2003 Ford Crown Victoria
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Visibility & Lighting
Visibility & Lighting leads by volume: 102 of 249 complaints (41%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 58 in 2002 to 249 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Large Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,800–3,650 | 2,800–3,900 | 3,150–3,900 | 3,150–3,900 | 3,300–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–18 | 16–18 | 14–18 | 14–18 | 16–19 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–16 / 21–23 | 14–15 / 20–23 | 12–16 / 17–23 | 12–15 / 17–23 | 14–16 / 20–23 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 439–523 | 439–555 | 494–555 | 494–555 | 468–555 | |
| Complaints filed | 53 | 58 | 249 | 138 | 193 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 5 | 7 | 3 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 9 | 16 | 2 | 13 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 10 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria?
Visibility & Lighting: 102 of 249 NHTSA complaints (41%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria get?
EPA rates it 14–18 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria?
EPA estimates $3,150–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 16 mpg (high) | 23 mpg (high) | 18 mpg (high) | $3,450 | 494 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | CNG | Large Cars | 12 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $3,150 (low) | 502 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.6L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Large Cars | 14 mpg | 20 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,900 (high) | 555 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 25 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 20 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 76 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 11 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 102 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (7)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 15V861000 · Dec 22, 2015
Defect: 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.
Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 06E056000 · Jun 23, 2006
Defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.
Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH · Campaign 05V206000 · May 9, 2005
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
SUSPENSION:REAR · Campaign 04V328000 · Jul 8, 2004
Defect: CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 03V472000 · Nov 19, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: 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.
WHEELS · Campaign 03V279000 · Aug 7, 2003
Defect: 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.
Consequence: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY · Campaign 02I003000 · Nov 21, 2002
Defect: 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 TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
Consequence: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.
Remedy: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI VEHICLES.