NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Ford Crown Victoria Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 249 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Ford dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria owner complaints
Owners have filed 249 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, describing incidents dated August 26, 2002 to March 19, 2026.
Most-cited components
- Exterior Lighting 96 complaints
- Wheels 42 complaints
- Suspension 27 complaints
- Power Train 25 complaints
- Electrical System 20 complaints
- Engine 13 complaints
Of the 249 complaints on file, 16 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 249 complaints, owners report 6 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Newest complaints
ODI #11727583 · Filed
I'm having problems with the lighting control module my high beam lights stop working. I see this year (2003) Ford crown Victoria has a recall for the lighting control module but mines isn't listed when I put in my VIN number and I wanted to see if mines can be listed. Also I would like to know why…
ODI #11701850 · Filed
The contact's father owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlamps would flash and failed to turn on or to turn off as intended. The contact stated that the failure initially occurred intermittently, but the headlights had become completely inoperable. The vehicle was not…
ODI #11659563 · Filed
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned…
Owner-reported
2003 Ford Crown Victoria mileage at failure
175 of the 249 complaints on file for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.
| Component | Median | Middle half | Based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | Median 115,000 miles | Middle half 90,000–155,000 miles | Based on 70 complaints |
A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.
Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.
These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.
Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria in 9 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.
- Preliminary Evaluation PE15-028: Loss of headlights
Closed January 8, 2016
- Defect Petition DP15-002: Loss of headlamp/exterior lighting
Closed August 11, 2015
- Preliminary Evaluation PE08-066: LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION
Closed March 24, 2009
- Defect Petition DP05-005: SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
Closed January 4, 2006
- Recall Query RQ04-007: FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM
Closed December 20, 2004
4 more NHTSA investigations
- Preliminary Evaluation PE04-010: REAR AXLE FRACTURE
Closed July 8, 2004
- Engineering Analysis EA03-001: CNG TANK EXPLOSION
Closed November 19, 2003
- Preliminary Evaluation PE03-009: FRACTURE OF THE STEEL WHEEL RIM
Closed August 8, 2003
- Preliminary Evaluation PE02-071: CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE
Closed January 27, 2003
Loss of Headlights
NHTSA #15V861000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice
Reported December 22, 2015 · Ford Motor Company
Potentially affected: 296,004 vehicles
Repair completion: 40.29% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Ford campaign 15S39 · Owners notified April 14, 2017 · Vehicles built October 3, 2001 – August 2, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
FUEL LEAK/FIRE
NHTSA #06E056000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice
Reported June 13, 2006 · UFI FILTERS USA
Potentially affected: 58,640 vehicles
Owners notified August 4, 2006
Defect description
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 ATTACHED.
Safety consequence
FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO UFI FILTERS USA (PUROLATOR) AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
DASH OUTER SOUND INSULATOR
NHTSA #05V206000 · Electrical System — Wiring — Interior/Under Dash · NHTSA notice
Reported May 9, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 132,800 vehicles
Ford campaign 05S32 · Owners notified June 3, 2005 · Vehicles built March 26, 2002 – December 24, 2004 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 05S032. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
FORD/REAR AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE
NHTSA #04V328000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice
Reported July 7, 2004 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 47,314 vehicles
Ford campaign 04S16 · Owners notified July 15, 2004 · Vehicles built October 10, 2001 – December 4, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 04S16. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT ( 1-888-327-4236).
FORD/NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK
NHTSA #03V472000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported November 6, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 4,218 vehicles
Ford campaign 03S08 · Owners notified January 7, 2004 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.
Safety consequence
IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 03S08.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
STEEL WHEELS
NHTSA #03V279000 · Wheels · NHTSA notice
Reported August 5, 2003 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 29,946 vehicles
Ford campaign 03S05 · Owners notified August 8, 2003 · Vehicles built October 10, 2001 – September 30, 2002 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
Safety consequence
THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL WITH THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES OF AUGUST 18, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2002. IN ADDITION, FORD IS PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR WHEELS ON 2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR AND TAXIS BUILT FROM OCTOBER 1, 2002 THROUGH APRIL 29, 2003. THESE WHEELS ARE EXHIBITING CRACKS AT A SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER RATE THAN THOSE WHEELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes
FORD RECALL NO. 03S05.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FORD/FUEL TANK/POLICE VEHICLES
NHTSA #02I003000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Storage — Tank Assembly · NHTSA notice
Reported October 15, 2002 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Potentially affected: 350,000 vehicles
Ford campaign 02B02 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.
Manufacturer 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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Ford Crown Victoria model years
Check your 2003 Ford Crown Victoria VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Ford Crown Victoria at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Ford VIN