Research · Large Cars

2010 Ford Crown VictoriaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2010 Ford Crown Victoria. Most complaints involve steering (7) and air bags (1). 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
12
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

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2010 – Oct 2021
  1. Steering7
  2. Air bags1
  3. Suspension1
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1
  5. Wheels1
  6. Electrical system1
  7. Exterior lighting1
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic1

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
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
4
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

7 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2010 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle as an unknown warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that the gear oil would leak from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where he had the brake pads and calipers on the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The contact was informed that parts needed to be ordered to perform the recall repair. The contact had not received a call back for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 29, 2021SteeringODI 11438684

Air bags

1 report1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL CEASED AND HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COLLIDING WITH THE CONCRETE BARRIER WALL AS THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND, GOING IN REVERSE AND COLLIDING WITH THE BARRIER WALL AGAIN, COMING TO A STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. ALL KINDS OF WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND FLICKERED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. ONLY THE FRONT PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, CHEST, BACK, HAND INJURIES, AS WELL AS HEAD INJURIES AS HIS HEAD HIT THE WINDOW. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD A PASSENGER SEATED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT, WHOM SUSTAINED A CRACKED SPINE. THE CONTACT AND THE REAR PASSENGER WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 226,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2020Steering, Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11307791

Suspension

1 report
“MY WATTS LINK STUD IS BROKE OFF IN THE REAR AXLE IT HAPPENED THIS MORNING ON MY WAY TOO WORK WHEN I MADE A TURN SO NOW THE CAR SHIFTS SIDE TOO SIDE I HAD TOO DRIVE 10 MPH SO THAT I COULD KEEP IT IN THE ROAD”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 1, 2019SuspensionODI 11277519
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 2010 Ford Crown Victoria as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 5554
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

2010 Crown Victoria questions

How many recalls does the 2010 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 2010 Ford Crown Victoria problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (7), air bags (1), suspension (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2010 Ford Crown Victoria get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Ford Crown Victoria at 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026