Illustration*BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES, RESULTING GEAR SHIFT TO BE STUCK IN PARK. *CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. *TR
1993 Ford Crown Victoria
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Crown Victoria years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Ford Crown Victoria are substantially higher than the model-year median of 53.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Crown Victoria years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 26 of 182 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports10 fire reports9 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
22 reportsTL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. A WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE NOTICE, HE NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THE GEARS WOULD STICK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007 FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH. A WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE NOTICE, HE NOTICED A BURNING SMELL AND THE GEARS WOULD STICK WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN PARK. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS MELTED DUE TO THE SWITCH. APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING. IN ORDER TO PARK THE VEHICLE SAFELY, THE CONTACT HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. HOWEVER, THE BURNING SMELL REMAINED. HE HAS NOT YET TAKEN THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER OR NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER. THE SPEED AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS THE WIRING ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. WHICH ALSO INTERLOCKS THE TRANSMISSION FROM BEING MOVED OUT OF PARK UNLESS THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. UPDATED
TL*- THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A FIRE TO HER VEHICLE, WHICH STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF HER VEHICLE, AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT CONTACT WASN'T AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 99V124000. THE CONTACT IS NOT SURE WH…
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TL*- THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A FIRE TO HER VEHICLE, WHICH STARTED UNDER THE HOOD OF HER VEHICLE, AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THEY PUT OUT THE FIRE. AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT CONTACT WASN'T AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 99V124000. THE CONTACT IS NOT SURE WHERE THE FIRE STARTED BUT, WAS INFORMED BY THE FIRE DEPT. THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CONTACT VEHICLE WAS TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND WANTED TO KNOW IF THERE WAS ANYWAY SHE COULD GET REIMBURSED. THE CONTACT CAN ALSO PROVIDE A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT AND PICTURES IF NEEDED.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 96I002000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. …
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE REAR BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE BRAKES TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THERE IS AN NHTSA RECALL, # 96I002000, REGARDING THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: FOUNDATION COMPONENTS: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 7/14/2006 - THE HORN PAD BECAME STUCK. THE DEALERTHE LEFT SIDE HORN BUTTON. *NM UPDATED 03/26/07.*JB
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER FALLING TO "0" AND BACK UP TO 70 MPH AND THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE ABOOUT A DEFECT AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE FIXED. I CHECKED OTHER MECHANICS WHO TOLD ME IT WAS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. IF IT …
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WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD I NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER FALLING TO "0" AND BACK UP TO 70 MPH AND THE ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. I CALLED THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE ABOOUT A DEFECT AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT TO BE FIXED. I CHECKED OTHER MECHANICS WHO TOLD ME IT WAS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. IF IT IS SO COMMON THEN WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THEIR DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
VEHICLE WOULD START INTERMITTENTLY,AND SPARKS WOULD BE SEEN WHEN SWITCHING ON. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE CALIPERS AND FRONT DISC ROTORS 3 TIMES. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN BURNED OUT(IGNITION), CAUSING A FIRE. IN ADDITION, BOLT THAT HOLDS DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOOR CAME OUT WHICH COULD CAUSE…
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BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. DEALER REPLACED BRAKE CALIPERS AND FRONT DISC ROTORS 3 TIMES. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS IN THE STEERING COLUMN BURNED OUT(IGNITION), CAUSING A FIRE. IN ADDITION, BOLT THAT HOLDS DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOOR CAME OUT WHICH COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER'S SEAT TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
BOLTS PULL OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. MJS
PIN WHITIN THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. WHEN PUTTING THE KEY INTO IGNITION, THE IGNITION KEPT GOING AROUND, AND THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION. BUT, ENGINE KEPT RUNNING.
WIRES IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE. NLM
Official recalls
708V051000 · Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
Feb 4, 2008
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 & remedy
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.
07V336000 · Vehicle Speed Control
Aug 3, 2007
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 & remedy
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 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.
99V124000 · Electrical System
May 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.
98V322000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Dec 16, 1998
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.
Consequence & remedy
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).
97V024000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Mar 4, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
Consequence & remedy
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).
95V194000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Arm
Oct 11, 1995
THE BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARMS TO THE FRAME MOUNTING BRACKETS CAN LOOSEN AND FRACTURE AT ONE OF THE BOLT HOLES CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL NEGATIVE CAMBER AND STEERING PULL TO THE AFFECTED SIDE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRACKET FRACTURED AT BOTH BOLT HOLES, THE STEERING CONTROL ARM CAN CONTACT THE STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE LEVELS OF THE FOUR UPPER CONTROL ARM MOUNTING BOLTS, AND IF ANY ARE LOOSE, THE BRACKETS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE IS PRESENT, IT WILL BE REPAIRED.
93V193000 · Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust
Nov 23, 1993
AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR IS POSITIONED ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN COLD WEATHER IN AREAS THAT HAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT USED FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL, A PUDDLE OF SALTWATER CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MATS, REPEATEDLY WETTING THE CONNECTOR. THIS WILL RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING A CURRENT TO FLOW BETWEEN THE TERMINALS WITHOUT TRIPPING THE CIRCUIT BREAKER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, CURRENT FLOW CAN HEAT THE CONNECTOR ANDRELEASE FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNUSED CONNECTOR AND INSTALL A SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAP OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
10EA02025 · Speed Control Deactivation Switch Fires
Opened Sep 6, 2002 · Closed Jun 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ? 7 TO 11 YEARS ? A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
DP02007 · FUEL-FED Fires
Opened Aug 22, 2002 · Closed Dec 4, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES.A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETITION.AFTER REVIEWING THE PETITION AND ITS SUPPORTING MATERIALS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION FURNISHED BY FORD AND GM, AND INFORMATION WITHIN THE AGENCY'S POSSESSION FROM PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS AND OTHER RELATED ACTIONS,NHTSA HAS CONCLUDED THAT FUTHER INVESTIGATION CONCERNING POST-CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS NOT LIKELY TO LEAD TO A DECISION THAT THE VEHICLES CONTAIN A SAFETY DEFECT.
SQ01014 · Post Rear End Collision Fires
Opened Nov 27, 2001 · Closed Oct 3, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
There is no summary currently available
RQ01002 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 20, 2001 · Closed Sep 6, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.
PE94073 · Brake Line Punctures
Opened Oct 4, 1994 · Closed Dec 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
EA94022 · Steering Power Assist Fail
Opened Jun 30, 1994 · Closed Mar 2, 1995
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
EA94020 · Grounding Strap Routing
Opened Jun 29, 1994 · Closed Nov 21, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE94032 · Steering Power Assist Failure
Opened Apr 8, 1994 · Closed Jun 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE94015 · Grounding Strap Routing
Opened Feb 14, 1994 · Closed Jun 29, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE93086 · Hood FLY-UP While Driving
Opened Oct 1, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available