2003 Ford Crown Victoria recalls and problems
The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria has 5 safety recalls and 249 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria recalls
Recall 15V-861: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
Risk: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.
Recall 05V-206: Electrical System
Problem: On certain police interceptors (Cvpi) and commercial heavy duty (Taxi) vehicles, at extremely high operating temperatures, the sound insulating panel, located under the vehicle positioned between the exhaust system and the underbody, could sag and possibly contact the surface of the catalytic converter.
Risk: If this occurs, the insulator might experience charring of the outer layer, burning odor, or smoke which may ultimately result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will remove the existing dash insulator and install a revised design insulator pad free of charge. The recall began on june 3, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Recall 04V-328: Suspension
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.
Recall 03V-472: Fuel System, Other
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.
Recall 03V-279: Wheels
Problem: On certain police and taxi vehicles equipped with steel wheels, some of the wheels may develop cracks in the rim near the weld line that connects the rim to the disk.
Risk: The cracks can ultimately result in rapid air loss from the tire and could affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the four road wheels and spare wheel with the manufacturing date codes of august 18, 2001 through september 22, 2002. In addition, ford is providing extended warranty coverage for wheels on 2003 crown victoria police interceptor and taxis built from october 1, 2002 through april 29, 2003. These wheels are exhibiting cracks at a substantially lower rate than those wheels included in the recall. Owner notification began on august 8, 2003. Owners should contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.
2003 Ford Crown Victoria problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 96 | |
| Wheels | 42 | |
| Suspension | 27 | |
| Power Train | 26 | |
| Electrical System | 21 | |
| Steering | 11 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Tires | 9 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 | |
| Visibility | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Wheels › Rim — 18
- Suspension › Rear — 14
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 11
- Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft — 7
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 4
- Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
- Power Train › Axle Assembly — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 100,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Ford Crown Victoria complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Ford Crown Victoria years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria: 15V-861 (exterior lighting), 05V-206 (electrical system), 04V-328 (suspension), 03V-472 (fuel system, other), 03V-279 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (96 reports), followed by wheels (42). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 100,000 miles.
Are Ford recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.