Known Recalls

Model year record

1998 Ford Crown Victoria

7 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 138 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 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 00V200000

Equipment: mechanical: integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer

Component
Equipment: mechanical: integrated jack/leveler/stabilizer
Manufacturer
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Vehicles affected
875,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-07-18
Owners notified
2000-08-03

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES HAVE JACKING INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF FOLLOWED, COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE OPERATOR TO PLACE THE JACK ON A FRAME WELD WHEN ATTEMPTING TO RAISE A REAR WHEEL. IF THE VEHICLE IS JACKED UP WITH THE JACK PLACED ON THE FRAME WELD AND IF THE VEHICLE IS FREE TO ROLL (WHEELS NOT BLOCKED OR CHOCKED), THE JACK COULD YIELD AND THE VEHICLE MAY DROP SUDDENLY.

Safety risk

IF THIS OCCURS AND ANY PORTION OF THE OPERATOR'S BODY IS UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY EXISTS.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A REVISED JACK INSTRUCTION AND STOWAGE CARD AND JACK WARNING LABEL, AS WELL AS A SUPPLEMENT TO THE OWNER GUIDE.

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).

Owner complaints

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

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline9643,050 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe975,281 mi
Suspension: rear7—
Electrical system6160,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights6—
Suspension570,000 mi
Tires5—
Engine and engine cooling4128,644 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine488,544 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly336,437 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap3—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc3—
Steering340,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm393,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers2—
Electronic stability control (ESC)23 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch243,759 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system2—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery2—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2—
Interior lighting2—
Power train2—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)2—
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly280,000 mi
Structure: body: door2—
Suspension: front2123,895 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint270,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior2—
Wheels284,000 mi
Air bags1—
Air bags: frontal1—
Electrical system: wiring189,000 mi
Engine1160,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1—
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system1—
Exterior lighting1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices1—
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1—
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch1—
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1—
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1—
Fuel system, other: delivery1—
Fuel system, other: storage1—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1—
Power train: automatic transmission1—
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1—
Power train: driveline: differential unit1—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1—
Seat belts: front: retractor1—
Seats1—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1—
Steering: column locking: anti-theft device1—
Steering: linkages1—
Structure1—
Structure: body: bumpers1—
Structure: body: trunk lid1—
Structure: frame and members1—
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields1—
Suspension: front: control arm1—
Unknown or other1—
Vehicle speed control: cables1—
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system192,768 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor1—

The 1997 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about half 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.