Model year guide

1992 Ford Crown Victoria

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1992 Ford Crown Victoria is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1992 Ford Crown Victoria — representative photo
Representative photo

1992 Ford Crown Victoria at a glance

Safety recalls9
Owner complaints424

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1992 Ford Crown Victoria recalls 9

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control NHTSA Campaign #08V051000 · manufacturer #08S01 · 04/02/2008

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.

Fix: 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.

Vehicle Speed Control NHTSA Campaign #07V336000 · manufacturer #05S28 · 03/08/2007

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.

Fix: 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 2…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #02I003000 · manufacturer #02B02 · 15/10/2002

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.

Fix: 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 …

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #99V124000 · manufacturer #99S15 · 19/05/1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH CAN DEVELOP A RESISTIVE SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT THAT COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. A FIRE IS POSSIBLE BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RUNNING AND WHEN THE VEHICLE ENGINE IS OFF. ALSO, THE SHORT COULD DISABLE THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM OR CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHT FUSE TO OPEN.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND CONNECTOR SHELL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 20, 1999.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint NHTSA Campaign #98V322000 · manufacturer #98S37 · 16/12/1998

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 THE ONE-PIECE BEARI…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS (2).

Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch NHTSA Campaign #97V024000 · 04/03/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER CAN WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD.

Fix: 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).

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #96I002000 · 13/03/1996

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR BRAKE LINES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE A SECTION OF THE REAR BRAKE LINES IF IT IS LEAKING. ALSO THE RUBBER SHIELD ON THE LINE WILL BE INSPECTED TO VERIFY THAT IT IS PROPERLY LOCATED AND IT WILL BE SECURED WITH AN ADDITIONAL WORM-DRIVE TYPE CLAMP.

Seats:front Assembly:power Adjust NHTSA Campaign #93V193000 · 23/11/1993

AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR IS POSITIONED ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IF THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN COLD WEATHER IN AREAS THAT HAVE LARGE AMOUNTS OF SALT USED FOR SNOW AND ICE CONTROL, A PUDDLE OF SALTWATER CAN ACCUMULATE ON THE RUBBER FLOOR MATS, REPEATEDLY WETTING THE CONNECTOR. THIS WILL RESULT IN CORROSION OF THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING A CURRENT TO FLOW BETWEEN THE TERMINALS WITHOUT TRIPPING T…

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE UNUSED CONNECTOR AND INSTALL A SEALED HEAT SHRINK CAP OVER THE AFFECTED WIRES.

Unknown Or Other NHTSA Campaign #92V023000 · 19/02/1992

INCORRECT INSTRUMENT PANEL WIRING ASSEMBLIES IN SOME VEHICLES WILL NOT ACTUATE THE "ANTI-LOCK" BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.

Fix: MODIFY THE WIRE ASSEMBLY TO ALLOW ACTUATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1992 Ford Crown Victoria common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

1992 Ford Crown Victoria safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

Dimensions & weight

Length
212.6 in
Width
78.0 in
Height
56.7 in
Wheelbase
114.2 in
Curb weight
3,746 lb

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 10

SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH FIRES Closed

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FIRE INCIDENTS (2.5 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD) WHERE FAILURE OF THE SCDS IS INVOLVED AND THE AGE OF THE VEHICLES ¿ 7 TO 11 YEARS ¿ A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS. THE AGENCY RESERVES…

NHTSA #EA02025 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2002 · closed Jun 2004

FUEL-FED FIRES Closed

THE FARS DATA SHOWS THAT THE RISK OF FIRE FROM IMPACT IN ALL DIRECTIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS THE SAME AS ALL OTHER SEDANS. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE NOT OVER REPRESENTED WITH RESPECT TO THE RISK OF FIRE IN REAL-WORLD HIGH-ENERGY CRASHES. A FURTHER DISCUSSION OF ISSUES RELATED TO POST CRASH FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS SET OUT IN THE CLOSING REPORT FOR SQ 01-014 AND THAT REPORT IS IN THE DOCKET FOR THIS PETIT…

NHTSA #DP02007 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 2002 · closed Dec 2002

POST REAR END COLLISION FIRES Closed

NHTSA #SQ01014 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Nov 2001 · closed Oct 2002

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed

NHTSA #RQ01002 · Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2001 · closed Sep 2002

UNDERCARRIAGE FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE Closed

NHTSA #EA95011 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Mar 1995 · closed Jan 1997

FUEL LINE INTERFERENCE Closed

NHTSA #PE94077 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Nov 1994 · closed Mar 1995

BRAKE LINE PUNCTURES Closed

NHTSA #PE94073 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Oct 1994 · closed Dec 1994

STEERING POWER ASSIST FAIL Closed

NHTSA #EA94022 · Steering · opened Jun 1994 · closed Mar 1995

STEERING POWER ASSIST FAILURE Closed

NHTSA #PE94032 · Steering · opened Apr 1994 · closed Jun 1994

HOOD FLY-UP WHILE DRIVING Closed

NHTSA #PE93086 · Structure · opened Oct 1993 · closed Feb 1994

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 81

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 81.

FORD/LINCOLN MERCURY: CERTAIN 1992-2001 MODEL YEAR CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, AND TOWN CAR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF WISCONSIN AND CONNECTICUT UPGRADE MODIFICATIONS FOR HIGH SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *PE

Bulletin CSP 08B04 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · May 2008

INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL POLICE INTERCEPTOR PACKAGE UPGRADE KIT. *TT UPDATE PART 2. EXPIRATION DATE REMOVED. *TT

Bulletin 02B02 · Equipment · Nov 2003

FOR ALL OBDI VEHICLES THAT USE THE .5V DPFE SENSOR, A 1.0V SENSOR IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY REPLACEMENT PART AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE DPFE RELATED MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION. *TT *JB

Bulletin 16714 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2003

CLIMATE CONTROL A/C SERVICE TECH TIPS. *EH

Bulletin 02208 · Equipment · Oct 2002

LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ

Bulletin 02176 · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2002

TRANSFER SERVICE TIPS FOR THE FRONT WIPER MOTOR MOUNT BRACKET AND DEPRESSED PARK OUTPUT ARM. *TT

Bulletin 02107 · Visibility · May 2002

SOME ENGINE ASSEMBLIES WITH ALUMINUM CYLINDER HEADS REPAIRED IN-VEHILE HAVE BEEN FOUND TO LEAK COOLANT AND/OR OIL FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AREA. *TT

Bulletin 0214 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2002

PARTS AND PROCEDURE TO REDUCE THE POTENTIAL OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES DURING RARE AND EXTREMELY HIGH-SPEED REAR IMPACTS. *TT

Bulletin 012114 · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2001

THIS ARITLCE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON REPLACEMENT OF OLD STYLE HOOD LAMP SWITCH TO THE RVISED MECHANICAL HOOD LAMP SWITCH. *TT

Bulletin 01194 · Electrical System · Oct 2001

BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK.*JB

Bulletin 01181 · Power Train · Sep 2001

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the CROWN VICTORIA. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, a wiring harness that is not compatible with the vehicle circuit polarity may have been inadvertently installed during servicing for recall 2005028 or 2007258. As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the input power feed circuit, and will not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground. This coul…

Transport Canada #2008038 · Feb 2008

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The failure mode appears to be different than that of Recall 2005028 (05S28). This time, the concern is with long term durability performance issues causing the switch to fail. Correction: Initially as an interim repair, owners will be instructed…

Transport Canada #2007258 · Aug 2007

Engine

Certain vehicles may experience a fire originating in the left front under hood area as a result of electrical overheating of the speed control deactivation switch. Correction: A new speed control deactivation switch and connector shell will be installed on affected vehicles.

Transport Canada #1999097 · May 1999

Suspension

Note: 1996-99 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine equipped with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing and 1990-96 crown victoria police, fleet and ngv and lincoln town car limousine that were serviced with either a ball joint containing an one piece bearing or a front lower control arm with a one piece bearing. High bearin…

Transport Canada #1998251 · Dec 1998

Structure

NOTE: POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES ONLY. THE HOOD LATCH STRIKER MAY EITHER WEAR OR BECOME DETACHED FROM THE HOOD. EITHER OF THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN THE HOOD OPENING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WITH 1992 MODEL HOODS WILL HAVE AN IMPROVED HOOD LATCH STRIKER INSTALLED AND R…

Transport Canada #1997069 · Apr 1997

Electrical

THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR THAT WAS POSITIONED ON THE FLOOR MAT UNDER THE SEAT. IN AREAS WHERE ROAD SALT IS USED, A BRINE MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE FLOOR MATS AND REPEATEDLY WET THE CONNECTOR. THIS COULD CORRODE THE CONNECTOR AND RESULT IN A SALT BRIDGE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS CAUSING CURRENT FLOW WHICH COULD OVERHEAT THE CONNECTOR…

Transport Canada #1994040 · Feb 1994

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Ford Crown Victoria

The Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size sedan that was marketed and manufactured by Ford. The successor to the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, two generations of the model line were produced from the 1992 until the 2012 model years. The Ford counterpart of the Mercury Grand Marquis, the Crown Victoria was the largest sedan marketed by Ford in North America, slotted above the Ford Taurus. The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (1992–2011) was marketed specifically for law-enforcement use; a long-wheelbase Crown Victoria sedan (2002–2011) was marketed primarily for taxi cab fleets.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

1992 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles on record

Other Ford Crown Victoria model years

1992 Ford Crown Victoria — frequently asked questions

Does the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria?

Across all 424 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, hydraulic, electrical system.

What is the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1992 Ford Crown Victoria crash-test ratings of frontal 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.