Research · Large Cars

2009 Ford Crown VictoriaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 44 owner complaints for the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. Most complaints involve steering (17) and fuel system, gasoline (11). The EPA rates it 19 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
19mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2014
Owner complaints
44
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$3,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Steering: pinion shaft

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385. The prior repairs may not have been correctly performed.

SteeringReported Nov 5, 2014NHTSA 14V704000

Steering

Free remedy

Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles. The affected vehicles are currently registered or were originally sold in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.

SteeringReported Aug 29, 2013NHTSA 13V385000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

44 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2009 – May 2025
  1. Steering17
  2. Fuel system, gasoline11
  3. Power train7
  4. Electrical system5
  5. Suspension4
  6. Air bags3
  7. Visibility1
  8. Tires1
  9. Interior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Crown Victoria model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996294
1997304
1998134
1999159
2000137
200184
2002101
2003289
2004137
2005193
200653
200750
200850
200944
201012
201124
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Steering

17 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the contact became aware that the lower steering column bearing was detaching. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a visual inspection of the vehicle was performed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering); however, no repairs were needed at the time. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 338,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2025SteeringODI 11660679

Fuel system, gasoline

11 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the fuel tank straps had fractured, causing the fuel tank to become detach and drag on the ground. The fuel tank was temporarily reattached, and the vehicle was driven home. The contact later discovered that fuel had leaked from the fuel tank. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 31, 2023Fuel system, gasolineODI 11524630

Power train

7 reports
“2004 FORD CROWN VIC POLICE INTERCEPTOR. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED SHIFTING OUT OF PARK WAS DIFFICULT, THE BRAKES SEEMED SQUISHY, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD/SPEEDOMETER WERE INOPERABLE, AND THE WATER PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TURN SIGNALS, TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERABLE. EXHAUST FUMES ENTERED THE VEHICLE. *JS”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 28, 2018Power train, Electrical system, Visibility, Tires, Interior lighting, Service brakes, EngineODI 11029821
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Large Cars
Engines
4.6L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crown Victoria FFV
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 4.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162419$3,300468
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5137
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Crown Victoria questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Ford Crown Victoria problems?

Owners filed 44 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (17), fuel system, gasoline (11), power train (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Ford Crown Victoria at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026