2011 Ford Crown Victoria: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering; the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I learned of recall on some models of crown victoria police interceptor. I own 3 such vehicles. Two were identified for recall, the third a 2011 however was not. This car has signs of steering issues very hard to turn the wheel at times. There is rust on the lower intermediate steering shaft and at the u joints of the shaft. When I took the other vehicles in for recall servicing I provided the vin # for the 2011 and was informed that there was no recall for it. I am hoping that the recall can be expanded to include this vehicle which is showing some signs of steering shaft issues.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2023
“Vehicle is exhibiting stiff steering issues associated with steering column. Mechanic determined steering shaft requires replacement. This vehicle was already involved in a steering column recall several years ago however the problem appears to have returned.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2023
“The contact owns a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the steering wheel started clicking and making an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V704000 (Steering) or 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“My steering I super had to turn the wheel when parked as well as driving. It is because of the steering shaft is rusted out and very dangerous to drive .I just found out that ford had a recall on this issue but I never received a notice about it”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2020
“The engine just ejected the #7 spark plug while driving straight on city, public roads and caused the car to dangerously and suddenly slow down. The car just behind me had to maneuver to avoid me.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2018
“The left turn signal works sometimes but blinks rapidly most of the time. No bulbs are burned out. Sometimes the dash lights go out when the headlights are turned on and then the dash lights come back on when the headlights are turned off. Sometimes the dash lights come back on even with the headlights are on but the dash lights are very dim. It is becoming more dangerous to drive when you can't count on the dash lights or turn signals working. Ford has told me there is no recall for this year having a bad light control module. There was a recall for crown victoria years 2003 through 2005. My car has 111,566 miles.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Apr 2017
“2011 ford crown victoria. Consumer writes in regards to steering column shaft recall notice. *smd the dealer informed the consumer, the vehicle would be inspected. However, the consumer stated according to the recall notice, the part would be replaced, as well as inspecting otter parts. The service representative responded again, by saying, first there would be an inspection to determine if the part needed to be replaced. The consumer stated he did not want to waste a day, just for an inspection. So he decided to make an appointment with another establishment, to have to part replaced.*jb”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2014
“Car stalls when in high speed passing gear. Turns over, will not restart. Happened multiple times. Was told by dealer this model has a history of this event. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2013
“The headrests on the 2011 ford crown victoria are causing the officers to have neck problems. The headrest is so large and does not adjust forward and backward, it is pushing their heads forward and down, as you know they spend at least 8 hours in their vehicles each shift. Since we have purchased the 2011 crown vics we have had nothing but complaints. It is very uncomfortable and unsafe for the officers to be driving under these conditions. *js”Owner report · Seats · Jun 2012
“My police department issued me a 2011 ford crown victoria around september of 2011. Ever since, I have spent countless hours adjusting the seat in an attempt to keep my mid-lower back from hurting. I learned that there is a metal bar installed in the seat causing the issues. Once the bar is adjusted, the seats aren't as bad. I also have had a great amount of trouble with neck pain. I have since had to see a doctor about this. The head rests that are in the vehicle are causing my head to be pushed forward and straining the muscles in my neck. I'm shocked to learn that this hasn't already been a recall for ford. *tr”Owner report · Seats · May 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
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 2011 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2011 Ford Crown Victoria have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:rack and pinion:pinion shaft. 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.