2005 Ford Crown Victoria
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. Newest first.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from january 16 through june 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection may believe that the quick connector IS fully…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. the recall began on august 4, 2006. owners may contact ufi filters USA at 800-230-5876.
On certain passenger vehicles, the battery cable includes a fusible link that may contact and subsequently chafe on a #2 cross member attaching bolt.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may result in heat damage and could lead to a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fusible link and position it away from the cross member bolt. if the fusible link has already chafed and copper wires have been exposed, the fusible link will be replaced. the recall began on november 18, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673, or lincoln/mercury at 1-800-521-4140.
On certain police interceptors (cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located under the vehicle positioned between the exhaust system and the underbody, could sag and possibly contact the surface of the catalytic converter.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odor, or smoke which may ultimately result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will remove the existing dash insulator and install a revised design insulator pad free of charge. the recall began on june 3, 2005. owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Owner complaints
193 complaints13 involved a crash2 involved a fire10 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlights had become intermittently inoperable while driving at night. The contact personally replaced the fuses and undisclosed parts, per the information found online; however, the failure persisted. The odometer was…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlights had become intermittently inoperable while driving at night. The contact personally replaced the fuses and undisclosed parts, per the information found online; however, the failure persisted. The odometer was inoperable. The dealer was contacted and informed that the vehicle had been previously repaired for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed, but assistance was denied. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags · Seat belts
In October 2022 a mechanic successfully replaced a dark gray-colored "seat belt retractor assembly and buckle" on the passenger side of my Ford Crown Victoria in response to an Air Bag dashboard light Lamp Fault Code of "3-4" and a Diagnostic Trouble Code of "B2292" ("Restraint System Seatbelt…
In October 2022 a mechanic successfully replaced a dark gray-colored "seat belt retractor assembly and buckle" on the passenger side of my Ford Crown Victoria in response to an Air Bag dashboard light Lamp Fault Code of "3-4" and a Diagnostic Trouble Code of "B2292" ("Restraint System Seatbelt Pretensioner Error"). Such an error renders the entire supplemental restraint system inoperative and necessitates immediate repair service for safe vehicle operation. In September 2023 the Air Bag light displayed a "3-3" LFC with the "B2292" DTC indicating Restraint System Seatbelt Pretensioner Error on the driver's side. The mechanic and I contacted a Ford dealership for a replacement dark gray-colored seat belt retractor assembly and buckle and were advised that Ford had discontinued manufacture of the part in dark gray and other colors! Ford only offered a tan seat belt assembly. It seemed irresponsible that Ford would discontinue production of such a vital safety part for a vehicle that is used as a personal vehicle, as well as a fleet vehicle for law enforcement organizations, and for state and municipal governments. Without a replacement I could not even pass the state safety inspection to sell the vehicle. To continue to operate the vehicle safely I have no choice but to have a tan seat belt and its accompanying tan interior components installed in a vehicle with a dark gray interior. Please exert whatever influence you have to compel the Ford Motor Company to resume production of the dark gray and other colors of the seat belt retractor assembly and buckle. Thanks.
- Exterior lighting
Safety recall for the LCM was repaired by lameroux Ford in Brookfield but the bypass was not preformed and the lcm is still acting up. Called and they want to charge me to look at the work they failed to do properly. Brought it to another mechanic who verified the LCM was not bypassed.
- Steering
Steering wheel hard to turn
- Steering
Power steering went out when I was driving and barely avoided a collision. Light went out another time when I was driving.
- Electrical system
Safety Recall 19S35b Processor Lighting cont was done on 3/22/2021on my working part. The original module was working fine. Now the new light module is faulty. Dealership took out part and tested it. Determined that is was faulty causing my lights to fail. Dealership and Ford has denied covering a…
Safety Recall 19S35b Processor Lighting cont was done on 3/22/2021on my working part. The original module was working fine. Now the new light module is faulty. Dealership took out part and tested it. Determined that is was faulty causing my lights to fail. Dealership and Ford has denied covering a replacement of the failed part. It would seem that the part should be still covered since it is a part that was part of a recall.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights became inoperable creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the front headlights became inoperable creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure might not be related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Engine · Structure › Body · Wheels
Unknown the ride feels unsafe to travel around inn
- Electrical system › Adas › Control module
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior lights became inoperable. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the Lighting Control Module (LCM) needed to be…
The contact owns a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the exterior lights became inoperable. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and diagnosed that the Lighting Control Module (LCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign number 15V861000 (Exterior Lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
- Steering
Despite having subject vehicle serviced by a dealership under recall 13v385, the lower intermediate shaft developed a corrosion defect after four years wherein it became difficult to steer the vehicle at lower speeds and a loud clunking noise was audible from within the cabin every time the top of…
Despite having subject vehicle serviced by a dealership under recall 13v385, the lower intermediate shaft developed a corrosion defect after four years wherein it became difficult to steer the vehicle at lower speeds and a loud clunking noise was audible from within the cabin every time the top of the steering wheel passed the 6 o'clock position. Owner investigated: upper universal joint at the bottom of the lower intermediate shaft was beginning to separate, shifting out of place approximately 3/16ths of an inch when steering wheel was in the 6 o'clock position before slamming back into place causing a loud 'click' which reverberated into the cabin through the steering column and sounding much worse. vehicle was taken to recall servicing dealership; recall 13v385 was only warrantied for 3 months or 5000 kilometres (3125 miles). Owner was charged $888.31 cad ($675.95 usd) for repairs on a recall part experiencing the same conditions for which the recall was issued. owner contacted manufacturer customer relations department to inquire about recalled parts experiencing recall conditions, was advised of the recall warranty and that paid service results in 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty.
- Steering
When your on the highway sometimes it feels like the steering wheel floats away and like you already have lost steering controls but they come back. I have a sheet from when I got the recall for the headlights, that said 13r01 for the steering column shaft. I haven't gotten that fixed or remedied so I'm confused as to why it says the work order isn't outstanding. *tr
- Exterior lighting
Headlights go out while driving
- Exterior lighting
Our vehicle, a 2005 crown victoria used to transport blind and elderly. vehicle was recalled under campaign #15s39 to repair a potentially defective lighting control module. lights were working perfectly at time of recall. ford did not repair or replace module, but they instead bypassed a…
Our vehicle, a 2005 crown victoria used to transport blind and elderly. vehicle was recalled under campaign #15s39 to repair a potentially defective lighting control module. lights were working perfectly at time of recall. ford did not repair or replace module, but they instead bypassed a function of the module by hacking/splicing into the original wiring harness and adding an external relay. Truly a band-aid. now, less then a year later. lights have failed completely. ford technicians blame faulty lighting control module. ford refuses to replace module, stating that the warranty part IS working correctly, only the original (subject of the recall) part has failed. Again, ford did not actually repair the car the first time, they only bypassed the lighting module. there IS another recall on this vehicle involving the intermediate shaft for the steering column. I asked if they plan to 'fix' it by splinting with two popsicle sticks and rubber bands, then refuse to honor the repair when the original shaft fails. the customer service representative failed to respond.
- Seat belts
Seatbelt latch will not connect and the gong that reminds me to fasten it keeps going off as I drive very distracting and unsafe! First noticed it in the morning while starting it to drive it to work.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. While driving at any speed, the headlights went out without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to ramey ford princeton (304-425-2128, located at 498 courthouse rd, princeton, wv 24740) where it was diagnosed that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. While driving at any speed, the headlights went out without warning. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to ramey ford princeton (304-425-2128, located at 498 courthouse rd, princeton, wv 24740) where it was diagnosed that the light control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.
- Exterior lighting
While driving my headlights go completely off. The only thing that works are the park lights. I pull back on turn signal to engage the high beams. This IS the only way I can see. When using high beams other drivers are flicking their lights at me but there IS nothing I can do about it. I'm scared…
While driving my headlights go completely off. The only thing that works are the park lights. I pull back on turn signal to engage the high beams. This IS the only way I can see. When using high beams other drivers are flicking their lights at me but there IS nothing I can do about it. I'm scared I'm going to wreck. I don't get off work until it's dark & I'm afraid I'm going to wreck. It happens with the lights on automatic or regular. It happens everytime I drive at night. It's getting worse every night.
- Exterior lighting
I had my lcm recall fixed on my ford crown victoria at 98,000 miles, the day I picked it up everything seemed fine, and then I went to use my automatic headlight and they were still un-operable. My tail lights and my parking lamps also do not work after this recall work also. I have tried getting…
I had my lcm recall fixed on my ford crown victoria at 98,000 miles, the day I picked it up everything seemed fine, and then I went to use my automatic headlight and they were still un-operable. My tail lights and my parking lamps also do not work after this recall work also. I have tried getting the ford dealership to call me back, and I cal everyday and they tell me they will call me the next day, and still nothing. Now my car has 127,000 miles on it and they still have not fixed the problem, and ford says that it's out of warranty. how IS a 3,000 mile recall warranty even remotely a good idea? I work 7 days of the week and I had to buy another grand marquis to drive while I wait for these sob's to call me after all this time, I very rarely drive at night and would have never noticed this if I had not went out to pickup my family member after 8PM.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the warning indicators illuminated for the headlights. The vehicle was serviced at cain ford lincoln (1039 n main st, cornelia, ga 30531, (706) 778-2121) per nhtsa campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting), but the remedy…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the warning indicators illuminated for the headlights. The vehicle was serviced at cain ford lincoln (1039 n main st, cornelia, ga 30531, (706) 778-2121) per nhtsa campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the headlight warning indicator remained illuminated after the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 130,000.
- Air bags
Takata recall air bags did not go off in the accident.we have pic. And etc.bad injurys
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
My headlights goes off while I'm driving and clicks off and clicks back on and sometimes when I turned on my signal switch on they will click back on or click off or I just have to wait for them to come back on but I can hear when it clicks and my headlights comes back on
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the exterior lighting failed to illuminate. The failure occurred without warning. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist because there were no recalls attributed to the vin. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
- Steering
While driving home today power steering suddenly went out almost impossible to steer car when I stopped there appeared to be smoke coming from vehicle
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. While the vehicle was stationary, the passenger side headlight shut off without warning. On another occasion, the failure occurred while driving 35-40 mph. The contact attempted to find parts independently, but was unable to repair the failure. In…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. While the vehicle was stationary, the passenger side headlight shut off without warning. On another occasion, the failure occurred while driving 35-40 mph. The contact attempted to find parts independently, but was unable to repair the failure. In addition, the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting), which was directly related to the failure. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting) was received december of 2015. After contacting the dealer upper marlboro ford in upper marlboro, md, the contact was informed that the parts needed…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the recall notice for nhtsa campaign number: 15v861000 (exterior lighting) was received december of 2015. After contacting the dealer upper marlboro ford in upper marlboro, md, the contact was informed that the parts needed for the recall remedy were still not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts could be provided. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Engine · Power train
Loss of acceleration at wide open throttle, transmission seems to "slip" when trying to pass or accelerate hard at highway speed has happened on multiple occasions
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of headlights
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates)…
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation concerning the loss of headlights in model year (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles. The subject vehicles share the same architecture and major components.ODI has received 636 unique reports (for all submission dates) related to the alleged defect, with owners describing a loss of both low and/or high beam headlights occurring while driving.ODI identified 4 Vehicle Owner Questionnaire ( VOQ) reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers alleged running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter, Ford Motor Company (Ford) responded with 4173 unique reports related to the alleged problem.There were a total of 11 crashes reported within that group as well as one injury that occurred when the vehicle struck an unseen object on the side of the road when the headlights failed. Ford also submitted 49,843 warranty claims related to headlight failures.Most reports indicate that the headlights failed without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some noted the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.Consumers also noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is physically actuated.On December 21st, 2015 Ford notified ODI that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-861) to remedy headlight failures on (MY) 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.According to Ford, the headlights of the vehicle are controlled by the Lighting Control Module (LCM) located in the engine compartment of the vehicle.The LCM uses an internal relay, mounted to a circuit board, to control power to the headlights. The headlight relay is soldered to the circuit board at six different terminals. The original equipment LCMs were manufactured in a manner that resulted in the solder joints fatiguing and/or cracking as a result of repeated thermal cycling and/or vibration, a defect condition. The condition could be exacerbated by manufacturing quality issues such as an insufficient amount of solder, effecting the continuity between the circuit board and the relay terminal, and resulting in loss of headlights while driving.Other lighting functions are unaffected by this condition.The LCM manufacturing processes were revised to address the defect condition and Ford has been conducting a warranty extension program to cover defective LCMs since late 2013.Under the recall Ford will replace any remaining defective LCMs in recalled vehicles with remedy LCMs once they become available.See NHTSA recall 15V-861 for further details on the safety recall.The recall action initiated by Ford addresses the safety risks of concern to ODI.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
- Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand…
In a letter dated October 2, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) was initially petitioned by the North Carolina Consumers Council, Inc. requesting a defect investigation of an alleged defect condition resulting in headlight and/or exterior lighting failure on 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles.ODI analyzed Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints received from consumers and identified a total of 605 reports (for all submission dates) alleging headlight failure.The complaints indicate failures of both low beam headlights typically while driving, a defect condition that was evaluated under a prior ODI investigation (PE08066).Most consumer VOQs indicate that the headlights failed suddenly and without warning leaving the driver with no forward lighting, however some report the headlights flickered or dimmed prior to turning off.In some cases drivers were able to turn the headlights back on after a period of time while others reported the headlights would not come back on at all.Consumers noted they were able to hold the flash to pass lever on the steering column mounted stalk to activate the high beams however this is only effective as long as the lever is actuated.ODI identified 4 VOQ reports alleging minor crash or loss of control incidents due to headlight failures.Drivers indicated running off of the road due to a lack of headlights and one driver reportedly struck a deer.No injuries were indicated in the VOQ crashes.In response to ODI's April 7, 2015 Information Request letter, Ford provided data indicating it has received 3,092 complaints of failed headlights related to the Lighting Control Module (LCM), a device that controls the headlights and other lighting functions.This number includes the complaints Ford reviewed and classified as headlight failure due specifically to the LCM.Within Ford's complaints, there are 11 reports alleging a crash occurred.These drivers reported hitting objects, including other vehicles after the headlights failed causing damage to the affected vehicles.One driver was injured when their car struck an unseen object in the road, jerking the steering wheel from their hands and injuring their shoulder.In total 15 crash allegations were identified, all of which have occurred since ODI's prior evaluation of this issue.This petition has been granted.Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028 has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SarchNHTSAID under the identification (ODI) numbers found in the attached list.
- Steering Column Shaft Obstruction
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway…
On July 7, 2014 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a preliminary evaluation based on five complaints (VOQs) alleging incidents ofinterference between dislodged exhaust manifold heat shields and the lower steering shaft/knuckle, including one alleging the interference resulted in a crash on a highway entrance ramp. Since opening this investigation, ODI has received four additional owner complaints.One indicated that the shield was removed before binding could occur.The other three occurred at low speed and produced some momentary steering binding that was overcome by the driver when additional steering effort was applied.Once the shield was repaired or removed, the steering returned to normal.The single incident ODI identified as a possible crash (VOQ No. 10578715) related to this condition could not be verified and the description of the crash in the complaint was not supported by the police accident report.No additional crash allegations have been identified related to the alleged defect condition.Information provided by Ford in its September 10, 2014 response to ODI's information request letter identified 10 additional incidents resulting in a low rate of 1.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold in vehicles ranging from 7 to 11 years in service.Six of these incidents were reported by a single source, a state police fleet that corrected the problems in March 2011 and has not reported any additional failures since.Ford also reported 5 warranty claims, but these incidents occurred at very low mileages and appeared to be caused by loose or missing heat shield attachment hardware rather than the corrosion condition that was the cause of the more recent incidents and the focus of this investigation.This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.The following VOQs are associated with this investigation:10643753, 10615584, 10611362, 10610451, 10578715, 10479681, 10471833, 10317493.
- Loss of Steering Control
In its recall notice dated August 26, 2013, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA of a safety defect condition that may result in loss of steering in approximately 355,000 model year (MY) 2005 through 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant, MY 2005 through…
In its recall notice dated August 26, 2013, Ford Motor Company (Ford) notified NHTSA of a safety defect condition that may result in loss of steering in approximately 355,000 model year (MY) 2005 through 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant, MY 2005 through 2007 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the Wixom Assembly Plant, and certain MY 2008 through 2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at the St. Thomas Assembly Plant and that are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, or Wisconsin (NHTSA Recall 13V-385, Ford Recall 13S08).Ford's recall addresses a corrosion related defect in the lower intermediate shaft that may result in separation of the steering column lower bearing and loss of steering control.Ford's recall will remedy the defect condition by instructing dealers to replace the lower intermediate shaft and to inspect and repair the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing as necessary.A retaining clip will be installed if the lower bearing has separated.Ford's investigation of steering column separations in the subject vehicles identified a defect condition in the lower intermediate shaft that could result in separation of the column lower bearing.According to Ford's August 26th defect report, severe corrosion of the lower intermediate shaft may cause the lower intermediate shaft swing link joint(s) to stiffen or seize.Ford determined that forces acting on the upper intermediate shaft because of seized swing links may eventually cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse, which may result in separation of the column lower bearing and loss of steering control.Analysis of ODI complaints and Ford complaints and warranty identified 22 incidents of steering separation (12 complaints and 10 non-duplicative warranty claims) that may be related to the lower intermediate shaft defect condition.All 22 incidents involved vehicles in the recall region, where 419,210 or roughly half (52%), of the subject vehicles were sold.Ford's investigation also determined that column lower bearing separation may occur in vehicles that experienced upper intermediate shaft collapse in prior frontal impact collisions if the shaft was not properly diagnosed and repaired.Ford identified 13 steering separation incidents outside the recall region (6 complaints and 7 non-duplicative warranty claims) where 386,003 of the subject vehicles were sold.Ford did not find evidence of the lower intermediate shaft corrosion issue in these vehicles.Six of the vehicles had known prior collisions and the histories of the remaining 7 were unknown.To address concerns with possible steering separations in vehicles outside the region for safety recall 13V-385, Ford is conducting a Regional Program (13R01) to inspect and repair the steering assemblies of those vehicles as necessary.The lower intermediate shaft will be replaced only if it fails the inspection, the upper intermediate shaft will be repaired if it fails a Ford-specified measurement test.In the event the steering column lower bearings are found out of position, they will be re-seated and secured with a retaining clip.Based on Ford's field actions, this investigation is closed.The VOQs cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10505992, 10479893, 10477192, 10475950, 10474596
- Loss of Steering Control
In the subject vehicles, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and rack and pinion steering assembly consist of the steering column and an upper and lower intermediate shaft.A disconnection of any of these components from the steering system can create a loss of steering control.Allegations of a loss of…
In the subject vehicles, the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and rack and pinion steering assembly consist of the steering column and an upper and lower intermediate shaft.A disconnection of any of these components from the steering system can create a loss of steering control.Allegations of a loss of steering control incidents reviewed during the Preliminary Evaluation PE12-025 appear to be related to a separation of the upper and lower shafts within the steering the column. In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) during PE12-025, Ford provided 2 complaints and 9 warranty claims related to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles (see Figure 1 for an exemplar picture).ODI has received 5 complaints related to the alleged defect, including 1 related to an incident reported in one of the Ford complaints.The incident rate involving subject vehicles is 7.7 per 100,000 vehicles (15 total incidents).Five of the 15 incident vehicles were associated with a prior history report of a frontal impact incident.ODI also analyzed field data for MY 2005 through MY 2008 non-CVPI Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis models and MY 2009 through MY 2011 CVPI models, which use a similar steering column and intermediate shaft design. This analysis identified 4 reports from Ford and 2 complaints to ODI, including 1 duplicative of a complaint provided by Ford, resulting in 5 total incidents and an incident rate of 1.1 per 100,000 vehicles for a vehicle population of approximately 436,000 vehicles. In the peer vehicle analysis, 4 of 5 incident vehicles had a prior history report of a frontal impact incident.ODI also identified 42 reports (39 reports associated with subject vehicles and 3 reports associated peer vehicles) of the lower steering column shaft bearing displacement that did not result in complete separations of the upper to lower steering column shafts (see Figure 2). Vehicles with this condition were identified during inspections of police fleets or during vehicle repairs for complaints of looseness, binding or noise in the steering system while turning.This Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA13-004) has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, consequence, and contributing factors to the steering column shaft separations.The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation and a loss of steering control are: 10347404, 10474596, 10475950, 10477192, and 10479893.
- Loss of headlight function
The agency has closed this investigation based on its review of complaint reports, field and technical data provided by ford and complainant interviews. Ford found that some lighting control modules (lcm) in the subject vehicles contained defective solder joints on the printed circuit board.this condition can lead to…
The agency has closed this investigation based on its review of complaint reports, field and technical data provided by ford and complainant interviews. Ford found that some lighting control modules (lcm) in the subject vehicles contained defective solder joints on the printed circuit board.this condition can lead to poor headlight performance ranging from intermittent outage and dimming to eventual headlights failure.the failure does not affect other lighting functions (park, emergency flasher, brake and flash to pass lights).the agency IS aware of a total of 306 consumers complaints and no report of crash, injury or fatality.ford reports 2,074 warranty claims related to headlight failure linked to the lcm during the first three years of operation.about 12% (247) of these claims are specific to headlight failure while driving.the average warranty rate for headlight failing while driving IS low (0.05%).ford reports a slightly higher warranty rate experienced for the crown victoria police interceptor vehicles and this IS attributed to the higher duty cycle of these vehicles (headlights on for longer periods).a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Fracture of the steel wheel rim
During a september 23, 2004 meeting and in subsequent discussions in november, ford advised the office of defects investigation (odi) of their plans to introduce an improved steel wheel for manufacturing and service component use on the subject vehicles, indicating this would occur in december 2004.the new wheel…
During a september 23, 2004 meeting and in subsequent discussions in november, ford advised the office of defects investigation (odi) of their plans to introduce an improved steel wheel for manufacturing and service component use on the subject vehicles, indicating this would occur in december 2004.the new wheel design incorporates an additional manufacturing process (shot peening) which lowers tensile stress in the surface layer of the rim material adjacent to the circumferential weld. Theoretically this should improve rim durability by reducing fatigue crack initiation sites.indications from ford?s accelerated testing methods show an improvement in the performance of the new wheel.in addition to prior safety recall 03v279 and service action (sa) 03m03, ford will announce a new extended warranty sa for vehicles built prior to december 2004 that suffer rim fractures in service.the new wheel design will be used as a remedy.ford advises that a sa IS sufficient for addressing future wheel failures (including recall 03v279 remedy wheel failures) because: 1) failure rates are low based on ford?s analysis, and 2) driver warnings (repetitive slow air loss, and or steering wheel vibration) allow early and safe detection of cracked wheels.odi has received 25 vehicle owner questionnaire (voq) reports (involving 22 vehicles) which allege a rim fracture of one or more steel wheels.about half the reports involve vehicles built with the remedy wheel used for recall 03v279, and most of the remaining vehicles were subject to the recall.the process of identifying pertinent ford complaints IS made difficult by ford?s prior recall and warranty program activities.the manufacturer complaint and warranty counts, which primarily involve failures of recall 03v279 remedy wheels, are based on analysis conducted to date and are considered to be conservative.further investigation IS required, thus odi IS upgrading this investigation to an engineering analysis (ea).during the ea, pertinent failure reports and consequences will be identified and reviewed.odi and ford will discuss details for conducting an audit analysis of failed wheels replaced under the new sa.additionally, odi IS awaiting ford?s lab analysis of two wheels which were the subject of voq reports, one of which was involved in the noted crash event.a determination will be made as to whether ford?s service action IS sufficient for addressing ongoing rim fractures.
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.
- 10205037Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08
- 10183773For 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosion areas for an extended period may lead to corrosion in the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link. This may result in a compressed upper intermediate steering shaft and separation from the steering column, which can result in a loss of steering control. Vehicles covered under 13R01 that were inspected or repaired without replacement of the lower intermediate shaft, and have relocated to high corrosion areas, may experience subsequent corrosion of the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link.
- 10177863This article supersedes TSB 19-2026 to update the vehicle model years affected. Some 2000 and newer Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended.
- 10156863Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10155551Some 2000 and newer Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with aluminum body panels may exhibit corrosion concerns appearing as bubbled and/or peeling paint with or without accompanying white dust. Panel replacement is recommended. Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition
- 10109070The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these inputs more accurately and will set diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) when appropriate. Using these PIDs for diagnostics will lead to inaccurate results and improper ETB replacements. If a concern is intermittent and no DTCs are present, refer to historical DTCs and the PC/ED, Section 3 No DTCs Present Index chart for further information.
- 10074793Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10056190Ford: see document search button for owner letter. Information regarding the lighting control module extended warranty coverage, for some vehicles, to 15 years or 250,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Model 2003-2005 victoria, grand marquis.
- 10055936Ford: the lighting control module has extended warranty coverage, on certain vehicles, due to a possible crack on solder joint that connects relay to circuit board. Model 2003-2005 crown victoria, grand marquis.
- 10054924Ford: the lower intermediate steering shaft, has corrosion of swing link joints, combined with collapsed upper intermediate steering shaft, resulting in steering column separation and loss of steering control. Model 2005-2011 crown victoria, grand marquis, town car. Updated 04/23/14 updated 07/10/15 updated 7/15/15
- 10054006Ford: swing link joints on lower intermediate steering shaft, has corrosion, and combined with collapsed upper intermediate steering shaft, on some vehicles, causes steering column to separate, leading to steering control loss. Model 2005-2011 crown victoria, grand marquis, town car.
- 10045340Ford/lincoln/mercury: if battery was disconnected or dead, vehicles/trucks may experience hard starts and engine idle rpm fluctuation and exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0505, p0506, p2111 and p2112.
- 10029205Ford/mercury/lincoln: vehicles may exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: drive away hesitation, loss of rpm on deceleration, difficulty starting, and/or idle rpm less than desired. The F53 motorhome chassis IS included.
- 10023943Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, or 6.8L 2V engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. This includes F-53 motorhome chassis. Updated 2/23/10.
- 10023864Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on--diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p2106 and p061b--police interceptor built before 10/19/2007.
- 10022298Reduction in power at wide open throttle.
- 10020676Un-commanded tcc apply on the 1-2 shift causing perception of hesitation and/or lack of power during shift.
- 10020077Catalytic converter brick rattle or buzzing noise.
- 10019391Extended coverage program for forward clutch cylinder in the transmission may crack at the snap ring groove location causing a loss of clutch capacity and the eventual loss of forward gears. Supplement #2, owner notification. Supplement #4.
- 10019389The forward clutch cylinder in the transmission may crack at the snap ring groove location causing loss of clutch capacity and the eventual loss of forward gears. Customer satisfaction program 06b36. Supplement #1. Supplement #2. Supplement #3.
- 10019374Malfunction indicator lamp on with diagnostic trouble codes p0305, p0316, p0171, and/or p0174 after extended idle.
- 10018955Light steering efforts at highway speeds.
- 10018949Auto release parking brake system difficult to set.
- 10018943Parking brake control slow to release, vehicles built from 12/06/2004 through 11/21/2005.
- 10018748Driver's seat cushion sagging.
- 10018745Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10017869Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0305, p0316, p0171 and/or p0174, especially after extended idle.
- 10016803High effort to activate horn - vehicles built before 5/6/2005. Oasis.
- 10014697High effort to activate horn.
- 10014680Customer satisfaction program 04m05. Steel wheel additional coverage.
- 10014310Weld bonding procedure.
- 10014276Numerous anti-lock brake (ABS) wheel speed sensor (wss) diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) c1145, c1155, c1175, c1296, c1297, c1298, c1299 and c1222.
- 10014148Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on with diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0455 or p0457.
- 10014138Safety belt retraction speed.
- 10014100Limited slip axle chatter, shudder, binding sensation, or vibration during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 10014086General (pcm) power train control module programming procedures.
- 10014062Rear window defroster grid/integral antenna diagnosis and repair - terminal tab repair.
- 10013420Pinpoint test error for front wheel speed sensors - workshop annual update.
- 10013364Police interceptor vehicles equipped with front power distribution box (pdb) option 66F - blunt cut wires accessibility - service tip.
- 10013321Am/fm and cellular phone reception interference - service tip.
Every Ford Crown Victoria model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.