2003 Ford Crown Victoria Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, 4% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 just purchased this vehicle and noticed while pumping fuel, it was leaking from a tube located under the driver side rear wheel. Fuel leaks out everytime I refuel. This is a fire hazard and hope the manufacturer can fix this problem since it seems to be a problem on other same year crown vic's.”
NHTSA complaint #10648480, filed 2014-10, 83,400 miles“Heating and defrost failed. Ford service co wanted a $1000 to look at it. I didn't have them look at it. Now, I only drive it in the summer months. This vehicle has an original 70,000 miles on it and now the headlights only work intermittently. In 2010 I had to have the gas tank replaced. I have read several reports on 2003 crown vic with the same problems. I live in the south, lots of rain and humidity. Defrost is a must as well as headlights. I do not understand why Ford is giving the option to as to whether or not they will fix their defects or pass them on to the consumer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536283, filed 2013-08, 67,000 miles“How can you folks justify the policy which has been reported concerning the fire hazard on the Ford crown vic, mercury marquis, and lincoln town car because of the location of and lack of protection of the gas tank. Why is that not a recallable defect? We bought a 2003 crown vic not knowing about the gas tank location problem. Who is responsible for informing the public of such death causing hazards? If not your agency, who? So what are we to do now? Why should we have to pay $150 to get a factory defect fixed? …”
NHTSA complaint #10149237, filed 2006-02“The contact stated no failure has been experienced with the vehicle's fuel tank. However, there is concern for safety due to the manufacturer recently offering a protective shield. The shield was offered to vehicle's that were at a higher risk of fire based on their use. The contact is concerned about the shield not being offered as a standard on all vehicles regardless of their intended use. The consumer stated his vehicle has been rear ended twice. Updated 02/27/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10149131, filed 2006-01, 46,000 miles“2003 Crown Victoria caught on fire near the fuel injection system. This was a police vehicle. The vehicle was started the turned off so the officer could go back inside the station to retrieve something. A few minutes later a firefighter noticed heavy black smoke coming from underneath the engine compartment. The origin of the fire appeared to be in the area of the alternator and in the area of the fuel injection system.”
NHTSA complaint #10159434, filed 2006-05Related 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
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 2003 Ford Crown Victoria
96 complaintsWheels
42 complaintsSuspension
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsElectrical system
20 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsTires
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
7 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 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