Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA between 2011 and 2025.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 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 — 10
Against the median year of the Ford Crown Victoria. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 48
9.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 78
46% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Ford Crown Victoria
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
28.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
729.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
416.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
28.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
28.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
312.5%
150,000+ miles
416.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Ford Crown Victoria 4 DR RWD
—
—
—
9% risk
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 2011peak 4Mar 2025
Recalls on the 2011 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.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Kingston, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, TNCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, TNCrash
ENGINE
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Kingston, TNCrash
POWER TRAIN
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, TNCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, TNCrash
ENGINE
Unknown
NHTSA complaint #11647631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Roxbury, MA
STEERING
Vehicle is exhibiting stiff steering issues associated with steering column. Mechanic determined steering shaft requires replacement. This vehicle was already involved in a steering column recall several years ago however the problem appears to have returned.
NHTSA complaint #11519396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southgate, MI
STEERING
I learned of recall on some models of crown victoria police interceptor. I own 3 such vehicles. Two were identified for recall, the third a 2011 however was not. This car has signs of steering issues very hard to turn the wheel at times. There is rust on the lower intermediate steering shaft and at the u joints of the shaft. When I took the other vehicles in for recall servicing I provided the vin # for the 2011 and was informed that there was no recall for it. I am hoping that the recall can be expanded to include this vehicle which is showing some signs of steering shaft issues.
NHTSA complaint #11519486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesPutnam, CT
STEERING
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the steering wheel started clicking and making an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V704000 (Steering) or 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #11428047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 82,000 milesYonkers, NY
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH, THE FRONT END WOULD VIBRATE AND A CLUNKING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. EVENTUALLY THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT LOCK AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT BEARING WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER RYE FORD LOCATED AT 1151 BOSTON POST RD, RYE, NY 10580 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V385000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
NHTSA complaint #11388103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesYonkers, NY
VISIBILITY/WIPER
LOWER REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER TAB DISCONNECTS FROM GLASS, AND DOES NOT STAY PERMANENTLY ATTACHED.
NHTSA complaint #11338977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pepperell, MA
STEERING
MY STEERING I SUPER HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL WHEN PARKED AS WELL AS DRIVING. IT IS BECAUSE OF THE STEERING SHAFT IS RUSTED OUT AND VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE .I JUST FOUND OUT THAT FORD HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT I NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT IT
NHTSA complaint #11322802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesShow LOW, AZ
STEERING
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR,THE RITE FRONT WHEEL IS MAKING POPING SOUNDS.
NHTSA complaint #11208767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesShow LOW, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR,THE RITE FRONT WHEEL IS MAKING POPING SOUNDS.
NHTSA complaint #11208767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 207,000 milesShow LOW, AZ
SUSPENSION
THERE IS A RECALL ON MY CAR,THE RITE FRONT WHEEL IS MAKING POPING SOUNDS.
NHTSA complaint #11208767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,354 milesCatonsville, MD
ENGINE
THE ENGINE JUST EJECTED THE #7 SPARK PLUG WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON CITY, PUBLIC ROADS AND CAUSED THE CAR TO DANGEROUSLY AND SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN. THE CAR JUST BEHIND ME HAD TO MANEUVER TO AVOID ME.
NHTSA complaint #11099324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,566 milesWilliamson, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL WORKS SOMETIMES BUT BLINKS RAPIDLY MOST OF THE TIME. NO BULBS ARE BURNED OUT. SOMETIMES THE DASH LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED ON AND THEN THE DASH LIGHTS COME BACK ON WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE TURNED OFF. SOMETIMES THE DASH LIGHTS COME BACK ON EVEN WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON BUT THE DASH LIGHTS ARE VERY DIM. IT IS BECOMING MORE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN'T COUNT ON THE DASH LIGHTS OR TURN SIGNALS WORKING. FORD HAS TOLD ME THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS YEAR HAVING A BAD LIGHT CONTROL MODULE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR CROWN VICTORIA YEARS 2003 THROUGH 2005. MY CAR HAS 111,566 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10980214 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STEERING
2011 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING COLUMN SHAFT RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL NOTICE, THE PART WOULD BE REPLACED, AS WELL AS INSPECTING OTTER PARTS. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE RESPONDED AGAIN, BY SAYING, FIRST THERE WOULD BE AN INSPECTION TO DETERMINE IF THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID NOT WANT TO WASTE A DAY, JUST FOR AN INSPECTION. SO HE DECIDED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT, TO HAVE TO PART REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10568470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,002 milesWayne, NJ
POWER TRAIN
CAR STALLS WHEN IN HIGH SPEED PASSING GEAR. TURNS OVER, WILL NOT RESTART. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS MODEL HAS A HISTORY OF THIS EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10553794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,002 milesWayne, NJ
ENGINE
CAR STALLS WHEN IN HIGH SPEED PASSING GEAR. TURNS OVER, WILL NOT RESTART. HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS MODEL HAS A HISTORY OF THIS EVENT.
NHTSA complaint #10553794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesDearborn, MI
WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE PACKAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT RIMS WOULD BECOME CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,900. ...UPDATED 12-23-13
NHTSA complaint #10549219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,034 milesSanford, FL
STRUCTURE
I LIVE IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, AND IN MAY 2013, I PURCHASED A FORMER WISCONSIN POLICE VEHICLE, 2011 CROWN VICTORIA FROM VAN HORN MOTORS OF MILWAUKEE IN WISCONSIN. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH LATER, AFTER DISCOVERING RUST PARTICLES ON MY GARAGE FLOOR, I NOTICED THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, MUFFLERS AND BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY COVERED IN RUST. THIS PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALERSHIP VIA EMAILS WITH NUMEROUS PHOTOS ATTACHED. NO REPLY WAS EVER RECEIVED, NOR WAS THIS PROBLEM MADE AWARE TO ME EITHER BY LANDLINE, EMAIL OR ANY OTHER FORM OF COMMUNICATION. IN JULY AND PART OF AUGUST 2013, I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO PHYSICALLY WASH, WIRE BRUSH, SAND, PRESSURE WASH, PRIME AND PAINT THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE. SINCE I HAD TO THIS WHILE LYING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE THE WHOLE PROCESS TOOK ME FIVE DAYS TO COMPLETE AND APPROXIMATELY $250.00 IN EQUIPMENT USAGE, PURCHASES AND LABOR. BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. I REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW, EITHER FROM THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, THE CENTER FOR AUTO SAFETY AND/OR FORD MOTORS, HOW I CAN PLEASE BE REIMBURSED?
NHTSA complaint #10538335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCentreville, AL
STEERING
STEERING THIS CAR WAS A NIGHTMARE ALWAYS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. ALSO BRAKES CONSTANTLY GRABBING AND SCREECHING. ALSO HEADLIGHT AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS CAR FROM START BUT WAS SLAMMED INTO BY DEALERSHIP AND CHASE... I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN 76 YEARS OLD. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10522077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCentreville, AL
SUSPENSION
STEERING THIS CAR WAS A NIGHTMARE ALWAYS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. ALSO BRAKES CONSTANTLY GRABBING AND SCREECHING. ALSO HEADLIGHT AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS CAR FROM START BUT WAS SLAMMED INTO BY DEALERSHIP AND CHASE... I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN 76 YEARS OLD. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10522077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesCentreville, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
STEERING THIS CAR WAS A NIGHTMARE ALWAYS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. ALSO BRAKES CONSTANTLY GRABBING AND SCREECHING. ALSO HEADLIGHT AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THIS CAR FROM START BUT WAS SLAMMED INTO BY DEALERSHIP AND CHASE... I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN 76 YEARS OLD. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10522077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,200 milesHarrisburg, PA
STEERING
INSPECTION FOUND DISLOCATED BUSHING.
NHTSA complaint #10478028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,222 milesHerrisburg, PA
STEERING
INSPECTION FOUND DISLOCATED BUSHING.
NHTSA complaint #10478033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,200 milesHarrisburg, PA
SUSPENSION
INSPECTION FOUND DISLOCATED BUSHING.
NHTSA complaint #10478028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.