MYRModel Year Report

1987 Ford Crown Victoria

▲ Better than typical
1987 Ford Crown Victoria
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:53:19.636Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
42
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1987

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

33% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 42 complaints 1987 42 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 42 complaints 1987 42 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1981: 2 complaints 1982: 3 complaints 1982 1983: 5 complaints 1984: 6 complaints 1984 1985: 21 complaints 1986: 27 complaints 1987: 42 complaints 1987 42 1988: 43 complaints 1989: 75 complaints 1990: 43 complaints 1990 1991: 56 complaints 1992: 316 complaints 1992 1993: 188 complaints 1994: 198 complaints 1994 1995: 250 complaints 1996: 276 complaints 1996 1997: 288 complaints 1998: 119 complaints 1998 1999: 134 complaints 2000: 85 complaints 2000 2001: 53 complaints 2002: 58 complaints 2002 2003: 249 complaints 2004: 138 complaints 2004 2005: 193 complaints 2006: 53 complaints 2006 2007: 50 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2008 2009: 44 complaints 2010: 12 complaints 2010 2011: 23 complaints

1987: 42 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19812
19823
19835
19846
198521
198627
198742
198843
198975
199043
199156
1992316
1993188
1994198
1995250
1996276
1997288
1998119
1999134
200085
200153
200258
2003249
2004138
2005193
200653
200750
200850
200944
201012
201123

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

33% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHFIRE

Vehicle speed control

19% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and accelerator pedal.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Sudden acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-11-08

Fuel system, gasoline

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing tank assembly and fuel injection system.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl*the contact owns a 1987 Ford Crown Victoria. While driving 20 MPH, the vehicle caught fire. By the time the fire department arrived, the engine compartment was engulfed in flames and the vehicle exploded. The vehicle was destroyed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-09

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

The car caught fire in the garage for no reason. Please explain. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-12

Seat belts

12% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Driver side seat belt did not hold driver in place upon rear ending another car. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-15

Power train

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1987-03-18Steering87V012000 Steering centerlinks may break at a bend location.

    Remedy: Replace steering centerlink.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    1987-08-08Fuel system, gasoline87V131000 Fuel rails may be bent so that No. 5 injector cups are out of design position.

    Remedy: Replace fuel rail assemblies as necessary.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1987-09-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-03-10 Fires
  4. R
    1987-10-12Fuel system, gasoline87V139000 Spring lock fuel line coupling may not be properly engaged.

    Remedy: Install retainer clips over the couplings to prevent coupling separation and fuel leakage.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    1988-03-30Seat belts88V028000 Automatic retractor for seat belts for dual facing rear seats may be installed in an improper location.

    Remedy: Remove and properly install the right auxiliary seat belts.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. I
    1988-09-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-03 Engine comp fires
  7. I
    1991-09-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 1992-01-15 Brake line punctures

Buy-smart checklist

1987 Ford Crown Victoria — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Vehicle speed control: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 6 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 87V012000 · Steering
  • Recall 87V131000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 87V139000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 88V028000 · Seat belts
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1987 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1987 Ford Crown Victoria is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1987 Ford Crown Victoria?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Ford Crown Victoria have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.