Ford Crown Victoria Suspension Problems
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about suspension problems on the Ford Crown Victoria across 17 model years. The 1996 model year has the most (51). The words owners use most often: “ball joint” (24% of reports).
- 243suspension complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 8mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 28%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.
- Ball joint: mentioned in 59 of 243 complaints (24%)
- Control arm: mentioned in 43 of 243 complaints (18%)
- Found dislocated: mentioned in 19 of 243 complaints (8%)
- Front suspension: mentioned in 14 of 243 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do suspension problems happen?
Based on 109 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 243 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 3 an injury.
Ford Crown Victoria suspension complaints by model year
| Model year | Suspension complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Crown Victoria | 4 | 17% | 22,600 |
| 2010 Crown Victoria | 1 | 8% | 167,347 |
| 2009 Crown Victoria | 4 | 9% | 107,462 |
| 2008 Crown Victoria | 6 | 12% | 62,236 |
| 2007 Crown Victoria | 5 | 10% | 124,171 |
| 2006 Crown Victoria | 4 | 8% | 117,855 |
| 2005 Crown Victoria | 5 | 3% | 88,208 |
| 2004 Crown Victoria | 4 | 3% | 64,700 |
| 2003 Crown Victoria | 27 | 11% | 82,722 |
| 2002 Crown Victoria | 3 | 5% | 84,500 |
| 2001 Crown Victoria | 4 | 8% | 53,530 |
| 2000 Crown Victoria | 9 | 11% | 130,507 |
| 1999 Crown Victoria | 18 | 13% | 70,000 |
| 1998 Crown Victoria | 18 | 15% | 93,000 |
| 1997 Crown Victoria | 45 | 16% | 86,000 |
| 1996 Crown Victoria | 51 | 18% | 130,500 |
| 1995 Crown Victoria | 35 | 14% | 94,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Suspension:front:hub
Model years: 2008
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, a front wheel bearing and hub assembly may fracture due to improper heat treatment.
Risk: If a hub fractures, it may potentially detach from the wheel knuckle, resulting in the wheel being retained only by the brake caliper assembly. As a result, the wheel may separate from the vehicle potentially resulting in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect both front wheel bearing and hub assemblies and replace them free of charge. The recall began on june 22, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Suspension:rear
Model years: 2003
Problem: Certain police, commercial, and passenger vehicles sold to fleets typically input higher loads into the vehicle chassis overloading the wheel bearings and axles.
Risk: This could lead to early bearing failure and ultimately to axle shaft fracture. In the event of axle shaft fracture, the vehicle would lose drive function and would coast to a stop. Loss of drive function could lead to a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear wheel bearings, seals,and axle shafts. The recall began on july 15, 2004. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
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).
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are 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…
My watts link stud is broke off in the rear axle it happened this morning on my way too work when i made a turn so now the car shifts side too side i had too drive 10 mph so that i could keep it in the road
Had my car since 2014 i worked hard to buy it. It drove pretty decide untill electric problems started to occur. Then my passanger side wheel folded in while operating with my kids life or death situation im just a hard working father trying to provide a safe transportation for my family
There is a recall on my car,the rite front wheel is making poping sounds.
I was driving and all the sudden i start hearing this real loud noise coming from passenger rear and all my brake lights abs lights and traction lights came on . Well i was told it was wheel seals come to gind out there is a bit grove out of shaft wherr bearing rides. And shaft is very week
Frequently asked questions
Do all Ford Crown Victorias have suspension problems?
No. NHTSA has 243 owner complaints about suspension 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 suspension?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list suspension. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about suspension problems on the Ford Crown Victoria?
The most frequent phrase is “ball joint”, in 59 of 243 complaints, followed by “control arm” (43).
Other Ford Crown Victoria problems
See all Ford Crown Victoria problems.