2003 Ford Crown Victoria: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Crown Victoria years.
One of the Ford Crown Victoria years to avoid. All Crown Victoria years
289 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 7 recalls.
Should I buy one?The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria has 289 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and wheels.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Crown Victoria years only. How we score it
Is 2003 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 289 complaints, the 2003 Crown Victoria sits above 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 2003 Crown Victoria
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 15V861000Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.
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.
electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
Campaign 05V206000ON 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.
wheels
Campaign 03V279000ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI 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.
Show 3 more recalls
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.
suspension:rear
Campaign 04V328000CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment based on its reputation for durability, simplicity, and value.
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 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Crown Victoria against its rivals
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