Intake manifold, which was under recall, began leaking. This has been a problem with all of our Crown Victorias, from 1996 models to 2001 models.
The transmission shifts good and hard, but had to be rebuilt at 37,000 miles. No problems with it since.
The rear shocks had to be replaced with air shocks. The standard shocks just could not handle the extra weight of the gear that I carry.
Two ignition coils have been replaced on the car. They got engine coolant in them when the intake manifold cracked and began leaking.
One other defect is the wiring harness to the engine cooling fan becomes brittle and the negative wire separates at the connector. This has been a big problem with all of our 1998 Crown Victorias.
The car handles extremely well and can take turns at unreasonable speeds.
Although not extremely quick off the line, it does have good top end speed.
The air conditioner is also extremely good. It has left condensation on the inside of the windows in the middle of the summer while at idle down here in Texas.
Except for the problems stated above, the car has been reliable and a good performer.
I own a 91 and the car is a tank I love it the only thing that went wrong in the two years I have had it is a alternator, other than that it has just been tire's from leaving down rubber.
I have a 1996 Crown Victoria. The wiring harness mentioned above went bad on mine too, at 71,000 miles and the manifold cracked at same mileage. Air conditioning major repair at 50,000 miles. New brake rotors needed at 62,000 miles and needed a fan clutch at 63,000 miles. We like the car, its room and handling, but feel its labor/maintenance intensive. I can't believe the manifold is made out of plastic and have been told that this 96 is not under recall.
I have a 96 Grand Marquis. While driving on the highway I noticed white smoke behind me. I found the intake maniford had cracked. A mechanic told me Ford had a recall on them, but when I picked it up I was told the recall had expired on the 96 models. I thought the price was terrible for a piece of plastic.
Plastic imput manifold on my 1087 grand marquis has cracked twice to tune of $1600 discussion with ford general manager gets no response to my question does ford discriminate between bulk owners and individual owners since crown vic's police vehicles have been subject of recalls.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site