1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
340
Owner Complaints
11
Recalls
16
Service Bulletins
2
Investigations
Overview of the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
The 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA has received a total of 340 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 11 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. 16 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe (37 complaints), Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings (35 complaints), and Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System (20 complaints).
Recalls for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
NHTSA has recorded 11 recalls for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, potentially affecting up to 4,694,649 vehicles.
Recall 15E082000 — STEERING
| 1,767 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
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.
View full details →Recall 08V051000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
| 225,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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: 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.
View full details →Recall 07V336000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
| 3,600,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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: 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...
View full details →Recall 05V086000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 43,626 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
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....
View full details →Recall 03V472000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 4,218 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
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.
View full details →Recall 00V157001 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
| 1,167 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
View full details →Recall 00V157002 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
| 1,129 vehicles affected
Defect: 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,...
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THESE SEAT BELTS MAY NOT RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
View full details →Recall 98V322000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
| 175,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
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).
View full details →Recall 98I001000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
| 167,742 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO BRAKE FLUID LOSS FOR THE REAR BRAKES AND, POTENTIALLY, INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES.
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.
View full details →Recall 97V024000 — LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
| 125,000 vehicles affected
Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
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).
View full details →Recall 02I003000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
| 350,000 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI 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...
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
340 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
Most Recent Complaints
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lower ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
WIPER LIVE 4 IN SPOT EYE LEVEL CANT SEE IN RAIN REPLACE ARM AND WIPER BLADE STILL HAVE SPOT.
THE CAR HAS A FIBER GLASS INTAKE AND MY CAR HAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES..A FIBERGLASS INTAKE IS A DEFECTED PRODUCT FOR THIS PART OF A ENGINE,BECAUSE OF THE HEAT.I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND EVEN PAID FOR THE EXTENDED WARRENTY..FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD REPLACE THIS DEFECT PART,,FOR FREE..I HAD TO PARK MY CAR OVER 3 YEARS AGO..
HYDRAULIC LINE TO REAR BRAKE FAILED (RUPTURED) CAUSING IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH DRIVER FRONT FLOOR PAN AT LOCATION OF INTEREST MENTIONED IN RECALL/"SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM". OWNER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING NOTICE WHICH INCLUDES INSPECTION OF BRAKE LINES, REPLACEMENT OF CLIPS (TO AVOID WEAR) AND POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINE AND BLEEDING IF NEEDED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, CLOCK, AND RADIO LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
View all Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe complaints →
Safety Rating for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
Ford Motor Company has issued 16 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
04B26 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ABRASION OF THE REAR BRAKE TUBE NEAR THE FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB AND THE #3 TRANSMISSION CROSS MEMBER. ADVANCE NOTICE-CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04B26. *TT
18351 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CHARGING SYSTEM LIMITATIONS. *EH
15061 — VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
SOME VEHICLES BUILT 04/15/2000 OR EARLIER EQUIPPED WITH A KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM MAY EXHIBIT AN INOPERATIVE DOOR-MOUNTED KEYPAD, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LAMPS THAT SELF-ACTIVATE AND A WEAK OR DISCHARGED VEHICLE BATTERY. *TT
00213 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SUBJECT REGARDING CLIMATE CONTROL - EATC - BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL SERVICE TIPS. *JB
8425 — UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUBJECT REGARDING KEYFOB PROGRAMMING INFORMATION - SERVICE REPLACEMENT DRIVERS DOOR MODULE. *TT
13925 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SOME POLICE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT SHIFT CONCERNS DUE TO ENGINE DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *TT
98B19S1 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM 98B19-S1 - BRAKE LINE WEAR ON CERTAIN VEHICLES. CORRECTION TO ORIGINAL TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING DIAMETER OF REPLACEMENT BRAKE LINES. YD
982525 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE SQUEAL FROM THE REAR WHEN BRAKING. *YC
9863 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT NO TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND/OR A CLICKING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL NEAR THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. *YC
985A3 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ( ABS ) MAY ACTIVATE UNDER FALSE ABS CONDITIONS. *YC
Showing 10 of 16 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA.
Investigation EA03012 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Closed
Opened:
REAR BRAKE LINE FAILURE
Other Model Years of the FORD CROWN VICTORIA
- 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 482 complaints
- 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 247 complaints
- 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 252 complaints
- 1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 318 complaints
- 1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 358 complaints
- 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA (current)
- 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 138 complaints
- 1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 174 complaints
- 2000 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 103 complaints
- 2001 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 70 complaints
- 2002 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — 71 complaints
Other FORD Models
- FORD F-150 — 45,660 total complaints
- FORD EXPLORER — 42,140 total complaints
- FORD ESCAPE — 34,654 total complaints
- FORD FOCUS — 29,539 total complaints
- FORD FUSION — 28,243 total complaints
- FORD TAURUS — 23,867 total complaints
- FORD WINDSTAR — 19,456 total complaints
- FORD EDGE — 17,247 total complaints