Owners have filed 340 complaints
about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 1997 and 2023.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 19 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 59
11.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Ford Crown Victoria
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.
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
3724.2%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
3522.9%
Carburetor System
2013.1%
Lower Ball Joint
1912.4%
Cooling System
1711.1%
Engine
106.5%
Front
95.9%
Automatic Transmission
63.9%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
10.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
21.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
108.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2621.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4335.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2117.5%
150,000+ miles
1613.3%
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.
May 1997peak 8Apr 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 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.
DP05005Opened 22 Sep 2005Closed 4 Jan 2006ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
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 A...
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 FAI...
RQ03004Opened 11 Mar 2003Closed 25 Jul 2003SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
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 INV...
EA03001Opened 27 Jan 2003Closed 19 Nov 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CNG TANK EXPLOSION
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...
RQ03002Opened 3 Jan 2003Closed 3 Jun 2003SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
BALL JOINT SEPARATION
SEE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE02071Opened 1 Oct 2002Closed 27 Jan 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE
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 FOR...
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...
Recalls on the 1997 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 2003274278 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain natural gas vehicles, in the rare circumstance that a flame from a vehicle interior fire becomes locally directed at the natural gas tank located immediately behind the rear seat, the locally directed flame could damage the fiberglass wrap on the tank thereby reducing the hoop strength of the tank. If the hoop strength is significantly compromised, the tank could rupture and potentially result in personal injury. Correction: Dealer will install an insulator behind the seat back.
Recall 1999162169 units in Canada
Emissions
Certain CNG vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. The natural gas fuel fill valve may leak due to flaking of the nickel plating inside the valve. This will allow natural gas to escape into the atmosphere at a rate that exceeds the limits prescribed in the standard. Correction: Valve will be replaced with one of an alternative design.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 42,000 milesSpringfield, MACrashFire
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10795065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesFaber, VAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10240063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesCleveland, OHFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10226168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesWashington, DCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10220790 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10208268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10208268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 170,000 milesRoanoke, VA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11516043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDouglasville, GA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WIPER LIVE 4 IN SPOT EYE LEVEL CANT SEE IN RAIN REPLACE ARM AND WIPER BLADE STILL HAVE SPOT.
NHTSA complaint #10979328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesShelby, NC
ENGINE
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..
NHTSA complaint #10949188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesMarlton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10851721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesHickory, NC
INTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10836445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 151,000 milesHickory, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10836445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesSpringfield, MACrashFire
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10795065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesShakopee, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10694139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10669016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Decatur, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10669016 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesFresno, CA
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesFresno, CA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #10637040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesWinfield, TN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10595037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 260,000 milesWinfield, TN
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10595037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesNashville, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10494873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 195,000 milesNashville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10494873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,500 milesAvenel, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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?
NHTSA complaint #10368849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesPahrump, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #10366425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,015 milesSupply, NC
SUSPENSION:FRONT
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 !!!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10364094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMt.washington, KY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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,.
NHTSA complaint #10336134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,017 milesWest Orange, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10315545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,017 milesWest Orange, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
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.
NHTSA complaint #10315545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Island, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10313159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,140 milesPort Jervis, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #10294878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10276255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.