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2005 Ford Crown Victoria: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 193 complaints with NHTSA for the 2005 Crown Victoria, and headlights are the biggest group[1][2]. Five recalls apply, and two of them involve steering[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 193 owner complaints for this model year[1]. 13 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
| Component group | Complaints | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting[2] | 99 | 80,000 |
| Steering[7] | 36 | 98,201 |
| Electrical system[8] | 21 | 77,000 |
| Power train[9] | 14 | 52,781 |
| Speed control[10] | 11 | 33,000 |
| Engine[11] | 11 | 89,900 |
| Seat belts[12] | 7 | not listed |
| Air bags[13] | 6 | not listed |
Headlights. In a sample of lighting complaints we read, owners describe headlights going out while driving, often with the high beams still working, and point to the lighting control module[2]. A sample of electrical complaints shows the same story, with one owner reporting a bill over $800 for a new module[8]. Some texts in the samples are repeats of one report, so the sample is smaller than it looks.
Steering. In a sample of steering complaints, owners describe a steering column or shaft that separated, bound up or failed[7]. 2 of the 36 steering complaints mention a crash[7].
Rear axle. In a sample of power train complaints, owners describe worn or failed rear axle bearings, and several of those cars were police interceptors[9]. The median mileage for power train complaints is 52,781, the second lowest of the groups that list one, after speed control at 33,000[9][10].
Smaller groups. Speed control has only 11 complaints, but 4 of them mention a crash and 1 an injury[10]. Engine has 11 complaints, with 1 fire, 2 injuries and 1 death reported[11]. Seat belts list 7 complaints and 4 injuries[12]. These groups are small, so we do not call them common problems.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[5]. Newest first:
- Headlights (15V861). A lighting control module can fail and cause a loss of headlights, which makes it harder to see and raises crash risk. It covers 296,004 vehicles from several model years and includes the Mercury Grand Marquis[14]. Dealers replace the module free. The recall began April 14, 2017[14].
- Steering shaft repair (14V704). It covers 36,888 vehicles[3] whose upper intermediate steering shaft was serviced under the earlier recall 13V385. That repair may not have been done correctly. The shaft could separate and steering control could be lost. Dealers inspect and replace the shaft if needed, free[3].
- Steering shaft corrosion (13V385). It covers 355,000 vehicles[4] registered or first sold in certain states, including New York, Ohio and Illinois. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft. That can lead to a collapsed upper shaft and a separated column bearing, and a loss of steering. Dealers replace the lower shaft free, check the other parts and repair them as needed[4].
- Battery cable (05V518). It covers 98,836 vehicles[15]. A fusible link in the battery cable can rub on a cross member bolt. That can cause heat damage and a fire. Dealers inspect it and move it away from the bolt, or replace it if wires are exposed[15].
- Sound insulating panel (05V206). It covers 132,800 police interceptor and taxi type vehicles[16]. At very high temperatures the panel under the car could sag onto the catalytic converter. It could char, smell, smoke and possibly catch fire. Dealers install a revised insulator pad free[16].
If you are looking at a specific car, ask for its VIN and check it against NHTSA recall records. Our facts cannot tell us whether a given car had its recalls done.
Fuel economy
EPA lists two versions of the 2005 Crown Victoria. Both have a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine, a 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive and take regular fuel[6][17].
| Version | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Victoria[6] | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Crown Victoria Police[17] | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists its 5-Star Safety Ratings for this model year as not rated[18][19]. We have no crash-test stars to share.
Engine and size
The EPA test vehicles use a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine[6][17]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[20].
How 2005 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 250 | 8 |
| 1996 | 276 | 9 |
| 1997 | 288 | 8 |
| 1998 | 119 | 7 |
| 1999 | 134 | 5 |
| 2000 | 85 | 7 |
| 2001 | 53 | 4 |
| 2002 | 58 | 2 |
| 2003 | 249 | 5 |
| 2004 | 138 | 2 |
| 2005 | 193 | 5 |
| 2006 | 53 | 2 |
| 2007 | 50 | 4 |
| 2008 | 50 | 3 |
| 2009 | 44 | 2 |
| 2010 | 12 | 2 |
| 2011 | 23 | 2 |
Among the 17 Crown Victoria model years NHTSA lists, 2005 has the fifth-highest complaint count at 193[5]. Only 1995 (250), 1996 (276), 1997 (288) and 2003 (249) are higher[5]. The 2004 model has 138 complaints, and every year from 2006 to 2011 has between 12 and 53[5].
For recalls, 2005 lists 5[5]. Five earlier years list more: 1995 (8), 1996 (9), 1997 (8), 1998 (7) and 2000 (7)[5]. 1999 and 2003 also list 5[5]. Model years after 2005 list 4 recalls or fewer[5].
Should you buy a used 2005 Crown Victoria?
The headlight module is the clearest issue in our data. It draws the most complaints and has its own recall[2][14]. Steering is the other area to check, because two recalls cover loss of steering[3][4]. Several complaints and one recall involve police interceptor or taxi use, so ask about the car's history[9][16]. Before you buy, check recall status by VIN and have a mechanic look at the lighting module, steering shaft and rear axle. EPA rates the standard version at 19 combined mpg and estimates its annual fuel cost at $3,550[6].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria?
- Exterior lighting has the most NHTSA complaints at 99 of 193, followed by steering with 36[1][2][7]. In a sample we read, owners describe headlights going out while driving[2].
- Does the 2005 Crown Victoria have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 5: headlights (15V861), two steering shaft recalls (14V704, 13V385), a battery cable (05V518) and a sound insulating panel (05V206)[14][3][4][15][16].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2005 Crown Victoria get?
- EPA rates the standard version at 16 city, 23 highway and 19 combined mpg[6]. The Police version is rated 14, 20 and 16[17].
- Is the 2005 Crown Victoria safe?
- NHTSA lists its 5-Star Safety Ratings as not rated[18][19]. Recalls cover loss of steering and fire risks[3][4][15][16].
- Is 2005 a bad year for the Crown Victoria?
- It has the fifth-highest complaint count of 17 years, 193, and 5 recalls[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 193 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria (13 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 10 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 99 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 14V704, filed November 5, 2014: Steering › Rack And Pinion › Pinion Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V385, filed August 29, 2013: Steering. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Crown Victoria model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Crown Victoria, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 36 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 98,201). NHTSA vehicle records
- 21 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,781). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,900). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the seat belts component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V861, filed December 22, 2015: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V518, filed November 9, 2005: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery › Cables. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V206, filed May 9, 2005: Electrical System › Wiring › Interior / Under Dash. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Crown Victoria Police, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, CROWN VICTORIA: length 212 in, width 78 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,189 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov