1996 Ford Crown Victoria: problems, recalls and reliability
12 recalls and 276 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints); the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 276 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“#1 - I constantly have my engine light on and during 2 inspections I received a safety/emissions recall printout, defect # dr-1209 for mass air flow sensors. Both times I have taken it to the local dealer and they claimed there's no recall for it. I just noticed on the NHTSA site, that recalls only go back as far as 1999. They also said that since it's no longer a "police owned" vehicle, they wouldn't fix it. # 2 - I have been getting a constant severe fuel smell that permeates through the car which is exacerbated with warm weather and or when the car warms up. #3 - there's a constant issue of the car vibrating when being driven at 55 - 60 mph.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2015
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated while driving at a low speed the front drivers side lower control arm broke. The contact did not talk to the manufacturer regarding the lower control arm. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. He took his vehicle for inspection and the mechanic told him that the undercarriage was positioned incorrectly, which increases the risk that a fire would occur. (he stated that he could not remember specifically what the mechanic said). He had not taken the vehicle to the dealership or spoken with the manufacturer to-date. The current mileage was approximately 18,000. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2009
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“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the air intake manifold on the vehicle was manufactured out of plastic, which caused anti-freeze to leak onto the engine. The anti-freeze leak was noticed due to the burning chemical odor and smoke coming from under the hood. The dealer stated that the repairs would cost over $1,000 at the contact's expense. He was denied repairs under the class action lawsuit. When the heater was activated, the odor from the anti-freeze was overbearing in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The failure and current mileages were 82,000. Updated 4/16/09 *cn updated 04/20/09. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria which was purchased in 2004. She noticed an orange flame under the vehicle and smoke under the hood. The fire department was notified and the fire quickly engulfed the entire vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileages were 196,000. Updated 03/17/09. *lj updated 03/17/09. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Dec 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer to have the recall repaired for the vehicle speed control: cruise control. The same day after the repair was performed, while driving approximately 70 mph, she discovered that the cruise control did not work properly. The contact took the vehicle back two times to have the cruise control repaired, but the failure still persists. The recall number was unknown. The current mileage was 104,000 and failure mileage was 103,582.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Mar 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control). The deactivation switch was disconnected by the dealer. Ford stated that the part would be unavailable until january of 2008. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 160,000. Updated 01/09/08. *lj the consumer stated made 2 calls to the dealer inquiring about the part and repair to the cruise control which is needed because of nerve damage. Updated 12/12/07 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Recall and then no available replacement part for 6+ months. I have been told there are over 700 people ahead of me waiting for the replacement part! *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign id number 07v336000 (vehicle speed control) in august of 2007. The deactivation switch has not yet been disconnected. He notified ford motor company and the dealer numerous times and they continue to inform him that the parts are unavailable. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 40,000. Updated 02-19-08 *bf updated 02/19/08 *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact received a safety recall notice for the vehicle speed control in august of 2007. The speed control switch was disconnected at that time. He has been informed every month thereafter that the recall part has still not been received. There had been no failure to date. The purchase date and recall number were unknown. The current mileage was 62,000.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 12 campaigns
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
Remedy: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI VEHICLES.
ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
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).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. (TRW) MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 1998 THROUGH MAY 21, 2000. SOME OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AS SERVICE REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THE RECALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
THE PITMAN ARMS WERE NOT FULLY LUBRICATED AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT. THE "BALL JOINT" AT THE OUTER END OF THE PITMAN ARM CAN BECOME CONTAMINATED AND CORRODE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND IF THE JOINT IS FOUND TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT WEAR, THE ARM WILL BE REPLACED. THOSE PITMAN ARMS NOT REPLACED WILL HAVE THE "BALL JOINT" FULLY GREASED.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
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.
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.
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE LINE AND THE UNDERBODY FRONT FLOOR PAN ASSEMBLY WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE BRAKE LINES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
WHEN IN THE SECONDARY LATCHED POSITION, THE DRIVER DOOR LATCHES MAY OPEN WHEN SUBJECTED TO TRANSVERSE LOADS LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED IN FMVSS NO. 206, "DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR RETENTION COMPONENTS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE DRIVER DOOR LATCH.
How other years compare
Check your exact Crown Victoria by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
NHTSA has 276 owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Ford Crown Victoria problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 105,791 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria have open recalls?
12 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.