Engine
4.6L 8-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 192 of 193 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 158 of 193 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Lighting
101 complaint records2 crash reports
"2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HEADLIGHT GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN. *SMD..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Steering
37 complaint records2 crash reports
"Power steering went out when I was driving and barely avoided a collision. Light went out another time when I was driving...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse steering parts in the directory →
Electrical system
22 complaint records1 crash report
"HEAD LAMPS INTERMITTENTLY TURN ON AND OFF FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT. FAULTY LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE15028 opened Aug 2015 | closed Jan 2016 | Exterior Lighting | Loss of headlights - led to recall 15V861000 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. |
| DP15002 opened Apr 2015 | closed Aug 2015 | Exterior Lighting | 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. |
| PE14021 opened Jul 2014 | closed Nov 2014 | Steering | 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... |
| EA13004 opened Apr 2013 | closed Nov 2013 | Steering | Loss of Steering Control - led to recall 13V385000 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... |
| PE12025 opened Sep 2012 | closed Apr 2013 | Steering | 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... |
Show 2 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE08066 opened Nov 2008 | closed Mar 2009 | Exterior Lighting | 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. |
| RQ04007 opened Aug 2004 | closed Dec 2004 | Wheels | 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,... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15V861000 | Exterior Lighting | 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. | Normally free |
| 14V704000 | Steering | 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... | Normally free |
| 13V385000 | Steering | Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. | Normally free |
| 05V518000 | Electrical System | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE BATTERY CABLE INCLUDES A FUSIBLE LINK THAT MAY CONTACT AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHAFE ON A #2 CROSS MEMBER ATTACHING BOLT. | Normally free |
| 05V206000 | Electrical System | 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... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015610 2015-12-21 | Electrical | 14,714 | On certain vehicles, a defect in the Lighting Control Module could cause the headlight high and low beams to become inoperative without warning, causing the headlights to revert to reduced-voltage daytime running light function. |
| 2014502 2014-11-05 | Steering | 1,757 | Certain vehicles serviced as part of recall 2013-287 (13S08) or special service campaign 13R01 may require re-inspection and repair. |
| 2013287 2013-08-27 | Steering | 16,260 | On certain vehicles originally sold or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the steering column lower... |
| 2007055 2007-03-02 | Wheels | 5,408 | The wheels of certain Police Interceptor vehicles may crack, particularly when exposed to severe loading in high speed pursuit situations. |
| 2005350 2005-11-08 | Electrical | 1,840 | On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable may come in contact with the #2 cross member attaching bolt. During normal vehicle operation, the insulation may chafe, which could result in an electrical short. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005146 2005-05-16 | Other | 5,541 | On certain Police Interceptors and Commercial Heavy Duty (Taxi) vehicles, the dash outer sound insulator could sag and possibly contact the surface of the light-off catalyst. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB 20-2233 Jul 2020 | Structure | This 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. | |
| TSB 19-2026 Feb 2019 | Structure | Some 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. | |
| SSM 46085 Sep 2016 | Engine And Engine Cooling | The 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. | |
| 16-0072 Apr 2016 | Steering | For 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... | |
| TSB160072 Apr 2016 | Steering | Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08 |
Show 38 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASI-45182 Jun 2015 | Electrical System | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| RP-13R01 Sep 2014 | Steering | FORD: 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. | |
| CSP-14-N-01 Apr 2014 | Exterior Lighting | FORD: 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. *PE | |
| CSP-14N01 Apr 2014 | Equipment | FORD: 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. *PE | |
| RP-13-R-01 Oct 2013 | Steering | FORD: 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. | |
| TSB-12-7-4 Jul 2012 | Engine | FORD/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. *PE | |
| TSB-08-18-2 Jun 2009 | Power Train | FORD/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. *PE | |
| 07226 Nov 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON--DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P2106 AND P061B--POLICE INTERCEPTOR BUILT BEFORE 10/19/2007. *NJ | |
| 07212 Oct 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME 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. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE | |
| 0606 Jan 2007 | Power Train | EXTENDED 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. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2, OWNER NOTIFICATION. *TT SUPPLEMENT #4. *KB | |
| 0636 Oct 2006 | Power Train | THE 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. *TT SUPPLEMENT #1. *TT SUPPLEMENT #2. *KB SUPPLEMENT #3. *KB | |
| 06216 Jan 2006 | Power Train | LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT | |
| 0628 Jan 2006 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0305, P0316, P0171, AND/OR P0174 AFTER EXTENDED IDLE. *TT | |
| 051310 Nov 2005 | Electrical System | HIGH EFFORT TO ACTIVATE HORN - VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE 5/6/2005. *TT OASIS. *TT | |
| 041601 Nov 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT | |
| 052214 Nov 2005 | Seats | DRIVER'S SEAT CUSHION SAGGING. *TT | |
| 18739 Jul 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0305, P0316, P0171 AND/OR P0174, ESPECIALLY AFTER EXTENDED IDLE. *TT | |
| 042421 Jun 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT | |
| 18511 Mar 2005 | Electrical System | HIGH EFFORT TO ACTIVATE HORN. *EH | |
| 05310 Feb 2005 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT WEB STOP BUTTON SERVICE. *EH | |
| 0523 Feb 2005 | Electrical System | DELAYED REVERSE ENGAGEMENT. *EH | |
| 0524 Feb 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IDLE VIBRATION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH SINGLE EXHAUST. *EH | |
| 18383 Jan 2005 | Electrical System | AM/FM AND CELLULAR PHONE RECEPTION INTERFERENCE - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 05247 Jan 2005 | Parking Brake | PARKING BRAKE CONTROL SLOW TO RELEASE, VEHICLES BUILT FROM 12/06/2004 THROUGH 11/21/2005. *TT | |
| 05265 Jan 2005 | Parking Brake | AUTO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM DIFFICULT TO SET. *TT | |
| 052613 Jan 2005 | Steering | LIGHT STEERING EFFORTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 04267 Dec 2004 | Service Brakes | NUMEROUS ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) WHEEL SPEED SENSOR (WSS) DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) C1145, C1155, C1175, C1296, C1297, C1298, C1299 AND C1222. *TT | |
| 042616 Dec 2004 | Structure | WELD BONDING PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 04189 Dec 2004 | Visibility | REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT | |
| 042107 Dec 2004 | Power Train | GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT | |
| 042423 Dec 2004 | Electrical System | MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0455 OR P0457. *TT | |
| 04M05 Dec 2004 | Wheels | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 04M05. STEEL WHEEL ADDITIONAL COVERAGE. *TT | |
| 04212 Nov 2004 | Electrical System | POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX (PDB) OPTION 66F - BLUNT CUT WIRES ACCESSIBILITY - SERVICE TIP. *TT | |
| 18292 Nov 2004 | Service Brakes | PINPOINT TEST ERROR FOR FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSORS - WORKSHOP ANNUAL UPDATE. *TT | |
| 031404 Aug 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04. | |
| 06910 | Power Train | CATALYTIC CONVERTER BRICK RATTLE OR BUZZING NOISE. *TT | |
| 06227 | Power Train | UN-COMMANDED TCC APPLY ON THE 1-2 SHIFT CAUSING PERCEPTION OF HESITATION AND/OR LACK OF POWER DURING SHIFT. *KB | |
| 062512 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REDUCTION IN POWER AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE. *KB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Drive one straight highway stretch and one slow parking lot.Wander or a shimmy over bumps at speed, and heavy or dropped assist at low speed, are the two faces of this vehicle's steering cluster. A clunk on turn-in points at the linkage.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Ford Crown Victoria →