2003 Ford Cvpi recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. ON CERTAIN POLICE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
What could happen: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL BASED ON THE WHEEL PART NUMBER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-343-5338.
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 2003 CVPI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V079000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-343-5338.
- 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: WHEELS
Summary: ON CERTAIN POLICE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
Consequence: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL BASED ON THE WHEEL PART NUMBER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 15, 2007. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-343-5338.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 07S48. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
2. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. ON CERTAIN POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI) AND COMMERCIAL HEAVY DUTY (TAXI) VEHICLES, AT EXTREMELY HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES, THE SOUND INSULATING PANEL, LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE POSITIONED BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE UNDERBODY, COULD SAG AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE SURFACE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
What could happen: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING DASH INSULATOR AND INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN INSULATOR PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
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 2003 CVPI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V206000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-392-3673.
- 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: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Summary: ON CERTAIN POLICE INTERCEPTORS (CVPI) AND COMMERCIAL HEAVY DUTY (TAXI) VEHICLES, AT EXTREMELY HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURES, THE SOUND INSULATING PANEL, LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE POSITIONED BETWEEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE UNDERBODY, COULD SAG AND POSSIBLY CONTACT THE SURFACE OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE INSULATOR MIGHT EXPERIENCE CHARRING OF THE OUTER LAYER, BURNING ODOR, OR SMOKE WHICH MAY ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING DASH INSULATOR AND INSTALL A REVISED DESIGN INSULATOR PAD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 3, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 05S032. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
3. Wheels / tires
What's wrong, in plain English: A wheel or tire can fail while driving. ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
What could happen: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL WITH THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES OF AUGUST 18, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2002. IN ADDITION, FORD IS PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR WHEELS ON 2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR AND TAXIS BUILT FROM OCTOBER 1, 2002 THROUGH APRIL 29,…
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 2003 CVPI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V279000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-392-3673.
- 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: WHEELS
Summary: ON CERTAIN POLICE AND TAXI VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH STEEL WHEELS, SOME OF THE WHEELS MAY DEVELOP CRACKS IN THE RIM NEAR THE WELD LINE THAT CONNECTS THE RIM TO THE DISK.
Consequence: THE CRACKS CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN RAPID AIR LOSS FROM THE TIRE AND COULD AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FOUR ROAD WHEELS AND SPARE WHEEL WITH THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES OF AUGUST 18, 2001 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 22, 2002. IN ADDITION, FORD IS PROVIDING EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR WHEELS ON 2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR AND TAXIS BUILT FROM OCTOBER 1, 2002 THROUGH APRIL 29, 2003. THESE WHEELS ARE EXHIBITING CRACKS AT A SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER RATE THAN THOSE WHEELS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Notes: FORD RECALL NO. 03S05. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
What could happen: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.
The fix: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI V…
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 2003 CVPI.
- Book a repair at any authorized Ford dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 02I003000.
- 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:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: IN ORDER TO ENHANCE POLICE OFFICE SAFETY, MODEL YEAR 1992-2003 CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR (CVPI) VEHICLES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SHIELDS DESIGNED TO HELP PROTECT THE FUEL TANK IN HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES. FORD ALSO WILL BE OFFERING AN OPTIONAL TRUNK PACKAGE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF SHARP-EDGED, HEAVY EQUIPMENT IN THESE VEHICLES.
Consequence: SOME HIGH-SPEED REAR-IMPACT CRASHES HAVE RESULTED IN FUEL TANK PUNCTURES AND FIRES IN CVPI VEHICLES.
Remedy: FORD HAS ADVISED US THAT SHIELD KITS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE SINCE LATE OCTOBER AND WILL BE INSTALLED ON POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES AT NO COST. THE OPTIONAL TRANK PACKAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF 2002. FORD HAS ESTABLISHED A NEW WEB SITE AT WWW.CVPI.COM TO ANSWER ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF CPVI VEHICLES.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- Digital tire pressure gauge
- 2003 Ford Cvpi owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Wheels / tires (68), Lights (8), Electrical system (3), Fuel system (3), Gasoline (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
06/28/2014 · Wheels / tires
AIR LEAKS OUT THE BACK WHEEL EVERY DAY AFTER FILL UP GAS IT SMELLS LIKE GAS INSIDE CAR. *TR
09/03/2013 · Steering
I JUST READ ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN RECALL ON THE CROWN VIC, CVPI, AND GRAND MARQUIS 2005-2011 AND I AM NOT SURE WHY THE 2003-2004 MODELS ARE NOT INCLUDED. THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD MY 2003 CVPI IN THE SHOP LESS THAN A MONTH AGO DUE TO SOME STEERING ISSUES I'M HAVING (A LOT OF NOISE DURING DRIVING AND WHILE TURNING) AND THE…
02/10/2012 · Wheels / tires
I HAVE STEEL WHEELS ON MY 2003 CROWN VIC I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM FORD MOTOR COMPANY STATING THAT MY WHEELS WERE PART OF A SAFETY RECALL, THE WHEELS ARE PRONE TO WELDS BREAKING AND RUSTING MAKING THEM LOOSE AIR AND IMPOSSIBLE TO BALANCE WHY STEERING WHEEL SHAKES I HAVE HAD DIFFERENT TIRES AND MULTIPLE SHOPS BALANCE THE WHEELS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO, AL…
07/21/2011 · Lights
HEADLIGHTS GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. LCM IS BAD, $500.00 FOR PART. VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS EXPECTING TO SEE A RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS THE SECOND LCM FOR ME! *KB
05/17/2011 · Lights
I JUST PURCHASES AND TOOK POSSESSION OF A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA POLICE INTERCEPTOR. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR A COUPLE DAYS DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS WITH NO ISSUES. HOWEVER, ON THE FIRST NIGHT I DROVE THE VEHICLE (WELL AFTER SUNSET) I EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS OCCURRENCES OF THE HEADLIGHTS GOING OUT COMPLETELY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME (RANGING FROM SEVERAL SEC…
12/03/2010 · Electrical system
2003 CROWN VICTORIA, HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING. IT APPEARS I NEED TO REPLACE THE LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE (LCM). I SEE FROM INTERNET SEARCHES THAT MANY MANY HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.THIS PART IS ALMOST $600 FROM FORD. IT APPEARS THAT FORD HAS A SAFETY ISSUE HERE THAT THEY ARE AVOIDING. I'M SURPRISED THAT NO RECALL IS IN EFFECT. AT LEAST FORD SH…
11/17/2010 · Electrical system
THE VEHICLE'S HEADLIGHTS SHUT THEMSELVES OFF RANDOMLY WHILE THE HEADLIGHTS ARE IN USE. INTERMITTENTLY, THE LIGHTS WILL FAIL TO TURN ON WHEN THE SWITCH IS TURNED ON. THESE EVENTS HAVE BECOME INCREASINGLY FREQUENT TO THE POINT THAT NOW THE LIGHTS WILL FAIL SEVERAL TIMES ON EVERY NIGHT TRIP. HITTING A BOX CALLED THE "LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE" MAY ENCOURAGE T…
09/02/2010 · Lights
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CVPI. WHILE DRIVING AT 10 TO 60 MPH THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHUT OFF INTERMITTENTLY AT NIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATING BEFORE THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE THE LIGHTS WOULD COME BACK ON FOR 5 TO 10 MINUTES OR NOT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A…