2003 Ford Crown Victoria suspension problems

The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria has 27 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

Suspension complaints

Share of year

Crash-involved

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Crown Victoria suspension complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

04V328000SuspensionJuly 7, 2004 · 47,314 units

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.

What owners report

“FIRST TAKA TAKE AIRBAG ON JAN.1ST 2008 I'M HIT A DEER AND I'M HAD TO REPLACE MY WHOLE FRONT EVEN THE HOOD THE ,AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON IN FACT IT IS STILL ON BUT THE BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LIGHTS INSIDE MY TRUCK STAYS ON FOR 30 MINUTES AND THE ALARM WILL NOT SET AFTER THE VEHICLE IS SHUT OFF. MY…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 2008 · crash

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria have?

NHTSA has 27 complaints about the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria suspension — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria suspension?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 04V328000.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.