2011 Ford Crown Victoria

The composite (plastic) intake manifold on the 4.6L Modular V8 is prone to cracking at the coolant crossover passage, causing an external or internal coolant leak. Internal leaks can allow coolant to enter the engine oil or combustion chambers, while external leaks produce visible coolant dripping. This affects most Panther-platform vehicles from 1996-2011.

Replace the intake manifold with an updated design that features an improved coolant crossover. Dorman and other aftermarket brands offer reinforced replacement manifolds. Replace all intake gaskets and the thermostat while the manifold is off. Flush the cooling system after repair.

Crown Victorias equipped with the optional rear air suspension (common on Police Interceptor models) experience air spring bladder leaks and compressor burnout. The rear of the vehicle sags overnight, and the compressor runs continuously trying to maintain ride height until it overheats and fails.

Replace the failed air springs with new air spring assemblies or convert to conventional coil springs using a conversion kit. If converting, install a bypass module to eliminate the suspension warning light. Replace the compressor if it has burned out.

The HVAC blend door actuator frequently fails, causing the climate control to blow only hot air, only cold air, or different temperatures on each side. A clicking or tapping noise behind the dashboard when the HVAC is turned on is a telltale sign of a failing actuator motor.

Replace the blend door actuator. On the Crown Victoria, the driver-side actuator is accessible from under the dashboard without removing the entire dash assembly. The passenger side is more labor-intensive. Use a Motorcraft actuator for reliability.

The 4R75E four-speed automatic transmission develops a torque converter shudder felt during light throttle acceleration between 35-55 mph. The vibration is caused by worn torque converter clutch lining material contaminating the transmission fluid. High-mileage police interceptor models are especially prone.

Perform a complete transmission fluid flush with Mercon V fluid. If the shudder returns, the torque converter needs replacement. For police interceptor models with heavy use, consider installing a heavy-duty aftermarket torque converter. Regular fluid changes every 30,000 miles help prevent the issue.

The front lower ball joints wear out prematurely, causing a clunking noise over bumps, uneven tire wear, and a loose or wandering feel in the steering. Police interceptor models with heavy use and high mileage are especially susceptible. A severely worn ball joint can separate, causing loss of steering control.

Replace both lower ball joints as a pair. Perform a front-end alignment after replacement. Inspect the upper ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar end links at the same time, as they often wear simultaneously on high-mileage Panther-platform vehicles.

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.

Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.

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.

If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected to identify any damage that may have occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, and repaired or replaced as necessary. If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed. The recall began on October 23, 2013. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall number is 13S08.