VehicleVerdict

2009 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2009 Ford Crown Victoria sits mid-pack among Crown Victoria years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 70, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 17 reports (29% of the total).

59

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Crown Victoria years?

Crown Victoria NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 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, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crown Victoria years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Ford Crown Victoria problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1729%
Fuel System1220%
Transmission712%
Electrical System58%
Suspension47%
Airbags35%
Visibility & Wipers23%
Engine23%
Tires & Wheels23%
Body & Structure12%
Other12%
Brakes12%
Lighting12%
Seat Belts12%

Does the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?

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

14V704000SteeringNovember 5, 2014 · 36,888 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

Consequence

Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

13V385000SteeringAugust 29, 2013 · 355,000 units

Defect

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

Consequence

If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING WELL SEPARATED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHING INTO A CURB. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 22, 2018 · crash

“CHARLESTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE MARKED PATROL CAR. DRIVER LOST CONTROL AT HIGH SPEED. SLID ACROSS THE MEDIAN.SPUN 180 DEGREES WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR BY ONCOMING VEHICLE. CONTINUED TO SKID ACROSS THE ROAD AND STRUCK THE GUARD RAIL WITH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AT THE REAR AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 2, 2012 · crash · fire

“POLICE INTERCEPTOR LOST ALL FORWARD GEARS AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. VEHICLE HAS CRACKED FORWARD CLUTCH CYLINDER. VEHICLE WAS SUBJECT TO SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN 06B36 FOR A CALIBRATION UPDATE AND SUBSEQUENT WARRANTY EXTENSION OF MILEAGE ONLY FOR THE FORWARD CLUTCH CYLINDER. TRANSMISSION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 8, 2009

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, LOCKED AND UNATTENDED IN A PARKING LOT. SURVEILLANCE VIDEO SHOWS FLASHES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD FAIRLY CENTRALLY LOCATED WHERE IT HINGES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FLASHES BEGIN SLOW, THEN RESUME MORE INTENSELY BEFORE THE VEHICLE CATCHES FIRE. THE FIRE CONSUMES ALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 16, 2015 · fire

“MAR 25TH 2013, MY BROTHER WAS COMING BACK TO HOME, SUDDENLY CAR SPIN/SCATTERED HIT TO TREE AND ELECTRIC POLE, MAR 2014, I RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL # 13S08/NHTSA LETTER FROM FORD COMPANY STEERING COLUMN SHAFT PROBLEM. WE CONTACT TO FORD COMPANY ON MARCH 18,2014 REGARDING THE ABOVE ISSUE. THEY ISSUE US…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 25, 2013 · crash

2009 Ford Crown Victoria — common questions

Is the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

It is close to typical for the Crown Victoria: 59 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2009 Crown Victoria problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (17 complaints), fuel system (12 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.