Owners have filed 64 complaints
about the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 2008 and 2023.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 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 — 20
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
43.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 19
11% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other Ford Crown Victoria
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
23.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
916.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
814.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
713.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1629.6%
150,000+ miles
916.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2008peak 9Aug 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 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.
EA13004Opened 26 Apr 2013Closed 15 Nov 2013STEERING:COLUMN
Loss of Steering Control
In its recall notice dated August 26, 2013, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA of a safety defect condition that may result in loss of steering in approximately 355,000 model year (MY) 2005 through 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant, MY 2005 through 2007 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the Wixom Assembly Plant, and certain MY 2008 through 2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant and that are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illino...
In the subject vehicles, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and rack and pinion steering assembly consist of the steering column and an upper and lower intermediate shaft.A disconnection of any of these components from the steering system can create a loss of steering control.Allegations of a loss of steering control incidents reviewed during the Preliminary Evaluation PE12-025 appear to be related to a separation of the upper and lower shafts within the steering the column. In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) during PE12-025, F...
PE08060Opened 14 Oct 2008Closed 9 Apr 2009TIRES:VALVE
TIRE VALVE CRACKING
ON OCTOBER 14, 2008, ODI OPENED PE08-060 TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF CRACKED AND LEAKING SNAP-IN TIRE VALVES IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY.THE VALVES WERE SUPPLIED TO FORD BY TOPSEAL AUTO-PARTS, A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SHANGHAI BAOLONG AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION IN CHINA.VALVES MADE BY TOPSEAL FOR AFTERMARKET SALE WERE THE SUBJECT OF TWO RECENT SAFETY RECALLS BY TECH INTERNATIONAL (08T-018) AND DILL AIR CONTROLS (08T-028), THE LATTER OF WHICH WAS INVESTIGATED BY ODI IN PE08-036 AND EA08-022.THE DEFECT CONDITIONS ADDRESSED BY THE AFTERMARKET TIRE VALVE RECALLS BO...
Recalls on the 2008 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
14V704000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Risk: Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
13V385000
STEERING
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 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.
Risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
07V270000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT.
Risk: IF A HUB FRACTURES, IT MAY POTENTIALLY DETACH FROM THE WHEEL KNUCKLE, RESULTING IN THE WHEEL BEING RETAINED ONLY BY THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT, THE WHEEL MAY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20145021,757 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2013-287 (13S08) or special service campaign 13R01 may require re-inspection and repair. The service procedure may have resulted in over-extension of one part of a collapsible joint in the intermediate steering shaft. This could potentially result in the shaft becoming disconnected, resulting a loss of steering, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the intermediate shaft connection and replace the intermediate shaft if necessary.
Recall 201328716,260 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the steering column lower intermediate shaft can become severely corroded. This could cause the swing link joint to become stiff or seized. As a result, the upper intermediate shaft could collapse, allowing the steering column lower bearing to separate, causing a loss of steering capability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering lower intermediate shaft. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired or replaced. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.
Recall 20082111,817 units in Canada
Label
On certain Crown Victoria Police Interceptor vehicles equipped with bucket seats, the designated seating capacity on the tire information placard was incorrectly identified as six total (three front; three rear) instead of five total (two front; three rear). Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 2007199475 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, improper heat treatment of the front hub assemblies may allow the development of a circumferential crack on the roll formed end of the hub when vehicle loading is applied. This condition can result in axial movement of the wheel, causing front end noise and steering wheel shudder, and the potential for wheel detachment and/or loss of steering control resulting in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the front hub assemblies.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
ENGINE
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSellersville, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SERVICE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11104225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesShirley, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY- ROUTE 2 IN MASSACHUSETTS. AFTER TAPPING ON THE BRAKES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN, THE CROWN VICTORIA- ON IT'S OWN- BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT THE SAME TIME. IT WAS SUDDEN AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AT THAT POINT, I SLAMMED AS HARD AS I COULD ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL- TO THE POINT WHERE THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE ENGINE OVERWHELMED BRAKES AND I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE- I COULD ONLY SLOW IT DOWN. I ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME (WHICH HAD COME TO A STOP). EVEN AFTER THE IMPACT, THE CROWN VICTORIA CONTINUED TO PUSH AGAINST THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THEN, JUST AS SUDDENLY AS IT STARTED, THE FULL BORE ACCELERATION STOPPED. I HAD A PERFECT DRIVING HISTORY PRIOR TO THIS MALFUNCTION. NO ACCIDENTS EVER. I HAD AMPLE SPACE AND TIME TO SAFELY STOP MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH MATS. I AM NOT SUING FORD. I AM NOT TRYING TO AVOID THE SURCHARGE. I CAN'T OFFER YOU TANGIBLE PROOF THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA- OTHER THAN MY TRUTHFUL TESTIMONY. I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND, UNTIL THAT ONE INCIDENT, IT WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. IT WAS RUNNING NORMALLY IN THE DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I HAD A "WRENCH" LIGHT COME ON ONCE, A COUPLE OF WEEKS EARLIER BUT IT WAS GONE THE NEXT TIME I STARTED UP THE CAR. SO I DISMISSED IT. THE DAMAGE WAS RELATIVELY MINOR AND I HAVE FULL COLLISION. I CONSIDERED THE CAR SO UNSAFE TO DRIVE, HOWEVER, THAT I TOOK IT OFF THE ROAD AND GAVE IT AWAY. I WARNED THE PERSON I GAVE IT TO THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE USED ONLY FOR PARTS. WHAT I AM SAYING IS THE TRUTH AND IT IS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT I TOLD THE MOTORIST I STRUCK AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10893344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesSalem, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE VISOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VISOR WAS CLOSED. AS A RESULT, THE VISOR MATERIAL WAS BURNED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VISOR HAD TO BE SLIGHTLY OPENED TO PREVENT FURTHER BURNING WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS TO THE VISOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10873481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
San Manuel, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complete instrument cluster failure, no lights illuminate except turn signals. Speed, rpm’s, fuel level, temperature, are completely off instrument cluster is completely dark when driving at night, told that the solders on the cluster are bad. (Defective?)
NHTSA complaint #11536418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesHumble, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse while the transmission was shifted into reverse(R). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the linkage. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11522491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,924 milesClearlake Park, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH in a dark area with the high beam headlights activated, the headlights became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were activated to continue driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact stated she replaced the headlights and the fuse but the failure continued. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 121,924.
NHTSA complaint #11488095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 141,000 milesTroy, MI
STEERING
The contact owns a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact inspected the steering column underneath the hood and noticed that the steering shaft was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
NHTSA complaint #11480958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
The right front wheel hub broke at the weld when turning in a parking lot. The part is available for inspection. Had this happened at freeway speed, the right front wheel would have departed the vehicle. The safety hazards are obvious. I attempted to contact customer service and they did not reply.There was no warning sign and the part has not been inspected. I am not a welder. It appears this part had a bad weld from the start. I suspect it was welded by a machine and there may be more just like it from the same production run.
NHTSA complaint #11476597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffin, GA
STEERING
I purchased this vehicle a week ago and I also downloaded car fax and it states my vehicle was due for a recall in 2014 but the previous owner next got it.
NHTSA complaint #11418934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Griffin, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this vehicle a week ago and I also downloaded car fax and it states my vehicle was due for a recall in 2014 but the previous owner next got it.
NHTSA complaint #11418934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,000 milesChocorua, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK
2008 FORD INTERSEPTER GAS TANK STRAPS AND TANK FELL. VEHICAL WAS TOWED TO A FORD.
NHTSA complaint #11339379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesWest Dallas, WI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL INDEPENDENTLY TURNED 180 DEGREES. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND BECAME AWARE OF A LOOSENED STEERING SHAFT BUSHING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
NHTSA complaint #11330032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesNEW Orleans, LAFire
ENGINE
I DROVE MY CAR TO WORK. I PARKED IT ON THE SIDE OF THE STREET. WHEN I GOT OUT HOURS LATER IT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11318188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesAntioch, IL
STEERING
NOTICED INTERMITTENT STIFFNESS IN THE STEERING, AN INSPECTION BY OWNER AT THE STEERING COLUMN DETERMINED THAT THE BEARING CONNECTING THE UPPER AND LOWERS SHAFTS HAD EXTENDED FROM ITS HOUSING. IT WAS DETERMINED THIS FAILURE WAS CONSISTENT WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL 13R01. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GILLESPIE FORD IN GURNEE, IL, WHO STATED THE RECALL HAD BEEN CLOSED OUT IN 2013. THEY WENT ON TO STATE THAT THE ONLY REPAIR MADE IN 2013 WAS REPLACEMENT OF THE LOWER, EXTERIOR STEERING SHAFT, AND NO RETAINING CLIP WAS INSTALLED TO PREVENT SEPARATION OF THE BEARING. GILLESPIE FORD STATED THERE WAS NO CORROSION OR ANY OTHER CAUSE OF THE BEARING FAILURE, SAYING THAT WHEN THE RECALLS WERE DONE THEY WOULD SIMPLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN AND NOT INSTALL THE RETAINING CLIP. GILLESPIE FORD DECLINED TO MAKE ANY FURTHER REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THE CONDITION EXISTED WITH SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, BUT DID OFFER TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN FOR $1600.00.
NHTSA complaint #11299622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesLittle Rock, AR
STEERING
I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY AND TURNED ONTO MY STREET WHEN MY LOWER STEERING SHAFT COLLAPSED AND CAUSED MY UPPER BEARING RETAINING CLIP TO SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING ME TO LOSE ALL STEERING CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11175945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesCarencro, LA
STEERING
TAKATA RECALL FOR SOME ODD REASON ANY LITTLE BUMP OR IN LEVEL GROUND I GO OVER , THE STEERING WHEEL RESPONSE IS HORRIBLE. ALSO MY CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT COMES ON AND I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP TWICE & HORRIBLE FUMES FLOATS AROUND INSIDE MY CAR CABIN.
NHTSA complaint #11164014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesCarencro, LA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL FOR SOME ODD REASON ANY LITTLE BUMP OR IN LEVEL GROUND I GO OVER , THE STEERING WHEEL RESPONSE IS HORRIBLE. ALSO MY CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT COMES ON AND I CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP TWICE & HORRIBLE FUMES FLOATS AROUND INSIDE MY CAR CABIN.
NHTSA complaint #11164014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesSellersville, PACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO SERVICE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
NHTSA complaint #11104225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesHomestead, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ANTI BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SENORS IS SHOW OPEN CIRCUIT
NHTSA complaint #11062258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGrandville, MI
STEERING
I HAVE A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA (P71) POLICE INTERCEPTOR. I AM HAVING A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT. THE NOISE IS ACCOMPANIED BY A WANDERING STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER BUMPS. ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES BECOMES HARD TO TURN THEN RAPIDLY BECOMES LOOSE LIKE SOMETHING IS BINDING UP, THEN FINALLY BREAKING FREE THROUGHOUT THE TURN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN TAKING LOW SPEED WIDE TURNS. AFTER INSPECTING THE STEERING COMPONENTS I NOTICED MY EXCESSIVE PLAY WHERE TJE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT ATTATCHES TO THE RACK N PINION. I THINK MY UPPER SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE SINCE IT IS NOT NEARLY AS CORRODED AS THE LOWER INTERMITTENT SHAFT. I CAN ROTATE THE WHOLE SHAFT ABOUT A QUARTER TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION WHILE THE CAR PARKED AND AT THE END OF EACH TURN THE KNOCK RESONATES NEAR THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT KNUCKLE TO WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO TJE PINION GEAR OF THE RACK N PINION. NOW, I INSPECTED ALL STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND THEY ARE ALL IN GOOD SHAPE....NO PLAY ANYWHERE 8N THE SYSTEM BESIDES THE "RECALLED" STEERING SHAFT! I HAVE TWO KIDS AND IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THEY GET HURT BECAUSE A "RECALLED" PART DIDNT GET REPLACED BY FORD WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE(FOR FREE) I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE. HONORING A FREE REPLACEMENT FOR AN OBVIOUSLY POORLY ENGINEERED AND DEFECTIVE FACTORY PART SEEMS TO BE TJE RIGJT THING TO DO.....SO WHERE IS MY RECALL AND WHY DOESNT IT SHOW UP WHEN I SEARCH MY CARS VIN NO??? THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DIES. I DONT MAKE A LOT OF MONEY AND THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR FREE LILE IT WAS ON ALL THE OTHER VEHICLES. IT DRIVES LILE NEW BESIDES THE SCARY KNOCK AND WANDERING STEERING. IT'S JUST RIDICULOUS NOT TO RECALL THIS PART!
NHTSA complaint #11048133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesGrandville, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA (P71) POLICE INTERCEPTOR. I AM HAVING A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT. THE NOISE IS ACCOMPANIED BY A WANDERING STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES OVER BUMPS. ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL SOMETIMES BECOMES HARD TO TURN THEN RAPIDLY BECOMES LOOSE LIKE SOMETHING IS BINDING UP, THEN FINALLY BREAKING FREE THROUGHOUT THE TURN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN TAKING LOW SPEED WIDE TURNS. AFTER INSPECTING THE STEERING COMPONENTS I NOTICED MY EXCESSIVE PLAY WHERE TJE INTERMITTENT STEERING SHAFT ATTATCHES TO THE RACK N PINION. I THINK MY UPPER SHAFT MAY HAVE BEEN REPLACED BEFORE SINCE IT IS NOT NEARLY AS CORRODED AS THE LOWER INTERMITTENT SHAFT. I CAN ROTATE THE WHOLE SHAFT ABOUT A QUARTER TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION WHILE THE CAR PARKED AND AT THE END OF EACH TURN THE KNOCK RESONATES NEAR THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT KNUCKLE TO WHERE IT CONNECTS INTO TJE PINION GEAR OF THE RACK N PINION. NOW, I INSPECTED ALL STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND THEY ARE ALL IN GOOD SHAPE....NO PLAY ANYWHERE 8N THE SYSTEM BESIDES THE "RECALLED" STEERING SHAFT! I HAVE TWO KIDS AND IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AND THEY GET HURT BECAUSE A "RECALLED" PART DIDNT GET REPLACED BY FORD WHEN IT SHOULD HAVE(FOR FREE) I WILL NEVER FORGIVE THE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE. HONORING A FREE REPLACEMENT FOR AN OBVIOUSLY POORLY ENGINEERED AND DEFECTIVE FACTORY PART SEEMS TO BE TJE RIGJT THING TO DO.....SO WHERE IS MY RECALL AND WHY DOESNT IT SHOW UP WHEN I SEARCH MY CARS VIN NO??? THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN DIES. I DONT MAKE A LOT OF MONEY AND THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED FOR FREE LILE IT WAS ON ALL THE OTHER VEHICLES. IT DRIVES LILE NEW BESIDES THE SCARY KNOCK AND WANDERING STEERING. IT'S JUST RIDICULOUS NOT TO RECALL THIS PART!
NHTSA complaint #11048133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,365 milesUnadilla, NY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY GAS PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR TURNED KEY OFF AND HIT BRAKES FELT LIKE PEDAL WANTED TO STAY DOWN.CITY STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11011486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesClayton, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE STILL ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10946172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesShirley, MACrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A HIGHWAY- ROUTE 2 IN MASSACHUSETTS. AFTER TAPPING ON THE BRAKES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SLOWING DOWN, THE CROWN VICTORIA- ON IT'S OWN- BEGAN TO ACCELERATE AT THE SAME TIME. IT WAS SUDDEN AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. AT THAT POINT, I SLAMMED AS HARD AS I COULD ONTO THE BRAKE PEDAL- TO THE POINT WHERE THE BRAKES WERE SMOKING. THE ENGINE OVERWHELMED BRAKES AND I COULD NOT STOP THE VEHICLE- I COULD ONLY SLOW IT DOWN. I ENDED UP REAR ENDING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME (WHICH HAD COME TO A STOP). EVEN AFTER THE IMPACT, THE CROWN VICTORIA CONTINUED TO PUSH AGAINST THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THEN, JUST AS SUDDENLY AS IT STARTED, THE FULL BORE ACCELERATION STOPPED. I HAD A PERFECT DRIVING HISTORY PRIOR TO THIS MALFUNCTION. NO ACCIDENTS EVER. I HAD AMPLE SPACE AND TIME TO SAFELY STOP MY VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH MATS. I AM NOT SUING FORD. I AM NOT TRYING TO AVOID THE SURCHARGE. I CAN'T OFFER YOU TANGIBLE PROOF THAT THERE WAS A SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION IN MY 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA- OTHER THAN MY TRUTHFUL TESTIMONY. I RECENTLY BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND, UNTIL THAT ONE INCIDENT, IT WAS RUNNING NORMALLY. IT WAS RUNNING NORMALLY IN THE DAYS AFTER THE ACCIDENT. I HAD A "WRENCH" LIGHT COME ON ONCE, A COUPLE OF WEEKS EARLIER BUT IT WAS GONE THE NEXT TIME I STARTED UP THE CAR. SO I DISMISSED IT. THE DAMAGE WAS RELATIVELY MINOR AND I HAVE FULL COLLISION. I CONSIDERED THE CAR SO UNSAFE TO DRIVE, HOWEVER, THAT I TOOK IT OFF THE ROAD AND GAVE IT AWAY. I WARNED THE PERSON I GAVE IT TO THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND SHOULD BE USED ONLY FOR PARTS. WHAT I AM SAYING IS THE TRUTH AND IT IS CONSISTENT WITH WHAT I TOLD THE MOTORIST I STRUCK AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10893344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesSalem, VAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE VISOR LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE VISOR WAS CLOSED. AS A RESULT, THE VISOR MATERIAL WAS BURNED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VISOR HAD TO BE SLIGHTLY OPENED TO PREVENT FURTHER BURNING WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL WIRE HARNESS TO THE VISOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10873481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesMinneapolis, MN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 140,000. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ UPDATED 08/2/16.
NHTSA complaint #10865792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.