1992 Ford Crown Victoria
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Ford › Crown Victoria › 1992
These records cover every 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
9 recalls name the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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 new web site at www.cvpi.com to answer additional questions about the safe use of cpvi vehicles.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. the hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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).
Risk and remedy
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear brake lines, and if necessary, replace a section of the rear brake lines if it IS leaking. Also the rubber shield on the line will be inspected to verify that it IS properly located and it will be secured with an additional worm-drive type clamp.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Incorrect instrument panel wiring assemblies in some vehicles will not actuate the "anti-lock" brake warning lights.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Modify the wire assembly to allow actuation of the anti-lock brake warning lights.
Owner complaints
310 complaints18 involved a crash24 involved a fire11 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline · 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
- 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…
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
- Electrical system · 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.…
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Unknown or other · 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…
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
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Column
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.…
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
- 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.…
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 present. he also noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle, which IS causing the transmission to fail. the powertrain was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 33,000.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
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…
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 and a wiring harness that had burned (at my expense). They informed me that the problem was fixed. I called ford to discuss this issue, and they informed me that my car was under recall back in 1999, and the problem was fixed on 7/7/1999 when my dad owned the car. This was actually even more concerning to me, because the replacement switch, which supposedly fixed the original spontaneous combustion problem, seems to be defective as well!! So my car IS now on its second "fixed" cruise control switch. I am also concerned from my discussion with the nhtsa representative. He said that no recalls can be issued for vehicles that are over 10 years old. He then told me that my complaint would not do anything since my car was over 10 years old. I don't expect to be reimbursed from my experience with the fire, however, this IS disturbing to me knowing that my complaint could be dismissed out of hand. I want to make sure that others don't have this same problem. Especially when dealing with a car setting itself on fire when it IS not running. This complaint should be thoroughly evaluated before dismissing it. If the car had been parked in my garage while I slept, it could have easily burned down the house, or killed someone. *nm
- 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…
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 the worn gas line in large amounts. I first noticed the leak from the smell of gas - then I noticed large pools of gas leaking from under my car. after investigating the cause, which was the rotating steering column rubbing on the gas line, I contacted the ford dealer and I contacted ford motor company who put me off to an area person who rebuffed my complaint. the dealer showed me a recall for the lincoln continental with the same exact problem.... The lincoln continental and the ford crown victoria are identical in this respect.... The recall showed the exact gas line and the problem.... Check for yourself.... The lincoln continental and the ford crown victoria are exactly the same under the hood. the recall showed the same gas line and the same problem. however, if you are a credible organization, you will research this by simply looking at the recall for the lincoln continental and wonder why the recall never happened for the ford crown victoria.... Keep in mind that we are talking about a safety of life situation..... The gas leak IS considerable..... It was a recall on the lincoln continental and yet, never showed up for the ford crown victoria. e-mail me back I can't figure out your serial number thank you, *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
My father bought a used 1992 ford crown victoria LS. when you turn on the park or driving lights, the entire dashboard IS so dim you can hardly read the speedometer. I have been driving the car for my father and it IS an accident waiting to happen. in the evening, the problem resolves itself, it IS during the day.*ak
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Consumer states that he had the very same problem as the recall states for the ford F150 trucks. Consumer vehicle caught on fire. However, this happened in 1992. *Ak
- Electrical system
While driving 60 mph the brake sensor light came on and the vehicle began smoking without warning. When the consumer pulled off the road he noticed that flames were coming from the front end. As a result the vehicle was considered a total loss. *nm the fire department indicated it was a electrical fire. *bf
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel return line from engine to tank rusted through causing a fuel leak that created a fire hazard.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
High pressure fuel line leak due where it passes (paired with the return line - also leaking) under the left rear frame arch. Lines were worn through where they contacted frame (should have been shielded or clamped). Repaired (since part IS only available paired with brake lines for$400+ from dealer) using bulk steel tube with compression fittings. *jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs › Air suspension system
Rear air ride suspension pump failure . the pump fails to air up the rear of the vechile, resulting in the rear of the vechile to drag on bumps, dips, ect. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While driving at 55 mph, the hood flew up and cracked the windshield. The mechanic examined the vehicle and found there was a recall on the latch, but it was only for crown victoria police cars. *ak recall#97v024000. the fan belt had gone out along with the power steering. *sc *jb
- Seats · Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
(1.) my car IS a 1992 ford, crown victoria LX. - I got into the vehicle and leaned back on the back of the seat to get something out out of my pants pocket. As I pressed on the back of the seat there was a metalic "snap" sound and the back of the seat flopped back 3 to 4 inches on the driver door…
(1.) my car IS a 1992 ford, crown victoria LX. - I got into the vehicle and leaned back on the back of the seat to get something out out of my pants pocket. As I pressed on the back of the seat there was a metalic "snap" sound and the back of the seat flopped back 3 to 4 inches on the driver door side. Later on viewing the seat from the front of the car in front of the brake peddle I was able to determing that a welded in circular, threaded, metal, tapped fastener, (a custom made nut) had torn through the pressed metal fram that attached it to the motorized portion of the seat. The resulting hole in the pressed metal frame component was about one inch in diameter. (2) the failure of the seat makes the vehicle impossible to drive. (3.) I have checked for recalls and found none relating to the seat except for an electrical failure. I haven't repaired the vehicle as yet but I will likely go to a automobile recycling yard and look for another seat. Of course inspecting first for the same failure. Also, as near as I can tell this vehicle was never in an accident . And it only has 84,000. Miles on it.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Suspension · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
I have this car for 11 yrs and was very upset when the tran went out on vacation at 83000 miles. I had no other way out but to get a life time warranty on a new tran from aamco knowing I would have the car for many more years. Im glad I did because after a year it went out again and aamco had to…
I have this car for 11 yrs and was very upset when the tran went out on vacation at 83000 miles. I had no other way out but to get a life time warranty on a new tran from aamco knowing I would have the car for many more years. Im glad I did because after a year it went out again and aamco had to foot the bill but it caused me time. The window regulator went out twice in the front. Once in 1995 and 2003. Pain in the butt if you live in so. Cal. Would I buy the crn vic again? yes.
- Vehicle speed control
While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated. the consumer was able maintain control of the vehicle. the consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, however the mechanic could not duplicate the problem.*ak the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 mph while the cruise control was activated.…
While driving vehicle suddenly accelerated. the consumer was able maintain control of the vehicle. the consumer took vehicle to dealer for inspection, however the mechanic could not duplicate the problem.*ak the vehicle suddenly accelerated to 80 mph while the cruise control was activated. the consumer pulled over and turned off the vehicle's ignition. when the vehicle was restarted it continued to accelerate. a recall was issued in 1999 for the 1992 crown victoria's. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Gear shift lever shaft broke preventing operator from removing from park. *ak
- Electrical system
Electronic engine control (computer) failed twice causing engine to stall.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Suspension › Front · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Faulty window motors ,faulty water pump ,front suspenson faulty. *ak
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
The tie rod on the drivers side became loose. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
The fuel pump failed because the wiring rubbed against the sending unit and blew the fuse. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The consumer IS concerned because the nation wide recall to provide shields around crown victoria fuel tank does not include civilian vehicles, only police vehicles. *nlm *nlm
- Vehicle speed control
While foot was on the brake, consumer started the vehicle and the vehicle accelerated, took off and the brakes were inoperative. *jg*jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Speed control deactivation switch fires
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…
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.
- Fuel-fed fires
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…
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.
- Post rear end collision fires
There is no summary currently available
- Engine compartment fires
- Undercarriage fuel line interference
There is no summary currently available
- Fuel line interference
There is no summary currently available
- Brake line punctures
There is no summary currently available
- Steering power assist fail
There is no summary currently available
- Steering power assist failure
There is no summary currently available
- Hood fly-up while driving
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10026401Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 1992-2001 model year crown victoria, grand marquis, and town car vehicles registered in the states of wisconsin and connecticut upgrade modifications for high speed rear impacts.
- 10013060Climate control a/c service tech tips.
- 10008580Lamp-brake-invadvertent disabling of brake shift interlock.
- 10000878Installation of optional police interceptor package upgrade kit. Update part 2. Expiration date removed.
- 6090087Information on identifying non-approved / alternate refrigerants which could cause safety, and performance concerns if installed in ford a/c systems.
- 6089681Subject on a wire harness terminal repair kit available for repairing electrical wiring harnesses.
- 3012100Unknown
- 636080Transfer service tips for the front wiper motor mount bracket and depressed park output arm.
- 630001Some engine assemblies with aluminum cylinder heads repaired in-vehile have been found to leak coolant and/or oil from the cylinder head gasket area.
- 627791Parts and procedure to reduce the potential of fuel tank punctures during rare and extremely high-speed rear impacts.
- 627747This aritlce IS to provide information on replacement of old style hood lamp switch to the rvised mechanical hood lamp switch.
- 625715Brake shift interlock.*jb
- 623988Information regarding transmission fluid usage charts. *Slc
- 623944Some vehicles may exhibit heater core leaks. *Slc
- 622660This information IS a supplement to the wiper system service information provided in the workshop manuals. This service information IS intended as an aid to assist in diagnosis and repair of erratic wiper system conditions.
- 619424Subject regarding engine oil recommendations for use in 2001 vehicles - sae 5W-20 motor oil.
- 619299Information on replacing fuel tank strap bolts.
- 618546Subject regarding climate control - eatc - blower motor control service tips.
- 616522Subject regarding contamination from prior transmission concerns or excess wear may be trapped in the transmission fluid cooling system.
- 613335Subject regarding a new transmission case and main control released for service on aode / 4r70w transmissions.
- 613234Information regarding tsb 98-5a-12 (transaxle/transmission/transfer case-vehicles towed behind recreational vehicles-recommended guidelines) does not list towing information for certain model vehicles. *Mjs
- 612203Information regarding the new transmission cooler flusher- service tip. *Mjs
- 608431Information on the new flush and fill tool available through rotunda.
- 607411Concerns with vehicles exhibiting a torque converter shudder.
- 606460Experiencing a whine / buzz type noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio on vehicles with an in-tank electric fuel pump.
- 606451Information on "whining" / "buzzing" noise coming through entertainment or two-way radio speaker caused by the fuel pump.
- 606420Ford motor company now recommends sae 5W-30 viscosity grade for servicing any ford gasoline-powered vehicle regardless of model year.
- 604059Ford motor company has released a new electrical grease ( F8AZ - 19g208-aa ) to reduce the possibility of moisture corrosion at the terminals.
- 604057Concerns regarding the front seat feeling loose on some vehicle.
- 603724Mass air flow (maf)- sensor contamination- service tip.
- 601343A new silicone gasket and sealant.
- 601341Experiencing a whining / buzzing noise in the speakers of the entertainment radio or two-way radio.
- 601312Information on a buzzing or rattle noise from the exhaust system.
- 601290Information on tire company telephone numbers for customer assistance.
- 601271Vehicles may experience torque converter clutch shudder or vibration.
- 601269Announcing the ford oem air conditioning retrofit kit availability.
- 601238Information on a new transmission fluid usage chart.
- 601237Experiencing a torque converter clutch shudder or vibration.
- 601012The use of petroleum-based grease as a lubricant in servicing disc brakes IS no longer acceptable.
- 601004Some vehicles may cycle when brakes are applied on rough roads or on an incline while making a sharp turn.
Every Ford Crown Victoria model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.