Model year record

1992 Ford Crown Victoria recalls & problems

The 1992 Ford Crown Victoria has 7 safety recalls and 310 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (86 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints310filed by owners

Crashes · fires18 · 24reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths11 · 3reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Vehicle speed controlFeb 4, 2008

Cruise control

Recall 08V051000225,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Vehicle speed controlAug 3, 2007

Vehicle speed control

Recall 07V3360003,600,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemMay 19, 1999

Electrical system

Recall 99V124000262,695 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: A FIRE CAN ORIGINATE IN THE LEFT FRONT UNDERHOOD AREA.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.

SuspensionDec 16, 1998

Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint

Recall 98V322000175,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, REDUCED STEERING CONTROL COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

Latches/locks/linkagesMar 4, 1997

Hood › Latch

Recall 97V024000125,000 vehicles

Problem: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
Risk: EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED IMPAIRING THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY.
Fix: 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).

SeatsNov 23, 1993

Front assembly › Power adjust

Recall 93V19300016,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, CURRENT FLOW CAN HEAT THE CONNECTOR ANDRELEASE FUMES INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNUSED CONNECTOR AND INSTALL A SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAP OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.

Unknown or otherFeb 19, 1992

Unknown or other

Recall 92V02300020 vehicles

Problem: INCORRECT INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING ASSEMBLIES IN SOME VEHICLES WILL NOT ACTUATE THE "ANTI-LOCK" BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.
Risk: THE VEHICLES DO NOT MEET THE SPECIFICATIONS OF FMVSS 105.THE DRIVER WOULD NOT BE AWARE WHEN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING.
Fix: MODIFY THE WIRE ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW ACTUATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1992 Ford Crown Victoria 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor	86	0	1	0	—
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch; Ignition	58	0	10	1	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	52	0	4	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCables; Linkages	42	7	7	3	103,500 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	33	1	0	1	—
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; Storage › Tank assembly	29	0	1	0	116,666 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	23	0	3	0	—
StructureFrame and members; Body › Door	23	0	1	0	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield	20	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Head restraint	18	0	1	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	17	9	0	8	—
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump	16	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed control
CAR KEPT ACCELERATING AFTER I LET OFF. I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKES TO MAKE IT STOP. THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP BUT THE CAR KEPT MOVING. USING 250-280 POUNDS OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL I FINALLY STOPPED WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE INCIDENT CAN BE VIEWED AT YOUTUBE. IT IS TITLED RAM CAM EPISODE 5. IT IS THE LAST PART OF THE VIDEO. *TR
Oct 6, 2013 · 173,000 miles
Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DEACTIVATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT THEY WOULD RETURN HIS CALL WITHIN A FEW DAYS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WOULD NOT ASSIST DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,500. UPDATED 08/10/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INSTEAD OF DECELERATE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. UPDATED 08/12/11*JB
Jul 4, 2011 · 103,500 miles
Exterior lighting
1.RIDING ONE NIGHT HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY,SMELLED PLASTIC BURNING/ 2.HEADLIGHT SWITCH OVERHEATING MELTING PLUG CONNECTED TO WIRING/ HAPPENS ALL THE TIME/ FIRE OR EVEN CAUSE A WRECK OR GET A TRAFFIC VIOLATION. 3.CHANGED SWITCH CHANGED PLUG SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN &AGAIN,LOOKED AT PARTS ON OTHER CARS SAME MODEL SAME YEAR DIFFERENT MODEL DIFFERENT YEAR SAME PROBLEM IN THE SAME SPOT!! [ THE FORD 1992 CROWN VICTORIA]. *TR
Sep 12, 2009
Vehicle speed control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: CRUISE CONTROL. WHILE AT A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, THE MECHANIC IDENTIFIED ANOTHER FAILURE IN THE FUEL LINE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY HAD THE PARTS AVAILABLE AND ADVISED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIR. AT THE TIME, SHE COULD NOT DRIVE TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE FUEL LINE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE AND RECALL NUMBER WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000. UPDATED 07/07/08. *LJ WATER LEAKED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPDATED*JB
Aug 6, 2007 · 91,000 miles
Power train › Automatic transmission
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING SPEEDS RANGING FROM 20 TO 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN IDLING AND ATTEMPTED TO SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED. THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS INSTALLED BACKWARDS, WHICH CAUSED THE FEATURES OF THE STEERING COLUMN NOT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 232,871 AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 03/23/09. *LJ UPDATED 03/24/09*JB
Jul 20, 2007 · 200,000 miles
Service brakes, hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHEN THE CONTACT PLACES HER VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND DEPRESSES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES TO 40 MPH AND THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASE. SHE MUST APPLY THE BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTERWARDS, SHE SMELLS THE SCENT OF BURNING PLASTIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD BE CAUSED BY THE BRAKE PRESSURE SWITCH. HE INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT BRAKE FLUID MAY BE FLOWING TO THE SWITCH AND CAUSING THE HEAT TO ACTIVATE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE LOSES BRAKE POWER OCCASIONALLY, EVEN THOUGH BRAKE FLUID IS…
Jul 16, 2007 · 33,000 miles
Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlFire
I PARKED MY 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA ON THE STREET WHILE I WAS AT MY HOME FOR 45 MINUTES. I DECIDED TO LEAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. WHEN I GOT TO MY CAR, I SMELLED BURNING AND SAW WISPS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY ENGINE AREA. I QUICKLY OPENED MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND SMELLED SMOKE AND POPPED THE HOOD. INSIDE, THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE (GRAPEFRUIT SIZE) IN FRONT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. I RAN INTO THE HOUSE AND GOT SOME WATER AND DOUSED THE FLAMES. I WAS VERY LUCKY, BECAUSE I SEEM TO HAVE CAUGHT THE FIRE WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF WHEN IT STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR INTO MY LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP, AND THE PROBLEM WAS THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THE CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH…
Oct 7, 2006 · 125,000 miles
Steering › Column
THIS PROBLEM CONCERNS THE STEERING COLUMN OF A 1992 FORD CROWN VICTORIA RUBBING AGAINST A METAL GAS LINE UNTIL LARGE AMOUNTS OF GAS SPILL ONTO THE HOT ENGINE AND CAUSE A SAFETY OF LIFE PROBLEM... AS LONG AS THE ENGINE REMAINS ON THE ELECTRIC FUEL PUMP WILL CONTINUE TO PUMP GAS ONTO THE FIRE CAUSED BY THE FAULT. PLEASE NOTICE THAT I AM AN ENGINEER AND THIS IS NOT A SMALL MATTER - IT INVOLVES MANY THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES AND AN IDENTICAL VEHICLE HAS HAD A RECALL - YET FORD HAS NOT HAD A RECALL ON THIS MODEL ALTHOUGH I TOOK THIS ISSUE TO THE TOP OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY. THE ISSUE DEALS WITH A GASOLINE LEAK CAUSED BY THE STEERING COLUMN RUBBING ON A METAL GAS LINE - CAUSING GASOLINE TO LEAK FROM…
May 3, 2003

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRESClosed
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.
EA02025 · opened Sep 6, 2002 · closed Jun 30, 2004
FUEL-FED FIRESClosed
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.
DP02007 · opened Aug 22, 2002 · closed Dec 4, 2002
POST REAR END COLLISION FIRESClosedLed to recall 02I003000
There is no summary currently available
SQ01014 · opened Nov 27, 2001 · closed Oct 3, 2002
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESClosedLed to recall 99V124000
RQ01002 · opened Sep 20, 2001 · closed Sep 6, 2002
UNDERCARRIAGE FUEL LINE INTERFERENCEClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA95011 · opened Mar 29, 1995 · closed Jan 30, 1997
FUEL LINE INTERFERENCEClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94077 · opened Nov 4, 1994 · closed Mar 29, 1995
BRAKE LINE PUNCTURESClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94073 · opened Oct 4, 1994 · closed Dec 28, 1994
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAILClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA94022 · opened Jun 30, 1994 · closed Mar 2, 1995
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94032 · opened Apr 8, 1994 · closed Jun 30, 1994
HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93086 · opened Oct 1, 1993 · closed Feb 28, 1994