What year Ford Crown Victoria should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2008 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 out of a possible range where 2011 sits at 0.

What is the best year for the Ford Crown Victoria?

The 2010 and 2011 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 17 and 0 and only 12 and 23 total complaints respectively.

What are the most common problems with the Ford Crown Victoria?

Across all covered years (2005-2011), Steering accounts for 35% of the 425 total complaints and Electrical System for 31%, followed by Engine at 15%.

Does the Ford Crown Victoria have steering recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists steering intermediate shaft recall campaigns covering 2005-2011 Crown Victorias, and Steering is the top problem area in five of the seven model years tracked.

Is the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

The 2006 model year is rated Good based on NHTSA data, with 53 complaints and a complaint index of 33, notably lower than the 2005 and 2008 Avoid years.

Ford Crown Victoria Best and Worst Years (2005–2011)

Ford Crown Victoria model years 2005 and 2008 rank worst, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 out of 425 total complaints across 2005-2011. The 2010 and 2011 model years rate Best, with complaint indexes of 17 and 0.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2005 Avoid 2008 Best 2010 Best 2011

Model years: 7; 2005–2011
NHTSA complaints: 425
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 49
Fires reported: 8
Top problem area: Steering

Crown Victoria Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Ford Crown Victoria problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	Avoid	100	193	13	2	5	Electrical System	17.5	—
2006	Good	33	53	10	0	2	Steering	18	—
2007	Caution	50	50	6	1	4	Steering	18	—
2008	Avoid	83	50	11	3	3	Steering	18	—
2009	Caution	67	44	5	2	2	Steering	19	—
2010	Best	17	12	3	0	2	Steering	19	—
2011	Best	0	23	1	0	2	Steering	19	—

Crown Victoria years to avoid: what went wrong

2005 Ford Crown Victoria Index 100 · 193 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2005 Crown Victoria has the highest complaint index (100) and the most complaints (193) of any year covered. Electrical System problems dominate, making up 56% of that year's complaints with a median failure mileage of 80,000. Steering issues (19% of complaints, median mileage 99,600.5) and Engine problems (11%, median mileage 82,000) follow. NHTSA lists five recall campaigns for 2005, including an electrical lighting control module recall and two steering intermediate shaft recalls shared with other model years. Owners also reported tie rod failures and tire tread separation leading to crashes.

2005 electrical system problems →2005 steering problems →2005 engine problems →

2008 Ford Crown Victoria Index 83 · 50 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2008 model year carries a complaint index of 83, the second-highest in the lineup, with 50 total complaints. Steering problems account for half of them, with a median failure mileage of 97,000, followed by Engine issues at 26% (median mileage 101,750). NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for 2008, covering steering intermediate shafts and a front wheel bearing/hub fracture risk. Owners reported steering wobble at highway speed, a stuck throttle linkage during a crash, and pedal placement complaints involving the brake and accelerator being pressed together inadvertently.

2008 steering problems →

Most common Ford Crown Victoria problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Steering149 (35%)
Electrical System133 (31%)
Engine62 (15%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires38 (9%)
Transmission & Powertrain32 (8%)
Fuel System25 (6%)
Airbags24 (6%)
Brakes18 (4%)
Structure & Body18 (4%)
Seat Belts9 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Ford Crown Victoria should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 and 2008 model years rank worst, with complaint indexes of 100 and 83 out of a possible range where 2011 sits at 0.
What is the best year for the Ford Crown Victoria?: The 2010 and 2011 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 17 and 0 and only 12 and 23 total complaints respectively.
What are the most common problems with the Ford Crown Victoria?: Across all covered years (2005-2011), Steering accounts for 35% of the 425 total complaints and Electrical System for 31%, followed by Engine at 15%.
Does the Ford Crown Victoria have steering recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists steering intermediate shaft recall campaigns covering 2005-2011 Crown Victorias, and Steering is the top problem area in five of the seven model years tracked.
Is the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?: The 2006 model year is rated Good based on NHTSA data, with 53 complaints and a complaint index of 33, notably lower than the 2005 and 2008 Avoid years.