Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2004 Ford Cvpi — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
22
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tires & Wheels | 9 | 41% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 5 | 23% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 4 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — flat |
| Engine | 1 | 5% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 5% | new |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
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 BASED ON THE WHEEL PART NUMBER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-343-5338.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD CVPI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN NOVEMBER OF 2007 FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V079000 (WHEELS). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR APPOINTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL APPLIED ONLY TO ACTIVE POLICE VEHICLES. THERE HAD BEEN NO…”
“THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN IN USE, INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT ABOUT 106,000 MILES. IT WAS TEMPORARILY CORRECTED BY HAVING THE RELAYS IN THE FORD LCM (LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE) REPLACED WITH A NEW HEADLIGHT…”
“THE HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF WHEN IN USE, INTERMITTENTLY. THIS HAPPENS EVEN THOUGH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS ON. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT ABOUT 106,000 MILES. IT WAS TEMPORARILY CORRECTED BY HAVING THE RELAYS IN THE FORD LCM (LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE) REPLACED WITH A NEW HEADLIGHT…”
“CATALYTIC CONVERTER FIRE(S) THREE OCCURRED ON THIS 2004 FORD CROWN VICTORIA THE FIRST ONE OCCURRED SEPT. 3,2005 AND THE 2ND FIRE OCCURRED ON APRIL 24,2006, AND THE 3RD FIRE ON MAY 1,2006. PARK AVENUE FORD IN TENAFLY NJ IS THE DEALERSHIP THAT SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AFTER THE…”
“FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTORS STALLING AND LACKING POWER. VEHICLES BECOME STUCK IN TRAFFIC OR FAILURE DURING CRIMINAL PURSUIT. FUEL PUMPS ARE BEING REPLACED ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR PLUGGED FUEL PUMP PICKUP SOCK/FILTER. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THIS IS GOING ON ALL OVER THE…”
The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are tires & wheels (9 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints), lighting (4 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Ford Cvpi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cvpi years to avoid are 2003. The cleanest record among Cvpi years belongs to 1993.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.