Total Complaints
85 filings
FORD CVPI · model year
85 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2003FORDCVPI carries 85 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, 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 2003 CVPI is wheels:rim with 44 filings, followed by wheels (19) and exterior lighting (6). 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. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 177 investigation files overlapping the 2003 CVPI, and 8 remain open. 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.
Total Complaints
85 filings
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| WHEELS:RIM | 44 |
| WHEELS | 19 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 6 |
| TIRES | 4 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | 3 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | 1 |
| STEERING | 1 |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
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 CONVE
WHEELS
ON CERTAIN POLICE 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.
WHEELS
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.
AIR LEAKS OUT THE BACK WHEEL EVERY DAY AFTER FILL UP GAS IT SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE CAR. *TR
Mileage: 115,348
AIR LEAKS OUT THE BACK WHEEL EVERY DAY AFTER FILL UP GAS IT SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE CAR. *TR
Mileage: 115,348
I JUST READ ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL ON THE CROWN VIC, CVPI, AND GRAND MARQUIS 2005-2011 AND I AM NOT SURE WHY THE 2003-2004 MODELS ARE NOT INCLUDED. THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD MY 2003 CVPI IN THE SHOP LESS THAN A MONTH AGO DUE TO SOME STEERING ISSUES I'M HAVING (A LOT OF NOISE DURING DRIVING AND WHILE TURNING) AND THE OUTCOME WAS THAT MY CAR NEEDS A STEERING COLUMN FLEX COUPLER (SHAFT, LOWER) AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT (CONTROL ARM) ALSO NEEDS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. SO AGAIN, I'M ASKING WHY IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL? ALSO, I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH MY TIRES THAT A LOT OF OTHER CVPI OWNERS ARE HAVING CONCERNING THE CRACKS IN THE RIMS. MY TIRES ONLY HAVE A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON THEM AND I'M HAVING TO PUT AIR IN THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE ABOUT ONCE A WEEK DUE TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. (I'M LOSING ABOUT 20 PSI A WEEK ON AVERAGE). THE TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE. *JB
Mileage: 180,040
I JUST READ ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL ON THE CROWN VIC, CVPI, AND GRAND MARQUIS 2005-2011 AND I AM NOT SURE WHY THE 2003-2004 MODELS ARE NOT INCLUDED. THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD MY 2003 CVPI IN THE SHOP LESS THAN A MONTH AGO DUE TO SOME STEERING ISSUES I'M HAVING (A LOT OF NOISE DURING DRIVING AND WHILE TURNING) AND THE OUTCOME WAS THAT MY CAR NEEDS A STEERING COLUMN FLEX COUPLER (SHAFT, LOWER) AND THE LOWER BALL JOINT (CONTROL ARM) ALSO NEEDS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. SO AGAIN, I'M ASKING WHY IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL? ALSO, I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH MY TIRES THAT A LOT OF OTHER CVPI OWNERS ARE HAVING CONCERNING THE CRACKS IN THE RIMS. MY TIRES ONLY HAVE A FEW THOUSAND MILES ON THEM AND I'M HAVING TO PUT AIR IN THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE ABOUT ONCE A WEEK DUE TO LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE. (I'M LOSING ABOUT 20 PSI A WEEK ON AVERAGE). THE TIRES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE. *JB
Mileage: 180,040
I HAVE STEEL WHEELS ON MY 2003 CROWN VIC I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATING THAT MY WHEELS WERE PART OF A SAFETY RECALL, THE WHEELS ARE PRONE TO WELDS BREAKING AND RUSTING MAKING THEM LOOSE AIR AND IMPOSSIBLE TO BALANCE WHY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES I HAVE HAD DIFFERENT TIRES AND MULTIPLE SHOPS BALANCE THE WHEELS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO, ALSO THEY LOOSE AIR ALL THE TIME. I CONTACTED FORD ABOUT THIS ISSUES WHERE I WAS TOLD BECAUSE I AM NOT A POLICE DEPARTMENT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HONOR THE RECALL, THEY SAY ITS ONLY FOR CARS IN POLICE USE. IM CONCERNED AS THESES WHEELS HAVE BEEN USED BY THE PRIOR OWNER AKA A POLICE FORCE MAKING THE CARS WHEELS UNSAFE FOR ME FOR WANTS ME TO PAY TO GET NEW WHEELS AT A COST OF OVER 500 DOLLARS I JUST WANT THEM TO HONOR THE RECALL AS THE WHEELS ARE CERTAINLY UNSAFE. *TR
Mileage: 123,000
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. LCM IS BAD, $500.00 FOR PART. VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS EXPECTING TO SEE A RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS THE SECOND LCM FOR ME! *KB
Mileage: 150,229
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. LCM IS BAD, $500.00 FOR PART. VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS EXPECTING TO SEE A RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS THE SECOND LCM FOR ME! *KB
Mileage: 150,229
I JUST PURCHASES AND TOOK POSSESSION OF A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE DAYS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS WITH NO ISSUES. HOWEVER, ON THE FIRST NIGHT I DROVE THE VEHICLE (WELL AFTER SUNSET) I EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES OF THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT COMPLETELY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME (RANGING FROM SEVERAL SECONDS TO SEVERAL MINUTES). THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WAS TO HOLD THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH IN THE HIGH BEAM POSITION. IF I WERE ON AN UNLIT ROAD THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A VEHICLE CRASH, POTENTIALLY DAMAGING OR DESTROYING THE VEHICLE AND INJURING OR KILLING MYSELF AND/OR ANY NEARBY PEDESTRIANS. I HAVE SEEN THE CLOSED INVESTIGATION #PE08066, WHICH STATES THAT THE REASON THIS ISSUE WAS CLOSED IS BECAUSE IT HAS NOT RESULTED IN A DEATH. BEING A VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTER AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER, I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE AN ACCEPTABLE REASON FOR CLOSING SUCH AN OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSU
Mileage: 72,200
2003 CROWN VICTORIA, HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING. IT APPEARS I NEED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM). I SEE FROM INTERNET SEARCHES THAT MANY MANY HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.THIS PART IS ALMOST $600 FROM FORD. IT APPEARS THAT FORD HAS A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT THEY ARE AVOIDING. I'M SURPRISED THAT NO RECALL IS IN EFFECT. AT LEAST FORD SHOULD OFFER SOME GOODWILL SUPPORT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS BY LOWERING THE PRICE OF THIS PART.... *TR
Mileage: 134,799
2003 CROWN VICTORIA, HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING. IT APPEARS I NEED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM). I SEE FROM INTERNET SEARCHES THAT MANY MANY HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.THIS PART IS ALMOST $600 FROM FORD. IT APPEARS THAT FORD HAS A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT THEY ARE AVOIDING. I'M SURPRISED THAT NO RECALL IS IN EFFECT. AT LEAST FORD SHOULD OFFER SOME GOODWILL SUPPORT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS BY LOWERING THE PRICE OF THIS PART.... *TR
Mileage: 134,799
THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS SHUT THEMSELVES OFF RANDOMLY WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE IN USE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE LIGHTS WILL FAIL TO TURN ON WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON. THESE EVENTS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY FREQUENT TO THE POINT THAT NOW THE LIGHTS WILL FAIL SEVERAL TIMES ON EVERY NIGHT TRIP. HITTING A BOX CALLED THE "LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE" MAY ENCOURAGE THE LIGHTS TO TURN BACK ON TEMPORARILY. *TR
Mileage: 134,414
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CVPI. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 TO 60 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING BEFORE THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE LIGHTS WOULD COME BACK ON FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES OR NOT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED STATING THAT HE HAD TO PAY $418 TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SINCE THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 280,000.
Mileage: 280,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CVPI. WHILE DRIVING 10 TO 60 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING BEFORE THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SOMETIME THE LIGHTS WOULD COME BACK ON WITHIN 5 TO 10 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THE DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD TO PAY $418 IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS OR RELATED WARRANTIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 282,000.
Mileage: 282,000
MY CAR IS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA (FORMER POLICE VEHICLE). THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL ON IT, # 07S48 FOR THE 16" STEEL WHEEL REPLACEMENT. I HAVE RECEIVED 3 NOTICES FROM FORD ON IT. WHEN I WENT TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS THEY TOLD ME IT ISN'T COVERED BECAUSE IT IS NO LONGER OWNED BY A POLICE DEPARTMENT. THEY CAN NOT TELL ME WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS WHETHER A COP IS DRIVING IT OR ME. I AM AN OFFICER AND I DO NOT BELIEVE I DRIVE MY PERSONAL CAR ANY DIFFERENTLY THEN WHILE AT WORK. I FEEL VIBRATION IN MY WHEEL AT HIGH SPEEDS, WHICH I WAS TOLD IS A RESULT OF THIS RECALL. *TR
FROM: BOLIVAR POLICE [MAILTO:BOL_PD@HOTMAIL.COM] SENT: TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009 12:45 PM TO: SUBJECT: 2003 CVPI LIGHTING PROBLEMS WE HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT ON OUR 2003 CVPI. THE LIGHTS GO OUT AND THEN AFTER A SHORT TIME COME BACK ON. IT IS VERY SPORADIC. OUR LOCAL MECHANIC HAS REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BUT THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I WAS WONDERING IF ANY OTHER AGENCY HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM AND IF SO, HOW IT WAS CORRECTED. THANKS RICKY L. WHITNEY CHIEF OF POLICE BOLIVAR VILLAGE PD LIGHTS ARE FIXED, HAD TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING MODULE. THANKS FOR THE HELP. *TR RICK WHITNEY CHIEF
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A POLICE VEHICLE THREE WEEKS AGO AND FOUND A FEW OUTSANDING RECALLS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE ANYMORE, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALLS AND REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS IN REFERENCE WERE 02I003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), 03V279000 (WHEELS), 05V206000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH), AND 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Mileage: 128,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A POLICE VEHICLE THREE WEEKS AGO AND FOUND A FEW OUTSANDING RECALLS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE ANYMORE, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALLS AND REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS IN REFERENCE WERE 02I003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), 03V279000 (WHEELS), 05V206000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH), AND 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Mileage: 128,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A POLICE VEHICLE THREE WEEKS AGO AND FOUND A FEW OUTSANDING RECALLS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE ANYMORE, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALLS AND REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS IN REFERENCE WERE 02I003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), 03V279000 (WHEELS), 05V206000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH), AND 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Mileage: 128,000
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT PURCHASED A POLICE VEHICLE THREE WEEKS AGO AND FOUND A FEW OUTSANDING RECALLS WHILE ATTEMPTING TO INSTALL DIFFERENT PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. HE CALLED THE FORD MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED. THEY FURTHER STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING USED AS A POLICE VEHICLE ANYMORE, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO HONOR THE RECALLS AND REPAIR IT FOR FREE. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS IN REFERENCE WERE 02I003000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY), 03V279000 (WHEELS), 05V206000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH), AND 04V328000 (SUSPENSION:REAR). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. 4/01/09 *NJ UPDATED 04/06/09. *JB
Mileage: 128,000
I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL DECEMBER 3RD, 2008 WHEN I NOTICED MY BLINKERS (FLASHERS) WERE NOT WORKING WHEN I WAS MAKING LANE CHANGES. AFTER WHICH I NOTICED THAT MY HEAD LIGHTS, DASH BOARD LIGHTS AS WELL AS MY HAZARD LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS DUE TO A LIGHT CONTROL MODULE FAILURE. THIS ISSUE IS ALSO AFFECTING MY SEAT BELT ALARM AND LIGHT. IT IS CURRENTLY ON GOING AND HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED DUE TO MY CURRENT RESEARCH ON THE MATTER. I AM ONLY WRITING THIS COMPLAINT DUE TO THIS INFORMATION I FOUND: "THIS AGENCY HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES OF LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES ON 2005 FORD CROWN VICTORIA?S. WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF HEADLIGHTS, AND IN SOME CASES, THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NOT CAME BACK ON FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME. THE FAILURES OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. WE HAVE CONTACTED FORD FLEET SERVICES AND MADE THEM AWARE OF THE ISSUES BUT AT THIS TIME THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS. WE HAVE ALSO CONTACTED THE NHTSA OFF
Mileage: 134,600
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
B-Pillar Trim Detachment
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.