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2009 problems

FaultScore report

2009 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025. The largest single group is the steering. Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 19 worst.

Read the complaints What breaks Worst years for the Ford Crown Victoria All 2009 cars

FaultScore 46/100

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

How this is worked out

The numbers

Complaints

Crashes reported

Fires reported

Injuries reported

91,609 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

20%

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.

The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.

Complaint volume — 18: Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100: 20.3% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 34: 20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2009 compares with every other Ford Crown Victoria

Click any bar to open that year's report.

2 2 4 8 8 24 35 48 49 86 58 70 482 247 252 318 358 340 138 174 103 70 71 303 175 240 68 76 64 59 14 32

80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11

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

What breaks on a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria

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

Steering 17 28.8%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 129,839 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 12 20.3%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 34,902 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 7 11.9%

Median failure at 30,800 miles

Electrical System 5 8.5%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 74,200 mi

Suspension 4 6.8%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 107,461 mi

Airbags 3 5.1%

2 crashes, 1 fires · median 71,000 mi

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 3.4%

Median failure at 135,000 miles

Engine & Cooling 2 3.4%

Median failure at 42,021 miles

Other & Unspecified 1 1.7%

Median failure at 112,800 miles

Seat Belts 1 1.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Wheels 1 1.7%

Median failure at 91,609 miles

Tires 1 1.7%

Lights 1 1.7%

Body & Structure 1 1.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 132,000 mi

Brakes 1 1.7%

When it fails

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

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 4.4%

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 4.4%

25,000 – 49,999 miles 12 26.7%

50,000 – 74,999 miles 4 8.9%

75,000 – 99,999 miles 3 6.7%

100,000 – 149,999 miles 15 33.3%

150,000+ miles 7 15.6%

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.

May 2009 peak 8 May 2025

Recalls on the 2009 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 5 Nov 2014

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 29 Aug 2013

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.

Canada — Transport Canada

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

Recall 2014502 5 Nov 2014 1,757 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 2013287 27 Aug 2013 16,260 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.

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.

Filed 26 Mar 2018 at 40,000 miles SAN Diego, CA Crash

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING WELL SEPARATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHING INTO A CURB. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT DRIVABLE. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT AND NO INJURY WAS REPORTED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS ABOUT 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11081255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 16 Sep 2015 at 77,400 miles Wapato, WA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, LOCKED AND UNATTENDED IN A PARKING LOT. SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS FLASHES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD FAIRLY CENTRALLY LOCATED WHERE IT HINGES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FLASHES BEGIN SLOW, THEN RESUME MORE INTENSELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE. THE FIRE CONSUMES ALL RUBBER/PLASTICS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND CONTINUES TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.

NHTSA complaint #10764216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Aug 2015 Alameda, CA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #10746136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 May 2014 at 132,000 miles Naperville, IL Crash

STEERING

MAR 25TH 2013, MY BROTHER WAS COMING BACK TO HOME, SUDDENLY CAR SPIN/SCATTERED HIT TO TREE AND ELECTRIC POLE, MAR 2014, I RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL # 13S08/NHTSA LETTER FROM FORD COMPANY STEERING COLUMN SHAFT PROBLEM. WE CONTACT TO FORD COMPANY ON MARCH 18,2014 REGARDING THE ABOVE ISSUE. THEY ISSUE US CASE # [XXX]. IN THE MONTH OF APRIL 2014 WE CONTACT THEM AGAIN TO CHECK THE STATUS OF ABOVE CASE, TILL TO DATE WE ARE WAITING FOR THEIR REPLY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10588067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 May 2014 at 132,000 miles Naperville, IL Crash

SUSPENSION

NHTSA complaint #10588067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 13 May 2014 at 132,000 miles Naperville, IL Crash

STRUCTURE:BODY

NHTSA complaint #10588067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

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

Filed 13 May 2025 at 338,000 miles Monett, MO

STEERING

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware that the lower steering column bearing was detaching. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a visual inspection of the vehicle was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering); however, no repairs were needed at the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 338,000.

NHTSA complaint #11660679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 19 Dec 2023 Saint Petersburg, FL

STEERING

Lower intermediate steering shaft and upper intermediate steering shaft universal joints are binding, causing very unpredictable steering and the upper intermediate steering shaft to begin separating from the steering column. This is covered under recalls 13S08/13R01. The vehicle was inspected and passed in 2014 so no parts were replaced, but the parts are now failing inspection per recall attachment sheets. Ford is refusing to service these crucial parts which are COVERED in the above recalls.

NHTSA complaint #11560868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 31 May 2023 at 164,000 miles Struthers, OH

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the fuel tank straps had fractured, causing the fuel tank to become detach and drag on the ground. The fuel tank was temporarily reattached, and the vehicle was driven home. The contact later discovered that fuel had leaked from the fuel tank. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.

NHTSA complaint #11524630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 4 Jan 2021 at 100,000 miles Gorham, NH

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER BERLIN CITY FORD LOCATED AT 485 MAIN ST, GORHAM, NH 03581 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V704000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11386371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 12 Aug 2019 Smithton, PA

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11243304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 8 Aug 2019 at 167,000 miles Smithton, PA

STEERING

FORD HAD A RECALL, 13S08, FOR THE STEERING ON THESE CARS. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR ON 08?06/2019 AND IMMEDIATELY CHECKED YOUR SITE FOR RECALLS. THERE IS THIS RECALL AND IT WAS NOT COMPLETED. NEW JERSEY OWNED THIS CAR BEFORE ME AND MUST NOT HAVE TAKEN IT IN. I CALLED FORD AND WAS TOLD THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL. I NOW DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR.

NHTSA complaint #11242441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 19 Jul 2019 at 160,000 miles Buffalo, MO

POWER TRAIN

THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT MOVE IN DRIVE. SETS AND IDLES. GIVE IT SOME GAS. WILL NOT MOVE. GOING TO COST $1200 TO REBUILD IT

NHTSA complaint #11233459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 3 Feb 2019 at 150,000 miles Dixmont, ME

STEERING

I HAD JUST GOTTEN HOME FROM WORK. I PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE AND WENT TO GO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO RIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMED LIKE IT WAS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING SO I TRIED TO TURN IT IT THE OTHER WAY TO SEE IF I COULDN'T GET IT TO LOOSEN UP AND WHEN I HAD TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT AGAIN THE WHOLE STEERING WHEEL SNAPPED. IT DIDN'T TAKE MUCH TO SNAP IT. THE GOOD PART IS I WASN'T ON THE INTERSTATE HOWEVER I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES BEFORE THAT. AND IF THAT HAD HAPPENED ON THE INTERSTATE WHO KNOWS WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. HOWEVER RIGHT NOW I WAS ABLE TO HACK THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY I HAD TO TURN THE SHAFT BY HAND. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE ELSE TO PAY TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED BC PROUTY FORD IN DOVER FOXCROFT SAID THEY WORKED ON THIS AND FIXED THE SHAFT AND IT DIDN'T SEEMED FIXED.

NHTSA complaint #11173808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 2 Nov 2018 at 127,678 miles Augusta, GA

STEERING

STERRING BEGAN GIVING A CLUNKING FEELING IN WHEEL WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT I NOTICE 4 DAYS AGO. MORE NOTICEABLE OVER BUMPS... I THOUGHT IT WAS MY TIRES. I WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD AND ATTEMPT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND VEHICLE KEEP GOING STRAIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT TURNING ALSO CRASH INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, VEHICLE WAS TOW TO SHOP!

NHTSA complaint #11145030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Filed 28 Mar 2018 Sacramento, CA

POWER TRAIN

2004 FORD CROWN VIC POLICE INTERCEPTOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED SHIFTING OUT OF PARK WAS DIFFICULT, THE BRAKES SEEMED SQUISHY, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD/SPEEDOMETER WERE INOPERABLE, AND THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE VEHICLE.