RoadVitals

2009 Ford Crown Victoria

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest May 13, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Nov 5, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 44 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria, most frequently naming the steering, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 18 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1729.3%
  • Fuel system1220.7%
  • Powertrain (other)58.6%
  • Electrical58.6%
  • Suspension46.9%
  • Airbags35.2%
  • Visibility23.4%
  • Engine23.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V704000

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

Nov 5, 2014
36,888 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 14S25View on NHTSA.gov
13V385000

STEERING

Aug 29, 2013
355,000 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Ford Motor CompanyManufacturer number 13S08View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 44
Steering
Filed May 13, 2025

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 ID
11660679
Incident
May 6, 2025
Mileage
338,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 19, 2023

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 ID
11560868
Incident
Dec 19, 2023
Fuel system
Filed May 31, 2023

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 ID
11524630
Incident
May 1, 2023
Mileage
164,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 4, 2021

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 ID
11386371
Incident
Nov 1, 2020
Mileage
100,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 12, 2019

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*JB

NHTSA ID
11243304
Incident
Aug 9, 2019
Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2019

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 ID
11242441
Incident
Aug 6, 2019
Mileage
167,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 19, 2019

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 ID
11233459
Incident
Jun 18, 2019
Mileage
160,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 3, 2019

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 ID
11173808
Incident
Feb 1, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

SSM 52476

EQUIPMENT

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

DOR-L2Q6V-10

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This SKU is a Radiator Fan. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the electrical connections. An electrical connection issue may lead to the fan not working potentially throwing a check engine light for overheating.

SSM 47201

EQUIPMENT

Replacing the original equipment SYNC/Navigation system with either an aftermarket SYNC/Navigation kit or modifying original SYNC/Navigation parts to provide additional features is not recommended nor supported on any Ford, Mercury or Lincoln vehicle. Only approved Genuine Ford accessories or originally installed systems are supported and certified to function correctly with other vehicle systems. If you suspect a system has been modified, the following resources can be used to verify original equipment: Monroney Label (Window Sticker), Professional Technician Society (PTS) OASIS tab  select SYNC or HVBOM. For Genuine Ford accessories use: PTS Workshop Tab  select Dealer Installed Accessory or Accessory Installation.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

SSM 47009

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Ford Crown Victoria by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012000—
2011232041.9
2010122053.4
2009Viewing442050.1
2008503363.9
2007504468.7
2006533364.4
20051936761.5
20041383656.9
20032497962.7
2002585367.1
2001537766.5
20008510558.5
19991348760.7
199811910962.4
1997288111062.7
1996276121063.9
199525012764.4
19941927465.9
199318291065.4
199231091065.8
1991554264.8
1990433367.7
1989722367.0
1988422265.0
1987414370.4
1986271365.6
1985210257.4
1984612—
1983522—
1982301—
1981201—
1980201—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.