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1990 Ford Crown Victoria problems

The most common problem on the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Crown Victoria model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
43
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
37
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 1990 Ford Crown Victoria problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Electrical
    10
  • Acceleration
    7
  • Airbags
    7
  • Brakes
    5
  • Fuel system
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria

Airbag light 5

Recalls 2

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported December 16, 1998 · 175,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain 1996-1999 ford crown victoria police, fleet, natural gas, and 1996-1999 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that were produced with a lower control arm ball joint containing a one piece bearing; and 1990-1996 ford crown victoria police, fleet, and ngv vehicles and 1990-1996 lincoln town car limousine vehicles that have been serviced with either a ball joint containing the one-piece bearing or a front lower control arm containing a ball joint with a one-piece bearing. The one-piece bearing within the lower control arm ball joint can weaken slowly during use and eventually crack. This could result in separation of the ball and cap of the joint, allowing the control arm to drop to the ground.
Risk
If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower control arm ball joints (2).

Recall number 98V322000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 19, 1992 · 25,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The rear brake lines have inadequate clearance between the brake tube and the vehicle underbody in the area of the left rear wheel opening.
Risk
Inadequate clearance can cause abrasion of the brake lineand a leak can develop, resulting in loss of brake fluid to the rear brakesystem and increased stopping distances.
Remedy
Repair any brake lines that have an indication of contact or have the potential for contact with the body of the vehicle. Relocate lines, if necessary.

Recall number 92V075000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria

Defect investigations

Steering column firesOpened August 3, 1992, closed November 30, 1992

There is no summary currently available

PE92069

Brake line puncturesOpened January 15, 1992, closed May 21, 1992

There is no summary currently available

EA92002

Brake line puncturesOpened September 11, 1991, closed January 15, 1992

There is no summary currently available

PE91125

Technical service bulletins for the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria 37

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 37 bulletins for the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria

What 1990 Ford Crown Victoria owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 23, 2003 · Suspension · MD

Consumer stated having the same problems as recall#98v32000 lower control arm. Dealer will not repair because VIN is not incleded. Ts

Filed Mar 8, 2002 · Electrical, Fuel system · CT · fire

While driving a fire started near fuel pump assembly, causing vehicle to stop because power went out. Dealer had to replaced wiring harness and fuel pump sender assembly.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Engine · NY

Consumer stated the gasket on the oil pan failed causing a serious leak, the dealer replaced the part at no charge, however consumers vehicle has experienced another oil pan gasket leak, consumer is requesting that the dealer replace the part again.

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Airbags · PA

Airbag light blinks constantly. Consumer took vehicle to dealer, and they told consumer that this vehicle was not included in recall 90 e 043 001 due to VIN. Please provide any further information.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Electrical · OH

Vehicle has stalled 3 days in a row. Dealer will agree to fix vehicle at the consumer's cost. But they cannot guarantee that it won't happen again.*ak the ignition module is placed too close to the engine resulting in the overheating of the module and causing the engine to stall.

Filed Sep 20, 2000 · Engine · AZ

Vehicle stalls in hot weather without prior warning. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership. Dealership could not duplicated the problem. The problem although infrequent presents any long trips.

Filed Sep 5, 2000 · Tires · TX

While driving 65 MPH right rear tire suffered a tread separation. But, tire did not flatten out right away. Firestone fr505 p215/70 r15.

Filed Feb 9, 2000 · Fuel system · NC

Rear brakes went out due to corrosion. This caused a brake fluid leak and loss of rear brakes. Also, fuel return line is corroding. Dealer repaired the brake line, and problem is reoccurring.

Filed Aug 29, 1999 · Brakes · CA · crash

1st time-put on brakes, car kept going. Slammed on brakes which locked and screeched, but car kept on going. Rear-ended a vehicle. @nd time- car kept going faster. Took foot off accelerator but continued to increase speed. Put foot on brakes. Slowed down only a little. As soon as foot off brakes, continued to accelerate quickly. Put both feet on brakes with only some slowing. Semi-truck stopped, but I couldn't. Swerved just in time. Cross traffic so swerved into mobile gas station. Slower but had to shift into park to avoid running into building. Garage could not find problem. Left at l.j. Ford in colton for 12 days. Also could not find problem. Ford motor co. Said there were no recalls and car past warranty so could do nothing. Car very unsafe. Scared to drive! Need a car. Don't know what to do? Please advise!!! Called aaa who referred me to other agencies who referred me to more agencies who could not help me.slowing.

Filed Jun 18, 1999 · Electrical · FL · fire

Car was off and started on fire. Starter was attempting to start engine by itself. Nobody was in the car. Car burned to ground.

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Questions about the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria

Is the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria reliable?

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria, fewer than a typical Crown Victoria model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria?

Electrical system, with 10 complaints. Next is acceleration (7).

How many recalls does the 1990 Ford Crown Victoria have?

2 recalls, covering suspension and service brakes, hydraulic.

What year does the Ford Crown Victoria have the most electrical problems?

The Ford Crown Victoria model years with the most electrical complaints are 1992 (52 complaints), 2004 (23 complaints) and 1993 (22 complaints).

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