1986 Ford Crown Victoria recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
What could happen: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
The fix: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1986 CROWN VICTORIA.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 87V139000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Notes: SYSTEM: FUEL LINE COUPLINGVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FUELINJECTION.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1986 Ford Crown Victoria owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (18), Engine (4), Seat belts (4), Steering (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/05/2001 · Electrical system
WHEN TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. IT TAKES THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE STARTING BACK UP. DEALERSHIP AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
08/30/2001 · Engine
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION VEHICLE WOULD STALL. AFTER VEHICLE SAT FOR 1/2 HOUR IT WOULD RESTART. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
01/07/2001 · Electrical system
ENGINE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY. MY HUSBAND BARELY GOT THE CAR PULLED OVER WITH OUT AN ACCIDENT. THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CAR IS PARKED. MY HUSBAND WAS AN ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN FOR 20 YEARS. HE SAID THE TFI MODULE IS THE FAILED PART.*AK
12/06/2000 · Electrical system
GOING AT ANY SPEED, WHEN I MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLS AND YOU CAN HEAR A WHINING NOISE WHEN THE WHEELS TURN. . HAVE BEEN TO 2 MECHANICS AND EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT GOOD ON ANALYZER. HELP PLEASE! BEFORE I HAVE ACCIDENT. *AK
09/04/2000 · Electrical system
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAIS…
09/04/2000 · Electrical system
THERE HAS BEEN AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES, LET MY WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR ADJUST MY SEAT (ELECTRIC), THERE IS INTERFERENCE WITH THE RADIO AND THAT TELLS ME SOMETHING IS WRONG IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. ALSO, THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS REFUSED TO LET UP 3 TIMES. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MONTHS, I AM ABLE TO RAIS…
08/15/2000 · Electrical system · fire
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 40MPH WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A FUNNY ODOR COMING FROM MY CAR. I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN SNOKE BEGAN TO PUUR INTO THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS SOON AS THE LIGHT CHANGED I FOUND A SAFE PLACE TO PARK MY CAR. I POPED THE HOOD AND THERE WERE FLAMES . I RAN TO A NEARBY RESTAURANT AND ASKED THEM TO…
10/31/1997 · Steering · fire
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. THE MANUFACTURER HAD AN INVESTIGATOR OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. *AK