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2008 Ford Crown Victoria: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Crown Victoria, and steering is the biggest group[1][2]. Three recalls apply to this model year, so check that any recall work was done before you buy[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 50 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 11 mention a crash, 3 a fire and 6 an injury, and 1 reports a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.
- Steering, 25 complaints. Four mention a crash, 1 a fire and 2 injuries[2]. The median mileage at failure is 97,000[2]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 9 describe steering column or shaft parts breaking or separating, so the wheel binds or spins without turning the front wheels[2]. Some of them mention the steering recall[4].
- Speed control, 11 complaints. Four mention a crash and 2 an injury[8]. The median mileage at failure is 111,000[8]. All 11 complaints we read describe the car speeding up or moving on its own[8]. Some mention a stuck pedal or a brake that did not stop the car, and some say the dealer could not find a cause[8].
- Suspension, 6 complaints. None mention a crash, fire or injury, and the median mileage is 62,235[9]. In the 2 texts we read, 1 describes a front wheel bearing and hub failure[9].
- Electrical system, 5 complaints. Two mention a fire[10]. In the 5 texts we read, 2 describe an instrument cluster that went dark and 2 describe burning or fire[10].
Brakes (3 complaints), power train (3), structure (2) and engine (2) are small groups[11][12][13][14].
Recalls
Three recalls are on file for this model year. Each one has a free dealer repair described in the recall notice.
- Steering shaft repair redone (14V704). Announced 2014-11-05, covering 36,888 vehicles[3]. Some upper steering shafts were serviced during the earlier recall 13V385, and that work may not have been done correctly. A bad repair could let the shaft separate and cause a loss of steering control. Ford notifies owners whose records show that earlier repair, and dealers inspect and replace the shaft if needed[3].
- Corroded lower steering shaft (13V385). Announced 2013-08-29, covering 355,000 vehicles[4]. It applies to cars registered or first sold in a list of states that includes New York, Ohio and Illinois. Severe corrosion can seize the lower shaft, which may make the upper shaft collapse and a column bearing separate. That can cause a loss of steering. Dealers replace the lower shaft, inspect and repair other damaged parts, and add a retainer clip if the bearing has separated[4].
- Front wheel hub (07V270). Announced 2007-06-26, covering 8,800 vehicles[5]. A front wheel bearing and hub may fracture because of improper heat treatment. A wheel could then separate from the car and cause a crash. Dealers inspect both front assemblies and replace them[5].
Before buying, ask for proof that these recalls were done, or ask a dealer to check the VIN.
Fuel economy
The EPA rates the Crown Victoria FFV at 15 city, 23 highway and 18 combined MPG[7]. It has a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine, an automatic 4-speed transmission and rear-wheel drive, and it runs on gasoline or E85[7]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,700[7]. That estimate uses current EPA fuel prices, not prices from when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list both body styles for this year as not rated[15][16]. That means there is no star score to compare.
Engine and size
The engine is a 4.6L 8-cylinder[7]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[17].
How 2008 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 |
The 2008 model year has 50 complaints and 3 recalls[6]. The 2007 model year also has 50 complaints, with 4 recalls[6]. Later years have fewer complaints: 44 for 2009, 12 for 2010 and 23 for 2011, each with 2 recalls[6]. Earlier years such as 2005 (193) and 2003 (249) have more[6]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2008 Crown Victoria?
The complaint count is modest next to some earlier years, but the steering and speed control reports include crashes[2][8][6]. All three recalls cover steering or a front wheel hub, and each has a free dealer repair[3][4][5]. Confirm that the recall work was done and have a mechanic check the steering. The EPA rates the car at 18 combined MPG, and NHTSA has no star ratings for it[7][15]. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat them as a reason to inspect, not a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria?
- Steering has the most NHTSA complaints at 25, then speed control at 11[2][8].
- Does the 2008 Crown Victoria have recalls?
- Yes, three: 14V704, 13V385 and 07V270. Two involve steering and one a front wheel hub[3][4][5].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2008 Crown Victoria?
- The EPA rates it at 15 city, 23 highway and 18 combined MPG[7].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 50 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria (11 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 6 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the steering component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 97,000). 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
- Recall 07V270, filed June 26, 2007: Suspension › Front › Hub. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Ford Crown Victoria model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Crown Victoria FFV, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 11 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 111,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,235). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR 4-DR W/SAB RWD: 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