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2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

The 2003 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is a 239-hp 4.6-liter V8 with a 4-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. It starts at $24,080 MSRP and is rated at 18 mpg combined.

It makes 239 horsepower. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway (18 mpg combined).

The Crown Victoria measures 212.0 inches long on a 114.7-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,942 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$24,080 ($42,533 *)
Engine
Engine Type4.6L 2V SOHC Modular V8 (dual exhaust)
Displacement4.6 L
Horsepower239 hp
ValvetrainSOHC, 2 valves/cylinder
Injection TypeSequential fuel injection
Drivetrain
Drive TypeRWD
Transmission
Transmission4-speed automatic (4R70W)
1st Gear2.84
2nd Gear1.55
3rd Gear1
4th Gear0.7
Reverse2.23
Final Drive3.27
Fuel Economy
City16 MPG
Highway23 MPG
Combined18 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tank Capacity19 gal
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17" x 7.5"
Wheels Rear17" x 7.5"
Tires FrontP235/55R17
Tires RearP235/55R17
Dimensions & Weight
Length212 in
Width78.3 in
Height58.3 in
Wheelbase114.7 in
Front Track62.8 in
Rear Track65.6 in
Cargo Volume20.6 ft³
Curb Weight3,942 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.5 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front41.6 in
Legroom Rear38 in
Shoulder Room Front60.6 in
Shoulder Room Rear60 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall Not rated
Frontal crash Not rated
Frontal – driver ★★★★★
Frontal – passenger ★★★★★
Side crash Not rated
Rollover Not rated
Tested variant: 2003 Ford Crown Victoria 4-DR.

Recalls

7 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford CROWN VICTORIA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Dec 22, 2015 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured October 3, 2001, to August 2, 2005. The affected vehicles have a lighting control module (LCM) that may fail, resulting in a loss of headlights.

Consequence: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the LCM, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S39.

NHTSA campaign 15V861000

Jun 13, 2006 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS SOLD UNDER THE PUROLATOR BRAND NAME, P/N F65277, SHIPPED FROM JANUARY 16 THROUGH JUNE 2, 2006, FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT DESIGN, THE QUICK CONNECTORS MAY NOT FULLY SEAT WITH THE TUBE INTERFACE, EVEN THOUGH THE PERSON MAKING THE CONNECTION MAY BELIEVE THAT THE QUICK CONNECTOR IS FULLY ATTACHED.

Consequence: FAILURE OF THIS CONNECTION COULD LEAD TO FUEL SPILLAGE AND, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: UFI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT UFI FILTERS USA AT 800-230-5876.

NHTSA campaign 06E056000

May 9, 2005 · 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.

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.

NHTSA campaign 05V206000

Jul 7, 2004 · SUSPENSION:REAR

CERTAIN POLICE, COMMERCIAL, AND PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD TO FLEETS TYPICALLY INPUT HIGHER LOADS INTO THE VEHICLE CHASSIS OVERLOADING THE WHEEL BEARINGS AND AXLES.

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO EARLY BEARING FAILURE AND ULTIMATELY TO AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE. IN THE EVENT OF AXLE SHAFT FRACTURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD LOSE DRIVE FUNCTION AND WOULD COAST TO A STOP. LOSS OF DRIVE FUNCTION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS, SEALS,AND AXLE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 15, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 04V328000

Nov 6, 2003 · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

ON CERTAIN NATURAL GAS VEHICLES, IF A FLAME FROM A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE BECOMES LOCALLY DIRECTED AT THE NATURAL GAS FUEL TANK LOCATED IMMEDIATELY BEHIND THE REAR SEAT, THE FLAME COULD DAMAGE THE FIBERGLASS WRAP ON THE TANK WEAKENING THE TANK.

Consequence: IF THE STRENGTH OF THE TANK IS SIGNIFICANTLY COMPROMISED, IT COULD RUPTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN INSULATOR BEHIND THE CURRENT SEAT BACK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

NHTSA campaign 03V472000

Aug 5, 2003 · WHEELS

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.

NHTSA campaign 03V279000

Oct 15, 2002 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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.

NHTSA campaign 02I003000

289 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2003 Ford CROWN VICTORIA

Owner Complaints

289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford CROWN VICTORIA (17 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 6 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Exterior Lighting96
Wheels43
Power Train34
Electrical System33
Suspension29
Engine And Engine Cooling12
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Mar 27, 2026 · Exterior Lighting
“I'm having problems with the lighting control module my high beam lights stop working. I see this year (2003) Ford crown Victoria has a recall for the lighting control module but mines isn't listed…”
Nov 28, 2025 · Exterior Lighting
“The contact's father owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that the headlamps would flash and failed to turn on or to turn off as intended. The contact stated that the failure initially…”
May 7, 2025 · Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Air Bags
“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…”
Apr 29, 2025 · Exterior Lighting
“The contact owns a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that both headlights were inoperable. The contact stated that the…”
Jun 20, 2024 · Exterior Lighting
“When driving at night and early mornings my head lights and tail lights will randomly go out when my light switch is set to automatic. I can turn it on manually and then I have head lights and brakes…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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