1996 Ford Crown Victoria Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise controlCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1998, E-150 1992–2003, Econoline 1992–2003 +10 more
Reported issue: 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 vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
Possible consequence: As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
- Vehicle speed controlCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1998, E-150 1992–1993, 1997–2003, E-350 1992–1993, 1997–2003 +18 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: This could result in an underhood fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused wiring harness. Owners of the passenger cars included in this campaign will be instructed to return their vehicles to their dealers to have the speed control deactivation switch disconnected as an interim repair. As soon as repair parts are available (expected october 2007), owners will…
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1996–2003
Reported issue: 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.
Possible consequence: If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
- Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1996–2000, Lincoln Town CAR 1996–2000, Mercury Grand Marquis 1996–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket driver's seat belt assemblies that were sold by ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by trw vehicle safety…
Possible consequence: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from january 1 through june 13, 2000.
- Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1996–2000, Lincoln Town CAR 1996–2000, Mercury Grand Marquis 1996–2000
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket front passenger side seat belt assemblies that were sold by ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies, model nos. H 9977, h 9979, t 9063, and t 9217, built by trw vehicle…
Possible consequence: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace the service seat belt assemblies that were installed in these vehicles from january 1 through june 13, 2000.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball jointCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1990–1999, Lincoln Town CAR 1990–1999
Reported issue: 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 police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece…
Possible consequence: If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1992–1997
Reported issue: Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
Possible consequence: Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.
Remedy: Dealers will install an improved hood latch striker (vehicles with 1992 model hoods) or revised striker plate attaching fasteners (vehicles with 1993-1997 model hoods).
- Steering › LinkagesCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1995–1996, Lincoln Town CAR 1995–1996
Reported issue: The pitman arms were not fully lubricated at the assembly plant. The "ball joint" at the outer end of the pitman arm can become contaminated and corrode.
Possible consequence: Such corrosion can result in abnormal wear of the joint, resulting in separation of the joint. Loss of steering control can occur increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and if the joint is found to have significant wear, the arm will be replaced. Those pitman arms not replaced will have the "ball joint" fully greased.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Ford Crown Victoria 1996, Thunderbird 1996, Lincoln Town CAR 1996 +4 more
Reported issue: When in the secondary latched position, the driver door latches may open when subjected to transverse loads less than that specified in fmvss no. 206, "door locks and door retention components."
Possible consequence: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
NHTSA investigations
- EA03012Rear brake line failureClosed · Jul 25, 2003
- RQ03004Rear brake line failureClosed · Mar 11, 2003
- EA03001Cng tank explosionClosed · Jan 27, 2003
- RQ03002Ball joint separationClosed · Jan 3, 2003
- PE02071Cng tank exploding in a fireClosed · Oct 1, 2002
- EA02025Speed control deactivation switch firesClosed · Sep 6, 2002
- DP02007FUEL-FED FIRESClosed · Aug 22, 2002
- SQ01014Post rear end collision firesClosed · Nov 27, 2001
- PE98045Ball joint failureClosed · Aug 13, 1998
- PE98041Front seat anchor bolt failureClosed · Jul 23, 1998
← 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.