Ford Crown Victoria Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 7, 2026 · 154 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 154 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Crown Victoria across 14 model years. The 1997 model year has the most (52). The words owners use most often: “brake line” (32% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Brake line: mentioned in 49 of 154 complaints (32%)
  • Rear brakes: mentioned in 14 of 154 complaints (9%)
  • Referenced RQ03: mentioned in 11 of 154 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do service brakes, hydraulic problems happen?

Based on 38 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles4 · 11%
10k–25k miles5 · 13%
25k–50k miles4 · 11%
50k–75k miles7 · 18%
75k–100k miles6 · 16%
100k–150k miles10 · 26%
150k+ miles2 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 154 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 an injury.

Ford Crown Victoria service brakes, hydraulic complaints by model year

Peak: 1997, with 52 complaints
1995: 281995281996: 291996291997: 521997521998: 4199841999: 141999142000: 3200032001: 6200162002: 5200252003: 6200362005: 3200532006: 1200612007: 1200712008: 1200812010: 120101

n = 154 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearService Brakes, Hydraulic complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2010 Crown Victoria18%7,000
2008 Crown Victoria12%11,000
2007 Crown Victoria12%90,000
2006 Crown Victoria12%12,022
2005 Crown Victoria32%3,500
2003 Crown Victoria62%40,000
2002 Crown Victoria59%20,000
2001 Crown Victoria611%—
2000 Crown Victoria34%—
1999 Crown Victoria1410%22,003
1998 Crown Victoria43%—
1997 Crown Victoria5218%90,000
1996 Crown Victoria2911%73,666
1995 Crown Victoria2811%105,301

When owners reported it

Peak: 2001, with 20 complaints
1995: 2199521996: 771997: 151997151998: 19191999: 151999152000: 17172001: 202001202002: 11112003: 112003112004: 10102005: 4200542006: 662007: 5200752008: 772010: 4201042011: 11

n = 154 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleApr 26, 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V183000 · 630 vehicles

Model years: 2007

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles equipped with antilock brake systems (abs) fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the front and rear right side brake lines may be reversed at the abs hydraulic control unit.

Risk: The brakes may not operate as intended, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the brake line connections and the hydraulic control unit and reposition them free of charge. The recallbegan on april 27, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMar 14, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V086000 · 43,626 vehicles

Model years: 1997

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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 30 mph, the brake and the abs lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle began to experience an increased stopping distance after the lights illuminated. The…

Received Nov 25, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10437265

I bought ford victoria crown model 2005 from an individual on dec. 2009. It was police car. After i bought the car within a months time i hit another vehicle. I lost control and the brake didn't work. It didn't stop by hitting once, it was amazing hitting back again and again. My car or even the…

Received Dec 21, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10371993

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph and attempting to decelerate, the brakes failed. The vehicle was put into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who…

Received Dec 7, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10369440

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford crown victoria that is equipped with a police interceptor. While driving approximately 2-3 mph the brakes failed. She applied pressure to the brakes in order to stop the vehicle but it did not stop. When the vehicle did stop in the middle of the street it had to be…

Received Nov 16, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10366425

Tl*the contact owns a 2010 ford crown victoria. The contact stated on several occasions while braking from approximately 30 mph, the vehicle vibrated excessively and jump. The dealer advised that the warranty was expired and the vehicle would need diagnostic testing at his expense. The vehicle was…

Received Jul 13, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10342913
Ford Crown Victoria
2003-2007 Ford Crown Victoria photographed in College Park, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Ford Crown Victorias have service brakes, hydraulic problems?

No. NHTSA has 154 owner complaints about service brakes, hydraulic for the Ford Crown Victoria. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Ford Crown Victoria service brakes, hydraulic?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list service brakes, hydraulic. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about service brakes, hydraulic problems on the Ford Crown Victoria?

The most frequent phrase is “brake line”, in 49 of 154 complaints, followed by “rear brakes” (14).

Other Ford Crown Victoria problems

See all Ford Crown Victoria problems.