1992 Ford Crown Victoria Problems
- Complaints
- 310filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 101,750miles, 14 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems on a car that is now decades old, with complaints clustering around brakes, electrical faults, engine cooling, and unintended acceleration or cruise control behavior. Many reports involve high-mileage vehicles, and several describe gradual wear-related failures (brake lines, seat anchors, wiring) rather than single sudden events, though some owners describe fires and unexpected throttle events.
- Vehicle speed control
Cruise control will not release / unintended acceleration
- 27 complaints (9%)
- median 103,500 mi at 15.9 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2013
Owners describe the vehicle accelerating on its own or the cruise control failing to disengage when the brake is applied, sometimes with the throttle sticking. Several say they had to shut off the ignition or stand hard on the brakes to stop, and some report the pedal going to the floor or the car surging when shifted into drive. Some dealers could not duplicate the concern, and owners mention recalls for the speed control switch and cruise control wiring. Reported across a wide mileage range, from low-mileage cars to vehicles past 100,000 miles, and in some cases in cold weather.
Recall 08V051000Recall 07V336000Recall 99V124000
What to check: Ask whether the speed control deactivation switch and cruise control wiring recalls were completed, and have the throttle linkage and cruise cable inspected for binding or fraying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10547143, filed 2013-10, 173,000 miles“I have a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. We took a trip to fl and on the way back home to sc I hhad the the cruise control on. We was on i95 and all of a sudden the gas peddel just went straight to the floor. My car would not slow down or stop. The cruise control would not turn off. We reached very high speeds at time and the traffic was bad. The only way we stopped was that my husband truned the key off and we coasted by the time we did stop my brakes was smoken. This is not suppose to happen. …”
NHTSA complaint #730943, filed 2000-09 - Brakes
Brake and ABS problems, brake line corrosion
- 58 complaints (19%)
- median 33,000 mi at 15.8 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2007
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor, hard or weak braking, and ABS activating on its own or locking up during turns. Some owners report rear brake lines rusting through and leaking fluid, and others describe repeated rotor and pad replacement or a persistent ABS warning light that returns after a few brake applications. Some report the ABS light appearing more in hot weather, and owners of fleet cars mention the same light on multiple vehicles. Reported from low mileage up to high mileage; several reports involve older vehicles with corrosion, and some note the ABS light appears more often in hotter temperatures.
What to check: Check brake lines for rust and leaks, test the ABS warning light on startup, and ask about recent rotor, pad, and caliper service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Applying brakes while pulling into a driveway, pedal went right to the floor, and vehicle did not stop right away. This happened because brake line rubbed up against the firewall, which made a hole in the line, causing brake fluid to leak out.brake line was replaced by owner. The incident was reported to Ford. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #866010, filed 2000-07“Air conditioning only works if it's not too hot. Brake rotors keep going out and need to be worked. Seat tracks can come loose any time. Replaced tracks once,worked on twice ,going out again.this has been on-going since purchas of car in aug of 1992. Dealer no longer in business. One in ventura is barber Ford on main street.”
NHTSA complaint #718316, filed 2000-02 - Electrical system
Smoke or fire from the speed control switch area
- 37 complaints (12%)
- median 108,333 mi at 14.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2010
Owners report smoke or flames from under the hood or near the steering column, sometimes while the car is parked with the engine off. Several complaints mention the speed control deactivation switch, burning smells, and damage to wiring or control modules; in some cases the fire department attributed the fire to electrical sources. Dealers were notified in some cases, and owners reference the speed control switch recalls. Reported on vehicles of varying mileage, including instances while parked and unattended.
Recall 99V124000Recall 07V336000Recall 08V051000
What to check: Confirm the speed control switch recalls were performed, and look for scorching, melted connectors, or a burning smell near the switch and under the hood.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10172560, filed 2006-11, 125,000 miles“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. The fire department indicated it was a electrical fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10113077, filed 2005-03, 100,000 miles - Body and structure
Seat track and seat anchor bolts breaking
- 14 complaints (5%)
- median 84,000 mi at 12.6 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2004
Owners describe the driver's seat becoming loose or tilting when they lean on the backrest, with bolts or welded fasteners tearing away from the seat frame or track. Some report repeated repairs and replacement of seat tracks, and dealers in some cases declined to cover the work under warranty. Complaints say the seat shifts when accelerating, braking, or stopping. Reported on older, higher-mileage vehicles; no clear mileage pattern in the sample.
What to check: Push and rock both front seats firmly and check the mounting bolts and tracks for looseness, cracks, or repairs; ask whether the power seat harness recall was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“(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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072818, filed 2004-05, 84,000 miles“The driver's side seat track broke . Consumer states bottom and back of front driver's seat is loose, seat constantly shifts when vehicle accelerates, slows down or stops, consumer states there has been numberous technical bulletins ,dealership would not replace broken part under service warranty, consumer was told there must be a large number of problems with that part.”
NHTSA complaint #804604, filed 1996-11 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, rumbling, or sudden failure
- 23 complaints (7%)
- median 160,000 mi at 11.0 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2007
Owners report the transmission rumbling or shuddering while shifting, the car feeling like it will come apart, and in some cases the transmission failing without warning. A few mention torque converter problems, replacement units failing again, and fluid leaks with the check engine light on. Some dealers could not duplicate the concern. Mostly reported at higher mileage, often past 80,000 miles and up to around 200,000 miles.
What to check: Check transmission fluid condition and level, drive through all gears listening for rumble or harsh shifts, and ask about any prior transmission or torque converter work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10069830, filed 2004-01, 120,000 miles“The consumer has been experiencing problems with automatic transmission. Transmission went out without any fair warning. The electrical door locks were not working, dealer fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #830750, filed 1998-11
Buying note. Given the age of this model year, condition and maintenance history matter more than anything else: verify that the speed control and seat harness recalls were completed, and have the brakes, brake lines, transmission, and seat mounts inspected before buying.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 310 consumer complaints for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. 14 of the complaints include a mileage, and 14% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 101,750 miles. Of all complaints, 18 involved a crash, 24 a fire, 11 an injury, 3 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 2 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes74 24%
- Electrical system52 17%
- Engine cooling48 15%
- Vehicle speed control39 13%
- Fuel system30 9.7%
- Body and structure22 7.1%
- Exterior lighting21 6.8%
- Air bags16 5.2%
Also reported: Seats (16), Steering (16), Suspension (13), Other or unknown (11), Equipment (9), Latches, locks and linkages (9), Seat belts (5), Tires (4), Interior lighting (3), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “This car had continued brake defects from 03/29/01 (our first fire) until the last fire. We spent nearly $4,000 on brakes, each time being told the problem was fixed. Finally, after the last fire in fremont, ny, 3 days after the last repair bill of nearly $800 for brakes, the company found a statement from Ford saying this particular make could have a bad booster (from the factory), which would not slow the car properly after 60 MPH and cause excessive wear and brake failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #765881, filed 2002-08Electrical system: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10118788, filed 2005-05Engine cooling: “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. Recall#97v024000. The fan belt had gone out along with the power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10076001, filed 2004-08, 81,900 milesVehicle 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. 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10057468, filed 2004-03, 97,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
14% of the 14 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 84,000 and 125,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Victoria · sedan | not rated | 3 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 08V051000Feb 4, 2008Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1998, E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003 +10 more
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…
- 07V336000Aug 3, 2007Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1998, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
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.
- 99V124000May 19, 1999Electrical systemCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1993, Mercury Grand Marquis 1992–1993, Lincoln Town CAR 1992–1993
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…
- 98V322000Dec 16, 1998Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1990–1999, Lincoln Town CAR 1990–1999
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…
- 97V024000Mar 4, 1997Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1997
Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
- 93V193000Nov 23, 1993Seats › Front assembly › Power adjustCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1993
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…
See all 7 recalls for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA02025Speed control deactivation switch firesClosed · Sep 6, 2002
- DP02007FUEL-FED FIRESClosed · Aug 22, 2002
- SQ01014Post rear end collision firesClosed · Nov 27, 2001
- RQ01002Engine compartment firesClosed · Sep 20, 2001
- EA95011Undercarriage fuel line interferenceClosed · Mar 29, 1995
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 2 on record; the latest 2 are shown.
- 10026401May 15, 2008Fuel system. Ford/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…
- 10013060Oct 14, 2002Equipment. Climate control a/c service tech tips.
Other model years of the Ford Crown Victoria
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 23 | 54,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Falling |
| 2010 | 12 | 135,000 | 2 | — | 19 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 44 | 71,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Rising |
| 2008 | 50 | 100,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 50 | 103,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 53 | 107,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 193 | 80,086 | 5 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 138 | 92,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 249 | 100,000 | 5 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 58 | 50,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 53 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 85 | 91,158 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 134 | 80,048 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 119 | 88,772 | 7 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 288 | 86,000 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 276 | 103,582 | 9 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 250 | 97,504 | 8 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 192 | 111,500 | 6 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 182 | 118,356 | 7 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 310 | 101,750 | 7 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 55 | 89,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 43 | — | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 72 | 90,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 42 | 63,450 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 41 | 99,477 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 27 | — | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 21 | 77,825 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 5 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Ford Crown Victoria model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria?
Owners of this model year report a wide spread of problems on a car that is now decades old, with complaints clustering around brakes, electrical faults, engine cooling, and unintended acceleration or cruise control behavior. The issues reported most often: Cruise control will not release / unintended acceleration; Brake and ABS problems, brake line corrosion; Smoke or fire from the speed control switch area.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria have?
NHTSA recorded 310 consumer complaints for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 74 complaints (24% of the total), followed by electrical system with 52.
Has the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria reported?
Among the 14 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 101,750 miles and the middle half falls between 84,000 and 125,000 miles; 14% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.