Model year record

1997 Ford Crown Victoria

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 340 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V051000

Vehicle speed control: cruise control

Component: Vehicle speed control: cruise control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 225,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2008-02-04
Owners notified: 2008-02-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 07V336000

Vehicle speed control

Component: Vehicle speed control
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 3,600,000
Reported to NHTSA: 2007-08-03
Owners notified: 2007-08-13

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V086000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component: Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 43,626
Reported to NHTSA: 2005-03-14
Owners notified: 2005-07-15

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL, THE REAR BRAKE LINE MAY CHAFE DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN IT AND A FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB, AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK MAY OCCUR.

Safety risk

THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY DEVELOP A "SPONGY" FEEL AND DROPS OF BRAKE FLUID MAY BE OBSERVED BENEATH THE VEHICLE. OVER TIME BRAKE PERFORMANCE MAY BE COMPROMISED AND STOPPING DISTANCES COULD BE EXTENDED WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB. IF CONTACT IS EVIDENT, BUT NO ABRASION OR LEAKS EXIST, THE BRAKE TUBE WILL BE REPOSITIONED TO PRECLUDE FURTHER CONTACT AND POTENTIAL ABRASION. IF INDICATION OF ABRASION OR A LEAK IS EVIDENT, DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE BRAKE LINE. THIS CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V472000

Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly

Component: Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 4,218
Reported to NHTSA: 2003-11-06
Owners notified: 2004-01-07

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V157001

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,167
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-06-12
Owners notified: 2000-09-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V157002

Seat belts: front: anchorage

Component: Seat belts: front: anchorage
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 1,129
Reported to NHTSA: 2000-06-12
Owners notified: 2000-09-28

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 98V322000

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint

Component: Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 175,000
Reported to NHTSA: 1998-12-16
Owners notified: 1999-01-18

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V024000

Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch

Component: Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected: 125,000
Reported to NHTSA: 1997-03-04
Owners notified: 1997-04-24

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

Safety risk

EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.

Manufacturer 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).

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe	37	84,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	35	90,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system	20	87,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint	19	75,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	18	84,242 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system	17	70,422 mi
Vehicle speed control	16	85,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine	10	77,450 mi
Suspension: front	9	24,232 mi
Suspension	7	166,000 mi
Electrical system	6	195,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission	6	—
Unknown or other	6	64,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	5	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	5	105,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip	5	—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm	5	143,995 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control	5	98,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline	4	100,000 mi
Structure: frame and members	4	220,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood	3	98,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights	3	100,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch	3	90,000 mi
Seats	3	—
Steering	3	42,000 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system	3	55,900 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls	3	—
Visibility: windshield	3	—
Exterior lighting	2	195,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights	2	99,400 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system	2	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly	2	—
Parking brake	2	24,133 mi
Parking brake: conventional	2	—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist	2	—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings	2	36,820 mi
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar	2	—
Structure: body: door	2	—
Suspension: front: control arm	2	85,000 mi
Suspension: rear	2	—
Tires: tread/belt	2	90,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element	2	—
Wheels	2	166,000 mi
Air bags: frontal	1	—
Air bags: side/window	1	—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator	1	—
Electrical system: horn	1	—
Electrical system: ignition: module	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers	1	—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash	1	—
Engine	1	75,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings	1	72,600 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys	1	—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control	1	—
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner	1	—
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch	1	136,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices	1	75,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal	1	99,400 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery	1	—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage	1	111,175 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap	1	—
Interior lighting	1	151,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch	1	—
Seat belts: front: retractor	1	—
Seat belts: rear/other	1	50,000 mi
Service brakes	1	75,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper	1	—
Steering: gear box: shaft sector	1	—
Steering: linkages	1	—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly	1	—
Structure: body	1	29,000 mi
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields	1	260,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint	1	50,017 mi
Suspension: front: springs: coil springs	1	—
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle	1	—
Tires	1	—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal	1	—
Vehicle speed control: linkages	1	—
Visibility/wiper	1	200,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer	1	—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor	1	—

The 1996 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. The 1998 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.