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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
14.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
14.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
936.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
936.0%
150,000+ miles
520.0%
When owners complained
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.
Jan 1995peak 33Oct 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria
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.
EA02025Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 30 Jun 2004ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES
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.
DP02007Opened 22 Aug 2002Closed 4 Dec 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL-FED FIRES
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 INVESTIGA...
SQ01014Opened 27 Nov 2001Closed 3 Oct 2002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES
RQ01002Opened 20 Sep 2001Closed 6 Sep 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA95011Opened 29 Mar 1995Closed 30 Jan 1997VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
UNDERCARRIAGE FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
PE94077Opened 4 Nov 1994Closed 29 Mar 1995VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE
PE94073Opened 4 Oct 1994Closed 28 Dec 1994SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES
EA94022Opened 30 Jun 1994Closed 2 Mar 1995STEERING
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAIL
Recalls on the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20080388,869 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the input power feed circuit, and will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground. This could result in a vehicle fire, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install an updated wiring harness.
Recall 2007258165,447 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected. As soon as replacement parts are available, owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness designed to eliminate the potential risk of fire.
Recall 199909710,917 units in Canada
Engine
Certain vehicles may experience a fire originating in the left front under hood area as a result of electrical overheating of the speed control deactivation switch. Correction: A new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell will be installed on affected vehicles.
Recall 19982514,856 units in Canada
Suspension
Note: 1996-99 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine equipped with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing and 1990-96 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine that were serviced with either a ball joint containing an one piece bearing or a front lower control arm with a one piece bearing. High bearing loads can lead to thinning and eventual cracking of the lower control arm ball joint. This can result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint. Should this occur, the control arm to which the cap is mounted will drop to the ground. Should this occur while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could result in a collision. Correction: Lower control arm ball joints will be replaced.
Recall 19970695,986 units in Canada
Structure
NOTE: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES ONLY. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER MAY EITHER WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS WILL HAVE AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER INSTALLED AND REVISED STRIKER PLATE ATTACHING FASTENERS WILL BE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES WITH 1993-97 HOODS.
Recall 19940401,071 units in Canada
Electrical
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR THAT WAS POSITIONED ON THE FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED, A BRINE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE FLOOR MATS AND REPEATEDLY WET THE CONNECTOR. THIS COULD CORRODE THE CONNECTOR AND RESULT IN A SALT BRIDGE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS CAUSING CURRENT FLOW WHICH COULD OVERHEAT THE CONNECTOR WITH RESULTANT FUMES AND A POSSIBLE FIRE. CORRECTION: UNUSED CONNECTORS WILL BE REMOVED AND SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAPS WILL BE PLACED OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.
Recall 199212316,663 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSSS. 208 - seat belt installations. The french language version of the air bag maintenance/information/instruction label was not installed. Note: for taurus models only police and sho vehicles are affected. Correction: French language labels will be mailed to affected owners.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I PARKED MY 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA ON THE STREET WHILE I WAS AT MY HOME FOR 45 MINUTES. I DECIDED TO LEAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. WHEN I GOT TO MY CAR, I SMELLED BURNING AND SAW WISPS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY ENGINE AREA. I QUICKLY OPENED MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND SMELLED SMOKE AND POPPED THE HOOD. INSIDE, THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE (GRAPEFRUIT SIZE) IN FRONT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I RAN INTO THE HOUSE AND GOT SOME WATER AND DOUSED THE FLAMES. I WAS VERY LUCKY, BECAUSE I SEEM TO HAVE CAUGHT THE FIRE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF WHEN IT STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND A WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD BURNED (AT MY EXPENSE). THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I CALLED FORD TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL BACK IN 1999, AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON 7/7/1999 WHEN MY DAD OWNED THE CAR. THIS WAS ACTUALLY EVEN MORE CONCERNING TO ME, BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH, WHICH SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE ORIGINAL SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION PROBLEM, SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE AS WELL!! SO MY CAR IS NOW ON ITS SECOND "FIXED" CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. I AM ALSO CONCERNED FROM MY DISCUSSION WITH THE NHTSA REPRESENTATIVE. HE SAID THAT NO RECALLS CAN BE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT MY COMPLAINT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE MY CAR WAS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I DON'T EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE FIRE, HOWEVER, THIS IS DISTURBING TO ME KNOWING THAT MY COMPLAINT COULD BE DISMISSED OUT OF HAND. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OTHERS DON'T HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH A CAR SETTING ITSELF ON FIRE WHEN IT IS NOT RUNNING. THIS COMPLAINT SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY EVALUATED BEFORE DISMISSING IT. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHILE I SLEPT, IT COULD HAVE EASILY BURNED DOWN THE HOUSE, OR KILLED SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #10172560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL STATES FOR THE FORD F150 TRUCKS. CONSUMER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HOWEVER, THIS HAPPENED IN 1992.
NHTSA complaint #10113137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPasadena, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD HE NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *NM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10113077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CACrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, CONSUMER STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED, TOOK OFF AND THE BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. *JG
NHTSA complaint #10001499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prattsburgh, NYFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THIS CAR HAD CONTINUED BRAKE DEFECTS FROM 03/29/01 (OUR FIRST FIRE) UNTIL THE LAST FIRE. WE SPENT NEARLY $4,000 ON BRAKES, EACH TIME BEING TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. FINALLY, AFTER THE LAST FIRE IN FREMONT, NY, 3 DAYS AFTER THE LAST REPAIR BILL OF NEARLY $800 FOR BRAKES, THE COMPANY FOUND A STATEMENT FROM FORD SAYING THIS PARTICULAR MAKE COULD HAVE A BAD BOOSTER (FROM THE FACTORY), WHICH WOULD NOT SLOW THE CAR PROPERLY AFTER 60 MPH AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE WEAR AND BRAKE FAILURE. WE WERE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR OVER 60 MPH; THE TWO FORMER OWNERS WERE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO DID GOOD TO DRIVE IT 50 MPH. THE DEALER USED THE FOLLOWING TO FIX THE CAR: WWW.FORDTECHSERVICE.DEALER CONNECTION.COM/TPSCONTENT/USEN14/TN1902.HTM. HE TOLD MY HUSBAND FORD OFTEN DOESN'T ISSUE RECALLS UNTIL SOMEONE HAS TROUBLE WITH A PART. FORD KNEW THIS EXISTED; IT IS DATED 08/09/1992. WE FEEL FORD SHOULD BE MADE TO ANSWER WHY THEY DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL THAT CAUSED NOT ONE, BUT TWO FIRES; THE LAST ONE ON RECORD WITH FREMONT, NY POLICE AND FIRE TRUCKS, WHO RESPONDED, AND WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE., NOT TO MENTION REFUND SOME OF OUR MONEY. IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED, THE PROBLEM WOULD HAVE BEEN SOLVED. NO ONE ELSE SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND $4,000 ON BRAKES IN 50,000 MILES, AND HAVE THEM CATCH ON FIRE THREE DAYS AFTER A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR JOB. ALL OTHER MAJOR CAR MAKERS ISSUE RECALLS BEFORE OWNERS HAVE PROBLEMS, IF THEY KNOW IT. WHY DOESN'T FORD? WHY DON'T YOU MAKE THEM DO THAT?
NHTSA complaint #765881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lenexa, KSFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #763504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 173,000 milesGoehner, NE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER I LET OFF. I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO MAKE IT STOP. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP BUT THE CAR KEPT MOVING. USING 250-280 POUNDS OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL I FINALLY STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT CAN BE VIEWED AT YOUTUBE. IT IS TITLED RAM CAM EPISODE 5. IT IS THE LAST PART OF THE VIDEO.
NHTSA complaint #10547143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 173,000 milesGoehner, NE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER I LET OFF. I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO MAKE IT STOP. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP BUT THE CAR KEPT MOVING. USING 250-280 POUNDS OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL I FINALLY STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT CAN BE VIEWED AT YOUTUBE. IT IS TITLED RAM CAM EPISODE 5. IT IS THE LAST PART OF THE VIDEO.
NHTSA complaint #10547143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,500 milesAnchorage, AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WOULD RETURN HIS CALL WITHIN A FEW DAYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,500. UPDATED 08/10/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. UPDATED 08/12/11
NHTSA complaint #10410733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forrest,City, AR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1.RIDING ONE NIGHT HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY,SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING/ 2.HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATING MELTING PLUG CONNECTED TO WIRING/ HAPPENS ALL THE TIME/ FIRE OR EVEN CAUSE A WRECK OR GET A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. 3.CHANGED SWITCH CHANGED PLUG SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN &AGAIN,LOOKED AT PARTS ON OTHER CARS SAME MODEL SAME YEAR DIFFERENT MODEL DIFFERENT YEAR SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME SPOT!! [ THE FORD 1992 CROWN VICTORIA].
NHTSA complaint #10307687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Forrest,City, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1.RIDING ONE NIGHT HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY,SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING/ 2.HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATING MELTING PLUG CONNECTED TO WIRING/ HAPPENS ALL THE TIME/ FIRE OR EVEN CAUSE A WRECK OR GET A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. 3.CHANGED SWITCH CHANGED PLUG SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN &AGAIN,LOOKED AT PARTS ON OTHER CARS SAME MODEL SAME YEAR DIFFERENT MODEL DIFFERENT YEAR SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME SPOT!! [ THE FORD 1992 CROWN VICTORIA].
NHTSA complaint #10307687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesErie, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. WHILE AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FAILURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE AND ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. AT THE TIME, SHE COULD NOT DRIVE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE FUEL LINE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10221967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesErie, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. WHILE AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FAILURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE AND ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. AT THE TIME, SHE COULD NOT DRIVE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE FUEL LINE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10221967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesErie, PA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. WHILE AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FAILURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE AND ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. AT THE TIME, SHE COULD NOT DRIVE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE FUEL LINE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10221967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBowman, SC
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS RANGING FROM 20 TO 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING AND ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS, WHICH CAUSED THE FEATURES OF THE STEERING COLUMN NOT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 232,871 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09
NHTSA complaint #10203191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesBowman, SC
STEERING:COLUMN
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS RANGING FROM 20 TO 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING AND ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS, WHICH CAUSED THE FEATURES OF THE STEERING COLUMN NOT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 232,871 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09
NHTSA complaint #10203191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesRoosevelt, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACES HER VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES TO 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASE. SHE MUST APPLY THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTERWARDS, SHE SMELLS THE SCENT OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE CAUSED BY THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. HE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT BRAKE FLUID MAY BE FLOWING TO THE SWITCH AND CAUSING THE HEAT TO ACTIVATE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE LOSES BRAKE POWER OCCASIONALLY, EVEN THOUGH BRAKE FLUID IS PRESENT. HE ALSO NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesRancho Cucamonga, CAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
I PARKED MY 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA ON THE STREET WHILE I WAS AT MY HOME FOR 45 MINUTES. I DECIDED TO LEAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. WHEN I GOT TO MY CAR, I SMELLED BURNING AND SAW WISPS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY ENGINE AREA. I QUICKLY OPENED MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND SMELLED SMOKE AND POPPED THE HOOD. INSIDE, THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE (GRAPEFRUIT SIZE) IN FRONT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I RAN INTO THE HOUSE AND GOT SOME WATER AND DOUSED THE FLAMES. I WAS VERY LUCKY, BECAUSE I SEEM TO HAVE CAUGHT THE FIRE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF WHEN IT STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH AND A WIRING HARNESS THAT HAD BURNED (AT MY EXPENSE). THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. I CALLED FORD TO DISCUSS THIS ISSUE, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR WAS UNDER RECALL BACK IN 1999, AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED ON 7/7/1999 WHEN MY DAD OWNED THE CAR. THIS WAS ACTUALLY EVEN MORE CONCERNING TO ME, BECAUSE THE REPLACEMENT SWITCH, WHICH SUPPOSEDLY FIXED THE ORIGINAL SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION PROBLEM, SEEMS TO BE DEFECTIVE AS WELL!! SO MY CAR IS NOW ON ITS SECOND "FIXED" CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. I AM ALSO CONCERNED FROM MY DISCUSSION WITH THE NHTSA REPRESENTATIVE. HE SAID THAT NO RECALLS CAN BE ISSUED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE OVER 10 YEARS OLD. HE THEN TOLD ME THAT MY COMPLAINT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE MY CAR WAS OVER 10 YEARS OLD. I DON'T EXPECT TO BE REIMBURSED FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE FIRE, HOWEVER, THIS IS DISTURBING TO ME KNOWING THAT MY COMPLAINT COULD BE DISMISSED OUT OF HAND. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OTHERS DON'T HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALING WITH A CAR SETTING ITSELF ON FIRE WHEN IT IS NOT RUNNING. THIS COMPLAINT SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY EVALUATED BEFORE DISMISSING IT. IF THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE WHILE I SLEPT, IT COULD HAVE EASILY BURNED DOWN THE HOUSE, OR KILLED SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #10172560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
STEERING:COLUMN
THIS PROBLEM CONCERNS THE STEERING COLUMN OF A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA RUBBING AGAINST A METAL GAS LINE UNTIL LARGE AMOUNTS OF GAS SPILL ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND CAUSE A SAFETY OF LIFE PROBLEM... AS LONG AS THE ENGINE REMAINS ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP WILL CONTINUE TO PUMP GAS ONTO THE FIRE CAUSED BY THE FAULT. PLEASE NOTICE THAT I AM AN ENGINEER AND THIS IS NOT A SMALL MATTER - IT INVOLVES MANY THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES AND AN IDENTICAL VEHICLE HAS HAD A RECALL - YET FORD HAS NOT HAD A RECALL ON THIS MODEL ALTHOUGH I TOOK THIS ISSUE TO THE TOP OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE ISSUE DEALS WITH A GASOLINE LEAK CAUSED BY THE STEERING COLUMN RUBBING ON A METAL GAS LINE - CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK FROM THE WORN GAS LINE IN LARGE AMOUNTS. I FIRST NOTICED THE LEAK FROM THE SMELL OF GAS - THEN I NOTICED LARGE POOLS OF GAS LEAKING FROM UNDER MY CAR. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE, WHICH WAS THE ROTATING STEERING COLUMN RUBBING ON THE GAS LINE, I CONTACTED THE FORD DEALER AND I CONTACTED FORD MOTOR COMPANY WHO PUT ME OFF TO AN AREA PERSON WHO REBUFFED MY COMPLAINT. THE DEALER SHOWED ME A RECALL FOR THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL WITH THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM.... THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND THE FORD CROWN VICTORIA ARE IDENTICAL IN THIS RESPECT.... THE RECALL SHOWED THE EXACT GAS LINE AND THE PROBLEM.... CHECK FOR YOURSELF.... THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND THE FORD CROWN VICTORIA ARE EXACTLY THE SAME UNDER THE HOOD. THE RECALL SHOWED THE SAME GAS LINE AND THE SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, IF YOU ARE A CREDIBLE ORGANIZATION, YOU WILL RESEARCH THIS BY SIMPLY LOOKING AT THE RECALL FOR THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND WONDER WHY THE RECALL NEVER HAPPENED FOR THE FORD CROWN VICTORIA.... KEEP IN MIND THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A SAFETY OF LIFE SITUATION..... THE GAS LEAK IS CONSIDERABLE..... IT WAS A RECALL ON THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL AND YET, NEVER SHOWED UP FOR THE FORD CROWN VICTORIA. E-MAIL ME BACK I CAN'T FIGURE OUT YOUR SERIAL NUMBER THANK YOU,
NHTSA complaint #10139761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Havre, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
MY FATHER BOUGHT A USED 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LS. WHEN YOU TURN ON THE PARK OR DRIVING LIGHTS, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS SO DIM YOU CAN HARDLY READ THE SPEEDOMETER. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR MY FATHER AND IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IN THE EVENING, THE PROBLEM RESOLVES ITSELF, IT IS DURING THE DAY.
NHTSA complaint #10118788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
CONSUMER STATES THAT HE HAD THE VERY SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALL STATES FOR THE FORD F150 TRUCKS. CONSUMER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HOWEVER, THIS HAPPENED IN 1992.
NHTSA complaint #10113137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesPasadena, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD HE NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *NM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10113077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,666 milesWestbury, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL RETURN LINE FROM ENGINE TO TANK RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING A FUEL LEAK THAT CREATED A FIRE HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10111891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,780 milesHighland, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE LEAK DUE WHERE IT PASSES (PAIRED WITH THE RETURN LINE - ALSO LEAKING) UNDER THE LEFT REAR FRAME ARCH. LINES WERE WORN THROUGH WHERE THEY CONTACTED FRAME (SHOULD HAVE BEEN SHIELDED OR CLAMPED). REPAIRED (SINCE PART IS ONLY AVAILABLE PAIRED WITH BRAKE LINES FOR$400+ FROM DEALER) USING BULK STEEL TUBE WITH COMPRESSION FITTINGS.
NHTSA complaint #10102390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamilton, AL
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM
REAR AIR RIDE SUSPENSION PUMP FAILURE . THE PUMP FAILS TO AIR UP THE REAR OF THE VECHILE, RESULTING IN THE REAR OF THE VECHILE TO DRAG ON BUMPS, DIPS, ECT.
NHTSA complaint #10080787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,900 milesEL Paso, TX
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LATCH, BUT IT WAS ONLY FOR CROWN VICTORIA POLICE CARS. *AK RECALL#97V024000. THE FAN BELT HAD GONE OUT ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10076001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,900 milesEL Paso, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LATCH, BUT IT WAS ONLY FOR CROWN VICTORIA POLICE CARS. *AK RECALL#97V024000. THE FAN BELT HAD GONE OUT ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10076001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,900 milesEL Paso, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE HOOD FLEW UP AND CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. THE MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE LATCH, BUT IT WAS ONLY FOR CROWN VICTORIA POLICE CARS. *AK RECALL#97V024000. THE FAN BELT HAD GONE OUT ALONG WITH THE POWER STEERING. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10076001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesMaynard, MA
SEATS
(1.) MY CAR IS A 1992 FORD, CROWN VICTORIA LX. - I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND LEANED BACK ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO GET SOMETHING OUT OUT OF MY PANTS POCKET. AS I PRESSED ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT THERE WAS A METALIC "SNAP" SOUND AND THE BACK OF THE SEAT FLOPPED BACK 3 TO 4 INCHES ON THE DRIVER DOOR SIDE. LATER ON VIEWING THE SEAT FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF THE BRAKE PEDDLE I WAS ABLE TO DETERMING THAT A WELDED IN CIRCULAR, THREADED, METAL, TAPPED FASTENER, (A CUSTOM MADE NUT) HAD TORN THROUGH THE PRESSED METAL FRAM THAT ATTACHED IT TO THE MOTORIZED PORTION OF THE SEAT. THE RESULTING HOLE IN THE PRESSED METAL FRAME COMPONENT WAS ABOUT ONE INCH IN DIAMETER. (2) THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT MAKES THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. (3.) I HAVE CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NONE RELATING TO THE SEAT EXCEPT FOR AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I HAVEN'T REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AS YET BUT I WILL LIKELY GO TO A AUTOMOBILE RECYCLING YARD AND LOOK FOR ANOTHER SEAT. OF COURSE INSPECTING FIRST FOR THE SAME FAILURE. ALSO, AS NEAR AS I CAN TELL THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT . AND IT ONLY HAS 84,000. MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10072818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesMaynard, MA
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
(1.) MY CAR IS A 1992 FORD, CROWN VICTORIA LX. - I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE AND LEANED BACK ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT TO GET SOMETHING OUT OUT OF MY PANTS POCKET. AS I PRESSED ON THE BACK OF THE SEAT THERE WAS A METALIC "SNAP" SOUND AND THE BACK OF THE SEAT FLOPPED BACK 3 TO 4 INCHES ON THE DRIVER DOOR SIDE. LATER ON VIEWING THE SEAT FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF THE BRAKE PEDDLE I WAS ABLE TO DETERMING THAT A WELDED IN CIRCULAR, THREADED, METAL, TAPPED FASTENER, (A CUSTOM MADE NUT) HAD TORN THROUGH THE PRESSED METAL FRAM THAT ATTACHED IT TO THE MOTORIZED PORTION OF THE SEAT. THE RESULTING HOLE IN THE PRESSED METAL FRAME COMPONENT WAS ABOUT ONE INCH IN DIAMETER. (2) THE FAILURE OF THE SEAT MAKES THE VEHICLE IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. (3.) I HAVE CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND FOUND NONE RELATING TO THE SEAT EXCEPT FOR AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. I HAVEN'T REPAIRED THE VEHICLE AS YET BUT I WILL LIKELY GO TO A AUTOMOBILE RECYCLING YARD AND LOOK FOR ANOTHER SEAT. OF COURSE INSPECTING FIRST FOR THE SAME FAILURE. ALSO, AS NEAR AS I CAN TELL THIS VEHICLE WAS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT . AND IT ONLY HAS 84,000. MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10072818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesVista, CA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE THIS CAR FOR 11 YRS AND WAS VERY UPSET WHEN THE TRAN WENT OUT ON VACATION AT 83000 MILES. I HAD NO OTHER WAY OUT BUT TO GET A LIFE TIME WARRANTY ON A NEW TRAN FROM AAMCO KNOWING I WOULD HAVE THE CAR FOR MANY MORE YEARS. IM GLAD I DID BECAUSE AFTER A YEAR IT WENT OUT AGAIN AND AAMCO HAD TO FOOT THE BILL BUT IT CAUSED ME TIME. THE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT TWICE IN THE FRONT. ONCE IN 1995 AND 2003. PAIN IN THE BUTT IF YOU LIVE IN SO. CAL. WOULD I BUY THE CRN VIC AGAIN? YES.
NHTSA complaint #10069830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.