2002 Ford Crown Victoria
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 2 |
| 1981 | 2 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 5 |
| 1984 | 6 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1986 | 27 |
| 1987 | 42 |
| 1988 | 43 |
| 1989 | 75 |
| 1990 | 43 |
| 1991 | 56 |
| 1992 | 316 |
| 1993 | 188 |
| 1994 | 198 |
| 1995 | 250 |
| 1996 | 276 |
| 1997 | 288 |
| 1998 | 119 |
| 1999 | 134 |
| 2000 | 85 |
| 2001 | 53 |
| 2002 | 58 |
| 2003 | 249 |
| 2004 | 138 |
| 2005 | 193 |
| 2006 | 53 |
| 2007 | 50 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 44 |
| 2010 | 12 |
| 2011 | 23 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
..
NHTSA ODI report, 20250820
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and STRUCTURE
I HAD DRIVEN UP A STEEP MOUNTAIN DIRT ROAD TO SERVE SOME LEGAL PAPERS, AFTER REACHING THE TOP, I CONTINUED DOWN THE OTHER SIDE TO THE ADDRESS I WAS LOOKING FOR. I THOUGHT I STARTED SMELLING SOMETHING BURNING, IT SMELLED ELECTRICAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141230
16% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH14% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe.
FIRE10% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cruise control and accelerator pedal.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PARKING VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHEN SHIFTITING FROM DRIVE. AS A RESULT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH TWO OTHER VEHICLES WHICH DAMAGED FRONT END. *AK *SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20030827
WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN ABOUT 15 MPH, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED ABOUT PROBLEM ON OTHER OCCASIONS, AND VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SERVICED.*AK *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020528
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON 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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED "T" FITTING ON #4 FUEL TANK AND TESTED FOR LEAKAGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TI
Campaign 02V249000 — check if this car was fixed
CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE
CNG TANK EXPLOSION
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 FIBE
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.
Campaign 03V472000 — check if this car was fixed
SPARK PLUG EJECTION FROM CYLINDER HEAD
CERTAIN 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
Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.
Campaign 06E056000 — check if this car was fixed
Dorman Products, Inc.
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.
Campaign 15E082000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 02I003000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Ford Crown Victoria — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02I003000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V249000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V472000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E056000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15E082000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Ford Crown Victoria have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.