Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Ford Crown Victoria owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I brought this vehicle into the dealership for safety recall 15s39. There were no problems with the vehicle prior to taking it in. When I received the vehicle back from the dealer they had admitted to not completing all the steps in the safety recall. Now that I have the vehicle the dealer returned it to me with the following issues: all of the interior and exterior lighting including the headlights do not work and the air bag light is illuminated. A supervisor at Ford customer service said they refuse to do anything about the new problems they caused. She stated that "well, it's a pretty old car." I don't think the age of the car should give Ford a pass to not fix a safety recall. The fix for their safety recall only created safety problems with this car - namely the air bags may not work.
I bought my Ford Crown vic 3 years ago paid 6000 dollars, within two weeks the windshield wipers stopped working, then the transmission went out cost me 2500, then horn would go off and would not turn off till I pulled the positive battery cable off. Two weeks later the blinkers stopped working, then the lighting control module started making a loud beeping sound, then my headlights and tail lights stopped working. I revived a recall letter from Ford and it says take my car to Ford dealership and they would fix it free of charge. I went to dealership and they said I had to pay 85 dollars to check and see if the lighting module was bad or not if it was they said they would replace it for free, but there could be additional cost to pay and I would not get my 85 dollars back no matter what. …
First taka take airbag on jan.1st 2008 I'm hit a deer and I'm had to replace my whole front even the hood the ,airbag light came on in fact it is still on but the bag did not deploy. The lights inside my truck stays on for 30 minutes and the alarm will not set after the vehicle is shut off. My suspension system on the passenger side sounds as if the brake caliber is loose when moving you can hear it when turning I took off the wheel, and I can not find the problem
My headlights don't work until ever now & then the only one that work is the running lights 🤨 I was told that it was a recall on the headlight control module but it wasn't on my vehicle 🤦🏾‍♀️ I just don't understand cause I having problems wit my 3003 like other ppl 🤷🏾‍♀️
On July 10 my wife and grand son were returning to our florida home from an amusement park about an hours ride when the head lights went out on my 03 Ford Crown vic. She was able to pull over and after 30 minutes trying different ideas the light did come on and she was able to drive home fortunately with the lights staying on, it was a nerve racking experience for them. Since then it has done it on several occasions during the day as I run with my lights on during daylight hours. I have since found that it is the lcm unit(light control module) that controls the lights in this 03 Crown vic and the 04,05 models. I know that you had an investigation into this recurring problem and closed it when you did not warrant a recall even after many complaints, some of them very scary on dark back roads. I think you would have to have it happen to you to know what its all about. …
I have a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. I am having issues with the electrical system. I only have 2 speeds on my wipers. Either the second intermittent, or full speed. While on full speed, if I turn on the left turn signal, the wipers stop. A while back, my horn would just honk on its own. The worst, which made me take out the fuse, was at 3:30 am one night the horn just wouldn't stop. I was asleep in the house. The windows work, sometimes. I can roll down the passenger window with the drivers side button, but have to reach across the car to roll it up with the other door switch.my lights, that are supposed to come on automatically when it's darker outside, seem to be on no matter what time of day it is. I know it is an old car, but for so many things that are wired through the electrical system, it makes me think that part of that is one of your recalls. …
2003 Crown Victoria, was using vehicle for commercial use during the night hours, when experienced intermittent low beams, closer examination found that the lcm lighting control module, located above brake pedal had heated up to a temperature from high resistance of soldered contact joints not supporting required voltage for low beams when turned on. It is only when the joints cool that the lights would come on only to end in going off when heating back up. For the cost of the lcm at 400 bux used, I was forced to bypass the lcm by installing a toggle and later the high beam function ceased to operate, which then I added a second toggle for the high beam feature. The A/C has to be integrated on the same board as the A/C comp only kicks on approx. 15 min after engine is warm, rather than on demand. …
I took car into miller Ford, provo after receiving recall, they said switch was defective. After 4 months of no communication called and they blamed Ford, called and complained to Ford, case# [redacted],said would get call dist. Mgr. Within 48 hours no calls. Problem headlights go out while driving. Six weeks ago while driving on dark road lights went out as a child ran across street while traveling 45mph, almost hit child. This is a safety recall that Ford is not handling in a time manner given the safety defect. Maybe dot can get these needed repairs ordered in a timely manner, or is a class action lawsuit needed to bring a negligent, uncaring manufacturer to do the right thing. It is sad they do a dangerous recall then fail to follow through, I guess I cannot buy from another American car manufacturer, have 7 other fords, but planning to sell them.
Heating and defrost failed. Ford service co wanted a $1000 to look at it. I didn't have them look at it. Now, I only drive it in the summer months. This vehicle has an original 70,000 miles on it and now the headlights only work intermittently. In 2010 I had to have the gas tank replaced. I have read several reports on 2003 Crown vic with the same problems. I live in the south, lots of rain and humidity. Defrost is a must as well as headlights. I do not understand why Ford is giving the option to as to whether or not they will fix their defects or pass them on to the consumer. I have a 1995 Nissan, 140000 miles. The body is falling apart, but the engine runs like a sewing machine and all the electrical works, even the windows. Made in the USA... Sad.
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the light control module failed. The contact was traveling down a mountain road when the light failed. The headlights and the high beam headlights were both inoperable. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was confirmed that the light control module failed and needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact stated that the rear axle bearing would exhibit a very loud noise when driving. The contact stated that there was a manufacturer's recall for both the rear axle and the headlights for the same year, make and model but only for those vehicles that were being utilized as police vehicles only. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 156,000. Kmj
Related recalls
Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Crown Victoria years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, 8% of the model year's 249 complaints. The component named most often is alternator/generator/regulator (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Ford Crown Victoria electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-206 (interior/under dash, May 9, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Ford Crown Victoria electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.