1999 Ford Crown Victoria Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine2717.1%
- Fuel system2012.7%
- Suspension1811.4%
- Brakes1610.1%
- Tires & wheels127.6%
- Steering106.3%
- Electrical95.7%
- Exterior lighting95.7%
- Other / unspecified63.8%
- Transmission63.8%
- Body & structure53.2%
- Driver assistance53.2%
- Visibility31.9%
- Interior & seats31.9%
- Powertrain (other)31.9%
- Seat belts31.9%
- Airbags21.3%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR LEAKS ANTI-FREEZE THROUGHT THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD. WHO EVER HEARD OF A PLASTIC MANIFOLD. THE ORIGINAL PART IS A DEFECTIVE PART-MADE OF THE WRONG MATERIAL.FORD NEEDS TO RECALL THIS PART, IT CAUSES HAVIC CONSTANTLY NEEDS TO ADD COOLANT. THE THERMOSTAT CANNOT BE CHANGED BECAUSE THE PLASTIC HOUSING IS ONE PIECE WITH THE MANIFOLD.
ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE SHOT OUT CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE COIL PACK AND THREADS TO THE BLOCK. THIS IS A 200$ TO 300$ FIX EACH TIME. GETTING TO BE A HASSLE.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
ANYTIME I PUT A HALF A TANK IN GAS IN CAR IT SMELLS BAD IN TRUCK SO WHEN THIS DOES HAPPEN I LOOK IN THE TRUCK,THERE'S THIS FOAM IN THE BACK THAT'S CO BED WITH GAS,N THE SMALL IS BAD.I DON'T LET ME KIDS IN THE GAS,NTIL ITS GONE..WILL IT CATCH IN 🔥.IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR.HELP PLZ
UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH I BEGAN TO SMELL A SWEET BURNING SCENT THAT I QUICKLY RECOGNIZED AS COOLANT. I PULLED OVER & INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRST THING I OBSERVED AFTER REMOVING THE PLASTIC FACIA FROM THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WAS A CRACK IN THE WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR HOUSING RIGHT IN FRONT ON THE TOP PASSENGER SIDE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. I WAS LESS THAN A BLOCK FROM MY HOME SO I DROVE HOME AND HAD IT TOWED INTO HARVEY'S AUTO THE NEXT DAY. [XXX] HAS TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS INTAKE MANIFOLD AND AS THE ORIGINAL OWNER I SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS RECALL. I WAS NEVER INFORMED OF ANY RECALLS. [XXX] PLACED A TEMPORARY WELD WHICH HAS HELD UP JUST FINE, HOWEVER HE SAID THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER ISSUES WITH THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF FORDS ORIGINAL DESIGN AND THAT ULTIMATELY THE MANIFOLD WILL FAIL AT THESE WEAK POINTS WITH TIME. I DON'T PUT HEAVY MILES ON MY VEHICLE & ONLY HAVE 41,102 MILES ON IT NOW. ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN PERFORMED AT 3000 MILE INTERVALS FROM AUTHORIZED MECHANICS. I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS OF MY SERVICE RECORDS AND FEEL THAT THE ONLY REASON I DIDN'T EXPERIENCE A FAILURE EARLIER IS BECAUSE OF MY DILIGENT EFFORTS TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE INTERVALS SET FORTH IN THE VEHICLES MAINTENANCE LOG. I FEEL THAT IT WAS AND STILL IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FORD TO SEEK OUT ALL OWNERS UNTIL EACH VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE OF RECALL EXPIRED IN 2009 ACCORDING TO FORD CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT I FEEL THAT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE EFFORT BY FORD MOTORS TO INFORM ALL OWNERS OF THIS DEFECT. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF FORD WOULD ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELLING A KNOWN FAULTY ITEM AND EXTEND AND HONOR THEIR ORIGINAL RECALL REPARATIONS FOR MY VEHICLE. I DID MY PART IN FOLLOWING ALL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS AND THEY SHOULD AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE AND TIME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
PREVIOUSLY REPORTED UNDER RECALL # 98V322000. THIS RECALL WAS LIMITED TO 1994-1999 CROWN VICTORIA FLEET VEHICLES, NATURAL GAS, AND LINCOLN TOWNCAR LIMO'S. A PART SEARCH SHOWS ALL CROWN VICTORIAS FROM 1994-1999 USE THE EXACT SAME PART NUMBER FOR THE BALL JOINTS. THERE IS NO DISTINCTION BETWEEN FLEET, PASSENGER,CNG, OR LIMO'S. THIS DEFECTIVE BALL JOINT WAS APPARENTLY USED ON ALL 1994-1999 CROWN VICTORIAS EITHER SOLELY, OR INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ONLY FLEET/COMMERCIAL VEHICLES. FORD IS DEVELOPING A RECORD FOR PERFORMING RECALLS AND/OR REPAIRING DEFECTS FOR THEIR "FLEET CUSTOMERS" WHILE IGNORING THE AVERAGE CONSUMER WHO IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. IN THIS CASE, HOWEVER, THE ISSUE IS ONE OF SAFETY, BOTH TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE AND TO ALL OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. I BELIEVE FORD MOTOR CO DELIBERATELY SUPPLIED FALSE INFORMATION TO THE NHTSA REGARDING THE SCOPE OF THIS DEFECT. AN INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE CONDUCTED INCLUDING REVIEWING ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THESE VEHICLES. CURRENTLY, MY 1999 CROWN VICTORIA (68,000 MILES) HAS THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM LAYING ON THE GROUND IN MY GARAGE. I AM FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS PUTTING MY CAR AWAY AND NOT THE NEXT DAY WHEN I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
BURNING SMELL UNDER DASH)WHEN BRAKE PEDAL AND/OR DOOR WAS OPEN. EVENTUALLY, I COULDN'T START THE CAR AS THE 'BRAKE LIGHTS' WOULD NOT COME ON. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER IN A RAGE THAT THEY HAD IDIOT LIGHTS FOR EVERYTHING ELSE,. AND AS FAR AS I KNEW, HAND SIGNALS WERE STILL LEGAL, THEY TOLD ME TO TURN THE IGNITION 1 CLICK, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, THEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO START THE CAR. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED ELECTRICAL MECHANIC, HE STATED THAT FORD PUT THE SHORTEST, TIGHTEST WIRE CONNECTING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AFTER CONSTANT APPLICATIONS THE WIRE SNAPPED. BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN, THIS TIME A DIFFERENT CONNECTION WAS BAD AND ARCHING, CAUSING THE WIRES TO BURN. HOWEVER, DURING THIS TIME, THE DOME, COURTESY, AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON/OFF PERIODICALLY AND AT ANY GIVEN TIME, AS IF IT WAS POSSESSED. I FINALLY PULLED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OUT SO IT WOULD NOT DRAIN THE BATTERY. THE LATEST EXPERIENCE WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SHUT OFF IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE BLINKER LIGHTS WOULD GO ON/OFF, SOMETIMES JUST ABOUT ON OR FULLY LIT. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BLINKER/ARM UNIT WAS BAD. SINCE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED, I AM HOPING THAT UNIT WAS THE PROBLEM AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.*AK
REFERENCE ODI ID 752976 - I HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND FAILURE OF THE SAME EQUIPMENT AND PARTS DESCRIBED IN THE REFERENECED COMPLAINT. THESE ARE LATENT DESIGN/MATERIAL/MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD, UNDER WARRANTY, THAT THE SHUDDER WAS DUE TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSORS. THIS APPARENTLY WAS INCORRECT. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS JUST OVER 100,000 MI, FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. THE DEALER TO THEIR CREDIT IS TRYING TO CORRECT THE SHUDDER PROBLEM BY SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION WITH ADDITIVES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKING IS A DESIGN/MATERIAL DEFECT WHICH WAS FINALLY DISCOVERED AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD ALTHOUGH I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT COOLANT ODOR SEVERAL TIMES WHILE IN WARRANTY. FORD SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE WITH ME ON THE COST OF REPAIR, THEY SHOULD HAVE SHOLDERED THE ENTIRE COST. NOW WE HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH FORD, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR IS UNWILLING TO CORRECT. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER, IT HAS A TENDENCY TO CRACK INTERNALLY AND CAUSE A HARD PEDAL. THIS DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED ON MY WIFE'S MERCURY SABLE AT ABOUT 38,000-MI AND NOW IS BE EXHIBITED ON MY CROWN VICTORIA. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT AT HIGH SPEED COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, LOSS OF CONTROL IN A PANIC STOP BECAUSE THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO EXERT AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF OF PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND ACTIVATE THE ABS. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD AS A GENERAL POLICY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT PROBLEMS ON VEHICLES OVER 100,000 MI. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD NOT HAVE INDEMNITY RELIEF ON SAFETY ISSUES AND LATENT DEFECTS.*AK
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIRE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. TREAD SEPARATED FROM SIDEWALLS.
WHILE DRIVINGAT 70 MPH TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE FIRST TIME WAS AT 38,551 MILES, AND THE SECOND TIME WAS AT 74,904 MILES. THE TIRES WERE GUARANTEED FOR 70,000 MILES. PEP BOYS, FUTURA PLUS, P225/60R16, RADIO DESIGN #9937, 31985-2 R-1768, DOT 3D X 0, 1 X BD0601, G03L, 0211801.*AK
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ANYTIME I PUT A HALF A TANK IN GAS IN CAR IT SMELLS BAD IN TRUCK SO WHEN THIS DOES HAPPEN I LOOK IN THE TRUCK,THERE'S THIS FOAM IN THE BACK THAT'S CO BED WITH GAS,N THE SMALL IS BAD.I DON'T LET ME KIDS IN THE GAS,NTIL ITS GONE..WILL IT CATCH IN 🔥.IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR.HELP PLZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE LUNGED FROM SIDE TO SIDE ABNORMALLY. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A STEERING WHEEL DEFECT BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 99 ford crown victoria lx has front end issues. I have had to replace the ball joints about 4 times every 2 to 3 months because the front end keeps dropping. I'm not sure if you guys know about this but I've spoken with our local Ford mechanic and a few friends who have crown Victoria's as well and said that it has been a big issue with them along with the electrical components for the turn signals
HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND ALL INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS FLASH OFF FOR PERIODS OF UP TO 30-45 SECONDS AT A TIME WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AT SUBSTANTIAL COST. LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED TWICE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AT ANY SPEED. FORD IS NON COOPERATIVE. I AM A POLICE OFFICER, THIS IS A PERSONALLY OWNED POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLE. *NM
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS AS WELL AS THE DASH LIGHTS SHUT OFF. THEY THEN CAME BACK ON AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE AND A HALF. THE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY SHUT OFF AND COME BACK ON AT RANDOM. I CAN BE ON THE INTERSTATE OR ON A CITY STREET. I CAN BE GOING FORWARD OR BACKWARDS WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.
I RECEIVED A LETTER SAYING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS RECALLED AND I WAS TO RECEIVE A NOTICE IN THE MAIL AS TO WHEN I COULD COME IN FOR SERVICE. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THAT SAID NOTICE AND MY LIGHTS ARE NOT REPAIRED.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO HONOR THE STEEL WHEEL RECALL 03V279000 BECAUSE THE WHEELS ARE ON A 1999 MODEL AND THE RECALL IS ON THE 2003 MODEL. *AK THE WHEELS ON THE VEHICLE FELL UNDER THE DATE RANGE. THE RECALL SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE WHEEL MANUFACTURER'S DATE. (FORD ANNOUNCED A RECALL ON THE 2003 VEHICLE'S AND ALSO ON THE WHEELS DATED AUGUST 18, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2003) *SCC *JB
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE FLOOR MAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. TS. THE FLOOR MAT MOVED AROUND AND BECAME STUCK TO THE HOOKS WHICH WERE EMBEDDED IN THE FLOOR AND WERE FLAT FROM NORMAL WEAR. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO HOOK THE FLOOR MAT ON THE APPARATUS, THEREFORE THE FLOOR MAT SLID UNDER THE ACCELERATOR. SCC. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
1999 CROWN VICTORIA BECAME STUCK IN PARK.*MR *JB
REFERENCE ODI ID 752976 - I HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AND FAILURE OF THE SAME EQUIPMENT AND PARTS DESCRIBED IN THE REFERENECED COMPLAINT. THESE ARE LATENT DESIGN/MATERIAL/MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD, UNDER WARRANTY, THAT THE SHUDDER WAS DUE TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SENSORS. THIS APPARENTLY WAS INCORRECT. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS JUST OVER 100,000 MI, FORD WILL DO NOTHING TO CORRECT THIS DEFECT. THE DEALER TO THEIR CREDIT IS TRYING TO CORRECT THE SHUDDER PROBLEM BY SERVICING THE TRANSMISSION WITH ADDITIVES. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CRACKING IS A DESIGN/MATERIAL DEFECT WHICH WAS FINALLY DISCOVERED AFTER THE WARRANTY PERIOD ALTHOUGH I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT COOLANT ODOR SEVERAL TIMES WHILE IN WARRANTY. FORD SPLIT THE DIFFERENCE WITH ME ON THE COST OF REPAIR, THEY SHOULD HAVE SHOLDERED THE ENTIRE COST. NOW WE HAVE ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH FORD, ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE SUPERVISOR IS UNWILLING TO CORRECT. THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER, IT HAS A TENDENCY TO CRACK INTERNALLY AND CAUSE A HARD PEDAL. THIS DEFECT WAS DISCOVERED ON MY WIFE'S MERCURY SABLE AT ABOUT 38,000-MI AND NOW IS BE EXHIBITED ON MY CROWN VICTORIA. CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THIS COMPONENT AT HIGH SPEED COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, LOSS OF CONTROL IN A PANIC STOP BECAUSE THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE TO EXERT AN UNUSUAL AMOUNT OF OF PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND ACTIVATE THE ABS. I WAS TOLD THAT FORD AS A GENERAL POLICY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO CORRECT PROBLEMS ON VEHICLES OVER 100,000 MI. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD NOT HAVE INDEMNITY RELIEF ON SAFETY ISSUES AND LATENT DEFECTS.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE PAD KEY STOP WORKING I HAD TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO LET ME IN MY CAR ON A RAINY NITE WITH MY KIDS N TILL THIS DAY STILL DON'T WORK.I CAN'T LICK MY DOORS
BOTH MY HUSBAND AND I COMPLAINED WHEN OUR CROWN VICTORIA WAS NEW AND ONWARD ABOUT THE FRONT DOORS WERE OPENED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE NOT HOLDING OPEN AND SNAPPING BACK ON THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER TRYING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. FORD DID NOTHING ABOUT THIS, AND IGNORED THIS PROBLEM. EVEN WHEN WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE, WE TOLD THE ATTENDANT ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND STILL NOTHING WAS DONE TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. WHEN SOMEONE PUTS THERE FOOT OUT TO EXIT A VEHICLE, THEY DON'T EXPECT THE DOOR TO SNAP BACK ONTO THEM. I'VE HAD MY LEG CLIPPED NUMEROUS TIMES, BESIDES MY EAR AND HEAD WHEN THE DOOR DOESN'T HOLD OPEN. I THINK FORD SHOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING ABOUT THIS EARLY ON, INSTEAD OF DENYING THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE WARRANTY WAS OUT OF DATE. WE TOLD FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM DOORS EVEN ON THE NEW OWNERS REQUESTED REVIEW OF OUR NEW AUTO. THIS PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED FROM THE FIRST TIME WE PURCHASED THIS 1999 CV ON TO THIS PRESENT DAY. FORD, WHAT SAY YOU!!! *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY PARENTS PICKED MY DAUGHTER UP FROM THE SCHOOL BUS AND PROCEEDED DOWN MY DRIVEWAY SLOWLY. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED EVEN AS MY FATHER HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE. THERE WERE VISIBLE SIGNS OF THE FRONT WHEELS DRAGGING UP DEBRIS AS THE FRONT WHEELS WERE LOCKING UP. HE ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND TURN THE KEY BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO AS THE VEHICLE MUST HAVE REACHED A SPEED IN EXCESS OF 50 MPH BEFORE HE SLAMMED IT INTO PARK AND THEN RAN HEAD ON INTO A TREE. BOTH PARENT WERE INJURED SEVERELY EVEN WITH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CAR WAS DESTROYED. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDETERMINED SPEED, BUT WAS NOT REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE PULLING UP TO A STOP LIGHT AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING INTO THE INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ONLY AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED A SOLENOID, BUT IT WAS UNKNOWN WHETHER THE SOLENOID WAS IN THE ENGINE OR BRAKE SYSTEM. THE DEALER ONLY REPLACED THE SOLENOID IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT OFFERED NO GUARANTEE THE SOLENOID WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE THIRD INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE PULLING INTO THE GARAGE AT 2 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE WALL. AGAIN, THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH IN A HAIL STORM, THE HEATING SYSTEM WOULD NOT OPERATE CAUSING A BUILD UP OF FOG ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEALER ADVISED ALTHOUGH THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SERVICED FOR THE FAILURE AND THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,981 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) EMITS AN ODOR AND CAUSES MOLD BUILD UP. DEALER REPLACED HEATER CORE AND A/C EVAPORATOR, BUT PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED ONLY TEMPORARILY. CONSUMER IS ALLERGIC TO MOLD.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BURNING SMELL UNDER DASH)WHEN BRAKE PEDAL AND/OR DOOR WAS OPEN. EVENTUALLY, I COULDN'T START THE CAR AS THE 'BRAKE LIGHTS' WOULD NOT COME ON. I CALLED THE FORD DEALER IN A RAGE THAT THEY HAD IDIOT LIGHTS FOR EVERYTHING ELSE,. AND AS FAR AS I KNEW, HAND SIGNALS WERE STILL LEGAL, THEY TOLD ME TO TURN THE IGNITION 1 CLICK, PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, THEN I WOULD BE ABLE TO START THE CAR. AFTER BRINGING THE CAR TO A CERTIFIED ELECTRICAL MECHANIC, HE STATED THAT FORD PUT THE SHORTEST, TIGHTEST WIRE CONNECTING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND AFTER CONSTANT APPLICATIONS THE WIRE SNAPPED. BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN, THIS TIME A DIFFERENT CONNECTION WAS BAD AND ARCHING, CAUSING THE WIRES TO BURN. HOWEVER, DURING THIS TIME, THE DOME, COURTESY, AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD COME ON/OFF PERIODICALLY AND AT ANY GIVEN TIME, AS IF IT WAS POSSESSED. I FINALLY PULLED THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OUT SO IT WOULD NOT DRAIN THE BATTERY. THE LATEST EXPERIENCE WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD SHUT OFF IN THE OPEN POSITION AND THE BLINKER LIGHTS WOULD GO ON/OFF, SOMETIMES JUST ABOUT ON OR FULLY LIT. IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BLINKER/ARM UNIT WAS BAD. SINCE THAT WAS JUST REPLACED, I AM HOPING THAT UNIT WAS THE PROBLEM AND THERE WILL BE NO MORE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.*AK
HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS AND ALL INTERIOR DASH LIGHTS FLASH OFF FOR PERIODS OF UP TO 30-45 SECONDS AT A TIME WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AT SUBSTANTIAL COST. LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED TWICE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AT ANY SPEED. FORD IS NON COOPERATIVE. I AM A POLICE OFFICER, THIS IS A PERSONALLY OWNED POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY NAME IS [XXX] AND MY FORD CROWN VICTORIA HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY THE C-CLIP KEEPS FALLING OFF THE AXLE SHAFT AND I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL I'M NOT SURE HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM BUT I AM AND THE REAR END IS TOO EXPIENCIVE TO REPAIR AND I THINK THIS SHOULD BE ADMITTED TO FORD BECAUSE THE AXLE SHAFT IS FAULTY AND THE DIFFERENTIAL 3:55 IS A BAD CONCEPT ON MY CAR I DON'T SPEED OR BEAT MY CAR DOWN OR DOG IT OUT I DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT AND USE THE CAR AS SUPPOSED TO AND THE OTHER PROBLEM IS THE CAR HAS RANDOM MISFIRES AS WELL THE PROBLEM I INSIST OF COMPLAINING OF CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE AND I FEEL FORD SHOULD RECALL THE CAR FOR THIS MAJOR PROBLEM PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU CAN HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *TT
DRIVELINE OF THE VEHICLE HAS FAILED, UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE OF PROBLEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SHOUDER SAFELY, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE EMERGENCY FUEL CUT OFF VALVE WAS ACTIVATED. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED HOW DID IT GET ACTIVATED IF NO ONE WAS IN THE TRUNK. *AK THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT FAILED. *YH
CONSUMER WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR END WHILE MAKING A TURN AND WAS PUSHED 55 FEET FORWARD, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE PUSHED INTO A DITCH. SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD THE CONSUMER, WHO WAS PROPELLED INTO THE DASH AND STRUCK HIS SHOULDER, CAUSING INJURY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *ML
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY DAD WAS JUST IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE AN SUV HIT HIS 99 CROWN VIC NEAR THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. THE HOOD LOOKS LIKE A CRUMPLED PIECE OF PAPER. HE HAS INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND RIBS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND CUTS ON HIS LEG FROM THE DASH. AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. CAR WAS TOTALED. HE WAS HIT AT SUCH SPEED, THE CAR SPUN AROUND AND HIT THE REAR AS WELL. ACCIDENT WAS LAST WEEK IN FLORIDA CITY, FL.
WHILE DRIVING ALONG ON THE FREEWAY CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT HEAD ON AT THE REAR WHEEL. UPON IMPACT, BOTH PASSENGER'S SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CONSUMER READ IN MANUAL THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. CONSUMER HAS SUSTAINED BODY INJURIES WHICH CAUSED HIM TO BE ALL BLACK AND BLUE ALL OVER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR CONDITIONING (A/C) EMITS AN ODOR AND CAUSES MOLD BUILD UP. DEALER REPLACED HEATER CORE AND A/C EVAPORATOR, BUT PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED ONLY TEMPORARILY. CONSUMER IS ALLERGIC TO MOLD.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
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