Investigation PE02071: 1996–2003 Ford Crown Victoria
- Status
- CLOSED
- Opened
- Oct 1, 2002
- Closed
- Jan 27, 2003
- Model years
- 1996–2003
Subject
Cng tank exploding in a fire
Component: Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Summary
An explosion of a compressed natural gas (cng) tank should not be able to occur, as the tank is fitted with a pressure relief device (prd). This prd should release the cng in the tank, prior to the pressure reaching the tank burst pressure.the prd did not release in the subject wisconsin police cruiser explosion.nhtsa has recovered the prd valve from the tank that exploded and testing will be necessary to establish why this tank safety valve did not release in the very high temperature fire that occurred in the police cruiser.there is only the single known event, but due to the catastropic force of such an explosion and the potential for injury and loss of life, this investigation is being upgraded.
An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.
Model years covered
- 2003 Ford Crown Victoria249 complaints
- 2002 Ford Crown Victoria58 complaints
- 2001 Ford Crown Victoria53 complaints
- 2000 Ford Crown Victoria85 complaints
- 1999 Ford Crown Victoria134 complaints
- 1998 Ford Crown Victoria119 complaints
- 1997 Ford Crown Victoria288 complaints
- 1996 Ford Crown Victoria276 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.