Model year record

1993 Ford Crown Victoria recalls & problems

The 1993 Ford Crown Victoria has 7 safety recalls and 182 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (47 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints182filed by owners

Crashes · fires14 · 11reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths14 · 4reported 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).

SuspensionOct 11, 1995

Front › Control arm › Upper arm

Recall 95V19400057,000 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.

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.

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

1993 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.

Fuel economy

Crown Victoria Police

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Torque converter	47	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	38	2	3	1	132,905 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	32	2	3	0	107,113 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; Wiring › Front underhood	23	1	5	0	100,056 mi
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Hydraulic power assist system	16	2	3	2	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner; Front assembly › Head restraint	16	3	2	7	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor	12	0	1	0	—
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Upper arm; Front	12	0	0	0	155,210 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery; Fuel injection system	9	1	0	0	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer	9	0	0	0	—
Unknown or other	7	0	1	0	—
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Turn signal › Switch	6	0	0	0	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
HOOD LATCH STRIKER BECAME UNATACHED WHILE DRIVING. HOOD RATTLED AND ROSE UP SLIGHTLY RELYING SOLY ON SAFETY LATCH. THE CAR WAS MANUFATURED IN CANADA AND THE VIN NO. DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO FORD. NO RECALLS SENT TOUS AS ORIGINAL OWNERS; ALTHOUGH ONE IS ON THE INTERNET 97V024000!!!
Dec 19, 2017 · 95,000 miles
Electrical system
*BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED EVERY FEW THOUSAND MILES, RESULTING GEAR SHIFT TO BE STUCK IN PARK. *CRUISE CONTROL DISABLED. *TR
Jan 14, 2014
Suspension
I WAS DRIVING AND THE FRONT OF THE CAR FELL TO THE GROUND WITH A SEVERE GRINDING NOISE. *TR
Feb 27, 2014 · 133,000 miles
Seats
I BOUGHT A USED 1993 FORD CROWN VIC APPROXIMATELY 4 YEARS AGO, WHILE I EXPECTED I WOULD HAVE TO PUT MONEY INTO REPAIRS THE ONE THING I DIDN'T EXPECT WOULD BE HAVING TO REPAIR A SEAT MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO POOR WORKMANSHIP & OR MATERIALS. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET AT VARIOUS SITES I FOUND THAT I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT FRAME SHEARING AWAY FROM THE BOLTS IN CROWN VICS.I TRIED CONTACTING BOTH THE LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP & THE CORPORATE CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPT WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION TO THIS MATTER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A SERIOUS DEFECT FLAW IN CROWN VICS THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IN AN…
Aug 2, 2013
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND CAUSED THE HOOD TO ABRUPTLY FLY OPEN, OBSCURING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND CLOSE HIS HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 142,000.
Dec 28, 2011 · 142,000 miles
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper arm
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE, CAUSING THE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO COLLAPS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE UPPER CONTROL ARM WAS ALSO DAMAGED AS WELL, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING ,WHICH ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE CONTROL ARM. HE REFERENCED THE RECALL FOR THE SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER ARM (95V194000) HOWEVER, HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD HONOR THE RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
Mar 9, 2007 · 140,000 miles
Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE THE ENGINE WAS ON WITH THE GEAR IN PARK THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WERE BLUE AND BLACK SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. MOMENTS LATER THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A FIRE HAD BEGUN ON THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CONTACT NOTICED PRIOR THAT FORD RECALL #08V051000, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL HAD ALREADY BEEN SERVICED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132905.
Jan 4, 2010 · 132,905 miles
Latches/locks/linkages
FORD 1963 CROWN VICTORIA XL DRIVERS SIDE DOOR POPS OPEN WHILE MOVING. *TR
May 17, 2008 · 100,000 miles

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
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
GROUNDING STRAP ROUTINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
EA94020 · opened Jun 29, 1994 · closed Nov 21, 1994
STEERING POWER ASSIST FAILUREClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94032 · opened Apr 8, 1994 · closed Jun 30, 1994
GROUNDING STRAP ROUTINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE94015 · opened Feb 14, 1994 · closed Jun 29, 1994
HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVINGClosed
There is no summary currently available
PE93086 · opened Oct 1, 1993 · closed Feb 28, 1994