1997 Ford Crown Victoria Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Crown Victoria years
- Far more complaints than other years 1st of 17 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 8 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 288 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. That is the most of any Crown Victoria model year in the database (17 years). The most reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (84 complaints, 29%), typically at around 84,000 miles. Complaints mention 9 crashes, 15 fires, 18 injuries. There are 8 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 10 defect investigations involving it.
- 288owner complaints
- 8safety recalls
- 10NHTSA investigations
- 9complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1997 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 | 84 | 29% | 84,000 | “intake manifold” (65%) | $1,800 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 52 | 18% | 90,000 | “brake line” (60%) | — |
| Suspension | 45 | 16% | 86,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 29 | 10% | 99,088 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 23 | 8% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Electrical System | 14 | 5% | 173,000 | — | — |
| Steering | 11 | 4% | 55,900 | — | — |
| Visibility | 10 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 9 | 3% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 8 | 3% | 220,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 7 | 2% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | 2% | 74,121 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 4 | 1% | 24,133 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 1% | 104,907 | — | — |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Tires | 3 | 1% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | 50,000 | — | — |
| Wheels | 2 | 1% | 166,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 0% | 75,000 | — | — |
| Equipment | 1 | 0% | — | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | 0% | 151,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0% | 75,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0% | 200,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1997 Ford Crown Victoria recalls (8)
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.
Risk: The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the subject vehicles for contact between the brake tube and floor pan stiffening rib. If contact is evident, but no abrasion or leaks exist, the brake tube will be repositioned to preclude further contact and potential abrasion. If indication of abrasion or a leak is evident, dealers will repair the brake line. This campaign began on july 15, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
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).
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
- Spark plug ejection from cylinder head (DP05005) — opened Sep 22, 2005, closed Jan 4, 2006.
- 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.
- 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.
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated, and other unknown warning lights…
Wiper live 4 in spot eye level cant see in rain replace arm and wiper blade still have spot.
The car has a fiber glass intake and my car has about 75,000 miles..a fiberglass intake is a defected product for this part of a engine,because of the heat.i bought this car new and even paid for the extended warrenty..ford motor co. Should replace this defect part,,for free..i had to park my car…
Hydraulic line to rear brake failed (ruptured) causing immediate release of brake fluid underneath driver front floor pan at location of interest mentioned in recall/"safety improvement program". Owner was not contacted regarding notice which includes inspection of brake lines, replacement of clips…
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that when the headlights were activated, the instrument panel, clock, and radio lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate…
Other Ford Crown Victoria years
← 1996 Crown Victoria · 1998 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 | 288 | 8 |
| 1996 Crown Victoria | 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 1997 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 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
Owners most often report engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic, suspension problems. The top one, engine and engine cooling, accounts for 84 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria?
Yes, 8 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1997 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 1997 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.