Owners have filed 303 complaints
about the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 2002 and 2026.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 93
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 51
9.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 29
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 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.
RIM
1828.6%
Rear
1422.2%
Headlights
1117.5%
Axle Shaft
711.1%
Tank Assembly
46.3%
Seal
34.8%
Axle Assembly
34.8%
Engine
34.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
104.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
83.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
104.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2813.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3215.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2511.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
5325.0%
150,000+ miles
4621.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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.
Aug 2002peak 11Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 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.
PE15028Opened 10 Aug 2015Closed 8 Jan 2016EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Loss of headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged runni...
DP15002Opened 1 Apr 2015Closed 11 Aug 2015EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a de...
PE08066Opened 26 Nov 2008Closed 24 Mar 2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF COMPLAINT REPORTS, FIELD AND TECHNICAL DATA PROVIDED BY FORD AND COMPLAINANT INTERVIEWS. FORD FOUND THAT SOME LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES (LCM) IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONTAINED DEFECTIVE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO POOR HEADLIGHT PERFORMANCE RANGING FROM INTERMITTENT OUTAGE AND DIMMING TO EVENTUAL HEADLIGHTS FAILURE.THE FAILURE DOES NOT AFFECT OTHER LIGHTING FUNCTIONS (PARK, EMERGENCY FLASHER, BRAKE AND FLASH TO PASS LIGHTS).THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF A TOTAL OF 306 CONSUMERS COMPLAINTS AND NO R...
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...
RQ04007Opened 2 Aug 2004Closed 20 Dec 2004WHEELS
FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM
DURING A SEPTEMBER 23, 2004 MEETING AND IN SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSIONS IN NOVEMBER, FORD ADVISED THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THEIR PLANS TO INTRODUCE AN IMPROVED STEEL WHEEL FOR MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE COMPONENT USE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, INDICATING THIS WOULD OCCUR IN DECEMBER 2004.THE NEW WHEEL DESIGN INCORPORATES AN ADDITIONAL MANUFACTURING PROCESS (SHOT PEENING) WHICH LOWERS TENSILE STRESS IN THE SURFACE LAYER OF THE RIM MATERIAL ADJACENT TO THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD. THEORETICALLY THIS SHOULD IMPROVE RIM DURABILITY BY REDUCING FATIGUE CRACK INITIATION SITES.INDICATIONS FROM...
PE04010Opened 22 Jan 2004Closed 8 Jul 2004POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
REAR AXLE FRACTURE
THIS PE WAS OPENED AFTER ODI BECAME AWARE OF TWO ALLEGATIONS CONCERNING REAR AXLE FRACTURE AND PARTIAL WHEEL SEPARATION INVOLVING MY 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI).INITIALLY, THE PE'S SCOPE INVOLVED ALL MY 2003 GRAND MARQUIS, CROWN VICTORIA, AND LINCOLN TOWN CARS (I.E., PANTHER PLATFORM) PRODUCED THROUGH JANUARY 2003.WHILE GATHERING INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE, IT BECAME EVIDENT THAT THE FAILURES WERE CONFINED TO LONG-WHEELBASE LINCOLN TOWN CARS AND THE CVPI'S DUE TO THEIR UNIQUE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND USAGE PROFILES.FORD'S RECALL ADDRESSES THESE VEHICLES.BOTH THE COMPAN...
PE03009Opened 25 Feb 2003Closed 8 Aug 2003WHEELS
FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM
THE SUBJECT WHEEL (NEW FOR MY 2003) IS USED ON CROWN VICTORIA (CV) AND GRAND MARQUIS.COMPLAINT DATA INDICATES THAT WHEEL FAILURE AFFECTS PRIMARILY THE COMMERCIAL SPECIFICATION CV MODEL (POLICE AND TAXI) WHICH HAS UNIQUE DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND IS GENERALLY SUBJECTED TO HIGHER USAGE DEMANDS.DURING FORD'S ANALYSIS, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT CYCLIC BENDING MOMENT FATIGUE COULD CAUSE RIM CRACKS TO OCCUR IN THE HEAT AFFECTED ZONE ADJACENT TO THE CIRCUMFERENTIAL WELD.FORD IMPLEMENTED CHANGES IN WHEEL MANUFACTURE IN SEPTEMBER 2002 AND INTRODUCED A NEW WHEEL DESIGN WITH A THICKER RIM IN APRIL 2003.ODI...
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...
Recalls on the 2003 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
15V861000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Risk: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
05V206000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ON CERTAIN POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI) AND COMMERCIAL HEAVY DUTY (TAXI) VEHICLES, AT EXTREMELY HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES, THE SOUND INSULATING PANEL, LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE POSITIONED BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE UNDERBODY, COULD SAG AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE SURFACE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
04V328000
SUSPENSION:REAR
CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.
Risk: THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
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.
03V279000
WHEELS
ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
Risk: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201561014,714 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the Lighting Control Module could cause the headlight high and low beams to become inoperative without warning, causing the headlights to revert to reduced-voltage daytime running light function. This would cause a reduction in lighting output, potentially increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the Lighting Control Module.
Recall 20070555,408 units in Canada
Wheels
The wheels of certain Police Interceptor vehicles may crack, particularly when exposed to severe loading in high speed pursuit situations. Often cracked wheels can be identified as a result of slow air leaks, steering wheel nibble, or difficulty or inability to properly balance a wheel and tire assembly. In time, the cracks could propagate circumferentially and lead to sudden air loss, which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the wheels.
Recall 20051465,541 units in Canada
Other
On certain Police Interceptors and Commercial Heavy Duty (Taxi) vehicles, the dash outer sound insulator could sag and possibly contact the surface of the light-off catalyst. If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odour, or smoke which may result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will remove a section of the dash outer sound insulator above the light-off catalysts and replace that portion with a redesigned insulating material that has an aluminium outer layer and a full adhesive backing.
Recall 20042361,233 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain Crown Victoria Police Interceptors, Crown Victoria commercial vehicles and Lincoln Town Car fleet vehicles. As opposed to civilian vehicles, the potentially affected vehicles typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis, including the wheel bearings and axles, as a result of steering, suspension and tire design differences, as well as vehicle usage patterns and vehicle operating weight. The increased loading and/or weight these vehicles experience during their high duty cycles result in increased stress on the rear axle shafts and bearings. This may lead to early bearing failure and ultimately axle shaft fracture. In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would loose drive function and would coast to a stop. The wheel is likely to be retained in the wheel well by the brake caliper and brake rotor, and vehicle control is maintained. Correction: Dealers will replace rear wheel bearings, seals and axle shafts.
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 2003191852 units in Canada
Wheels
On certain vehicles in police and taxi applications, the steel wheels could crack due to loads input to the wheels as a result of the unique tires and suspensions used. Correction: Dealer will replace the wheels that have a manufacturing date between August 18, 2001 and September 22, 2002.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bossier, LAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK UNTIL EVER NOW & THEN THE ONLY ONE THAT WORK IS THE RUNNING LIGHTS 🤨 I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE BUT IT WASN'T ON MY VEHICLE 🤦🏾‍♀️ I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND CAUSE I HAVING PROBLEMS WIT MY 3003 LIKE OTHER PPL 🤷🏾‍♀️
NHTSA complaint #11182182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bossier, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK UNTIL EVER NOW & THEN THE ONLY ONE THAT WORK IS THE RUNNING LIGHTS 🤨 I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE BUT IT WASN'T ON MY VEHICLE 🤦🏾‍♀️ I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND CAUSE I HAVING PROBLEMS WIT MY 3003 LIKE OTHER PPL 🤷🏾‍♀️
NHTSA complaint #11182182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FIRST TAKA TAKE AIRBAG ON JAN.1ST 2008 I'M HIT A DEER AND I'M HAD TO REPLACE MY WHOLE FRONT EVEN THE HOOD THE ,AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN FACT IT IS STILL ON BUT THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LIGHTS INSIDE MY TRUCK STAYS ON FOR 30 MINUTES AND THE ALARM WILL NOT SET AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. MY SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SOUNDS AS IF THE BRAKE CALIBER IS LOOSE WHEN MOVING YOU CAN HEAR IT WHEN TURNING I TOOK OFF THE WHEEL, AND I CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10881922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDCrash
SUSPENSION
FIRST TAKA TAKE AIRBAG ON JAN.1ST 2008 I'M HIT A DEER AND I'M HAD TO REPLACE MY WHOLE FRONT EVEN THE HOOD THE ,AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN FACT IT IS STILL ON BUT THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LIGHTS INSIDE MY TRUCK STAYS ON FOR 30 MINUTES AND THE ALARM WILL NOT SET AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. MY SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SOUNDS AS IF THE BRAKE CALIBER IS LOOSE WHEN MOVING YOU CAN HEAR IT WHEN TURNING I TOOK OFF THE WHEEL, AND I CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10881922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MDCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRST TAKA TAKE AIRBAG ON JAN.1ST 2008 I'M HIT A DEER AND I'M HAD TO REPLACE MY WHOLE FRONT EVEN THE HOOD THE ,AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN FACT IT IS STILL ON BUT THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LIGHTS INSIDE MY TRUCK STAYS ON FOR 30 MINUTES AND THE ALARM WILL NOT SET AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. MY SUSPENSION SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SOUNDS AS IF THE BRAKE CALIBER IS LOOSE WHEN MOVING YOU CAN HEAR IT WHEN TURNING I TOOK OFF THE WHEEL, AND I CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10881922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,000 milesCalverton, NYCrash
TIRES
IT HAPPENED ON 12/17/2015 IN THE DAY TIME AROUND 12 NOON WITH A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LX WITH A SET OF 4 BRAND: FIRESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: PRECISION TOURING, SIZE: 235/60R16 99T, DOT: 2RKU, DATE CODE DJC3413 --- IN LIGHT RAIN THE CAR WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT A SPEED UNDER 30MPH AND LOST CONTROL; THE CAR DID A 360 AND SLID AND HIT A UTILITY POLE. THE COMPONENT IS THE TIRES, THEY DID NOT HOLD THE ROAD IN LIGHT RAIN. THE CAR AS TOTALED. I HAVE PHOTOS, AND I AM STORING THE CAR, SO THE TIRES AND CAR IT CAN BE INSPECTED.
NHTSA complaint #10817286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lumberton, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I'm having problems with the lighting control module my high beam lights stop working. I see this year (2003) Ford crown Victoria has a recall for the lighting control module but mines isn't listed when I put in my VIN number and I wanted to see if mines can be listed. Also I would like to know why wasn't it listed on the recall list because this is a safety issue and very dangerous.
NHTSA complaint #11727583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact's father owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlamps would flash and failed to turn on or to turn off as intended. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred intermittently, but the headlights had become completely inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting), which described the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11701850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Almont, MI
AIR BAGS
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
NHTSA complaint #11659563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Almont, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
NHTSA complaint #11659563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Almont, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
NHTSA complaint #11659563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Randolph, MA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that both headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11657552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tallapoosa, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
When driving at night and early mornings my head lights and tail lights will randomly go out when my light switch is set to automatic. I can turn it on manually and then I have head lights and brakes but no running tail lights. Which is a major problem and safety hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11595415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Beach, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal coolant odor. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed there was corrosion and a crack near the intake and radiator hose. No warning lights were illuminated. 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 made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11518286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesDES Plaines, IL
STEERING
MY 2003 CROWN VIC HAS A HORRIBLE TIME STEERING I'VE WATCHED SEVERAL VIDEOS THAT DEPICTS EXACTLY THE SAME ISSUE. YOU HOWEVER DO HAVE A RECALL OUT FOR THIS MAKE JUST STARTING AT 2005. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT I AM THE ONLY ONE THAT'S MADE A COMPLAINT. PLS GET THIS FIXED IM 67 AND WITH CANCER MY ONLY WAY OF GETTING AROUND. PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP THIS IS SERIOUS. OF COURSE IT ON MOLLY DOES THIS WHEN IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11387249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesCottonwood, AZ
WHEELS
THESE PARTICULAR WHEELS ON THE CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR WERE KNOWN TO CRACK, AND LEAK AIR, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THEY WERE RECALLED BY FORD, BUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, YAVAPAI-APACHE POLICE IN CAMP VERDE, AZ, NEVER HAD THEM REPLACED. I AM CONSTANTLY ADDING AIR TO MY TIRES. LUCKILY I HAVEN'T HAD A BLOWOUT. I WOULD SETTLE FOR A USED SET OF STOCK WHEELS(12 HOLE TYPE) TO REPLACE THE CURRENT 8 HOLE TYPE, SINCE I STILL HAVE THE ORIGINAL HUBCAPS ON THE VEHICLE
NHTSA complaint #11351242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSwannanoa, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WHILE ON VACATION 200 MILES FROM HOME WITH MY FAMILY THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY WENT OUT. AFTER A LITTLE INSPECTION I FOUND WE STILL HAD FLASH TO PASS HIGH BEAMS. THE NEXT DAY (JULY 3RD) I WENT TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND THE PARTS HOUSES AND NO ONE HAD A REPLACEMENT. AS A FORMER USAF JET ENGINE MECHANIC I WENT BACK TO THE CAMPER AND FOUND A WIRING DIAGRAM. I FIGURED OUT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. I TOOK IT APART AND REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE RELAY. WE FINISHED OUR VACATION AND I SOON FORGOT THE ISSUE. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE MODULE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPLACEMENT. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT SINCE I HAD REPAIRED THE PART FORD WOULD NOT TAKE IT BACK SO THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. I HAD THE SNEAKING FEELING I WAS BEING LIED TO. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THE RECALL. I FOUND THE REPAIR DOES NOT EVEN INVOLVE REPLACING THE PART BUT TAPS INTO THE WIRING BEFORE THE MODULE. I CALLED FORD CORP AND WAS TOLD THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT AS THEY WEREN'T A TECHNICIAN BUT THEY STOOD BY THEIR DEALERS DECISION. I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD BE PUNISHED FOR DOING WHAT IT TOOK TO GET MY FAMILY HOME SAFELY. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #11342607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMarion, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ON APRIL 14TH 2017 A RECALL WAS ISSUED (RECALL ID = 264137) ON 2003-2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA'S MANUFACTURED OCTOBER 3RD, 2001 THROUGH AUGUST 2ND, 2005. NHTSA CAMPAIGN # = 15V861000. THE RECALL WAS ON THE AFFECTED COMPONENT, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE A FORD CROWN VICTORIA THAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 2002 THAT HAS THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. YET WHEN I CONTACT FORD ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. WORKING WITH A MAJOR AUTOMOBILE COMPANY PREVIOUSLY IN HONDA OF AMERICA, I TRIED TO UNDERSTAND WHY YET FOUND NO RELIABLE ANSWERS. I'VE BEEN HAVING THIS ISSUE FOR MULTIPLE YEARS WHERE MY HEADLIGHT WILL COME ON AND JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11316025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesRome, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I BOUGHT THE CAR A FEW MONTHS BACK. THE HEADLIGHTS WORKED JUST FINE AT FIRST, THEN STARTED EITHER NOT TURNING ON OR WOULD SHUT OFF WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. THEY WILL NOT TURN BACK ON BY FLIPPING THE LIGHTS ON THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO. ONLY THING YOU CAN DO IT WAIT A FEW HOURS AND HOPE THEY TURN BACK ON.
NHTSA complaint #11310691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMyrtle Point, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DASH LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS ON WHEN DRIVING DOWN ROAD ON DARK NIGHT, THEN DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT - COULDN'T SEE SPEEDOMETER OR GEAR INDICATOR. THEN HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, BUT DASH LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE 25 MILES HOME. TRIED LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD AND MAKING SURE ALL CONNECTIONS WERE GOOD, THEY SEEMED TO BE. IN CASE SOMETHING GOT WET IN THE RAIN I WAITED SEVERAL DAYS TO TRY AGAIN, THEN TRIED IT TODAY - THE SAME THINGS HAPPENED ON THE STREET NEAR MY HOME.
NHTSA complaint #11289208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,142 milesHavelock, NC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE LIGHTS WILL CUT OFF I HAVE PULL THE BRIGHT LIGHT LEVER AND HOLD IT ON SO THAT THE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON OTHER WISE I HAVE NO LIGHTS AT ALL. IF I START THE CAR AND THE LIGHT SWITCH IS ON AUTO ONLY THE PARKING LIGHTS WILL COME ON. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BEFORE IT JUST STARTED ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND SOME DAYS THE LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND SOME DAYS THEY WILL NOT
NHTSA complaint #11253198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, OK
POWER TRAIN
FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX SAFTEY ISSUES RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #11243793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, OK
WHEELS
FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX SAFTEY ISSUES RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #11243793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shawnee, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FORD DEALERSHIP WONT FIX SAFTEY ISSUES RECALLS
NHTSA complaint #11243793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesLexington, MA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT DECIDED TO PLACE OIL ON THE STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING WHEEL. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS, THE STEERING SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT BEARING FAILED AND THERE WAS HEAVY CORROSION ON THE SHAFT. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 123,000.
NHTSA complaint #11240610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesSaint Francis, MN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING MY VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK AT NIGHT GOT PULLED OVER BECAUSE I HAVE NO TAIL LIGHTS . THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE THAT WAS PUT IN FROM THE RECALL IS BAD AND NOW FORD SAYS ITS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT MYSELF. WHY EVEN HAVE A RECALL OR ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX SOMETHING IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FIX IT IF IT'S STILL MESSED UP LEAVING CONSUMERS SCREWED
NHTSA complaint #11233156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bossier, LAFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK UNTIL EVER NOW & THEN THE ONLY ONE THAT WORK IS THE RUNNING LIGHTS 🤨 I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE BUT IT WASN'T ON MY VEHICLE 🤦🏾‍♀️ I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND CAUSE I HAVING PROBLEMS WIT MY 3003 LIKE OTHER PPL 🤷🏾‍♀️
NHTSA complaint #11182182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bossier, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY HEADLIGHTS DON'T WORK UNTIL EVER NOW & THEN THE ONLY ONE THAT WORK IS THE RUNNING LIGHTS 🤨 I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT CONTROL MODULE BUT IT WASN'T ON MY VEHICLE 🤦🏾‍♀️ I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND CAUSE I HAVING PROBLEMS WIT MY 3003 LIKE OTHER PPL 🤷🏾‍♀️
NHTSA complaint #11182182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLeetsdale, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FAULTY AND THE TURN SIGNALS DID NOT WORK. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LB SMITH FORD (1100 MARKET STREET, LEMOYNE, PA 17043-1423, 717-761-7600), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S AGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #11176607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,000 milesPearisburg, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
RANDOM LOSS OF PARK LAMPS WHILE DRIVING INCREASING REAR-END COLLISION RISK. HEADLIGHTS ARE OPERATIVE AND WORKING. HEADLIGHT RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY RAMEY FORD. 15S39. I PAID LABOR COSTS AND HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY FORD AS THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE BEING THE PROBLEM. FORD WILL REPLACE THE MODULE AT NO COST ONLY IF IT AFFECTS HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. AFTER FURTHER CONTACTING FORD RELATIONS HELP LINE, FMC DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT THE MATTER OF THE SOLDER JOINTS CRACKING FOR PARK LAMPS. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE TRAFFIC STOPS OVER THIS MATTER ALL VERBLE DUE TO ME KICKING THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE TEMPORARILY CORRECTING THE ISSUE. DASH LIGHTS ILLUMINATE, THINKING PARK LIGHTS ARE WORKING WHEN THEY ARE NOT. I HAVE ATTACHED A PHOTO OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11157291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRinggold, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FORD OF DALTON (LOCATED AT 925 SHUGART RD, DALTON, GA 30720, (706) 278-1151) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE WAS INOPERABLE PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE BEING REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE, THE FAILURE REMAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11151127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
