2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

302

Owner Complaints

19 Crashes 6 Fires

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

29

Service Bulletins

2

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

The 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA has received a total of 302 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH. 29 technical service bulletins have been issued by Ford Motor Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Exterior Lighting (84 complaints), Wheels (24 complaints), and Wheelsrim (18 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA, potentially affecting up to 918,922 vehicles.

Recall 15V861000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 296,004 vehicles affected

Defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.

Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.

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Recall 06E056000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 58,640 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

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Recall 05V206000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

| 132,800 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI) AND COMMERCIAL HEAVY DUTY (TAXI) VEHICLES, AT EXTREMELY HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES, THE SOUND INSULATING PANEL, LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE POSITIONED BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE UNDERBODY, COULD SAG AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE SURFACE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING DASH INSULATOR AND INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN INSULATOR PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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Recall 04V328000 — SUSPENSION:REAR

| 47,314 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

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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.

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Recall 03V279000 — WHEELS

| 29,946 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.

Consequence: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL WITH THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES OF AUGUST 18, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2002. IN ADDITION, FORD IS PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR WHEELS ON 2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE...

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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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

302 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 84 3 Crashes 2 Fires
Wheels
Complaints: 24
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 18
Electrical System
Complaints: 17 1 Crash 1 Fire
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 14 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 12 2 Crashes 1 Injury
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 11
Steering
Complaints: 10
Power Train
Complaints: 9
Tires
Complaints: 8 4 Crashes
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 7
Engine
Complaints: 6 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 4
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 3
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 3
Air Bags
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolinebelts And Associated Pulleys
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinestorage
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust
Complaints: 1
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicpedals And Linkages
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionmultiple Axle
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcables
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 1
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasherswitchwiring
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11701850 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
The contact's father owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlamps would flash and failed to turn on or to turn off as intended. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred intermittently, but the headlights had become completely inoperable. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting), which described the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
#11659563 | AIR BAGS | | N/A miles
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
#11659563 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | N/A miles
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
#11659563 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
#11657552 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that both headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the headlights failed to function properly and had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lighting control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

View all Exterior Lighting complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

Ford Motor Company has issued 29 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

03M03 — WHEELS

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 03M03 - STEEL WHEEL ADDITIONAL COVERAGE. *TT ADVANCE NOTICE. *TT

042123 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CHARGING SYSTEM - HIGH OUTPUT GENERATOR NOW AVAILABLE FOR SERVICING 2003 POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES. *TT

18222 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0460 IN CONTINUOUS MEMORY. OASIS. *TT

04E12 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

EMISSION RELATED SERVICE ACTION 04E12. VEHICLES SERVICED WITH AN INCORRECT RIGHT HAND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. INSPECT AND REPLACE RIGHT HAND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. ATTACHMENTS I-III AND CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER. *TT

17876 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442 OR P0456. *TT

17694 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

REDUCTION IN POWER AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) AFTER EXTENDED IDLE. *TT

17737 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

IGNITION SWITCH BINDING. *TT

17468 — STRUCTURE:BODY

COSMETIC CRACKING OF THE CENTER FLOOR PAN. *TT

17516 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN

INTERMITTENT HORN SELF-ACTIVATION. *TT

17360 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

LACKS POWER AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) AFTER EXTENDED IDLE. *TT

Showing 10 of 29 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

NHTSA has opened 2 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA.

Investigation DP15002 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING Closed

Opened:

Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting

Investigation PE04010 — POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT Closed

Opened:

REAR AXLE FRACTURE

Other Model Years of the FORD CROWN VICTORIA

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report