2003 Ford Crown Victoria Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, 3% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,200 miles.
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.
“2003 Ford Crown Victoria purchased in 1/03 has repeated engine vibrations that are noticed while idling in drive and applying the brake. The indications feel like the engine is missing and gets worse after dirving more than thirty minutes. This vehicle has been to three different dealerships with not resolve. The one honest dealship was friendly Ford in crosby texas and they told me that Ford engineering was aware of the problem and I would have to put up with the vibration until they found a solution. …”
NHTSA complaint #10016859, filed 2003-05, 98 miles“Vehicle has had repeated computer problems, vibration, excessive oil consumption, low gas mileage, check engine light, mirrors, cruise control, surging engine,engine dies, all of these have been repeat complaints.these complaints are over the last 16 months.”
NHTSA complaint #10025230, filed 2003-07, 400 miles“2003 Ford Crown Victoria p71 upon starting the car, a spark plug was ejected from the engine. Necessitated repair of engine. This is the second cylinder to have this occur.”
NHTSA complaint #10225554, filed 2008-04, 135,630 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal coolant odor. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed there was corrosion and a crack near the intake and radiator hose. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. …”
NHTSA complaint #11518286, filed 2023-04, 70,000 miles“I purchased a 2003 Crown Victoria new. The engine devoloped a pinging noise which was recognized by the dealer. The car is under warranty. I received a call from the dealer stating it was an engine problem and they were on the phone with the Ford hotline tech trying to come up with a solution. They felt the engine was running too lean but they weren't sure. They needed the advise from Ford motor company. An hour later another call was received from the dealer stating Ford told them they had many complaints about the pinging problem in crown victorias on the east coast. …”
NHTSA complaint #10043392, filed 2003-10Related service bulletins
- 10023943Oct 1, 2007Some 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…
- 10022298Jul 25, 2007Reduction in power at wide open throttle.
- 10018745Nov 14, 2005Wds cop kit diagnostic tip - coil on plug (cop) ignition systems - engine misfire or rough running.
- 10012940Feb 7, 2005Idle vibration vehicles equipped with single exhaust.
- 10011162Aug 23, 2004Engine 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 6% |
| 2003 | 7 | 3% |
| 2002 | 7 | 12% |
| 2001 | 8 | 15% |
| 2000 | 19 | 22% |
| 1999 | 23 | 17% |
| 1998 | 29 | 24% |
| 1997 | 84 | 29% |
| 1996 | 81 | 29% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
| 1994 | 19 | 10% |
| 1993 | 11 | 6% |
| 1992 | 48 | 15% |
| 1991 | 7 | 13% |
| 1990 | 4 | 9% |
| 1989 | 9 | 13% |
| 1988 | 5 | 12% |
| 1987 | 4 | 10% |
| 1986 | 3 | 11% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
| 1983 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
96 complaintsWheels
42 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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