What are the most common Ford Crown Victoria problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,200+ owner reports, the 1995-1995 Ford Crown Victoria has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure, 4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

The 1995-1995 Ford Crown Victoria has 2 known issues documented across 3,200+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Crown Victoria problems?

Repair costs for known Ford Crown Victoria issues range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

1995 Ford Crown Victoria Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

1995 Ford Crown Victoria Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

3,200 owners

On the 1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, the Ford Crown Victoria equipped with rear air suspension (standard on LX and optional on base models from 1992-2011) suffers from premature air spring bag failure, compressor burnout, and ride height sensor malfunction. The rubber air spring bags deteriorate from heat, UV exposure, and moisture infiltration, developing cracks that cause slow or sudden air leaks. When the bags leak, the compressor runs continuously attempting to maintain ride height, which overheats and burns out the compressor motor. Strutmasters.com and CrownVic.net forums document thousands of cases. The rear of the vehicle sags noticeably, sometimes bottoming out on the bump stops. Many owners convert to conventional coil spring suspension as a permanent fix rather than replacing the expensive air suspension components repeatedly.

Common Symptoms

Rear of vehicle sagging or sitting lower than front
Air suspension warning light illuminated on dashboard
Compressor running continuously or cycling frequently
Loud compressor noise from trunk area
Harsh ride quality over bumps
Vehicle bottoming out on rear bump stops
Hissing sound from rear air springs
Uneven ride height side to side

How to Fix

Most cost-effective permanent fix is air-to-coil spring conversion kit from Strutmasters or Arnott ($200-400 for kit plus $150-300 labor). Conversion eliminates all air suspension components and maintenance. If keeping air suspension: replace both air springs simultaneously ($150-250 each), compressor ($200-400), and check all air lines for cracks. Strutmasters FA1R0 or FA3RB kits are the most popular conversion options.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 3,200+ owners who fixed this issue

TipThe most popular permanent fix is the Strutmasters air-to-coil conversion kit (FA1R0 or FA3RB depending on year). At $200-400 for the kit, it costs less than a single air spring replacement and eliminates the problem forever. Ride quality is comparable to the air system when functioning properly.
NoteIf your compressor is running constantly (you can hear it cycling in the trunk), shut it off using the air suspension switch in the trunk before the compressor burns out. A burned-out compressor costs $200-400 on top of the air spring replacement.
UpgradePerformance monotube shocks/struts for sport-tuned suspension (Bilstein B8 Sport Shocks/Struts)
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UpgradeStrut mount and bearing for noise-free strut operation (Moog Strut Mount Assembly)
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Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,200

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3,200+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence3,200 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L 2-Valve, the 4.6L 2-valve engine uses spark plugs that thread into aluminum heads with only a few threads of engagement. The plugs can eject from the head under load, stripping the threads. Later models (2004+) use a 2-piece plug design that can break during removal.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Loud popping sound
Misfire
Loss of power
Spark plug shoots out of engine

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeIridium spark plugs offer long life and consistent performance (NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs)
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UpgradeAnti-seize compound prevents spark plugs from seizing in aluminum heads (Permatex Anti-Seize Lubricant)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,500

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

⚠️NHTSA Recalls5 recalls

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT

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.

Campaign #14V70400005/11/2014

STEERING

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.

Campaign #13V38500029/08/2013

SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A FRONT WHEEL BEARING AND HUB ASSEMBLY MAY FRACTURE DUE TO IMPROPER HEAT TREATMENT.

Campaign #07V27000026/06/2007

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE VEHICLE BODY.

Campaign #06V44000015/11/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS (ABS) FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE FRONT AND REAR RIGHT SIDE BRAKE LINES MAY BE REVERSED AT THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT.

Campaign #07V18300026/04/2007

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

1995 Ford Crown Victoria Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria: Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria: 4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Ford Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Ford Crown Victoria problems?

Is the Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Ford Crown Victoria problems?

What is the 1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria Rear Air Suspension Compressor and Air Spring Failure?

What is the 1992-2011 Ford Crown Victoria 4.6L 2-Valve Spark Plug Ejection/Breakage?