Model year record

1994 Ford Crown Victoria recalls & problems

The 1994 Ford Crown Victoria has 6 safety recalls and 192 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (30 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints192filed by owners

Crashes · fires20 · 14reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths33 · 2reported 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.

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicAug 9, 1994

Foundation components

Recall 94V152000214,000 vehicles

Problem: THE NUTS AND BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE REAR BRAKE ADAPTOR TO THE AXLE HOUSING FLANGE CAN LOOSEN AND EVENTUALLY SEPARATE. IF ONE OR MORE OF THE NUTS COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY OR TO THE ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR AND SENSOR RING (IF SO EQUIPPED) WILL OCCUR. IF ALL FOUR NUTS ON ONE END OF THE AXLE COME OFF THE BOLTS, DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC LINE OR THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE CAN OCCUR.
Risk: OCCURRENCE OF ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY AND POSSIBLE ACCIDENT.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NEEDED, INSTALL NEW BOLTS. IF ANY OF THE FASTENERS ARE DISCONNECTED, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE INSPECTED AND SERVICED.

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

1994 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*
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Front › Control arm	30	0	0	0	86,850 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control; Accelerator pedal	29	5	6	3	111,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components	25	2	0	2	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Torque converter	24	0	0	0	—
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Sensor/control module	21	18	0	52	—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Engine	20	0	4	0	115,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Windshield wiper/washer › Motor	16	0	0	0	—
SeatsFront assembly › Recliner	16	0	0	3	—
SteeringLinkages › Tie rod assembly; Linkages	13	0	0	0	—
Electrical systemWiring; Wiring › Front underhood	12	0	6	0	82,390 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Headlights › Switch	12	0	0	0	—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Door › Hinge and attachments	5	0	0	1	—

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

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes, hydraulic
The contact owns a 1994 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the pedal became spongy. Additionally, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a leak coming from the brake line. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 94V152000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Mar 7, 2023 · 300,000 miles
Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION DETACHED AT THE BALL JOINT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE DUST COVER TO PUNCTURE THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED. THE BALL JOINT WAS REPLACED ALONG WITH THE BRAKE DUST COVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO BE REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE…
Jun 1, 2011 · 140,000 miles
EngineFire
AFTER DRIVING 30 MILES, I PARKED THE CAR IN THE DRIVEWAY AT MY HOME. APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE UNDER THE ENGINE HOOD. I ATTEMPTED TO UNLATCH THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUE TO THE UNLATCH CABLE BEING DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE FIRE HAD MELTED A BIG HOLE IN THE HOOD AT THE LEFT REAR CORNER AND HAD DESTROYED THE WINDSHIELD IN THE SAME AREA. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE BY USING A WATER HOSE AND SQUIRTING THE WATER THROUGH THE MELTED HOLE IN THE HOOD HOLE. I BELIEVE THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAD LEAKED FLUID ON THE ENGINE IN THE AREA OF THE LEFT REAR SPARK PLUG AND HAD STARTED THE FIRE WHICH HAD MELTED ALL THE COMPONENTS IN THE AREA ON THE…
Dec 26, 2017 · 112,845 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
HOLD LATCH BROKE A NUMBER OF DAYS AGO, ONE DAY DRIVING 60MPH ON THE HIGHWAY THE HOOD FLEW UP AND SMASHED MY WINDSHIELD. A FEW MONTHS LATER MY FUEL PUMP CAUGHT ON FIRE, I HAD NO IDEA UNTIL I GOT UNDER THE CAR BECAUSE IT DIDN'T WANT TO START. I'M GLAD TO BE ALIVE FROM THE FIRE, THE CAR COULD HAVE BLOWN UP! MY ABS BRAKE LIGHT IS ON AS WELL! LAST NIGHT I WAS READING UP ON SOME FORUMS AND I FOUND OUT THAT FORD WAS TRYING TO HIDE THESE ISSUE'S!!!!! DON'T BELIEVE ME? LOOK FOR YOUR SELF HTTP://BIT.LY/2QTIDTT THATS THE URL, COPY IT AND PASTE IT IN YOUR BROWSER!! I WILL INCLUDE IT IN MY PICTURES AS WELL. THEY TRYED TO HIDE THE PROBLEM BY PUTTING AN INLINE FUSE TO MAKE IT A LITTLE BIT "SAFER"!!! MY…
Apr 28, 2017 · 120,000 miles
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN LTX M/S TIRES, SIZE: P235/75R-15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER, VIN, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 15, 2015
Vehicle speed control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED TO 85 MPH. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING ENGAGED. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. AFTER RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE MONTHS LATER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Sep 4, 2013 · 85,000 miles
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE HOOD POPPED OPEN, IMPAIRING THE CONTACT'S VISION OF THE ROADWAY AND SHATTERING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE HOOD BUT THE LATCH WOULD NOT CATCH. THE CONTACT THEN SECURED THE HOOD CLOSED BY TYING IT DOWN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP TO REPLACE THE HOOD, HOOD LATCH AND THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED OF A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER: 97V024000 (LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN TO WAS NOT INCLUDED IN…
Nov 8, 2011 · 124,661 miles
Exterior lighting
ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS WHILE DRIVING MY 1994 FORD CROWN VICTORIA AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE HAVE WENT OUT LEAVING ME WITHOUT LIGHTS FOR SEVERAL MONENTS. I DO NOT KNOW THE REASON WHY THIS IS KEEPS OCCURRING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY OTHERS WITH SIMILAR YEAR MODEL FORD VEHICLES THAT THEY HAVE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND THAT THERE IS SUPPOSE TO BE A RECALL FOR THIS TYPE OF OCCURANCE. *TR
May 11, 2011

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