Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2005 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
3
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 7 | 32% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 18% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 5% | new |
| Steering | 1 | 5% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 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.
“THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON I HAVE TO KICK THE LCM (LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE). IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS AT LEAST ONCE DAILY, SOMETIMES MORE. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAPPENS TO SEVERAL OTHER POLICE CRUISERS IN THE COUNTY. *TR”
“2005 FORD CVPI - OUR MUNICIPAL POLICE AGENCY OWNS A FLEET OF APPROXIMATELY 150 CVPI'S THAT HAVE RUSTING RIMS. THE PROBLEM BEGINS WITH THE FINISH SEEMINGLY DISAPPEARING WITH CLEAN METAL VISIBLE THAT EVENTUALLY RUSTS OVER. THE LOCAL DEALER REPORTS NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROBLEM. WAS CURIOUS…”
“WAKEMED POLICE DEPARTMENT OWN SEVERAL CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES. TWO OF THE VEHICLES, MY 2005, HAVE DEVELOPED WORN AREAS (AND SUBSEQUENT HOLES) ON THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE HOSE LEADING TO THE BRAKE CALIPER. THESE DEFECTS WERE DISCOVERED AFTER THE VEHICLES LOST POWER BRAKE ASSIST IN…”
“WHILE MERGING FROM A SECONDARY ROAD ONTO A STATE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION AT SUCH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED THAT OPERATOR LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. ACCELERATION CONTINUED AND VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND DESPITE BRAKE BEING APPLIED. VEHICLE RAN OFF ROADWAY AND SUSTAINED FRONT END…”
“FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR STALLING AND LACKING POWER. FAILURE DURING CRIMINAL PURSUIT. PLUGGED FUEL PUMP PICKUP SOCK/FILTER. THIRD PUMP ON THIS VEHICLE IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS. MANUFACTURE WARRANTY, BUT OUT OF SERVICE FOR REPAIR. HAVE REPLACED, OR HAD REPLACED BY DEALER OVER 100 PUMPS ON…”
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 lighting (7 complaints), tires & wheels (4 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Ford Cvpi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 3 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.