2005 Ford CROWN VICTORIA: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
193 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
80,086 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 160 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Exterior Lighting is the most frequently named component, appearing in 84 of 193 complaints (43.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 33 | 17.1% |
| Braking behavior | 17 | 8.8% |
| Transmission and shifting | 5 | 2.6% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 4 | 2.1% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 1.6% |
| Fuel system concerns | 3 | 1.6% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 84 |
| Steering | 33 |
| Electrical System | 17 |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 |
| Engine | 8 |
| Air Bags | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 5 |
Exterior Lighting: 84; Steering: 33; Electrical System: 17; Exterior Lighting:Headlights: 12; Vehicle Speed Control: 11; Engine: 8; Air Bags: 5; Seat Belts: 5
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 18 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 21 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 30 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 32 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 46 |
| 150,000 and above | 13 |
Under 25,000: 18; 25,000 to 49,999: 21; 50,000 to 74,999: 30; 75,000 to 99,999: 32; 100,000 to 149,999: 46; 150,000 and above: 13
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (46). 33 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 6 |
| 2006 | 9 |
| 2007 | 7 |
| 2008 | 6 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 21 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2005: 6; 2006: 9; 2007: 7; 2008: 6; 2009: 16; 2010: 15; 2011: 21; 2012: 22; 2013: 24; 2014: 15; 2015: 12; 2016: 9; 2017: 10; 2018: 3; 2019: 6; 2020: 3; 2021: 1; 2022: 3; 2023: 4; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 33 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 5 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10113780 · 2005-03-07 (March 7, 2005)
WHILE MERGING FROM A SECONDARY ROAD THE 2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA (POLICE CAR) ACCELERATED SUDDENLY WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *NM ACCELERATION CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND DESPITE THE BRAKES BEING APPLIED. THE VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL, STRUCK A MEDIAN AND DROVE OFF THE ROAD INTO A SNOW BANK. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED FRONT END DAMAGE AND A BENT FRAME. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 448 miles reported. Look up ODI 10113780 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10121726 · 2005-05-20 (May 20, 2005)
1995 FORD CROWN VICTORIA [XXX] UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TIE ROD AND PITMAN ARM REPLACED. GAS TANK LEAKS. MOISTURE ON PISTON WHICH THREW A ROD AND BROKE BLOCK. HEADLIGHT LENSES TURNED DARK ORANGE. *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10121726 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10128407 · 2005-07-12 (July 12, 2005)
DURING NORMAL BRAKING, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY FATHER AND I BOTH EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKING. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE FACT THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ON OUR RENTED FORD CROWN VICTORIA IS TOO CLOSE TO, AND AT THE SAME LEVEL AS, THE BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING BOTH PEDALS TO EASILY BE PRESSED AT THE SAME TIME. EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS THE ONLY ACTION POSSIBLE TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS IN BOTH CASES.
Owner-reported narrative. 3,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128407 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10132293 · 2005-08-10 (August 10, 2005)
REPORTING TWO CASES OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION IN RENTED FORD CROWN VEHICLE, RENTED FROM HERTZ IN SAN DIEGO DURING FIRST PART OF JULY 2005. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10132293 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10133555 · 2005-08-19 (August 19, 2005)
WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS FUEL PUMP FAILURE INVOLVING 2003-2005 CROWN VIC POLICE PACKAGE VEHICLE.
Owner-reported narrative. 7,392 miles reported. Look up ODI 10133555 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10141618 · 2005-11-03 (November 3, 2005)
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE HORN WAS NOT WORKING. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE HORN, AND REPROGRAMMED THE CCM TO THE LATEST CALIBRATION. SINCE THE REPAIR SHE HAD TO PRESS FIRMLY, IN THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE HORN SYMBOLS. SOMETIMES SHE HAS TO PRESS ON BOTH HORN SYMBOLS TO GET THE HORN TO WORK. THE DEALER SAID AFTER TIME AND USE THE HORN SHOULD BECOME EASIER TO USE. ANOTHER CONCERN SHE HAD WAS WITH THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. WHILE AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE SERVICE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT COULD NOT F…
Owner-reported narrative. 14,075 miles reported. Look up ODI 10141618 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10152202 · 2006-03-08 (March 8, 2006)
WHILE MAKING A TURN THE 2005 CROWN VICTORIA SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TOGETHER, ALLOWING THE DRIVER TO APPLY BOTH PEDALS AT ONCE. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 1,236 miles reported. Look up ODI 10152202 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10157194 · 2006-05-10 (May 10, 2006)
STEERING WHEEL ON NEW FORD CROWN VICTORIA WAS LOOSE AND HORN DID NOT WORK. FORD REPLACED STEERING COLUMN BUT HORN STILL DID NOT WORK. FORD REPLACED HORN ELECTRICAL CONTACTS. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10157194 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
05V206000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
Reported: 2005-05-09 (May 9, 2005)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V518000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables
Reported: 2005-11-09 (November 9, 2005)
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗13V385000 · Steering
Reported: 2013-08-29 (August 29, 2013)
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, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V704000 · Steering:Rack And Pinion:Pinion Shaft
Reported: 2014-11-05 (November 5, 2014)
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 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V861000 · Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2015-12-22 (December 22, 2015)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗