FaultScore

FaultScore report

2004 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Owners have filed 175 complaints about the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 2004 and 2022. The largest single group is the lights. Across this model's run it ranks 15 of 19 worst.

C

FaultScore 43/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Crown Victoria.

How this is worked out

The numbers

175

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

6

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

91,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

8%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

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.

Complaint volume 54 vs 50 Severity 44 vs 50 Early failure 14 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 54
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.6% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 14
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2004 compares with every other Ford Crown Victoria

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Lights 83 47.4%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 92,000 mi

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 89,500 mi

Steering 19 10.9%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 122,429 mi

2 crashes, 3 fires · median 87,106 mi

Wheels 9 5.1%

Median failure at 119,000 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 5 2.9%

Median failure at 49,450 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 4 2.3%

Median failure at 67,625 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 4 2.3%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 67,578 mi

Suspension 4 2.3%

Median failure at 64,700 miles

Tires 3 1.7%

Median failure at 16,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 3 1.7%

Median failure at 70,000 miles

Body & Structure 3 1.7%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 2 1.1%

Median failure at 156,250 miles

Seat Belts 1 0.6%

Median failure at 82,500 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 1 0.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 9 5.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 16 10.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 32 20.1%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 31 19.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 44 27.7%
150,000+ miles 26 16.4%

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 2004 peak 6 Sep 2022

NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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.

PE15028 Opened 10 Aug 2015 Closed 8 Jan 2016 EXTERIOR 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...

DP15002 Opened 1 Apr 2015 Closed 11 Aug 2015 EXTERIOR 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...

PE14021 Opened 7 Jul 2014 Closed 21 Nov 2014 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

Steering Column Shaft Obstruction

On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver wh...

PE08066 Opened 26 Nov 2008 Closed 24 Mar 2009 EXTERIOR 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...

DP05005 Opened 22 Sep 2005 Closed 4 Jan 2006 ENGINE 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...

RQ04007 Opened 2 Aug 2004 Closed 20 Dec 2004 WHEELS

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...

Recalls on the 2004 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.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2015610 14,714 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 2007055 5,408 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 2005146 5,541 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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 126,800 miles Ochlocknee, GA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I HAVE A 2004 CROWN VICTORIA. FORD HAS A RECALL OUT FOR 2003-2005 GRAND MARQUIS AND CROWN VICTORIA'S FOR THEIR LIGHT CONTROL MODULE (LCM) BECAUSE OF SOLDERS BREAKING CAUSING EXTERIOR LIGHTING NOT TO WORK. I TOOK MY CAR TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP (APRIL 22, 2017) TO HAVE SUCH RECALL DONE BECAUSE MY EXTERIOR RUNNING LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. (PARKING LIGHTS FRONT AND RUNNING LIGHTS REAR) I ALSO ADVISE THE DEALERSHIP OF THIS. WHICH IS DOCUMENTED ON THE RECEIPT I HAVE KEPT. FORD DOESN'T REPLACE THE ACTUAL LCM, ALL THEY DO IS INSTALL A "BYPASS HARNESS" TO BYPASS THE ISSUE WHICH DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE SAME LIGHTS STILL NOT IN WORKING CONDITION. AGAIN, STATED ON RECEIPT. THE PROBLEM FIXED ITSELF AND I ASSUMED IT WENT AWAY. NOW IT'S BACK BUT EVEN WORSE. AGAIN MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING, PARKING AND REAR RUNNING LIGHTS, AND NOW MY INTERIOR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING AS WELL. FORD KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. FORD REFUSES TO REPLACE THE FAULTY LCMS IN THESE CARS. I KNOW OF SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE I'M HAVING WHO HAVE CALLED FORD AND COMPLAINED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THERE ARE NO REAR RUNNING LIGHTS AT NIGHT, PERIOD. WHEN IT'S PARKED, ON ROADWAYS, HIGHWAYS, ETC. NO ONE CAN SEE ME AT NIGHT FROM THE REAR.. AND THE DASH LIGHTS ARE NOT ON. I CAN PROVIDE WHATEVER NEEDED TO HELP BECAUSE THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED ASAP. I'LL CALL TOMORROW IF I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK BEFORE.

NHTSA complaint #11003897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,106 miles Wyandotte, MI Crash 1 injured

STEERING

DRIVING S ON M-10 FROM I-94 TO I-75 ENTRANCE RAMP. I ENTERED THE RAMP AT 25- 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP, I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. BEFORE I KNEW IT I HIT THE CURB AND THEN ROLLED OVER APPROX. 3 TIMES DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND FINALLY HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE HEAT SHIELD FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FOUND UNDER THE CAR, YOU COULD SEE IT RUSTED OFF AND YOU COULD SEE THE MARKS ON IT WHERE IT JAMMED THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE ENGINE BLOCK (STILL HAVE THE PART). BECAUSE OF THE COST CUTTING IN MATERIALS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL AND NOT OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL IT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. NOW BECAUSE OF THIS INFERIOR DESIGN AND THE ACCIDENT IT CAUSED, I'M DEALING WITH TBI, PTSD, PBA, NECK INJURY, LOWER BACK INJURY (WHICH IS AFFECTING MY LEGS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO WALK). A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT I GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE IN MARKETING, BUT NOW BECAUSE OF MY INJURIES I AM UNABLE TO WORK. THIS NEEDLESS ACCIDENT HAS CAUSED ME FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, I LOST MY HOME, UNABLE TO PAY MY STUDENT LOANS, UNABLE TO PAY MY BILLS. THIS ALL STEMS FROM SOMEONE AT FORD'S DECIDING TO CUT COSTS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL INSTEAD OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL. FORD SHOULD HAVE REALIZED THAT A MAJORITY OF THESE CROWN VICTORIA'S ARE OWNED IN AREAS WHERE SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER. YOU WOULD THINK FORD'S BEING LOCATED IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN WOULD USE COMMON SENSE IN THEIR DESIGN OF THIS PART, KNOWING SALT IS HEAVILY USED IN SNOW REMOVAL IN MICHIGAN. THEY SAVED A FEW DOLLARS, BUT IN DOING SO THEY RUINED MY LIFE !! I JUST WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS WHERE CAUSED BY THIS POOR DESIGN? I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER LIVES HAVE BEEN RUINED AND DON'T REALIZE IT WAS CAUSED BY THIS DEFECTED DESIGN. I WAS JUST LUCKY TO FIND THE PART TO SHOW WHAT CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT. ..UPDATED 05/20/14 *BF...UPDATED 08/10/15*BF UPDATED 8/17/17

NHTSA complaint #10578715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,106 miles Wyandotte, MI Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

DRIVING S ON M-10 FROM I-94 TO I-75 ENTRANCE RAMP. I ENTERED THE RAMP AT 25- 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP, I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. BEFORE I KNEW IT I HIT THE CURB AND THEN ROLLED OVER APPROX. 3 TIMES DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND FINALLY HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE HEAT SHIELD FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FOUND UNDER THE CAR, YOU COULD SEE IT RUSTED OFF AND YOU COULD SEE THE MARKS ON IT WHERE IT JAMMED THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE ENGINE BLOCK (STILL HAVE THE PART). BECAUSE OF THE COST CUTTING IN MATERIALS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL AND NOT OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL IT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. NOW BECAUSE OF THIS INFERIOR DESIGN AND THE ACCIDENT IT CAUSED, I'M DEALING WITH TBI, PTSD, PBA, NECK INJURY, LOWER BACK INJURY (WHICH IS AFFECTING MY LEGS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO WALK). A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT I GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE IN MARKETING, BUT NOW BECAUSE OF MY INJURIES I AM UNABLE TO WORK. THIS NEEDLESS ACCIDENT HAS CAUSED ME FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, I LOST MY HOME, UNABLE TO PAY MY STUDENT LOANS, UNABLE TO PAY MY BILLS. THIS ALL STEMS FROM SOMEONE AT FORD'S DECIDING TO CUT COSTS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL INSTEAD OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL. FORD SHOULD HAVE REALIZED THAT A MAJORITY OF THESE CROWN VICTORIA'S ARE OWNED IN AREAS WHERE SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER. YOU WOULD THINK FORD'S BEING LOCATED IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN WOULD USE COMMON SENSE IN THEIR DESIGN OF THIS PART, KNOWING SALT IS HEAVILY USED IN SNOW REMOVAL IN MICHIGAN. THEY SAVED A FEW DOLLARS, BUT IN DOING SO THEY RUINED MY LIFE !! I JUST WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS WHERE CAUSED BY THIS POOR DESIGN? I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER LIVES HAVE BEEN RUINED AND DON'T REALIZE IT WAS CAUSED BY THIS DEFECTED DESIGN. I WAS JUST LUCKY TO FIND THE PART TO SHOW WHAT CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT. ..UPDATED 05/20/14 *BF...UPDATED 08/10/15*BF UPDATED 8/17/17

NHTSA complaint #10578715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,106 miles Wyandotte, MI Crash 1 injured

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

DRIVING S ON M-10 FROM I-94 TO I-75 ENTRANCE RAMP. I ENTERED THE RAMP AT 25- 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP, I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. BEFORE I KNEW IT I HIT THE CURB AND THEN ROLLED OVER APPROX. 3 TIMES DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND FINALLY HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE HEAT SHIELD FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS FOUND UNDER THE CAR, YOU COULD SEE IT RUSTED OFF AND YOU COULD SEE THE MARKS ON IT WHERE IT JAMMED THE STEERING SHAFT AND THE ENGINE BLOCK (STILL HAVE THE PART). BECAUSE OF THE COST CUTTING IN MATERIALS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL AND NOT OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL IT IS THE CAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. NOW BECAUSE OF THIS INFERIOR DESIGN AND THE ACCIDENT IT CAUSED, I'M DEALING WITH TBI, PTSD, PBA, NECK INJURY, LOWER BACK INJURY (WHICH IS AFFECTING MY LEGS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO WALK). A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT I GRADUATED WITH A BACHELORS DEGREE IN MARKETING, BUT NOW BECAUSE OF MY INJURIES I AM UNABLE TO WORK. THIS NEEDLESS ACCIDENT HAS CAUSED ME FINANCIAL HARDSHIP, I LOST MY HOME, UNABLE TO PAY MY STUDENT LOANS, UNABLE TO PAY MY BILLS. THIS ALL STEMS FROM SOMEONE AT FORD'S DECIDING TO CUT COSTS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THE HEAT SHIELD OUT OF SHEET METAL INSTEAD OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL. FORD SHOULD HAVE REALIZED THAT A MAJORITY OF THESE CROWN VICTORIA'S ARE OWNED IN AREAS WHERE SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER. YOU WOULD THINK FORD'S BEING LOCATED IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN WOULD USE COMMON SENSE IN THEIR DESIGN OF THIS PART, KNOWING SALT IS HEAVILY USED IN SNOW REMOVAL IN MICHIGAN. THEY SAVED A FEW DOLLARS, BUT IN DOING SO THEY RUINED MY LIFE !! I JUST WONDER HOW MANY ACCIDENTS WHERE CAUSED BY THIS POOR DESIGN? I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER LIVES HAVE BEEN RUINED AND DON'T REALIZE IT WAS CAUSED BY THIS DEFECTED DESIGN. I WAS JUST LUCKY TO FIND THE PART TO SHOW WHAT CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT. ..UPDATED 05/20/14 *BF...UPDATED 08/10/15*BF UPDATED 8/17/17

NHTSA complaint #10578715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Glenwood, IL Fire

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING BY FORD, I HAVE FAULTY HEADLIGHTS. ON MORE THAN 20 OCCASIONS I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON BEFORE I CAN PROCEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ENDANGERING MY LIFE DEPENDING ON MY LOCATION AT THE TIME! PLEASE ASK FORD TO CONSIDER FIXING THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED!

NHTSA complaint #10429991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Glenwood, IL Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING BY FORD, I HAVE FAULTY HEADLIGHTS. ON MORE THAN 20 OCCASIONS I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON BEFORE I CAN PROCEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ENDANGERING MY LIFE DEPENDING ON MY LOCATION AT THE TIME! PLEASE ASK FORD TO CONSIDER FIXING THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED!

NHTSA complaint #10429991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Tempe, AZ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Taillight failure and corner light failure likely caused by faulty wiring as mentioned in 2015 lcm recall

NHTSA complaint #11483992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tempe, AZ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Taillight failure and corner light failure likely caused by faulty wiring as mentioned in 2015 lcm recall

NHTSA complaint #11483992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Merrimac, MA

STEERING

I was informed by my mechanic that my steering column shaft needs to be replaced on my 2004 primary vehicle. Ford says they do not have a recall and will not cover the service. I have a recall for THE SAME ISSUE for my (not currently driving) 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor made in the SAME LOCATION (St. Thomas). 2005 Manufacturer Recall Number 13S08, NHTSA Recall Number 13V385000). The recall includes cars originally sold in NH (both of mine) and says: SEVERE CORROSION CAN SEIZE THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WHICH MAY CAUSE THE UPPER INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO COLLAPSE AND THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER BEARING TO SEPARATE. Safety Risk: IF THE LOWER BEARING SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. How can Ford say there is no issue when there is an active recall for it on model years 2005-2011? Have there been reported issues/crashes of 2004 cars with this defect? Is there anything I can do to have Ford cover this? Or are they not bothering because there probably aren't many 2004s still on the road? Is it possible to get Ford to provide the manufacturer lot/date codes of the defective steering parts? As my 2004 & 2005 were built in the same location, I would bet my 2004 was built with the same steering part manufacturer lot as my 2005- they probably don't turn out the volume of police Interceptors as commercial cars. Thank you

NHTSA complaint #11450920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 109,000 miles Peoria, IL

WHEELS

THE GOOD YEAR EAGLE SPORT TIRES TORE APART ON A SHORT TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE AND CAUSED THE CAR TO BE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 2019 AND PURCHASED OCTOBER 2019 AND BY JANUARY 3RD OF 2021 THEY WERE FLAT AND CHEWED UP WITH ONLY AROUND 13,000 MILES ON THEM EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE 50,000 MILE TIRES. THIS COMPLAINT IS INVOLVING THE GOODYEAR TIRES THAT WERE ON THE CAR AND THE ONE THAT FAILED AND WAS CHEWED UP DESPITE LOW MILES AND RECENTLY MANUFACTURED/MADE WITHIN THE LAST 19 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT AFTER THE TIRE WAS DISCOVERED CHEWED UP THE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS IN NEED OF REPAIR AS THE TIRE CAUSED DAMAGE. THE BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONSIVE TO STOPPING AFTER THE TIRE WAS CHEWED UP EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS SOME BRAKING POWER WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS PUSHED DOWN TO THE FLOOR, THE BRAKING POWER WAS REDUCED AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE CAR CAME ONE. THAT IS TO SAY THAT THE TIRE FAILURE DAMAGED SOME OF THE BRAKING COMPONENETS IN THE VEHICLE. DOT C0X3 2E1R 0619

NHTSA complaint #11386905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 117,000 miles Chalfant Valley, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE NEAD LIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 65 MILES A HOUR STOPED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIWAY SHUT OFF THE CAR PLAYED WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON BUT NOW THEY WILL NOT SHUT OFF SO THE BATTERY MUST BE DICONECTED WHEN NOT IN USE WORKING ON FINDING A REPAIR SHOP T FIX IT

NHTSA complaint #11377413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 124,000 miles Blaine, WA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2004 FORD CROWN VIC HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. I ORDERED AND REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND MY HEADLIGHTS STILL DON'T WORK. I CAN'T DRIVE AT NIGHT ANYMORE. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD DEALERSHIP ABOUT A RECALL AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED A CALL BACK.

NHTSA complaint #11372311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles Houston, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANUALLY ADJUSTED THE LIGHT SWITCH AND THE HEADLIGHTS OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #11361504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,600 miles Little Rock, AR

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT I GOT THE VIN REPORT ONLINE AND ASKED ABOUT RECALLS, FOUND 5 RECALLS, AND WENT TO THE NHTSA AND NOW YOU DO NOT TELL ME IF THE RECALLS WERE MADE OR THE PROBLEMS FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #11328516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,600 miles Little Rock, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT I GOT THE VIN REPORT ONLINE AND ASKED ABOUT RECALLS, FOUND 5 RECALLS, AND WENT TO THE NHTSA AND NOW YOU DO NOT TELL ME IF THE RECALLS WERE MADE OR THE PROBLEMS FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #11328516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 55,600 miles Little Rock, AR

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

WHAT HAPPENED IS THAT I GOT THE VIN REPORT ONLINE AND ASKED ABOUT RECALLS, FOUND 5 RECALLS, AND WENT TO THE NHTSA AND NOW YOU DO NOT TELL ME IF THE RECALLS WERE MADE OR THE PROBLEMS FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #11328516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Minneapolis, MN

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHILE TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PERIODICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11245836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Washington DC, DC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE COMPLETELY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), BUT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TR

NHTSA complaint #11231344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 95,000 miles Southgate, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING. THE FUSE WAS GOOD BUT I REPLACED IT ANYWAY. I ALSO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #11176518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 83,000 miles Gibsonia, PA

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY STIFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING LINKAGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.

NHTSA complaint #11130285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 227,201 miles Memphis, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AT COUNTRY FORD (888) 867-3993 (95 GOODMAN RD E, SOUTHAVEN, MS 38671), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,201.

NHTSA complaint #11123818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 227,201 miles Memphis, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V861000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AT COUNTRY FORD (888) 867-3993 (95 GOODMAN RD E, SOUTHAVEN, MS 38671), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 227,201.

NHTSA complaint #11123818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Taft, CA

POWER TRAIN

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL THE SUDDEN I START HEARING THIS REAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER REAR AND ALL MY BRAKE LIGHTS ABS LIGHTS AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON . WELL I WAS TOLD IT WAS WHEEL SEALS COME TO GIND OUT THERE IS A BIT GROVE OUT OF SHAFT WHERR BEARING RIDES. AND SHAFT IS VERY WEEK

NHTSA complaint #11119733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Taft, CA

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL THE SUDDEN I START HEARING THIS REAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER REAR AND ALL MY BRAKE LIGHTS ABS LIGHTS AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON . WELL I WAS TOLD IT WAS WHEEL SEALS COME TO GIND OUT THERE IS A BIT GROVE OUT OF SHAFT WHERR BEARING RIDES. AND SHAFT IS VERY WEEK

NHTSA complaint #11119733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 200,000 miles Taft, CA

SUSPENSION

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL THE SUDDEN I START HEARING THIS REAL LOUD NOISE COMING FROM PASSENGER REAR AND ALL MY BRAKE LIGHTS ABS LIGHTS AND TRACTION LIGHTS CAME ON . WELL I WAS TOLD IT WAS WHEEL SEALS COME TO GIND OUT THERE IS A BIT GROVE OUT OF SHAFT WHERR BEARING RIDES. AND SHAFT IS VERY WEEK

NHTSA complaint #11119733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,200 miles Morristown, NY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE FAILED ONE NIGHT. THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WENT DIM AND MY SIGNALS WOULDN'T WORK ON THAT SIDE. EVENTUALLY THE ENTIRE THING FAILED AND THERE WAS NO AUDIBLE CLICKING FROM THE MODULE.

NHTSA complaint #11097684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,500 miles Tuscaloosa, AL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

HORN,CRUSE CONTROL,AND OTHER FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE FAILED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING. UNKNOWN REASON.

NHTSA complaint #11076303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,500 miles Tuscaloosa, AL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

HORN,CRUSE CONTROL,AND OTHER FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE FAILED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING. UNKNOWN REASON.

NHTSA complaint #11076303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,500 miles Tuscaloosa, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HORN,CRUSE CONTROL,AND OTHER FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL HAVE FAILED WHEN WE WERE DRIVING. UNKNOWN REASON.

NHTSA complaint #11076303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Dawsonville, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

CARS PAINT IS FLAKING OFF GOING DOWN THE ROAD.

NHTSA complaint #11073729 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dawsonville, GA

STRUCTURE:BODY

PAINT IS FLAKING.

NHTSA complaint #11071634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.