1997 Ford Crown Victoria LX
2FALP74W1VX179731
Vehicle history report for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria LX (VIN 2FALP74W1VX179731). White. 241,980 mi reported. Registered in Nc. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 2FALP74W1VX179731
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 11
STEERING
Dorman 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 v…
Remedy: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on October 28, 2015. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492, option 5.
NHTSA Campaign #15E082000 · 06/10/2015VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
FORD IS RECALLING 225,000 MY 1992-2003 ECONOLINE, MY 1993-1995 TAURUS SHO, MY 1992-1998 CROWN VICTORIA, MY 1993 BRONCO, F-SERIES, MY 1995-1997 F-SERIES SUPER DUTY STRIPPED CHASSIS, MY 1992-1998 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS, AND MY 1992-1995 LINCOLN TOWN CAR VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED USING A WIRING HARNESS THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE VEHICLE CIRCUIT POLARITY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS, OR REPLACE THE MATING ELECTRICAL COMPONENT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA Campaign #08V051000 · 04/02/2008SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL, THE REAR BRAKE LINE MAY CHAFE DUE TO CONTACT BETWEEN IT AND A FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB, AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CONTACT BETWEEN THE BRAKE TUBE AND FLOOR PAN STIFFENING RIB. IF CONTACT IS EVIDENT, BUT NO ABRASION OR LEAKS EXIST, THE BRAKE TUBE WILL BE REPOSITIONED TO PRECLUDE FURTHER CONTACT AND POTENTIAL ABRASION. IF INDICATION OF ABRASION OR A LEAK IS EVIDENT, D
NHTSA Campaign #05V086000 · 14/03/2005SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, B…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
NHTSA Campaign #00V157002 · 12/06/2000VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER
NHTSA Campaign #07V336000 · 03/08/2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
IN 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.
Remedy: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE
NHTSA Campaign #02I003000 · 15/10/2002FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
ON 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
NHTSA Campaign #03V472000 · 06/11/2003SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USING AFTERMARKET DRIVER'S SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE SOLD BY FORD PARTS DEPARTMENTS FROM JANUARY 1, THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000. THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE EQUIPMENT INVOLVED IS SERVICE STOCK SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES, MODEL NOS. H 9977, H 9979, T 9063, AND T 9217, BUILT BY TRW …
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THE SERVICE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES FROM JANUARY 1 THROUGH JUNE 13, 2000.
NHTSA Campaign #00V157001 · 12/06/2000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL REGULATION 573. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. FORD IS INITIATING AN OWNER NOTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR OWNERS OF CERTAIN 1995-1997 CROWN VICTORIA MODEL VEHICLES WITH POLICE, TAXI, AND COMMERCIAL FLEET PACKAGES AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES WITH THE LIVERY PACKAGE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWE…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LINES FOR WEAR, INSTALL TWO NEW TUBE BUNDLE CLIPS, AND CHECK THE BRAKE LINES FOR PROPER CLEARANCES. IF THE BRAKE LINES ARE WORN, THE DAMAGED SECTION OF THE BRAKE LINE WILL BE REPLACED.
NHTSA Campaign #98I001000 · 07/04/1998SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1996-1999 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, NATURAL GAS, AND 1996-1999 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT WERE PRODUCED WITH A LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CONTAINING A ONE PIECE BEARING; AND 1990-1996 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE, FLEET, AND NGV VEHICLES AND 1990-1996 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LIMOUSINE VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN SERVICED WITH EITHER A BALL JOINT CONTAINING…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).
NHTSA Campaign #98V322000 · 16/12/1998LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER (VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS) OR REVISED STRIKER PLATE ATTACHING FASTENERS (VEHICLES WITH 1993-1997 MODEL HOODS).
NHTSA Campaign #97V024000 · 04/03/1997We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 316 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 316
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel jerked, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat belt warning light was illuminated, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mecha…
NHTSA ODI #11516043VISIBILITY/WIPER
WIPER LIVE 4 IN SPOT EYE LEVEL CANT SEE IN RAIN REPLACE ARM AND WIPER BLADE STILL HAVE SPOT.
NHTSA ODI #10979328ENGINE
THE CAR HAS A FIBER GLASS INTAKE AND MY CAR HAS ABOUT 75,000 MILES..A FIBERGLASS INTAKE IS A DEFECTED PRODUCT FOR THIS PART OF A ENGINE,BECAUSE OF THE HEAT.I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW AND EVEN PAID FOR THE EXTENDED WARRENTY..FORD MOTOR CO. SHOULD REPLACE THIS DEFECT PART,,FOR FREE..I HAD TO PARK MY CAR OVER 3 YEARS AGO..
NHTSA ODI #10949188SERVICE BRAKES
HYDRAULIC LINE TO REAR BRAKE FAILED (RUPTURED) CAUSING IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDERNEATH DRIVER FRONT FLOOR PAN AT LOCATION OF INTEREST MENTIONED IN RECALL/"SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM". OWNER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING NOTICE WHICH INCLUDES INSPECTION OF BRAKE LINES, REPLACEMENT OF CLIPS (TO AVOID WEAR) AND POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LINE AND …
NHTSA ODI #10851721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, CLOCK, AND RADIO LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
NHTSA ODI #10836445STEERING
DRIVING EAST ON ALLEN STREET IN SPRINGFIELD MASSACHUSETTS STEERING CONTROL LOCKED UP RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH A GAS STATION PUMP POLICE CRASH REPORT ID 15-3725-AC CAR WAS TOTALLED OUT WHEN IT CAUGHT FIRE NO NOISE WAS HEARD SECONDS BEFORE CRASH. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE REPLACEMENT PARTS BUT WONDER IF THE OEM PARTS COULD FAIL RESULTING…
Crash · Fire · NHTSA ODI #10795065ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRES, TIE RODS, BALL JOINTS, BRAKES, AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE KEPT RECURRING. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE VE…
NHTSA ODI #10694139ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1997 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. VEHICLE HAS HAD REPAIRS DONE IN THE PAST AND STILL RECEIVES SAME PROBLEMS DUE TO RECALL. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHUT DOWN. A DIAGNOSE REVEALED A PROBLEM WITH THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE. ONCE IT WAS REPLACED, THE CONSUMER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY MORE PROBLEMS UNTIL THE SUMMER 2014 WHEN THE SAME PROBLEM R…
NHTSA ODI #10669016+ 308 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 2FALP74W1VX179731 valid?
2FALP74W1VX179731 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in Canada. It decodes to the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.
Does the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 11 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What fuel economy does the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria at about 18 mpg combined (15 city / 23 highway).
Data last checked 8 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.