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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 →

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

Suspension complaints

26 reports
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140,000 miles · Apr 3, 2020
Service BrakesSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION DETACHED AT THE BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE DUST COVER TO PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE VEHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION DETACHED AT THE BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE DUST COVER TO PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE BRAKE DUST COVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO BE REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ODI #11320144

40,000 miles · Jul 1, 2009
Suspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE VERY NOISY WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. HE SUGGESTED THAT THEY MAY BE RUSTY DUE TO THE HIGH PITCH NOISE HE HEARS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE BALL JOINTS AND STATED THAT THEY APPEARED TO BE DAMAGED. THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS WERE VERY NOISY WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. HE SUGGESTED THAT THEY MAY BE RUSTY DUE TO THE HIGH PITCH NOISE HE HEARS THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE BALL JOINTS AND STATED THAT THEY APPEARED TO BE DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, HE FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 98V322000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED SINCE THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 07/28/09. *LJ UPDATED 07/30/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10275484

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2007
Electrical SystemSuspension

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SQUEAKED AND SQUEALED. THE CONTACT REFUSED TO PROVIDE DETAILED FAILURE INFORMATION. SHE STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL UPPER ARM UPPER BALL JOINTS AND …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA LX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SQUEAKED AND SQUEALED. THE CONTACT REFUSED TO PROVIDE DETAILED FAILURE INFORMATION. SHE STATED THAT SHE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION: FRONT CONTROL UPPER ARM UPPER BALL JOINTS AND LOWER BALL JOINTS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #95V194000, 98V322000). THE MILEAGE INFORMATION WAS UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE THE ODOMETER FAILED AT 162,000 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #10205244

133,700 miles · Jan 30, 2006
Suspension

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MADE A RATTLING NOISE. THE CONTACT RECOGNIZED THE NOISE FROM HAVING THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACED LAST YEAR DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. UPDATED 3/3/2006 - *NM WHILE…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE LOWER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MADE A RATTLING NOISE. THE CONTACT RECOGNIZED THE NOISE FROM HAVING THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER BALL JOINT REPLACED LAST YEAR DURING REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. UPDATED 3/3/2006 - *NM WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED DUE TO A BREAK IN THE LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10148980

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2004
Suspension

A SQUEAKING NOISE WAS HEARD WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT PASSENGER 'S SIDE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10092863

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2002
Suspension

BALL JOINT ON RIGHT SIDE SEPARATED FROM LOWER CONTROL ARM. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT IDENTIFIED BY FORD AS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FAULTY BALL JOINTS. I AM REPORTING THIS TO IDENTIFY THERE MAYBE OTHER VEHICLES WITH BALL JOINT PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #766063

Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2002
SteeringSuspension

VEHICLE WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HAD VEHICLE ALIGNED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD. FORD ADJUSTED STEERING BOX, AND STATED THAT REPLACING GEAR BOX MAY NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER LOWERED THE TIRE PRESSURE AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION FOR THE STEERING PROBLEM. THE…

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VEHICLE WANDERS ALL OVER THE ROAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND HAD VEHICLE ALIGNED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD. FORD ADJUSTED STEERING BOX, AND STATED THAT REPLACING GEAR BOX MAY NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK THE DEALER LOWERED THE TIRE PRESSURE AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION FOR THE STEERING PROBLEM. THE PITMAN ARM AND IDLER ARM HAD BEEN REPLACED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8007743

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2002
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BROKE, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP TO THE GROUND, CONSUMERS STEERING THEN BECAME REDUCED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SIDESWIPE A TREE, AND ALSO THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A LARGE SLASH BEING IN THE TIRE, ON FEB 25, 2000 THE DRIVERS SIDE OF…

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WHILE DRIVING, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BROKE, CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP TO THE GROUND, CONSUMERS STEERING THEN BECAME REDUCED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SIDESWIPE A TREE, AND ALSO THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A LARGE SLASH BEING IN THE TIRE, ON FEB 25, 2000 THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE, AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE MECHANIC SHOP, THE DRIVERS SIDE DROPPED TO THE GROUND, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL #98V322000.*JB

NHTSA ODI #564874

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2002
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEELS MALFUNCTIONED. WHEELS WENT OUTWARD AND LANDED UP, FACING PAVEMENT ON THE SIDES. *AK THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP AND DAMAGED TWO DOORS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK TO …

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WHILE DRIVING DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEELS MALFUNCTIONED. WHEELS WENT OUTWARD AND LANDED UP, FACING PAVEMENT ON THE SIDES. *AK THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILURE CAUSED THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE TO DROP AND DAMAGED TWO DOORS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE UNDERNEATH WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. CONSUMER TOOK TO THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND WHILE WAITING FOR REPAIR. CONSUMER STATES NHTSA SENT HIM A RECALL CAMPAIGNS 98V32000 BUT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8004391

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2001
Suspension

CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN REGARD TO RECALL 98V322000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECAL 98S37/ LOWER CONTROL ARM. DEALER REFUSED SERVICE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / ATTACHMENTS IN REGARD TO THIS CASE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #882516

Official recalls

6

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.

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

4

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.