Owners have filed 138 complaints
about the 1998 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 1998 and 2020.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 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 — 42
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 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.
Gasoline
920.5%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
920.5%
Rear
715.9%
Headlights
613.6%
Engine
49.1%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
36.8%
Lower ARM
36.8%
Disc
36.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
25.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
12.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
37.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
615.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1230.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
512.8%
150,000+ miles
1025.6%
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.
Apr 1998peak 7Mar 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 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...
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...
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...
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
PE00043Opened 20 Oct 2000Closed 2 Feb 2001STRUCTURE
PE98057Opened 28 Oct 1998Closed 11 Feb 1999VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
INERTIA FUEL SHUT OFF SWITCH
Recalls on the 1998 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.
United States — NHTSA
15E082000
STEERING
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
Risk: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
08V051000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
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.
07V336000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
06E056000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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.
03V472000
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
02I003000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
Risk: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.
00V157002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
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 200015825,115 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicle have jacking instructions which, if followed, may cause the operator to place the jack on a frame weld when attempting to raise a rear wheel. If the vehicle is jacked up with the jack placed on the frame weld and if the wheels are not blocked or chocked, then the jack may yield and the vehicle may drop suddenly with the potential for injury to the operator. Correction: Owners will be provided with a revised Jack Instruction and Stowage Card and Jack Warning Label and a supplement to the owner guide. This information moves the jacking location several inches forward of the frame weld and clearly recommends that the diagonally opposite wheel be blocked.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 237,000 milesDetroit, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE WHICH CONTROLS THE IGNITION COILS AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASHBOARD BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE GROUND WIRE FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BILL BROWN FORD LOCATED AT (32222 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA, MI 48150 (734) 399-4244) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.
NHTSA complaint #11318675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
SUSPENSION
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBerwick, LAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11075422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Effingham, SCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE SPARK ON THE ENGINE BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #10307503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 237,000 milesDetroit, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE WHICH CONTROLS THE IGNITION COILS AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASHBOARD BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE GROUND WIRE FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BILL BROWN FORD LOCATED AT (32222 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA, MI 48150 (734) 399-4244) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.
NHTSA complaint #11318675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
SUSPENSION
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesFort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
HAD MY CAR SINCE 2014 I WORKED HARD TO BUY IT. IT DROVE PRETTY DECIDE UNTILL ELECTRIC PROBLEMS STARTED TO OCCUR. THEN MY PASSANGER SIDE WHEEL FOLDED IN WHILE OPERATING WITH MY KIDS LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION IM JUST A HARD WORKING FATHER TRYING TO PROVIDE A SAFE TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY
NHTSA complaint #11252146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesBerwick, LAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11075422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
TIRES
BOUGHT A SET OF TIRES FROM EBAY / SIMPLETIRE. THEY WERE LISTED AS NEW WITHOUT ANY DISCLAIMER. ORDERED THEM JAN. 11TH 2018, AND RECEIVED THEM JAN. 16TH, 2018 VIA FEDEX. CHECKED THE DOT DATE CODE AND SAW THAT ALL FOUR TIRES ARE OVER SIX YEARS OLD. ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT SIMPLE TIRE THROUGH EBAY MESSAGING AND THEY HAVE NOT REPLIED. HERE IS THE TIRE INFORMATION YOU ARE REQUESTING: HANKOOK I*CEPT EVO W310 235/55R17 103V XL THIS IS A MATCHED SET OF FOUR. THE FOUR DOT ARE AS FOLLOWS: DOT 5M3F EU H 3511, DOT 5M3F EU H 3811, DOT 5M3F EU H 3811, DOT 5M3F EU H 3911 AFTER READING ALL YOUR HELPFUL INFORMATION ON YOU WEBSITE I FELT THEY SOLD ME EXPIRED TIRES. HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO USE THEM AS THE TIRES ON MY WIFE'S CAR ARE IN POOR CONDITION, AND WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO BUY MORE. ANOTHER CONCERN OF MINE IS HOW MANY UNSUSPECTING CONSUMERS ARE DRIVING AROUND ON EXPIRED TIRES THEY IN GOOD FAITH BOUGHT FROM SIMPLETIRE @ EBAY?
NHTSA complaint #11063658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesNashville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10960301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED CAR OVERHEATING DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD, HAD TO REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLD. VIN FAILURE UPDATED 7/3/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10924141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesKewanee, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL MY 98 FORD CROWN VIC HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE. IT MAINLY TURN ON AND OFF IS WHEN I HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN MOTION. I DONT KNOW WAT CAUSES IT IT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPINGING
NHTSA complaint #10923834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesKewanee, IL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAKATA RECALL MY 98 FORD CROWN VIC HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE. IT MAINLY TURN ON AND OFF IS WHEN I HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN MOTION. I DONT KNOW WAT CAUSES IT IT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPINGING
NHTSA complaint #10923834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 209,026 milesJeannette, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR MY THERMOSTAT IS COMPLETELY BROKEN WHEN I LOOKED UP ONLINE TO SEE HOW MUCH THE PART WOULD COST ME TO HAVE FIXED IT SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PART BECAUSE IN BETWEEN THE YEARS 1997-2006 FORD USED GENERIC PLASTIC TO MAKE THE PART I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR OFF A GUY LIKE 6 MONTHS AGO SO IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE I HAD NO IDEA TILL IT BROKE ON ME AND I LOOKED IT UP I CALLED A FEW FORD DEALERSHIPS AND ALSO THE MAIN FORD HEADQUARTERS IN DETROIT AND EVERYONE'S GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND AND TELLING ME THERE WERE NEVER ANY RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED MEANWHILE ITS THERE FAULT FOR PUTTING THE WRONG PART IN THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE I NEED YOUR HELP GETTING THESE PEOPLE TO FIX MY CAR PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] OR IF I CAN'T BE REACHED ON THAT NUMBER [XXX] THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10876989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesCypress, TX
WHEELS
I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1-800 # ARE THESE PARTS TESTED OR BUILT TO FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS THESE BALL JOINTS IF THEY SEPARATE ON THE FREEWAY CAN KILL PEOPLE THIS IS A SERIOUS SUBJECT ! I WAS BLESSED THIS BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR ! CAN THEY BE TESTED OR RECALLED !
NHTSA complaint #10683532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesCypress, TX
STEERING
I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1-800 # ARE THESE PARTS TESTED OR BUILT TO FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS THESE BALL JOINTS IF THEY SEPARATE ON THE FREEWAY CAN KILL PEOPLE THIS IS A SERIOUS SUBJECT ! I WAS BLESSED THIS BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR ! CAN THEY BE TESTED OR RECALLED !
NHTSA complaint #10683532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesCypress, TX
SUSPENSION
I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1-800 # ARE THESE PARTS TESTED OR BUILT TO FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS THESE BALL JOINTS IF THEY SEPARATE ON THE FREEWAY CAN KILL PEOPLE THIS IS A SERIOUS SUBJECT ! I WAS BLESSED THIS BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 20 MILES AN HOUR ! CAN THEY BE TESTED OR RECALLED !
NHTSA complaint #10683532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yucca Valley, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10586959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesGalax, VA
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR SHOCKS WERE CONTINUOUSLY MAKING THE VEHICLE JERK VIOLENTLY AND THE LAST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND AS A RESULT, AN AIR SHOCK KIT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V322000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #10548200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNorth Liberty, IN
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND HE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HIS VIN. UPDATED 03/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10447405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesNorth Liberty, IN
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND HE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HIS VIN. UPDATED 03/07/12
NHTSA complaint #10447405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,768 milesAlbuquerque, NM
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
HEATER EATC BLEND DOOR MOTOR FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10442101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,895 milesMarengo, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT
AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V322000, THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED AS A FLEET VEHICLE WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO GET VEHICLE FIXED. IN FACT, THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AT ALL ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IN FACT THERE ARE THAT I KNOW HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10390315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,895 milesMarengo, OH
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V322000, THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED AS A FLEET VEHICLE WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO GET VEHICLE FIXED. IN FACT, THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AT ALL ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IN FACT THERE ARE THAT I KNOW HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #10390315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesPort Orange, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR INSPECTION AND WAS ADVISED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WAS LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10326035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Effingham, SCFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE SPARK ON THE ENGINE BLEW OUT OF THE ENGINE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE
NHTSA complaint #10307503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,644 milesBuna, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I OWN A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA WITH A V-8 (4.6 ) THAT HAS A PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH IS CRACKED AND LEAKING COOLANT . IT IS UNREPAIRABLE AND MUST BE REPLACED . THIS PLASTIC SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN USED AND INTAKE MANIFOLDS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO FAIL LIKE THIS AND THEY SHOULD ALL BE RECALLED .
NHTSA complaint #10284878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMobile, AL
SUSPENSION:FRONT
AS MY BOYFRIEND BACK MY CAR OUT OF THE DRIVE ON APRIL 22, 2009 BETWEEN 8:30-9:00PM, THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE FELL. IT APPEARED THAT THE SHOCKS GAVE OUT OR SOMETHING. THE ONLY PROBLEMS THE VEHICLE HAD WERE COIL ISSUES BUT WE GOT IT TAKEN CARE OF. THE FORD COMPANY CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO RECALL ON IT BUT I HEAR FROM AUTOBUYGUIDE.COM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON DEC. 16, 1998 FOR THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION, FRONT, CONTROL ARM, LOWER BALL JOINT. THEN A FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME ABOUT OTHERS WHO HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. I WANT MY CAR TO BE FIXED. I HAVE 2 SMALL CHILDREN AND I NEED TRANSPORTATION. THIS A FACTORY DEFAULT, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO FIX THIS. CAN YOU ALL HELP ME?
NHTSA complaint #10266467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.