1996 Ford Crown Victoria: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria: 9 recalls, 276 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Recalls
9 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #96V070000 · 1996 · 73,500 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, May not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V135000 · 1996 · 72,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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 Vehicle recall #97V024000 · 1997 · 125,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
Why it matters: Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.
The fix: 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).
Suspension Vehicle recall #98V322000 · 1998 · 175,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
Why it matters: If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Seat belts Vehicle recall #00V157002 · 2000 · 1,129 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 systems, Inc. (trw) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies May have been installed as service replacement equipment on the…
Why it matters: In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 Vehicle recall #00V157001 · 2000 · 1,167 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 systems, Inc. (trw) manufactured from June 1, 1998 through May 21, 2000. Some of these seat belt assemblies May have been installed as service replacement equipment on the…
Why it matters: In the event of a collision, these seat belts May not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: 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.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #03V472000 · 2003 · 4,218 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #07V336000 · 2007 · 3,600,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This could result in an underhood fire.
The fix: 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…
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #08V051000 · 2008 · 225,000 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on February 18, 2008.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Brakes (hydraulic) Recall #98I001000 · 1998 · 167,742 vehicles
What's wrong: This is not a safety recall in accordance with federal regulation 573. However, it is deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. Ford is initiating an owner notification program for owners of certain 1995-1997 crown victoria model vehicles with police, taxi, and commercial fleet packages and town car vehicles with the livery package. These vehicles May have insufficient clearance between the brake line and…
Why it matters: This could lead to brake fluid loss for the rear brakes and, potentially, increased stopping distances.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the brake lines for wear, install two new tube bundle clips, and check the brake lines for proper clearances. If the brake lines are worn, the damaged section of the brake line will be replaced.
Fuel system Recall #02I003000 · 2002 · 350,000 vehicles
What's wrong: In order to enhance police office safety, model year 1992-2003 crown victoria police interceptor (cvpi) vehicles will be equipped with shields designed to help protect the fuel tank in high-speed rear-impact crashes. Ford also will be offering an optional trunk package designed to improve the safe transport of sharp-edged, heavy equipment in these vehicles.
Why it matters: Some high-speed rear-impact crashes have resulted in fuel tank punctures and fires in cvpi vehicles.
The fix: Ford has advised us that shield kits have been available since late October and will be installed on police interceptor vehicles at no cost. The optional trank package will be available by the end of 2002. Ford has established a new web site at www.cvpi.com to answer additional questions about the…
Steering Equipment recall #15E082000 · 2015 · 1,767 vehicles
What's wrong: Dorman products, Inc. (dorman) is recalling certain model dorman steering shafts, part number 425-359, solutions steering shafts, part number 7-0359, and oe solutions steering shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford crown victoria, Mercury grand marquis, and Lincoln town car vehicles. These…
Why it matters: If the shafts separate during vehicle operation, a loss of steering control would result, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (81): the most common themes are leaks (20), fire / smoke (13), overheating (10).
- Suspension (51): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), steering problems (5).
- Fuel system (43): the most common themes are leaks (15), fire / smoke (7).
- Steering (37): the most common themes are steering problems (24).
The 1996 Ford Crown Victoria has 276 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 22 Crown Victoria model years for complaints (2.1× the average Crown Victoria year). Complaints peaked in 1998 (49 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 103,582 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (250 complaints, 8 recalls), 1997 (288 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 18 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Ford Crown Victoria problems?
Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (81), suspension (51), fuel system (43).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Ford Crown Victoria repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.