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1992 Ford Crown Victoria

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Crown Victoria years

Owner complaints for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria are substantially higher than the model-year median of 53.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 14 of 310 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports24 fire reports11 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

52 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

1.RIDING ONE NIGHT HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY,SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING/ 2.HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATING MELTING PLUG CONNECTED TO WIRING/ HAPPENS ALL THE TIME/ FIRE OR EVEN CAUSE A WRECK OR GET A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. …

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1.RIDING ONE NIGHT HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY,SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING/ 2.HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATING MELTING PLUG CONNECTED TO WIRING/ HAPPENS ALL THE TIME/ FIRE OR EVEN CAUSE A WRECK OR GET A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. 3.CHANGED SWITCH CHANGED PLUG SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN &AGAIN,LOOKED AT PARTS ON OTHER CARS SAME MODEL SAME YEAR DIFFERENT MODEL DIFFERENT YEAR SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME SPOT!! [ THE FORD 1992 CROWN VICTORIA]. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10307687

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2005
Electrical System

MY FATHER BOUGHT A USED 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LS. WHEN YOU TURN ON THE PARK OR DRIVING LIGHTS, THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD IS SO DIM YOU CAN HARDLY READ THE SPEEDOMETER. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR FOR MY FATHER AND IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. IN THE EVENING, THE PROBLEM RESOLVES ITSELF, IT IS DURING THE DAY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10118788

100,000 miles · Mar 28, 2005
Electrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE BRAKE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SMOKING WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF THE ROAD HE NOTICED THAT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. *NM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INDICATED IT WAS A ELECTRICAL FIRE. *BF

NHTSA ODI #10113077

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2003
Electrical System

ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROL (COMPUTER) FAILED TWICE CAUSING ENGINE TO STALL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10051106

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2002
Electrical System

LOTS OF HEAT IS COMING FROM STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WHEN IGNITION IS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO RECALL 96V-071.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8015648

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2002
Electrical System

CAR STALLS AT ALL SPEEDS WHEN GAS ISNT BEING APPLIED-SAME DIAGNOSIS FOR 1991' MODELS RECALLED! I BELIEVE MY 1992 IS EARLY MODEL W/SAME EXACT SYMPTOMS!*AK

NHTSA ODI #761696

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2001
Electrical SystemStructureVisibility

DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF INTERMENTETLY. HEADLIGHTS/WINDSHIELD, AND SUN ROOF ARE NOT OPERABLE. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK SUN ROOF HAD ELECTRICAL SURGE AND BLEW OUT A CONTROL MODULE. THE SAME THING OCCURED WITH LEFT REAR DOOR MOTOR. *YH

NHTSA ODI #881892

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2001
Electrical SystemFire

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO A DEFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL WHICH RELATES TO RECALL 99V124, HOWEVER FORD FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF A MANUFACTURING OR DESIGN DEFECT AND DENIED ANY LIABILITY FOR THE CLAIM. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SLC REFERENCED IN EA02-025

NHTSA ODI #559762

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2000
Electrical System

IGNITION SWITCH OVERHEATS WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING KEY TO GET HOT. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK PROBLEM MUST HAVE BEEN STARTER SHORT, THEY REPLACED STARTER AND HAVE NOT HAD PROBLEM. *YH

NHTSA ODI #867570

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2000
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

CLEARCOAT OF PAINT COMING OFF IN BLOCKS/STRIPS,FLY ONTO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING, PAINT RUSTING. BRAKE PEDAL DOESN'T RETURN UP, POPS UP WHEN TURNING & ROUGH ON ROUGH RD.,WEAR OUT QUICKLY. ELEC. DR. LOCKS DON'T WORK. DRIVER ELEC. SEAT WONT GO BACK,ENGINE:SPARK KNOCK,CAR PULLS LEFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT GOES ON,SOLENOID REPLACED 3X…

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CLEARCOAT OF PAINT COMING OFF IN BLOCKS/STRIPS,FLY ONTO WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING, PAINT RUSTING. BRAKE PEDAL DOESN'T RETURN UP, POPS UP WHEN TURNING & ROUGH ON ROUGH RD.,WEAR OUT QUICKLY. ELEC. DR. LOCKS DON'T WORK. DRIVER ELEC. SEAT WONT GO BACK,ENGINE:SPARK KNOCK,CAR PULLS LEFT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT GOES ON,SOLENOID REPLACED 3X,FUSE BLOWS FOR INTERIOR LTS CLUSTER,DIFFICULTY REMOVING KEY FROM IGNIITION,SEAT TRACK COVERS OFF, CLIMATE CONTROL INOPERABLE PRECEEDED BY INITIAL HOT AIR FROM A/C, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES,HOOD LATCH DIFFICULT TO CLOSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #722554

Official recalls

7

08V051000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Feb 4, 2008

FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AS A RESULT, THE FUSE IS LOCATED IN THE OUTPUT CIRCUIT RATHER THAN IN THE INTENDED INPUT POWER FEED CIRCUIT, AND MAY NOT OFFER THE INTENDED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO GROUND.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Aug 3, 2007

ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.

99V124000 · Electrical System

May 19, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.

98V322000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint

Dec 16, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING THE ONE-PIECE BEARING OR A FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM CONTAINING A BALL JOINT WITH A ONE-PIECE BEARING. THE ONE-PIECE BEARING WITHIN THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN WEAKEN SLOWLY DURING USE AND EVENTUALLY CRACK. THIS COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE BALL AND CAP OF THE JOINT, ALLOWING THE CONTROL ARM TO DROP TO THE GROUND.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

97V024000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Mar 4, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER (VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS) OR REVISED STRIKER PLATE ATTACHING FASTENERS (VEHICLES WITH 1993-1997 MODEL HOODS).

93V193000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust

Nov 23, 1993

AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR IS POSITIONED ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN COLD WEATHER IN AREAS THAT HAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT USED FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL, A PUDDLE OF SALTWATER CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MATS, REPEATEDLY WETTING THE CONNECTOR. THIS WILL RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING A CURRENT TO FLOW BETWEEN THE TERMINALS WITHOUT TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, CURRENT FLOW CAN HEAT THE CONNECTOR ANDRELEASE FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNUSED CONNECTOR AND INSTALL A SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAP OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.

92V023000 · Unknown Or Other

Feb 19, 1992

INCORRECT INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING ASSEMBLIES IN SOME VEHICLES WILL NOT ACTUATE THE "ANTI-LOCK" BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS 105.THE DRIVER WOULD NOT BE AWARE WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING.

Remedy: MODIFY THE WIRE ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW ACTUATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

10

EA02025 · Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires

Opened Sep 6, 2002 · Closed Jun 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

DP02007 · FUEL-FED Fires

Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 4, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.

SQ01014 · Post Rear End Collision Fires

Opened Nov 27, 2001 · Closed Oct 3, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

There is no summary currently available

RQ01002 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Sep 20, 2001 · Closed Sep 6, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

No summary supplied.

EA95011 · Undercarriage Fuel Line Interference

Opened Mar 29, 1995 · Closed Jan 30, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE94077 · Fuel Line Interference

Opened Nov 4, 1994 · Closed Mar 29, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

PE94073 · Brake Line Punctures

Opened Oct 4, 1994 · Closed Dec 28, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

EA94022 · Steering Power Assist Fail

Opened Jun 30, 1994 · Closed Mar 2, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE94032 · Steering Power Assist Failure

Opened Apr 8, 1994 · Closed Jun 30, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE93086 · Hood FLY-UP While Driving

Opened Oct 1, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available