1996 Ford Crown Victoria Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Crown Victoria years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 17 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 9 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 276 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. That ranks 2nd out of 17 Crown Victoria model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (81 complaints, 29%), typically at around 111,000 miles. Complaints mention 13 crashes, 16 fires, 15 injuries. There are 9 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 10 defect investigations involving it.
- 276owner complaints
- 9safety recalls
- 10NHTSA investigations
- 13complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1996 Ford Crown Victoria problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling problems | 81 | 29% | 111,000 | “intake manifold” (52%) | $1,400 |
| Suspension problems | 51 | 18% | 130,500 | “ball joint” (43%) | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 43 | 16% | 108,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 37 | 13% | 108,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 29 | 11% | 73,666 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 19 | 7% | 160,839 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 12 | 4% | 39,018 | — | — |
| Visibility | 12 | 4% | 42,134 | — | — |
| Power Train | 11 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Structure | 9 | 3% | 17,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 6 | 2% | 20,300 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 4 | 1% | 151,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 3 | 1% | 150,000 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 1% | 65,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 3 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 1% | 51,873 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1996 Ford Crown Victoria recalls (9)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Vehicle speed control:cruise control
Problem: Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 crown victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Dealers will install a new wiring harness, or replace the mating electrical component. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Vehicle speed control
Problem: 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.
Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.
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 2007), owners will be instructed to return to the dealers for installation of a fused wiring harness. The recall began on august 13, 2007, and mailing completed by september 19, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-888-222-2751.
Fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Seat belts:front:anchorage
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket driver's seat belt assemblies that were sold by ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. 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 vehicles involved in the recall.
Risk: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
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:front:anchorage
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket front passenger side seat belt assemblies that were sold by ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. 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 vehicles involved in the recall.
Risk: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Problem: Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. 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.
Risk: If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).
Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch
Problem: Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.
Risk: Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.
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).
Steering:linkages
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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/linkages:doors:latch
Problem: 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."
Risk: The driver's door, when closed only to the secondary latched position, may not sustain a 1,000 pound transverse load.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver door latch.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Rear brake line failure (EA03012) — opened Jul 25, 2003, closed Apr 11, 2005, led to recall 05V086000.
- Rear brake line failure (RQ03004) — opened Mar 11, 2003, closed Jul 25, 2003.
- Cng tank explosion (EA03001) — opened Jan 27, 2003, closed Nov 19, 2003, led to recall 03V472000.
- Ball joint separation (RQ03002) — opened Jan 3, 2003, closed Jun 3, 2003.
- Cng tank exploding in a fire (PE02071) — opened Oct 1, 2002, closed Jan 27, 2003.
- Speed control deactivation switch fires (EA02025) — opened Sep 6, 2002, closed Jun 30, 2004.
- Fuel-fed fires (DP02007) — opened Aug 22, 2002, closed Dec 4, 2002.
- Post rear end collision fires (SQ01014) — opened Nov 27, 2001, closed Oct 3, 2002, led to recall 02I003000.
- Ball joint failure (PE98045) — opened Aug 13, 1998, closed Dec 18, 1998, led to recall 98V322000.
- Front seat anchor bolt failure (PE98041) — opened Jul 23, 1998, closed Sep 29, 1998.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while making a left turn off a driveway onto a lot, there was a loud metal braking noise coming from the front driver side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front driver side collapsed to the ground. The contact…
#1 - i constantly have my engine light on and during 2 inspections i received a safety/emissions recall printout, defect # dr-1209 for mass air flow sensors. Both times i have taken it to the local dealer and they claimed there's no recall for it. I just noticed on the nhtsa site, that recalls only…
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 crown victoria. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that there was a small fractured in the manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact…
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 crown victoria. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact stated that the manifold had failed for the second time in ten years. The vehicle was towed to…
I purchase my vehicle on october 24th, 2011 from a private party who said, "the coolant leak", but the vehicle over heated when i drove it home less than 3 miles away the hood of my car was smoking. After taking it to a local mechanic with my friend who drove his car to ensure my safety, my car…
Other Ford Crown Victoria years
← 1995 Crown Victoria · 1997 Crown Victoria →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Crown Victoria | 23 | 2 |
| 2010 Crown Victoria | 12 | 2 |
| 2009 Crown Victoria | 44 | 2 |
| 2008 Crown Victoria | 50 | 3 |
| 2007 Crown Victoria | 50 | 4 |
| 2006 Crown Victoria | 53 | 2 |
| 2005 Crown Victoria | 193 | 5 |
| 2004 Crown Victoria | 138 | 2 |
| 2003 Crown Victoria | 249 | 5 |
| 2002 Crown Victoria | 58 | 2 |
| 2001 Crown Victoria | 53 | 4 |
| 2000 Crown Victoria | 85 | 7 |
| 1999 Crown Victoria | 134 | 5 |
| 1998 Crown Victoria | 119 | 7 |
| 1997 Crown Victoria | 288 | 8 |
| 1996 | 276 | 9 |
| 1995 Crown Victoria | 250 | 8 |
See all Ford Crown Victoria problems by year, every Ford model, or the Ford VIN decoder.
Similar Ford models
Embed this 1996 Ford Crown Victoria badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, suspension, fuel system, gasoline problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 81 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria?
Yes, 9 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Crown Victoria model years, the 1996 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.