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
What owners actually said
192 reports
77,668 miles · Aug 19, 2005
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 14, 2005, A NEIGHBOR INFORMED MY FAMILY THAT OUR PARKED 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, VIN NUMBER [XXX], HAD SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. IT MAY BE ON FIRE. I CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR/CYLINDER AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT/DRIVER'S SIDE.…
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ON THE EVENING OF AUGUST 14, 2005, A NEIGHBOR INFORMED MY FAMILY THAT OUR PARKED 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, VIN NUMBER [XXX], HAD SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. IT MAY BE ON FIRE. I CHECKED THE VEHICLE AND OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR/CYLINDER AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT/DRIVER'S SIDE. NO VISIBLE FIRE WAS DETECTED AT THIS TIME, BUT THERE MUST HAVE BEEN SOME SORT OF COMBUSTION THAT HAD OCCURRED DUE TO THE VOLUME OF SMOKE. (NOTE - ALL COOLANT HOSES WERE CHECKED AND NO DEFECTS WERE OBSERVED WHICH WOULD CREATE THE APPEARANCE OF SMOKE THROUGH STEAM) I CHECKED THE FUSE BOX AND NOTICED THAT THE FUSE ALLOWING POWER TO THE BRAKE ACTIVATION/DEACTIVATION SWITCHES WAS BLOWN. I REPLACED THE FUSE AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE IN A THICK WHITE CLOUD FROM THE SAME AREA AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. THE NEXT DAY I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER'S EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SPEED DEACTIVATION SWITCH, WHICH THE DEALER LABELS AS A "KIT - BRAKE SWITCH". RICK COLLINS, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME HE WAS UNAWARE OF ANY PROBLEMS WITH FORD VEHICLES, MINE IN PARTICULAR THAT MAY BE CATCHING ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF THIS SWITCH. I CONDUCTED FURTHER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET WHICH LED ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS OR MAY BE A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY TO SOMEONE. MY VEHICLE WAS UNATTENDED AND TURNED OFF WHEN THE SMOKE BEGAN AND THIS COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN A MORE SERIOUS SITUATION. FURTHER IT APPEARS THAT FORD DOES NOT PROPERLY INFORM THEIR EMPLOYEES OF POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLES AND THEN ATTEMPTS TO COVER IT UP BY MISLABELING THE REPAIR BY NOT CORRECTLY IDENTIFYING THE REPAIR PARTS. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10133502
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
112,000 miles · Mar 29, 2004
Steering
AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM (TIE ROD) BALL JOINT CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS CONTROLLABLE AND PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. IT WAS LATER TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE.*AK A CHECK OF TSBS/RECALLS REVEALED THAT FORD HAD INITIATED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN CROWN VICTORIAS, SPECIFICALLY 1990-1996 POLICE, FL…
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AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM (TIE ROD) BALL JOINT CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED. FORTUNATELY, THE CAR WAS CONTROLLABLE AND PULLED TO THE SHOULDER. IT WAS LATER TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE.*AK A CHECK OF TSBS/RECALLS REVEALED THAT FORD HAD INITIATED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN CROWN VICTORIAS, SPECIFICALLY 1990-1996 POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES. FORD (LOCAL DEALER AND CORPORATE) HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE PROBLEM BUT CLAIM THE VEHICLE WAS NOT THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL ACTION. THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION WAS EQUIPPED WITH A "HANDLING & PERFORMANCE PACKAGE" WHICH MAY HAVE INCORPORATED A STEERING LINKAGE SIMILAR TO THAT SUBJECT TO FORD'S RECALL. I'M CONCERNED FOR SEVERAL REASONS. FIRST, WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND IT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND INSPECTED ANNUALLY; THE JOINT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. SECOND, THE JOINT COULD BE THE VERY SAME ONE THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. IN THE FIRST CONCERN, FORD SHOULD TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILARLY EQUIPPED CARS ARE ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY. THE POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS INJURY WAS GREAT. IN THE SECOND, HOW DO I ASCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT THE JOINT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT PRECIPITATED THE RECALL? FINALLY, I PLAN TO DOCUMENT THE FAILURE (DIGITAL PICTURES ETC) AND PERFORM REPAIRS. HOW SHOULD I PROCEED WITH CONFRONTING FORD?
NHTSA ODI #10064097
Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2004
Air BagsCrash
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION YET NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10057383
Mileage unknown · Jan 8, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline
DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL 021003000 FOR THE FUEL TANK, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL LETTER WAS SENT WITH THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS SENT.*AK FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ADMITTED IN A LETTER THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AFTER REC…
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DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR RECALL 021003000 FOR THE FUEL TANK, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT A POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE RECALL LETTER WAS SENT WITH THE VEHICLE'S VIN WAS SENT.*AK FORD MOTOR COMPANY HAS ADMITTED IN A LETTER THAT THERE IS A DEFECT. WHEN THE CONSUMER CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THE PROBLEM AFTER RECEIVING THE LETTER THEY SAID IF THE CONSUMER WANTED THE UPGRADE THEN THEY WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. *CB *JB
NHTSA ODI #10049835
100,000 miles · Nov 25, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. PLEASE ADD ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10048630
Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2003
Air BagsCrashInjury
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AIRBAG IN AN ACCIDENT, WHICH RESULTED IN INJURY. ACCIDENT WAS A LEFT SIDE FRONTAL IMPACT OF 30-35 MPH, FORCEFUL ENOUGH FOR AIRBAG TO DEPLOY.(TEXAS POLICE DEPT.) THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #544822
95,000 miles · Jul 16, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
1- HEADLIGHT COVERS TURNING YELLOW THREE TIMES I REPLACED THEM 2 -SMELL OF GAS AFTER FUELING - STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WHEN TURNING.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10028412
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION REGARDING THE GAS TANK PROBLEMS.*DT *JB
NHTSA ODI #786386
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING, STRONG GAS FUMES FILLED THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *NLM *SCC
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.
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
1994 Ford Crown Victoria Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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