1997 Ford Crown Victoria Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 10%of 288 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,088miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 10% of the 288 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,088 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I experienced the failure of both front hydraulic brake system and rear hydraulic brake system due to corroded(rusted) brake line (piping) within one year. I also experienced fuel tank failure due to rust at tank seam at approximately the same time. Tank failed 11/30/03, front brake system failure 03/16/04, rear brake system failure 12/04, both due to piping rust out.”
NHTSA complaint #10162169, filed 2006-07, 111,175 miles“Faint sudden noise from the engine compartment (coolant causing serpentine belt slippage, I believe) and then the engine overheated. Due to roughly a 3 inch crack in the intake manifold plastic composite which dumped coolant into the back of the alternator. I was able to pull off before the engine was damaged. …”
NHTSA complaint #763858, filed 2002-07“I recently spent over $1,000 having the engine check light fixed along with other repairs. I took the car back to super lowe Ford several times after I purchased it because the light stayed on. Super lowe said it was gas cap is loose and it's a short, we can disconnet it if you want us to etc. It would be off for a few days, then right back on. I was also informed that it really doesn't mean anything, just don't drive in california. Why does the light stay on?”
NHTSA complaint #745685, filed 2001-05“Ford knows about this defect but will not offer any assistance to customers who own residential crown victorias. The design flaw (fatigue crack in composite intake manifold coolant crossover passage) affects vehicles with the 4.6 liter engines assembled between 8/8/95 and 11/22/97 at the st. Thomas plant. The crack causes a rapid loss of coolant directly behind the alternator and can result in severe engine damage due to overheating. I was able to pull over after the engine started to overheat. The tow truck took it to the Ford dealer where a redesigned manifold was installed at my cost.”
NHTSA complaint #755509, filed 2001-12“Email fm ellen row (nc) inquiring about the safety of her 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, wants to know why recall was only for the police cars. The consumers vehicle was identical to the police vehicles being recalled for fuel tank problems. The consumer paid to have the repairs made but cannot understand why her vehicle was not covered under the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10042300, filed 2003-10Related recalls
- 03V472000Nov 6, 2003On 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…Covers: Ford Crown Victoria 1996–2003
Related service bulletins
- 10026401May 15, 2008Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 1992-2001 model year crown victoria, grand marquis, and town car vehicles registered in the states of wisconsin and connecticut upgrade…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 1 | 8% |
| 2009 | 12 | 27% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2005 | 7 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% |
| 2001 | 7 | 13% |
| 2000 | 12 | 14% |
| 1999 | 20 | 15% |
| 1998 | 17 | 14% |
| 1997 | 29 | 10% |
| 1996 | 46 | 17% |
| 1995 | 14 | 6% |
| 1994 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 9 | 5% |
| 1992 | 30 | 10% |
| 1991 | 4 | 7% |
| 1990 | 5 | 12% |
| 1989 | 1 | 1% |
| 1988 | 1 | 2% |
| 1987 | 5 | 12% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
84 complaintsBrakes
57 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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