2002 Ford Crown Victoria: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Crown Victoria years.
103 owner complaints, most about suspension. 5 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2002 Ford Crown Victoria has 103 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and electrical system. Owners most often flag frame rust/rot: particularly on 2002 and older models, with moisture trapping on the passenger-side frame rail and torque box cited as a common failure point.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Crown Victoria years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Crown Victoria?
Across the 15 Crown Victoria model years we track, complaint volume runs from 12 (2010) to 316 (1997). With 103 complaints, the 2002 Crown Victoria sits below the model's median of 137.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Crown Victoria
steering
Campaign 15E082000Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain model Dorman Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 7-0359, and OE Solutions Steering Shafts, part number 425-359, manufactured April 17, 2014, to September 28, 2015. These aftermarket replacement steering shafts are sold for use in 1995-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. These steering shafts may separate during operation if the integral fastener is loose or missing and if the interfacing vehicle shaft is compressed in length.
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E056000CERTAIN 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.
fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 02I003000IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 03V472000ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.
Show 1 more recall
fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly
Campaign 02V249000ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS MODEL VEHICLES, A T-FITTING THAT CONNECTS FUEL TANKS #3 AND #4 CAN DEVELOP A LEAK WHEN THE SOLENOID VALVES ARE ENERGIZED, SUCH AS WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS IN THE ON POSITION OR DURING REFUELING.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment based on its reputation for durability, simplicity, and value.
- RecurrentFrame rust/rot
Particularly on 2002 and older models, with moisture trapping on the passenger-side frame rail and torque box cited as a common failure point.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Crown Victoria. See the full Crown Victoria owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Crown Victoria listings typically run $6,798–$10,340 across 1997 to 2011 model years.
Other Crown Victoria model years
Compare every Crown Victoria year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Crown Victoria against its rivals
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