FaultScore report
Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 1986 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 1995 and 2001. The largest single group is the electrical system.
35
Complaints
1
Crashes reported
16
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 2 fires
0 crashes, 1 fires
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES
ENGINE COMP FIRES
FIRES
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: MANUFACTURER HAS BEENCONTACTED. SERVICE BULLETIN, TSB ARTICLE NO.87-18-13, PROVIDES PROCEDURESFOR REWORKING THE TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINE COUPLING TO THE RADIATOR,WHERE FLUID LEAKS CAN ORIGINATE. THE TSB STATES ... THE QUICK DISCONNECTFITTING SHOULD NOT BE REUSED BECAUSE IT MAY NOT RESEAL PROPERLY AND CANRESULT IN REPEAT REPAIR.VEHICLE POPULATION1985 19861987 FORD 187,300115,600 120,300 MERCURY151,000101,700 122,800 TOT=804,700THE ONE REPORTED INJURY ALLEDGES EYE AND THROAT IRRITATION DUE TO SMOKEAND SOOT. THE FIRES ARE GENERALLY CONFINED TO UNDER...
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Risk: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Fuel System
ON VEHICLES WITH EFI OR CFI, THE SPRING-LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING USED TO CONNECT THE FUEL SUPPLY AND RETURN LINES TO THE EFI FUEL RAILS OR TO THE CFI THROTTLE BODIES AS WELL AS OTHER FUEL LINE CONNECTIONS NEAR THE DASH PANELS ON SOME VEHICLES, COULD DISENGAGE DURING VEHICLE USE. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, LOSS OF FUEL WILL RESULT, PROVIDING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: COUPLING RETAINER CLIPS WILL BE INSTALLED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. NOTE: ESCORT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EFI AND CFI. LYNX VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH CFI ONLY. EFI - ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION CFI - CENTRAL FUEL INJECTION
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 40MPH WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A FUNNY ODOR COMING FROM MY CAR. I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SNOKE BEGAN TO PUUR INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS SOON AS THE LIGHT CHANGED I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK MY CAR. I POPED THE HOOD AND THERE WERE FLAMES . I RAN TO A NEARBY RESTAURANT AND ASKED THEM TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I WENT BACK OUTSIDE TO WAIT FOR THE FIRE DEPT. MY CAR WAS TRYING TO START ITSELF. THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WERE IN MY HAND SO I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY CAR. I HAD IT TOWED HOME AND IT HAS BEEN IN MY DRIVEWAY EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #727935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. THE MANUFACTURER HAD AN INVESTIGATOR OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #818088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED SMELLING SMOKE AND GOT OUT AND THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #801386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSED FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #508553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT FIVE MILES/ PARKED, ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES UPON RETURNING VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #801994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT FIVE MILES/ PARKED, ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES UPON RETURNING VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #801994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IT TAKES THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE STARTING BACK UP. DEALERSHIP AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #895764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL. AFTER VEHICLE SAT FOR 1/2 HOUR IT WOULD RESTART. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #895488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ENGINE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. MY HUSBAND BARELY GOT THE CAR PULLED OVER WITH OUT AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CAR IS PARKED. MY HUSBAND WAS AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN FOR 20 YEARS. HE SAID THE TFI MODULE IS THE FAILED PART.
NHTSA complaint #738968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
GOING AT ANY SPEED, WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLS AND YOU CAN HEAR A WHINING NOISE WHEN THE WHEELS TURN. . HAVE BEEN TO 2 MECHANICS AND EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT GOOD ON ANALYZER. HELP PLEASE! BEFORE I HAVE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #737431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW. I HAVE ALSO HAD A RECENT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STALLING WHENEVER I AM AT A STOP SIGN (OR LIGHT), AND SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE MANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF PARTS REPLACED IE. IGNITION COIL, PLUG WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE CAR STILL STALLS ON OCCASSION. I HEARD THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A WHILE BACK AND RECENTLY ON A PART TO THE IGNITION PLACED INCORRECTLY. I APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS PROBLEM. T
NHTSA complaint #730132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW. I HAVE ALSO HAD A RECENT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STALLING WHENEVER I AM AT A STOP SIGN (OR LIGHT), AND SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE MANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF PARTS REPLACED IE. IGNITION COIL, PLUG WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE CAR STILL STALLS ON OCCASSION. I HEARD THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A WHILE BACK AND RECENTLY ON A PART TO THE IGNITION PLACED INCORRECTLY. I APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS PROBLEM. T
NHTSA complaint #730132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW. I HAVE ALSO HAD A RECENT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STALLING WHENEVER I AM AT A STOP SIGN (OR LIGHT), AND SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE MANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF PARTS REPLACED IE. IGNITION COIL, PLUG WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE CAR STILL STALLS ON OCCASSION. I HEARD THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A WHILE BACK AND RECENTLY ON A PART TO THE IGNITION PLACED INCORRECTLY. I APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS PROBLEM. T
NHTSA complaint #730132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAISE THE WINDOW. I HAVE ALSO HAD A RECENT PROBLEM WITH MY CAR STALLING WHENEVER I AM AT A STOP SIGN (OR LIGHT), AND SOMETIMES WHEN I SLOW DOWN TO MAKE A TURN ONTO ANOTHER STREET. THIS HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO HAVE MANY ACCIDENTS. I HAVE HAD A COUPLE OF PARTS REPLACED IE. IGNITION COIL, PLUG WIRES, DISTRIBUTOR CAP AND THE CAR STILL STALLS ON OCCASSION. I HEARD THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM A WHILE BACK AND RECENTLY ON A PART TO THE IGNITION PLACED INCORRECTLY. I APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS PROBLEM. T
NHTSA complaint #730132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 40MPH WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A FUNNY ODOR COMING FROM MY CAR. I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SNOKE BEGAN TO PUUR INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS SOON AS THE LIGHT CHANGED I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK MY CAR. I POPED THE HOOD AND THERE WERE FLAMES . I RAN TO A NEARBY RESTAURANT AND ASKED THEM TO CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. WHEN I WENT BACK OUTSIDE TO WAIT FOR THE FIRE DEPT. MY CAR WAS TRYING TO START ITSELF. THE CAR HAD BEEN TURNED OFF AND THE KEYS WERE IN MY HAND SO I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. NOW I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT MY CAR. I HAD IT TOWED HOME AND IT HAS BEEN IN MY DRIVEWAY EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #727935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. THE MANUFACTURER HAD AN INVESTIGATOR OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #818088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
VALVE COVER GASKETS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #519027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
DUE TO THE DESIGN FLAW, HOT EXHAUST GAS LEAKING FROM THE AIR TUBE HAD BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE PLASTIC AIR CONDITIONING PLENUM CHAMBER AND CAUSED FUMES TO COME IN TO THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #519027 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED; HAD TO RESTART VEHICLE; DRIVING & IT STOPPED AGAIN; HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES AFTERWARDS; TOOK TO DEALER & WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS ENGINE; REPLACED 2 VALVES AND SOME OTHER PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #810895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
HESITATION WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT.
NHTSA complaint #513813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED SMELLING SMOKE AND GOT OUT AND THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #801386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSED FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #508553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT FIVE MILES/ PARKED, ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES UPON RETURNING VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #801994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ABOUT FIVE MILES/ PARKED, ABOUT FIFTEEN MINUTES UPON RETURNING VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.*AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #801994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
WHILE PARKED IN PARKING LOT, FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH CAUSED FIRE IN AREA OF STEERING COLUMN; PARKED FOR 5 MINUTES; NO WARNING; VEHICLE TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #983020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #504933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
IGNITION SWITCH SHORTS, CAUSING GUAGES, CRUISE CONTROL, ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS TO FAIL.
NHTSA complaint #504661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
ACCELERATOR CABLE CAUSED ACCELERATOR TO STICK WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #984555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
VEHICLE WAS PARKED, GRANDSON GOT INTO VEHICLE TO SIT ON PASSENGER SIDE, TOUCHED GEAR SHIFT, VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ACROSS ST INTO NEIGHBOR'S YARD.
NHTSA complaint #984568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
DRIVER'S SHOULDER/LAP BELT BUCKLES INOPERATIVE, MALE WON'T LATCH INTO FEMALE PORTION. *AK
NHTSA complaint #984287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #984110 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.