FORD CROWN VICTORIA · model year

1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

138 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 1998FORDCROWN VICTORIA carries 138 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 9 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1998 CROWN VICTORIA is engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline with 9 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (9) and suspension:rear (7). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 3 investigation files overlapping the 1998 CROWN VICTORIA. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

138
Complaints
3
Crashes
9
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

138 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE9
SUSPENSION:REAR7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS6
TIRES5
SUSPENSION5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
STEERING3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC3
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY3
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)2

Recent Complaints

20200319FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE WHICH CONTROLS THE IGNITION COILS AND THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE UNDER THE DASHBOARD BLEW. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT TO THE GROUND WIRE FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BILL BROWN FORD LOCATED AT (32222 PLYMOUTH RD, LIVONIA, MI 48150 (734) 399-4244) WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, AN APPOINTMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 237,000.

Mileage: 237,000

20190829FireELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

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

Mileage: 180,000

20190829FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

Mileage: 180,000

20190829FireSUSPENSION

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

Mileage: 180,000

20180228FireENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20180119TIRES

BOUGHT A SET OF TIRES FROM EBAY / SIMPLETIRE. THEY WERE LISTED AS NEW WITHOUT ANY DISCLAIMER. ORDERED THEM JAN. 11TH 2018, AND RECEIVED THEM JAN. 16TH, 2018 VIA FEDEX. CHECKED THE DOT DATE CODE AND SAW THAT ALL FOUR TIRES ARE OVER SIX YEARS OLD. ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT SIMPLE TIRE THROUGH EBAY MESSAGING AND THEY HAVE NOT REPLIED. HERE IS THE TIRE INFORMATION YOU ARE REQUESTING: HANKOOK I*CEPT EVO W310 235/55R17 103V XL THIS IS A MATCHED SET OF FOUR. THE FOUR DOT ARE AS FOLLOWS: DOT 5M3F EU H 3511, DOT 5M3F EU H 3811, DOT 5M3F EU H 3811, DOT 5M3F EU H 3911 AFTER READING ALL YOUR HELPFUL INFORMATION ON YOU WEBSITE I FELT THEY SOLD ME EXPIRED TIRES. HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO USE THEM AS THE TIRES ON MY WIFE'S CAR ARE IN POOR CONDITION, AND WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE EXTRA MONEY TO BUY MORE. ANOTHER CONCERN OF MINE IS HOW MANY UNSUSPECTING CONSUMERS ARE DRIVING AROUND ON EXPIRED TIRES THEY IN GOOD FAITH BOUGHT FROM SIMPLETIRE @ EBAY?

20170313ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

20161103ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. UPDATED 04/05/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED CAR OVERHEATING DUE TO INTAKE MANIFOLD, HAD TO REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLD. VIN FAILURE UPDATED 7/3/18*JB *TR

20161102ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

TAKATA RECALL MY 98 FORD CROWN VIC HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE. IT MAINLY TURN ON AND OFF IS WHEN I HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN MOTION. I DONT KNOW WAT CAUSES IT IT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPINGING

Mileage: 3

20161102ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TAKATA RECALL MY 98 FORD CROWN VIC HEAD LIGHTS TURN ON AND OFF WHEN I DRIVE. IT MAINLY TURN ON AND OFF IS WHEN I HAVE MY HIGH BEAMS WHEN IN MOTION. I DONT KNOW WAT CAUSES IT IT RECENTLY STARTED HAPPINGING

Mileage: 3

20160627ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

MY INTAKE MANIFOLD FOR MY THERMOSTAT IS COMPLETELY BROKEN WHEN I LOOKED UP ONLINE TO SEE HOW MUCH THE PART WOULD COST ME TO HAVE FIXED IT SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PART BECAUSE IN BETWEEN THE YEARS 1997-2006 FORD USED GENERIC PLASTIC TO MAKE THE PART I JUST PURCHASED THE CAR OFF A GUY LIKE 6 MONTHS AGO SO IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE I HAD NO IDEA TILL IT BROKE ON ME AND I LOOKED IT UP I CALLED A FEW FORD DEALERSHIPS AND ALSO THE MAIN FORD HEADQUARTERS IN DETROIT AND EVERYONE'S GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND AND TELLING ME THERE WERE NEVER ANY RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THAT I HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED MEANWHILE ITS THERE FAULT FOR PUTTING THE WRONG PART IN THE CAR IN THE FIRST PLACE I NEED YOUR HELP GETTING THESE PEOPLE TO FIX MY CAR PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] OR IF I CAN'T BE REACHED ON THAT NUMBER [XXX] THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Mileage: 209,026

20150215SUSPENSION

I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1

Mileage: 84,000

20150215STEERING

I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1

Mileage: 84,000

20150215WHEELS

I WAS A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND WENT TO SCHOOL FOR IT ALSO WITH OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD ! THIS IS THE STORY I DECIDED TO REPLACE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS WITH UPPER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS AND WHEEL BEARING HUB ASSEMBLY'S ALL AT THE SAME TIME TO AVOID A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN LIKE WHAT JUST HAPPENED ! THE CAR HAD ABOUT 54000 MILES ON IT WHEN I DID THIS WITH ME KNOWING THESE PARTS WERE ABOUT TO GO OUT DUE TO WEAR BEFORE 75000 MILES AT THE LATEST FROM EXPERIENCE ON AVERAGE ! BUT THIS IS THE COMPLAINT AND CONCERN ! MY LOWER PASSENGER FRONT BALL JOINT SEPARATED AT ABOUT 84000 MILES ON THE CAR WHICH IS ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND MILES OF LIFE ON THIS BALL JOINT ! NOT REASSURING AT THE LEAST ! EVEN UNDER EXTREME DRIVING I HAVE FOUND BALL JOINTS TO LAST AT LEAST 50000 MILES BEFORE GOING BAD ! THE BALL JOINT IS A DRIVE WORKS BRAND PART #DW-K8685 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS BRAND BUT HERE IS THE STRANGE PART THEY DO NOT KNOW WHO MAKES THEIR PARTS EVEN WHEN YOU CALL THEIR 1

Mileage: 84,000

20140508VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CRUISE CONTROL FAILURE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED FOR THE SECOND TIME, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. *JB

20131017SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE CHECK AIR SUSPENSION WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR SHOCKS WERE CONTINUOUSLY MAKING THE VEHICLE JERK VIOLENTLY AND THE LAST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR SUSPENSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND AS A RESULT, AN AIR SHOCK KIT NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 98V322000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.

Mileage: 60,000

20120210SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND HE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HIS VIN. UPDATED 03/07/12

Mileage: 70,000

20120210SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE DRIFTED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT AND HE HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING STRAIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS AND UPPER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FRONT CONTROL ARM. HOWEVER, THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR HIS VIN. UPDATED 03/07/12

Mileage: 70,000

20120102VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

HEATER EATC BLEND DOOR MOTOR FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 92,768

20110315SUSPENSION:FRONT

AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL NUMBER 98V322000, THE LOWER BALL JOINT BROKE APART WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS ORIGINALLY TITLED AS A FLEET VEHICLE WHICH WAS PART OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO GET VEHICLE FIXED. IN FACT, THEY SAY THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS AT ALL ON MY VEHICLE WHEN IN FACT THERE ARE THAT I KNOW HAVE NOT BEEN FIXED. *TR

Mileage: 123,895

Compare 1998FORDCROWN VICTORIA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA have?
The 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA has 138 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 9 fires, 7 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA?
The most-complained component for the 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE with 9 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE and SUSPENSION:REAR.
Is the 1998 FORD CROWN VICTORIA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.