2002 Ford Crown Victoria: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria: 2 recalls, 58 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 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.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #02V249000 · 2002 · 574 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain natural gas model vehicles, a t-fitting that connects fuel tanks #3 and #4 can develop a leak when the solenoid valves are energized, such as when the ignition switch is in the on position or during refueling.
Why it matters: A gas leak of sufficient quantity concentrated in an area to create a combustible mixture and in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a redesigned "t" fitting on #4 fuel tank and tested for leakage. Owner notification began September 13, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
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.
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
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…
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E056000 · 2006 · 58,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the purolator brand name, p/n f65277, shipped from January 16 through June 2, 2006, for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors May not fully seat with the tube interface, even though the person making the connection May believe that the quick connector is fully attached.
Why it matters: Failure of this connection could lead to fuel spillage and, in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Ufi will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2006.
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. 3 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are fire / smoke (3), stalls / loses power (2), warning light on (2).
- Fuel system (7): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine & cooling (7): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (2).
- Speed control / throttle (6): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
The 2002 Ford Crown Victoria has 58 owner complaints, ranking #13 of 22 Crown Victoria model years for complaints (well below the 130 average). Complaints peaked in 2003 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 50,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (53 complaints, 4 recalls), 2003 (249 complaints, 5 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 2002 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Ford Crown Victoria problems?
Owners have filed 58 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (9), fuel system (7), engine & cooling (7).
What gas mileage does the 2002 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 2002 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.