1996 Ford Crown Victoria Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 276 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,018miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria, 4% of the 276 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,018 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchase my vehicle on october 24th, 2011 from a private party who said, the coolant leak , but the vehicle over heated when I drove it home less than 3 miles away the hood of my car was smoking. After taking it to a local mechanic with my friend who drove his car to ensure my safety, my car began to over heat after driving it for 10 minutes! I was so frantic that I thought I was going to burned up in the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10436423, filed 2011-11, 35 miles“The vehicle has many more problems that are not listed and they started shortly after purchase. I have all the records with correct dates, times, mileages, and etc. Of all the problems. I would be more than happy to mail you copies of everything about my vehicle. Please feel free to contact me. // I used a family members computer to send in this complaint form so please contact me by mail or telephone. Thank you for your time and concern in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #706401, filed 1999-05“While driving the vehicle and getting ready to make a left turn and the vehicle stalls. When driving at 60mph hit a bump and the vehcile lost all steering. Took vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the wires on the vehicle, but the driver still is having the same problem. This has been an ongoing problem since the owner purchased the vehicle in 1996.”
NHTSA complaint #821049, filed 1998-01“The consumer has experienced problems with electrical wiring. Vehicle was parked for 24 hours before it burst into fire. The consumer put the fire out. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted. Consumer states there were signs of a short under the front right fender by the trailer wires, a Ford mechanic informed consumer that he did not believe the fire was caused by the trailer wires. Referenced in ea02-025”
NHTSA complaint #832507, filed 1998-12“Vehicle has experienced several electrical problems, battery failed and was replaced, all dash lights went out while driving, and dealer replaced ignition switch.”
NHTSA complaint #564375, filed 2002-02Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 5 | 10% |
| 2007 | 5 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 21 | 11% |
| 2004 | 23 | 17% |
| 2003 | 20 | 8% |
| 2002 | 9 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 8% |
| 2000 | 6 | 7% |
| 1999 | 10 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 7% |
| 1997 | 14 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 4% |
| 1995 | 16 | 6% |
| 1994 | 11 | 6% |
| 1993 | 22 | 12% |
| 1992 | 52 | 17% |
| 1991 | 10 | 18% |
| 1990 | 10 | 23% |
| 1989 | 24 | 33% |
| 1988 | 18 | 43% |
| 1987 | 14 | 34% |
| 1986 | 14 | 52% |
| 1985 | 10 | 48% |
| 1984 | 5 | 83% |
| 1983 | 3 | 60% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
81 complaintsSuspension
51 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsSteering
37 complaintsBrakes
31 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology