The Ford Crown Victoria has 51 NHTSA recall campaigns on record covering 1987–2011. On average a defect was admitted 4.89 years after the car was built, the slowest took 20 years. The most recalled system is Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6 campaigns). Owners also filed 2,426 complaints on this model — see what breaks.
What was recalled on the Ford Crown Victoria
Grouped by system. Open any row for the campaigns themselves — what failed, what it risks and how the dealer fixes it, straight from the NHTSA filing.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 6 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (ABS) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the front and rear right side brake lines may be reversed at the ABS hydraulic control unit
Risk. The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the brake line connections and the hydraulic control unit and reposition them free of charge. The recallbegan on april 27, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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…
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
Fuel System, Gasoline 6 Read
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached
Risk. Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached
Risk. Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876
What's wrong. Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector is fully attached
Risk. Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur
Fix. Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2006. Owners may contact ufi filters usa at 800-230-5876
Seat Belts 6 Read
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger and sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans. Equipped with seat belts supplied by trw. It is possible that the driver's and/or front passenger's outboard seat belt buckle may not fully latch. Ford crown victoria built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01 mercury grand marquis built at st. Thomas assembly plant from 4/17/00 - 5/29/01. Lincoln town cars built at wixom assembly plant from 3/27/00 - 5/30/01. Lincoln navigators built at michigan truck plant from 4/11/00 - 5/31/01. Ford windstars built at oakville assembly plant from 3/23/00 - 5/30/01. Ford rangers built at twin cities plant from 3/28/00 - 5/30/01, and also at the edison…
Risk. In the event of a crash, the restraint system may not provide adequate occupant protection, increasing the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant
Fix. Dealers will inspect the front outboard seat belt buckles and if the buckle fails the inspection process, it will be replaced. Owner notification began july 25, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should…
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with the left rear seat belt retractor attaching bolts incorrectly tightened
Risk. In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury
Fix. Dealers will tighten the retractor mounting bolts to the specified torque
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
Steering 5 Read
What's wrong. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed
Risk. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford…
What's wrong. Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate
Risk. If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the…
What's wrong. Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed
Risk. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford…
Electrical System 5 Read
What's wrong. On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable includes a fusible link that may contact and subsequently chafe on a #2 cross member attaching bolt
Risk. This condition may result in heat damage and could lead to a fire
Fix. Dealers will inspect the fusible link and position it away from the cross member bolt. If the fusible link has already chafed and copper wires have been exposed, the fusible link will be replaced. The recall began on november 18, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140
What's wrong. On certain police interceptors (cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located under the vehicle positioned between the exhaust system and the underbody, could sag and possibly contact the surface of the catalytic converter
Risk. If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odor, or smoke which may ultimately result in a fire
Fix. Dealers will remove the existing dash insulator and install a revised design insulator pad free of charge. The recall began on june 3, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. On certain police interceptors (cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located under the vehicle positioned between the exhaust system and the underbody, could sag and possibly contact the surface of the catalytic converter
Risk. If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odor, or smoke which may ultimately result in a fire
Fix. Dealers will remove the existing dash insulator and install a revised design insulator pad free of charge. The recall began on june 3, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
Air Bags 5 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles, limousines, and mini vans were built with a newly designed restraint control module (rcm). In some cases, the rcm does not recognize certain system faults that could result in an air bag or seat belt pre-tensioner unexpectedly activating during the self-test sequence at vehicle start-up
Risk. This condition could result in personal injury
Fix. Dealers will replace the rcm in these vehicles. Owner notification began september 14, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. Vehicle description: minivans and passenger vehicles. A restraint control module (rcm) or a side or front crash sensor may have been assembled with one or more of the screws that mount the circuit board in the housing missing. If some or all of the screws are missing, the performance of the occupant restrains could be affected
Risk. In some cases, less than the intended level of protection in the event of a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect the rcm and crash sensors and, if necessary, replace them
What's wrong. Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with lower than the intended level of torque on the bolts that attach the air bag electronic crash sensor module to the vehicle
Risk. A loose module could result in a delayed air bag deployment in the event of a vehicle crash
Fix. Dealers will tighten the air bag electronic crash sensor attaching bolts
Suspension 4 Read
What's wrong. On certain passenger vehicles, a front wheel bearing and hub assembly may fracture due to improper heat treatment
Risk. If a hub fractures, it may potentially detach from the wheel knuckle, resulting in the wheel being retained only by the brake caliper assembly. As a result, the wheel may separate from the vehicle potentially resulting in a crash
Fix. Dealers will inspect both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies and replace them free of charge. The recall began on june 22, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles
Risk. This could lead to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle shaft fracture. In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would lose drive function and would coast to a stop. Loss of drive function could lead to a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals,and axle shafts. The recall began on july 15, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. 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…
Risk. If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2)
Visibility 2 Read
What's wrong. Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 212, 'windshield mounting.' the windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body
Risk. If the windshield is not properly retained to the vehicle, wind noise, squeak/rattles and/or water leaks may occur. Also, loss of windshield retention may reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash
Fix. Dealers will replace the windshield free of charge. The recall began on november 22, 2006. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673
What's wrong. Vehicle description: a windshield wiper control module may not be capable of carrying the current required during high load conditions on the wipers (I.e., ice, snow, or other debris)
Risk. This condition could result in inoperative wipers with no advance warning
Fix. Dealers will inspect the wiper control modules and replace if necessary
Fuel System, Other 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. On certain natural gas model vehicles, a t-fitting that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the on position or during refueling
Risk. A gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create a combustible mixture and in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire
Fix. Dealers will install a redesigned "t" fitting on #4 fuel tank and tested for leakage. Owner notification began september 13, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact ford at 1-866-436-7332
Vehicle Speed Control 2 Read
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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…
What's wrong. 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
Fix. 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
How long a defect stays unadmitted
Campaign numbers encode the year of the announcement, so each recall on this model can be dated against the car it applies to.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Average gap before admission | 4.89 years |
| Slowest campaign | 20 years |
| Admitted 5+ years later | 41.1% |
| Campaigns on record | 51 |
Which Crown Victoria years were recalled most
Campaigns per model year. A year with more campaigns is not automatically worse — it may simply have sold in far greater numbers.
| Model year | Campaigns | Most recalled system |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Steering | |
| 2010 | Steering | |
| 2009 | Steering | |
| 2008 | Suspension | |
| 2007 | Visibility | |
| 2006 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2005 | Electrical System | |
| 2004 | Electrical System | |
| 2003 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2002 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 2001 | Air Bags | |
| 2000 | Air Bags | |
| 1999 | Seat Belts | |
| 1998 | Seat Belts | |
| 1997 | Seat Belts | |
| 1996 | Seat Belts | |
| 1995 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1994 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1993 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1992 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1991 | Air Bags | |
| 1990 | Air Bags | |
| 1989 | Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| 1988 | Seat Belts | |
| 1987 | Steering |
Check your own car
A campaign applies to a range of production, not to every car of the model. The only way to know whether yours is affected — and whether the repair was already done — is by VIN.
| Step | What you get |
|---|---|
| Enter the VIN above | Open campaigns for that exact vehicle, straight from NHTSA |
| Check the repair status | Whether the free fix has already been carried out on this car |
| Book at any franchised dealer | Recall work is free regardless of age, mileage or owner |
A campaign covers a production range. Yours is one car.
- Check whether this exact VIN is affected — and whether the fix was done
- Alerts if a new campaign lands on a car in your garage
- Full research report as a PDF you can hand to a mechanic
- Decode a whole list of VINs at once
- No ads, on every page
- No ads, no tracking — and much more
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Ford Crown Victoria have?
51 NHTSA campaigns on record, covering 1987–2011. Not every campaign applies to every car — coverage is by production range, so check your VIN.
Is recall work free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer regardless of the car's age, mileage or how many owners it has had. That is a federal requirement, not a courtesy.
How do I know if my Crown Victoria still has an open recall?
Enter its VIN above. We show campaigns that apply to that exact vehicle and whether the repair has already been recorded as done.
Why did a defect take years to be recalled?
On this model the average gap between the car being built and the defect being admitted is 4.89 years, and the slowest campaign came 20 years later. Defects usually surface as they accumulate in the field: complaints pile up, an investigation opens, and only then is a campaign issued.