehicle) onto …
BALL JOINT SEPARATIONRecall query RQ03002Closed
Opened Jan 3, 2003Closed Jun 3, 2003suspension
See attached report.
CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIREPreliminary evaluation PE02071Closed
Opened Oct 1, 2002Closed Jan 27, 2003fuel system
An explosion of a compressed natural gas (cng) tank should not be able to occur, as the tank is fitted with a pressure relief device (prd). This prd should release the cng in the tank, prior to the pressure reaching the tank burst pressure.the prd did not release in the subject wisconsin police cruiser explosion.NHTSA has recovered the prd valve from the tank that exploded and testing will be necessary to establish why this tank safety valve did not release in the very high temperature fire that occurred in the police cruiser.there is only the single known event, but due to the catastropic …
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRESEngineering analysis EA02025Closed
Opened Sep 6, 2002Closed Jun 30, 2004engine
Based on the low rate of fire incidents (2.5 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold) where failure of the scds is involved and the age of the vehicles ? 7 to 11 years ? A safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
FUEL-FED FIRESDefect petition DP02007Closed
Opened Aug 22, 2002Closed Dec 4, 2002throttle and acceleration
The fars data shows that the risk of fire from impact in all directions in the subject vehicles is the same as all other sedans.the subject vehicles are not over represented with respect to the risk of fire in real-world high-energy crashes.a further discussion of issues related to post crash fires in the subject vehicles is set out in the closing report for sq 01-014 and that report is in the docket for this petition.after reviewing the petition and its supporting materials, as well as information furnished by FORD and GM, and information within the agency's possession from previous …
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRESInvestigation SQ01014Closed
Opened Nov 27, 2001Closed Oct 3, 2002fuel system
There is no summary currently available
FRONT SEAT ANCHOR BOLT FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE98041Closed
Opened Jul 23, 1998Closed Sep 29, 1998seats
The driver's seat, of the subject split-seat configuration, is secured to the vehicle floor pan with four bolts.a single bolt is located at both the front and rear of each of the two seat tracks.these tracks are located on each side of the seat.if the outboard-forward bolt fails, the seat is retained by 3 remaining bolts.when retained by 3 bolts, the rearward movement of the left side of the seat back is limited to approximately 4 inches.this was determined by FORD testing and confirmed by odi.this minimal movement should not cause a driver to experience difficulties controlling the …
Technical service bulletins
167 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Crown Victoria. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
transmission 29engine 23fuel system 22brakes 13electrical system 13body and frame 12equipment 10visibility 6
04B26Service campaignFeb 28, 2005brakes
ABRASION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBE NEAR THE FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB AND THE #3 TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER. ADVANCE NOTICE-CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B26. *TT
SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 05N04 - EXTENDED COVERAGE FOR COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS PROGRAM IS BEING PROVIDED AS A SETTLEMENT TO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THE TERMS OF THE SETTLEMENT EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ALL-COMPOSITE INTAKE MANIFOLD TO 7 YEARS FROM THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY START DATE OF THE VEHICLE, WITH NO LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF MILES THAT THE …
SOME DEDICATED CNG VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS DUE TO A LOSS OF INJECTOR PERFORMANCE, RESULTING FROM FUEL QUALITY. LOSS OF POWER AT HEAVY LOAD, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) FOR LEAN FUEL, ROUGH IDLE, HARD START, PLUGGED CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND NO START CONDITION. *TT
SOME DEDICATED CNG VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS OF HARD START / NO START / ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 23 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Apr 7, 2023170,000 milesVA
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 19, 2017200,000 milesGA
WIPER LIVE 4 IN SPOT EYE LEVEL CANT SEE IN RAIN REPLACE ARM AND WIPER BLADE STILL HAVE SPOT.
Engine
Filed Feb 3, 201775,000 milesNC
THE CAR HAS A FIBER GLASS INTAKE AND MY CAR HAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES..A FIBERGLASS INTAKE IS A DEFECTED PRODUCT FOR THIS PART OF A ENGINE,BECAUSE OF THE HEAT.I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND EVEN PAID FOR THE EXTENDED WARRENTY..FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD REPLACE THIS DEFECT PART,,FOR FREE..I HAD TO PARK MY CAR OVER 3 YEARS AGO..
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 26, 201675,000 milesNJ
HYDRAULIC LINE TO REAR BRAKE FAILED (RUPTURED) CAUSING IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH DRIVER FRONT FLOOR PAN AT LOCATION OF INTEREST MENTIONED IN RECALL/"SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM". OWNER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING NOTICE WHICH INCLUDES INSPECTION OF BRAKE LINES, REPLACEMENT OF CLIPS (TO AVOID WEAR) AND POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINE AND BLEEDING IF NEEDED.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2016151,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, CLOCK, AND RADIO LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
SteeringCrashFire
Filed Nov 20, 201542,000 milesMA
DRIVING EAST ON ALLEN STREET IN SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS STEERING CONTROL LOCKED UP RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH A GAS STATION PUMP POLICE CRASH REPORT ID 15-3725-AC CAR WAS TOTALLED OUT WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE NO NOISE WAS HEARD SECONDS BEFORE CRASH. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REPLACEMENT PARTS BUT WONDER IF THE OEM PARTS COULD FAIL RESULTING IN CRASH.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2015200,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRES, TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS, BRAKES, AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE KEPT RECURRING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AN UNKNOWN ELECTRIC FAILURE THAT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 25, 2015GA
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. VEHICLE HAS HAD REPAIRS DONE IN THE PAST AND STILL RECEIVES SAME PROBLEMS DUE TO RECALL. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHUT DOWN. A DIAGNOSE REVEALED A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED, THE CONSUMER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY MORE PROBLEMS UNTIL THE SUMMER 2014 WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM RECURRED. AGAIN, THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. *JB
Wheels
Filed Sep 17, 2014166,000 milesCA
A RECALL ON FORD CROWN VICTORIA 1996-1999 BUILT FROM MARCH 15 1996 - DECEMBER 14 1998 AT THE ST.THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT SEPARATION HAD REPORTED INCIDENTS. AFTER SPEAKING WITH FORD IT IS UNKNOWN WHY MY VEHICLE THAT WAS BUILT DURING TIME FRAME AT THE ST THOMAS ASSEMBLY PLANT WAS NOT INCLUDED ON THE RECALL. IT SHOULD OF BEEN. AFTER SPEAKING WITH FORD IT IS UNKNOWN WHY IT WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE PARTS MENTIONED ABOVE FAILED AND NEARLY CAUSING A ACCIDENT LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT TRAVELING AT A HIGH SPEED WHEN INCIDENT TOOK PLACE. I ADDRESSED THE SAFETY ISSUES FOR VEHICLES THAT FAILED TO BE INCLUDED. FORD ADVISED ME THAT THERE WAS NO REPORTING AGENCY THAT COULD ADD MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS EVERY BIT OF PROOF THAT INDEED IT SHOULD OF BEEN INCLUDED ON THAT LIST. THE AGENT VERIFIED MY VEHICLE INFORMATION AND HAD NO REASON OF WHY IT HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED. IF YOU HAVE A VEHICLE BUILT BETWEEN THE ABOVE TIME FRAME. AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MENTIONED IN THIS RECALL. MAKE SURE THAT TAKE ACTION REGARDING THESE PARTS TO AVOID SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. ERROR WAS MADE ON THAT RECALL. *TR
Steering
Filed May 30, 2014260,000 milesTN
THE THREE BOLTS HOLDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX TO THE FRAME FAILED DUE TO CORROSION ALLOWING THE UNIT TO BECOME SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME LEADING TO A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2013195,000 milesTN
WAS DRIVING ALONG AND THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND WENT OUT. OVER THE PASS YEAR IT HAS INTERMITTENTLY DONE THE SAME. IT HAPPENED AGAIN ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND FORTUNATELY I HAD JUST STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. EACH TIME IT TOOK ABOUT 3 TO 5 MINUTES TO COME BACK ON. IT IS VERY DISCONCERTING SINCE THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SO PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS LIGHTLY, I USE THE EXPRESSWAY A LOT AND AM DRIVING IN VERY CONGESTED TRAFFIC MOST OF THE TIME. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT FORD HAS DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM SINCE THERE ARE SO MANY OCCURRENCES WITH THESE TYPE OF VEHICLES ONLINE. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A MAJOR ACCIDENT OCCURS. ALSO MOST PEOPLE LIKE ME CANNOT AFFORD THESE EXPENSIVE REPAIRS THAT ARE NOT DUE TO ORDINARY WEAR AND TEAR, BUT A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM. IF NO ACTION IS TAKEN IT WILL BE QUITE A DISAPPOINTMENT BECAUSE THESE CARS ARE VERY POPULAR AND YOUNGER PEOPLE ARE BUYING THEM WHICH BECOMES MORE SCARY IN LIGHT OF THE KIND OF DRIVERS THEY ARE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 29, 201097,500 milesNJ
WHILE DRIVING IN NJ, THE MANIFOLD BLEW AND MADE THE VEHICLE INOPERATIVE. LUCKILY, MY MECHANIC CAME AND TOWED THE CAR TO HIS GARAGE. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A PRESSURE TEST AND DETERMINED THAT THE 'PLASTIC MANIFOLD' HAD BLOWN. THE ORIGIN OF THE FLUID LEAK WAS BEHIND THE ALTERNATOR. THEN WE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM BACK IN 2004-5. I NEVER KNEW, NOR WAS I NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. THE CAR WAS JUST INTO THE FORD DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON, NO DISCUSSION WAS MADE ABOUT THIS MANIFOLD PROBLEM ... THEY EVEN CHECKED FOR ANY PREVIOUS TECHNICAL BULLETINS. SO, NOW WHAT HAPPENS?
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 16, 2010167,000 milesNV
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POLICE INTERCEPTOR. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MPH THE BRAKES FAILED. SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE BUT IT DID NOT STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET IT HAD TO BE PUSHED ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED HER OF RECALL 98I001000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC FOUNDATION, HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WHO ADVISED HER THAT HER VEHICLE WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE PRE-OWNED VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY 2005. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 167,000.
Suspension › Front
Filed Nov 4, 201098,015 milesNC
I OWN A 1997 CROWN VICTORY , WITH 98015 MILES, AND WITHIN 6 MO. OF EACH EVENT I HAVE HAD 3 LOWER BALL JOINTS TO FALLING OUT. PLEASE TELL ME IF FORD DOING ANYTHING TO KEEP PEOPLE DRIVING 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORY SAFE? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE PERSON THAT IS DRIVING AND THE ON COMING PERSON, WHICH COULD BE FORD MOTOR COMPANY CEO, OR WORST HIS WIFE, OR MY WIFE !!!!!!!! *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 14, 201090,000 milesKY
I OWN A 1997 CROWN VIC LESS THAN 100 THOUSAND MILES. BOUGHT THE CAR 2 YEARS AGO AT DEALERSHIP IN LOUISVILLE KY. FOUND OUT THERE WAS RECALLS ON VEHICLE AFTER PURCHASE WAS TOLD CARMAX WAS GOOD. NOW HERE I SIT WITH A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH WAS RECALLED, BUT NOONE EVERY FIXED IT. SOMEONE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS, YES WAS A RECALL SHOULDN'T THERE BE A LAW TO MAKE SOMEONE STAND BEHIND THE CRACK INTAKE MANIFOLD THIS WAS A 1 OWNER WHEN I BOUGHT IT WITH ONLY LIKE 60000 MILES,. *TR
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint
Filed Mar 2, 201050,017 milesNJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE DANGERS OF THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THERE ISN'T A RECALL THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,017. UPDATED 04/01/10. *LJ THE LOWER SUSPENSION SUPPORT STUCK THE PAVEMENT AND THE WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE STEERING MECHANISM, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE UNCONTROLLABLE. UPDATED 06/07/10*JB THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND TOTALED. THE ACCIDENT WAS NOT RELATED TO THE BALL JOINT FAILURE. UPDATED 06/30/10.*JB
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 23, 2010NY
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CRUISE CONTROL PROBLEM *CW THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. HE WENT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE REPLACEMENT PART INSTALLED WHICH ONLY TOOK A FEW MINUTES. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO TEST THE CRUISE CONTROL AND SOON DISCOVERED THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT WORK. THE CRUISE ON LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. AFTER THE PART WAS INSTALLED, THE MECHANIC DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE FOR A TEST DRIVE. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TURNED AROUND AND DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $87.00 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC BECAUSE THE TROUBLE SHOOTING/DIAGNOSTIC WAS NOT AUTHORIZED/COVERED BY THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS WORKING PERFECTLY BEFORE THE REPLACEMENT PART WAS INSTALLED. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 8, 200960,140 milesNY
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND THOUGHT A COOLANT HOSE HAD RUPTURED BUT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC'S PLACE OF BUSINESS WAS TOLD THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD CRACKED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AFTER RESEARCHING I FOUND THAT FORD HAD ISSUED A RECALL FOR ONLY A FEW MODELS EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THEIR 8 CYLINDER 4.6 ENGINES UTILIZED THE SAME DEFECTIVE "COMPOSITE" INTAKE MANIFOLD. MY CROWN VICTORIA IS A 1997 WITH 60,000 ORIGINAL MILES! *TR
Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Jul 9, 200985,000 milesOH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM SEPARATED FROM THE BALL JOINT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS SCRAPING THE GROUND. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE PROVIDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT RECALL REGARDING THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 85,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 29, 2008201,000 milesTN
WHILE CHECKING THE OIL IN THE CAR, WE NOTICED A CRACK IN THE INTAKE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM LIKE WITH THE FIREBIRD INTAKE RECALLS. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 1, 2008NY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V051000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL). THE SPEED CONTROL SWITCH WAS DEACTIVATED AT THE COST OF $100. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE DEALER CHARGED HER FOR THE REPAIR AND WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. ONE YEAR LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE ADVISING HER TO RETURN TO THE DEALER TO FINISH THE REPAIR. SHE HAS NOT HAD THE REPAIR COMPLETED. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE INVOICE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Sep 27, 200867,660 milesAR
INTAKE PLASTIC MANIFOLD CRACKED CAUSING LOSS OF COOLANT. VEHICLE HAD 67660 MILES ON IT. THIS IS THE SECOND CROWN VIC WE HAVE OWNED AND IT WILL BE THE LAST. THE FIRST ONE'S TRANSMISSION WENT OUT JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. WE HAD TO BUY A SECOND CROWN VIC DUE TO THE STEERING MODIFICATIONS NECESSARY FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE AND THE CROWN VIC IS THE ONLY CAR AT THE TIME THAT COULD BE MODIFIED TO THE NECESSARY STANDARDS. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Sep 24, 2008NY
UNACCEPTABLE OUTCOME OF 1997 CROWN VICTORIA FORD SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION PROGRAM. CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS SPEED CONTROL WAS WORKING BEFORE BEING DEACTIVATED. *NJ THE CONSUMER DECIDED TO TEST THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DISCOVERED THE CRUISE ON LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. *JB UPDATED 10/17/08. *JB
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Aug 28, 200891,000 milesVA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE ENGINE THEN BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO FURTHER INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED STEAM NEAR THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT BECAUSE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC, IT FAILED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY OVER $3,000 TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 6, 2008105,000 milesNJ
STEEL BRAKE LINE ON 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA RUSTED OUT. BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT MAKING THE BRAKES INOPERATIVE. HAD REPAIRS DONE AT LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THIS IS A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 3, 200865,500 milesMD
I RECENTLY DETERMINED THAT I NOW HAVE A LEAKING FRONT COVER/INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET/CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA 4.6 LITER V-8 WHICH WILL REQUIRE IMMEDIATE REPAIR. HAD THIS DEFECT MANIFESTED ITSELF BACK IN 2005, I WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY THE CHAMBERLAN V. FORD SETTLEMENT BUT CLASS MEMBERS HAD TO SEEK REIMBURSEMENT BY MARCH 16, 2006. SINCE MY 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA HAS ONLY RECENTLY STARTED LEAKING COOLANT, I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO FORK OVER THE REPAIR MONIES MYSELF. IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF FORD REPAIRING THIS MANUFACTURING DEFECT GRATIS? F
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed May 14, 2008100,000 milesNC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT FELT A STRONG GUST OF HEAT COMING THROUGH HER VENTS. SHE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. A LOCAL MECHANIC CAME TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED HER THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WITH AN IRON INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 100,000. UPDATED 06/17/08. *LJ
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Apr 22, 2008120,000 milesOH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED AND WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE IS RELATED TO THE RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AFTER THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE HAD AN INTERCEPTING MOTOR AND WAS TOWED. THE VIN WAS NOT LEGIBLE DUE TO THE FIRE. THE ENGINE SIZE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Mar 31, 2008PA
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WITH SPEED CONTROL RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART. DEALER TOLD HER THEY WERE GOING TO ORDER IT. SHE STATES AS OF MARCH 14TH DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. *KB
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Mar 11, 200898,000 milesDC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A LOCAL MECHANIC REPAIRED THE HEATER CORE AND MANIFOLD, BUT NOW THERE IS AN OIL LEAK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE STATING THAT THE SPEED CONTROL COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE REPAIRS WERE MADE BY AN UNAUTHORIZED MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,705 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 29, 2008WI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. SHE IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE DEALER DISCONNECTED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND ADVISED HER THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL DECEMBER OF 2007. SHE CALLED THE DEALER BACK IN DECEMBER AND THEY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN MAY OF 2008. THE CONTACT HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Feb 28, 2008NY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN AUGUST OF 2007. THE RECALL REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,500. UPDATED 03-25-08 *BF UPDATED 03/25/08 *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 20, 200843,300 milesVA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT HAD THE DEALER REMOVE THE SPEED CONTROL ON THE VEHICLE. HE WAS INFORMED THAT IT WOULD BE REPLACED BY MID DECEMBER OF 2007. AS OF FEBRUARY 20, 2008, THE SPEED CONTROL HAS YET TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT IS CURRENTLY BEING INFORMED THAT THE PART MAY BE AVAILABLE IN APPROXIMATELY MAY OR JUNE OF 2008. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000. UPDATED 03/11/08
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 4, 2008AL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A FORD RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. HE IMMEDIATELY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AND A FORD REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED HIM THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL OCTOBER. THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS DISCONNECTED ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2007. THE CONTACT CALLED BACK IN DECEMBER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY OF 2008. THE DEALER NEVER CALLED HIM BACK TO INFORM HIM THAT THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE POWERTRAIN AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 02-21-08 *BF
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jan 14, 2008WA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR IS UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 10, 2007FL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V336000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,739. UPDATED 02/15/08. *LJ
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 27, 2007OK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V36000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) IN AUGUST OF 2007. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN NOVEMBER. SINCE THAT TIME, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WOULD BE UNAVAILABLE UNTIL MARCH OF 2008. HE WOULD LIKE HIS VEHICLE REPAIRED, BUT HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL DISCONNECTED. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 01/07/08. *LJ UPDATED 12/31/07. *JB
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 31, 2007NC
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CAUGHT FIRE. CUSTOMER STATES THAT CAR WAS CHECKED BY THE DEALER FOR THE DEFECTIVE PART FOR THE RECALL REGARDING THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE MECHANIC TOLD HIM EVERYTHING WAS FINE. FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *KB ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE FIRE WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICAL.*JB
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Filed Sep 24, 2007143,995 milesNJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CROWN VICTORIA. DURING AN OIL CHANGE, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRACKET THAT ATTACHES TO THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BROKEN. THE CONTACT ALSO SPOKE WITH THE DEALER ABOUT NHTSA#98V322000 SINCE THE BRACKET IS ATTACHED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANTI LOCK BRAKES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,995 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 144,000. UPDATED 3/7/08 *CN THE LOCAL DEALER STATED POOR FACTORY WELD LED TO STRESS WHICH FACILITATED THE FAILURE.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Sep 13, 2007100,000 milesAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. SHE PULLED OVER AND EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE AND WAS TAKEN TO THE JUNK YARD. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 100,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Sep 1, 20078,590 milesVA
INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CRACKED ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO MANIFOLD. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION SUIT IN 2005 WHICH I NEVER WAS TOLD ABOUT. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Aug 15, 200793,608 milesVA
I OWN A !997 CROWN VICTORIA, WHICH OVERHEATED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE SINCE 4-06-2002, AND DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL UNTIL I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET! I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR MYSELF, I THINK I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY FORD! *JB
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master CylinderFire
Filed Jul 6, 2007TX
TL*THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE PARKED. THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE NOTICED SMOKE FILLING UP INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THEN LIFTED THE HOOD AND FLAMES BEGAN TO RISE. THE WIRES TO THE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKES WERE DAMAGED. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED FORD AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THERE WERE RECALLS FOR TRUCKS OF THAT LINE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE FORD DEALER. THE POWER TRAIN AND MILEAGE INFORMATION WERE UNKNOWN.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 9, 200781,991 milesTX
1997 FORD CROWN VIC TRAVELING EAST OF AUSTIN TX AT POSTED HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN A CRACK DEVELOPED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WITH RESULTED IN LOSS OF COOLANT , AND SUBSEQUENTLY MOTOR FUNCTION. TOWED TO AUTHORIZED LINCOLN MERCURY DEALER IN AUSTIN, AND WAS INFORMED BY TOW TRUCK DRIVER THAT THIS WAS VERY COMMON DEFECT FOR THIS MODEL CAR , AND SUGGESTED I CONTACT FORD PEOPLE FOR A RECALL NOTICE. WAS ADVISED BY THE FORD REPRESENTATIVE AT THE 800 TELEPHONE NUMBER PROVIDED IN THE OWNERS MANUEL THAT NO RECALL WAS IN EFFECT HOWEVER, NO COST REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE TO THOSE VEHICLE SEVEN YEARS OR UNDER. A FURTHER PROGRAM THROUGH THE DEALERS MAY ALSO BE AVAILABLE NAMED CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAMMABILITY THIS HAD RESTRICTION OF EIGHT YEARS AND 80000 MILES. MY CAR DIDN'T QUALIFIED FOR EITHER PROGRAM DUE TO AGE AND MILEAGE EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS METICULOUS BEING TAKEN CARE OF AND WAS UNDER 82000 MILES. UPON COMPLETION OF A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION AT A COST OF $1029.98 DOLLARS IT WAS DETERMINED THE ENGINE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AS THE ENGINE MUST HAVE BEEN DAMAGED DUE TO LOSS OF COOLANT AND RESULTANT OVERHEATING. A REPLACEMENT MOTOR WAS QUOTED AT $6000 DOLLARS ON TOP OF THE ALREADY INCURRED $1029.98 DOLLAR EXPENCE. THE CAR WAS JUNK!!! I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND WHY NO RECALL WAS IN EFFECT SINCE FORD KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY HAD MANY SIMILAR REPAIRS IN THEIR SHOP. ALSO INFORMED ALL SIMILAR POLICE MODELS WERE REPAIRED WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS. IF THIS IS SO I CAN'T
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 29, 200764,000 milesMA
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AT 45 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP LIGHT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALMOST TO THE FLOOR SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN. , THEN THE FRONT BRAKES ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOOKED INTO THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED FLUID ON THE GROUND BEHIND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND LATER TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BRAKE LINE ROTTED. *AK
Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise ControlFire
Filed Dec 29, 2006136,000 milesIL
AT 1:15 A.M. ON DECEMBER 27, 2006, I DROVE MY 1997 CROWN VICTORIA FOR APROXIMATLY 20 MILES AND PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. ABOUT AN HOUR AND THIRTY MINUTES LATER, I WAS AWAKEN BY A POPPING SOUND AND THE DOG BARKING. I LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW TO FIND THE CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I THEN CALLED 911 AND RAN OUT TO TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A GARDEN HOSE. THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE BURNED THROUGH THE HOOD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE IN THE AREA OF THE BRAKING SYSTEMS MASTER CILINDER, THEN IGNITED THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE AND ALL PLASTIC COMPONENTS RENDERING THE HOSE INEFECTIVE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED, THE FLAMES HAD SPREAD TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND A MASSIVE PLASTIC / RUBBER FIRE ENSUED.THE FIREMEN DOUSED IT WITH WATER FOR ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES THEN USED A FOAMING AGENT TO EXTINGUISH WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE REMAINS, IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BECAUSE THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS MOSTLY INTACT. I HAD OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS AND HAD IT MAINTAINED ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE ONLY MAJOR REPAIR PERFORMED ON THE CAR WAS REPLACING A DEFECTIVE INTAKE MANIFOLD (THAT TOO SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED, DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF INCIDENTS INVOLVING THAT PERTICULAR MANIFOLD DESIGN). AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE CAUSE OF THIS FIRE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN SEVERAL MODELS MADE BY THE FORD MOTOR COMPANY. TO RESEARCH T
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Dec 28, 200689,000 milesVA
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKED AND LEAKED COOLANT. THE VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 55-60 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, AND THE WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE FAIR. THE CONTACT SAW A PLUME OF WHITE SMOKE FOLLOWING BEHIND HIM. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OR SIGNS OF OVERHEATING. THE DEALER REMOVED AND REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND ADDED ENGINE COOLANT. *AK UPDATED 01/26/07. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 21, 2006NY
97 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AND 97 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS WITH 4.6 V8 ENGINES HAVE BOTH HAD THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED DUE TO CRACKING AND LEAKING COOLANT AND RESULTING IN CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. THIS OWNER JOINED A CLASS-ACTION SUIT HELD IN FEDERAL COURT IN OAKLAND CALIF. AND ON 12-16-05 ISSUED A JUDGMENT RULING THAT FORD WOULD REIMBURSE FOR THIS PROBLEM. A VERY SHORT THREE MONTH PERIOD WAS PROVIDED FOR OWNERS TO CLAIM THIS REIMBURSEMENT. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE COURT REQUIRED NOTIFICATION OF THE OWNERS OF THIS RULING. IF IT DID THIS OWNER DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATION. THE EXPENSE FOR BOTH CARS WAS $1500. FORD NOTIFIED FLEET OWNERS AND OFFERED REPLACEMENT OF THE MANIFOLD. HOWEVER, PRIVATE OWNERS WERE EXCLUDED. IN VIEW OF THIS NOTIFICATION AND THE COURT RULING, REIMBURSEMENT OF THIS EXPENSE SHOULD APPLY TO PRIVATE OWNERS. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Dec 19, 200687,419 milesKS
TL* - THE CONTACT STATES THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS 1997 CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT SAID THAT 8:20 AM ON 12/19/06 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE WHEN HE NOTICE A LARGE TRAIL OF STEAM AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND STEAM AND SMOKE STOPPED, AT WHICH TIME HE OPENED HOOD OF VEHICLE AND NOTICED COOLANT RUNNING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CONTACT CALLED THE FORD DEALERSHIP OF KANSAS. THE FORD DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONTACT THAT THE INTAKE RADIATOR HAD CRACKED. THE REPRESENTATIVE THEN ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PROBLEM AND TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE INTAKE FUEL MANIFOLD BUT, THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED IN 2004. THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO TOLD THE CONTACT THAT THE INTAKE HAD TO HAVE A CRACK IN IT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO HAVE REPAIRS DONE.
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 3, 2006220,000 milesOH
NOTICEABLE DETERIORATION RUST THROUGH OF RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FRAME RAIL ASSEMBLY FORWARD OF THE SHOCK TOWER AND SPRING ASSEMBLY. *2 PART FRAME RAIL, OUTSIDE ASSEMBLY NO APPARENT DETERIORATION BUT PASSENGER SIDE INNER ASSEMBLY HIDDEN BY PLASTIC COVER HAS SEVERE RUST AND SOME AREAS COMPLETE THROUGH. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 288, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Crown Victoria years to avoid: owners filed 288 complaints, 2.3 times as many as a typical Crown Victoria year. The most common complaint is about the engine (27%).
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
The engine: 79 of the 288 complaints (27%) are about it. Owners most often say it overheats (22%), leaks oil or fluid (22%) and smokes or smells of burning (10%). The typical report comes at 84,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria have?
11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 6, 2015. The largest, 07V336000, covered 3,600,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Crown Victoria problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 86,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 84,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
Yes, 10 times. The latest, DP05005 ("SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD"), was opened Sep 22, 2005 and closed Jan 4, 2006.
Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
The manufacturer filed 167 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (29), the engine (23) and the fuel system (22). They include a service campaign, 04B26, filed Feb 28, 2005. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
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.