IllustrationTRANS. SHUTTERS BETWEEN AROUND 35 MPH & AGAIN @ 50 MPH. SERVICED TWICE. ELECT. - VOLTAGE DROPS AT IDLE WHILE IN GEAR - ALL LIGHTS & ELECTRICAL DIM BUT COME BACK UPON ACCELERATION. NEW BATTERY; NEW ALTERNATOR. SAME PROBLEM.
1994 Ford Crown Victoria
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Crown Victoria years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Ford Crown Victoria are substantially higher than the model-year median of 53.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Crown Victoria years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 24 of 192 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.
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports14 fire reports20 injury reports
Power Train complaints
22 reportsWHEN SHIFTING VEHICLE IT FEELS HARD. HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. DEALER SAID THAT WARRANTY HAS RAN OUT. TRANSMISSION PAN WAS LOADING METAL SHAVINGS. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILD. TRANSMISSION IS OKAY NOW. *AK AT 40-45 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT TO OVER DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT …
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WHEN SHIFTING VEHICLE IT FEELS HARD. HAS CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. DEALER SAID THAT WARRANTY HAS RAN OUT. TRANSMISSION PAN WAS LOADING METAL SHAVINGS. TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REBUILD. TRANSMISSION IS OKAY NOW. *AK AT 40-45 MPH THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT TO OVER DRIVE AUTOMATICALLY. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REBUILT AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. *YH
TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS OUT OF OVER DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THEN GOES BACK INTO OVERDRIVE, VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AT THIS POINT. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR RETRIEVE FAULT CODES FROM UNIT. VEHICLE STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES WITH NO LUCK OF FI…
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TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS OUT OF OVER DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THEN GOES BACK INTO OVERDRIVE, VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AT THIS POINT. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM OR RETRIEVE FAULT CODES FROM UNIT. VEHICLE STILL HAS THE SAME PROBLEM TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES WITH NO LUCK OF FINDING PROBLEM.
SHUDDERS WHILE GOING FROM 3RD TO 4TH GEAR, LIKE IT'S SLIPPING OR NOT CATCHING THE GEAR RIGHT AWAY.
WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN THE STREET IN FRONT OF HOME CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO GEAR WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, AND VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD AT FULL SPEED. THEN, SHIFTED INTO REVERSE WITH FOOT ON BRAKE, AND IT BURNED RUBBER. CONTACTED DEALER, AND HE WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE.*AK
THE REAR HOUSING ON TRANSMISSION IS CRACKING. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE NO LONGER FUNCTIONS, AND LINING ON THE BRAKES ARE ALL GONE, EXCEPT ON 1 BRAKE SHOE. *AK
TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCING CHATTER POSSIBLE LOCK UP, SAME FAILURE AS SERVICE BULLETIN 95-23-4. *YC
NHTSA HAS 26 OR 27 COMPLAINTS ON THIS VERY PROBLEM AND I WOULD LIKE FOR FORD TO STAND BEHIND IT. *AK
TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION.
TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE WHEN COASTING AT 33 MPH AND ACCELERATOR GRADUALLY APPLIED. RPM'S GO UP BEFORE SLAMMING INTO GEAR. A TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE UNDER WARRANTY AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES. TWO ADDITIONAL TRANSMISSION FLUSHES DONE AT PERSONAL EXPENSE AT ABOUT 45,000 AND 60,000 MILES. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTANT, BUT FREQUENT. …
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TRANSMISSION FAILS TO ENGAGE WHEN COASTING AT 33 MPH AND ACCELERATOR GRADUALLY APPLIED. RPM'S GO UP BEFORE SLAMMING INTO GEAR. A TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE UNDER WARRANTY AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES. TWO ADDITIONAL TRANSMISSION FLUSHES DONE AT PERSONAL EXPENSE AT ABOUT 45,000 AND 60,000 MILES. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTANT, BUT FREQUENT. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE COASTING (ACCELERATOR NOT APPLIED FOR A SHORT TIME) AT SPECIFIC SPEED (APROX 33 MPH) WITH ENGINE NEAR IDLE SPEED AND GRADUAL ACCELERATION APPLIED (HAPPENS FREQUENTLY WHEN TAKING HIGHWAY OFFRAMPS AND ACCELERATING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC ON NEW ROAD - VERY SCARRY WHEN NO POWER TO REAR WHEELS, THEN A SUDDEN SLAM INTO GEAR OCCURS.) OTHER 1994 OWNERS SPOKEN TO CLAIM THEY RECEIVED A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER AT NO CHARGE WHEN THEY HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. MY VEHICLE SERVICED BY FORD DEALER FOR 99% OF ALL SERVICE, BUT NOT RECEPTIVE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Official recalls
608V051000 · 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.
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).
95V194000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
Oct 11, 1995
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS TO THE FRAME MOUNTING BRACKETS CAN LOOSEN AND FRACTURE AT ONE OF THE BOLT HOLES CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL NEGATIVE CAMBER AND STEERING PULL TO THE AFFECTED SIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRACKET FRACTURED AT BOTH BOLT HOLES, THE STEERING CONTROL ARM CAN CONTACT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE LEVELS OF THE FOUR UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BOLTS, AND IF ANY ARE LOOSE, THE BRACKETS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE IS PRESENT, IT WILL BE REPAIRED.
94V152000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
Aug 9, 1994
THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. IF ONE OR MORE OF THE NUTS COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY OR TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR AND SENSOR RING (IF SO EQUIPPED) WILL OCCUR. IF ALL FOUR NUTS ON ONE END OF THE AXLE COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE OR THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CAN OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEEDED, INSTALL NEW BOLTS. IF ANY OF THE FASTENERS ARE DISCONNECTED, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND SERVICED.
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
4EA02025 · 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.