VehicleVerdict

2004 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 175 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Crown Victoria year — the 2004 model ranks #9 of 32 Crown Victoria years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 47% of all reports (83 of 175), far ahead of electrical system at 23.

175

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

6

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Crown Victoria years?

Crown Victoria NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted482 complaints1980: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 4 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 24 complaints1986: 35 complaints1987: 48 complaints1988: 49 complaints1989: 86 complaints1990: 58 complaints1991: 70 complaints1992: 482 complaints1993: 247 complaints1994: 252 complaints1995: 318 complaints1996: 358 complaints1997: 340 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 174 complaints2000: 103 complaints2001: 70 complaints2002: 71 complaints2003: 303 complaints2004: 175 complaints2005: 240 complaints2006: 65 complaints2007: 75 complaints2008: 64 complaints2009: 59 complaints2010: 14 complaints2011: 32 complaints
Crown Victoria NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crown Victoria years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Ford Crown Victoria problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting8347%
Electrical System2313%
Steering1911%
Engine127%
Tires & Wheels127%
Transmission53%
Speed Control42%
Fuel System42%
Suspension42%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Body & Structure32%
Other21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V861000LightingDecember 22, 2015 · 296,004 units

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.

06E056000Fuel SystemJune 13, 2006 · 58,640 units

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.

05V206000Electrical SystemMay 9, 2005 · 132,800 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING BY FORD, I HAVE FAULTY HEADLIGHTS. ON MORE THAN 20 OCCASIONS I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON BEFORE I CAN PROCEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ENDANGERING MY LIFE DEPENDING ON MY LOCATION AT THE TIME! PLEASE ASK FORD TO CONSIDER FIXING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 7, 2011 · fire

“DUE TO FAULTY MANUFACTURING BY FORD, I HAVE FAULTY HEADLIGHTS. ON MORE THAN 20 OCCASIONS I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE LIGHTS COME ON BEFORE I CAN PROCEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, ENDANGERING MY LIFE DEPENDING ON MY LOCATION AT THE TIME! PLEASE ASK FORD TO CONSIDER FIXING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 7, 2011 · fire

“DRIVING S ON M-10 FROM I-94 TO I-75 ENTRANCE RAMP. I ENTERED THE RAMP AT 25- 30 MPH WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP, I COULD NOT TURN THE WHEEL. BEFORE I KNEW IT I HIT THE CURB AND THEN ROLLED OVER APPROX. 3 TIMES DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND FINALLY HITTING A CONCRETE BARRIER WHICH STOPPED THE CAR. AFTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 15, 2012 · crash

“GOING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY AND MY BACK TIRE BLEW. THE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REST OF THE TIRE. I JUST NOTICED A BUBBLE ONE OF THE FRONT TIRES, 6-25-09. I BOUGHT THE TIRES AS A SET. I WILL BE REPLACING ALL THE TIRES TOMORROW. THE TIRES ARE MICHELIN SYMMETRY M&S P225/60 R16. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 27, 2009

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. FIFTEEN MINUTES LATER THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS GOING TO SEND AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 28, 2005 · fire

2004 Ford Crown Victoria — common questions

Is the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 175 complaints put the 2004 model at #9 of 32 Crown Victoria years. It is one of the Crown Victoria years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Crown Victoria problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (83 complaints), electrical system (23 complaints), steering (19 complaints).

Does the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford Crown Victoria years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crown Victoria years to avoid are 1992, 1996, 1997, 1995, 2003, 1994, 1993, 2005, 2004, 1999, 1998. The cleanest record among Crown Victoria years belongs to 1981.

Related

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.