Ford Crown Victoria Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems
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).
- 154service brakes, hydraulic complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 14mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 19%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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.
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
| Model year | Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Crown Victoria | 1 | 8% | 7,000 |
| 2008 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 11,000 |
| 2007 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 90,000 |
| 2006 Crown Victoria | 1 | 2% | 12,022 |
| 2005 Crown Victoria | 3 | 2% | 3,500 |
| 2003 Crown Victoria | 6 | 2% | 40,000 |
| 2002 Crown Victoria | 5 | 9% | 20,000 |
| 2001 Crown Victoria | 6 | 11% | — |
| 2000 Crown Victoria | 3 | 4% | — |
| 1999 Crown Victoria | 14 | 10% | 22,003 |
| 1998 Crown Victoria | 4 | 3% | — |
| 1997 Crown Victoria | 52 | 18% | 90,000 |
| 1996 Crown Victoria | 29 | 11% | 73,666 |
| 1995 Crown Victoria | 28 | 11% | 105,301 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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 fittings
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…

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.