Sell your 1997 Ford Crown Victoria for cash

The 1997 Ford Crown Victoria is a full-size car that came with a 4.6L 8-cyl engine. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.

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1997 Ford Crown Victoria at a glance

Body styleLarge Cars
Engines4.6L 8-cyl
TransmissionsAutomatic 4-spd
DriveRear-Wheel Drive
FuelNatural Gas, Regular Gasoline
Fuel economy15 city / 21–23 highway / 17–18 combined MPG
EPA annual fuel cost$2,550–$3,950 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles)
Tailpipe CO₂391–523 grams per mile
Versions tested by EPA3 configurations: Crown Victoria CNG, Crown Victoria, Crown Victoria Police
Age29 years

Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.

What affects its junk value

  • Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Crown Victoria's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
  • Weight: as a full-size car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
  • Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
  • Recalls: NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1997 Crown Victoria. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
  • Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling, typically around 84,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.

How junk car offers are calculated

1997 Ford Crown Victoria recalls

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls covering the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.

Vehicle Speed ControlFeb 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V051000

Ford is recalling 225,000 my 1992-2003 econoline, my 1993-1995 taurus sho, my 1992-1998 Crown Victoria, my 1993 bronco, f-series, my 1995-1997 f-series super duty stripped chassis, my 1992-1998 mercury grand marquis, and my 1992-1995 lincoln town car vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired using a wiring harness that…

Risk: As a result, the fuse is located in the output circuit rather than in the intended input power feed circuit, and may not offer the intended protection in the event of an electrical short to ground.

Vehicle Speed ControlAug 2007 · NHTSA campaign 07V336000

On certain pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, sport utility vehicles, and motor homes chassis, the speed control deactivation switch may, under certain conditions, leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn.

Risk: This could result in an underhood fire.

Service Brakes, HydraulicMar 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V086000

On certain passenger vehicles built with electronic traction control, the rear brake line may chafe due to contact between it and a floor pan stiffening rib, and a brake fluid leak may occur.

Risk: The brake pedal may develop a "spongy" feel and drops of brake fluid may be observed beneath the vehicle. Over time brake performance may be compromised and stopping distances could be extended which could lead to a crash.

Fuel System, OtherNov 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V472000

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.

Risk: If the strength of the tank is significantly compromised, it could rupture, increasing the risk of a fire.

Seat BeltsJun 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V157001

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket driver's seat belt assemblies that were sold by Ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt assemblies…

Risk: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

Seat BeltsJun 2000 · NHTSA campaign 00V157002

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles using aftermarket front passenger side seat belt assemblies that were sold by Ford parts departments from january 1, through june 13, 2000. These seat belt assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 209, "seat belt assemblies." the equipment involved is service stock seat belt…

Risk: In the event of a collision, these seat belts may not restrain an occupant increasing the risk of injury.

SuspensionDec 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V322000

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…

Risk: If this occurs while the vehicle is moving, reduced steering control could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Latches/Locks/LinkagesMar 1997 · NHTSA campaign 97V024000

Vehicle description: police and taxi vehicles. The hood latch striker can wear or become detached from the hood.

Risk: Either of these conditions can result in the hood opening without warning while the vehicle is being operated impairing the driver's visibility.

Common 1997 Crown Victoria problems

Owners have filed 288 complaints about the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria with NHTSA. 9 reports involved a crash and 15 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 18 injuries.

Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.

Most-reported components

  • Engine and Engine Cooling37
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic35
  • Fuel System, Gasoline20
  • Suspension19
  • Engine and Engine Cooling18
  • Engine and Engine Cooling17

Typical mileage when problems were reported

  • Engine and Engine Cooling84,000 mi
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic90,000 mi
  • Fuel System, Gasoline87,000 mi
  • Suspension76,000 mi
  • Engine and Engine Cooling84,000 mi
  • Engine and Engine Cooling77,000 mi

1997 Ford Crown Victoria service bulletins

Manufacturers have filed 167 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.

Most common bulletin topics

  • Fuel System22
  • Unknown or Other17
  • Service Brakes13
  • Power Train11
  • Engine and Engine Cooling10
  • Structure10

Recent bulletins

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 2008 · CSP 08B04

    Ford/lincoln mercury: certain 1992-2001 model year Crown Victoria, grand marquis, and town car vehicles registered in the states of wisconsin and connecticut upgrade modi

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 2007 · 07212

    Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 2005 · 05N04

    Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program is being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of

  • Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 2005 · 020503

    Guidance for cng tank inspection for vehicles produced after december 2, 1996. *tt update. *tt

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA opened 10 defect investigations covering the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria.

Engine and Engine CoolingDP05005 · opened Sep 2005, closed Jan 2006

Spark plug ejection from cylinder head

On september 6, 2005, odi received a petition requesting that the agency investigate allegations of engine spark plug ejection in certain model year 1997 through 2004 Ford vehicles with triton v-8 and v-10 engines.odi received a total of 474 non-duplicative complaints on the subject vehicles where the complainant, or t

Service Brakes, HydraulicEA03012 · opened Jul 2003, closed Apr 2005Led to recall 05V086000

Rear brake line failure

In a letter dated february 25, 2005, Ford motor company (Ford) notified odi that it would be conducting a customer satisfaction program (Ford no. 04b26) to correct a rear brake line chafing concern in approximately 44,000 model year (my) 1997 Ford Crown Victoria and grand marquis non-fleet vehicles equipped with electr

Service Brakes, HydraulicRQ03004 · opened Mar 2003, closed Jul 2003

Rear brake line failure

Odi has received 40 complaints alleging rear brake line failure in the subject vehicles, including 8 that have been received this year.an additional 192 reports and 478 warranty claims have been received from Ford.a leak in the rear brake line can cause extended stopping distance.a search of odi's complaint database fo

Fuel System, GasolineEA03001 · opened Jan 2003, closed Nov 2003Led to recall 03V472000

Cng tank explosion

In september 2002, a fuel cylinder in a natural gas powered vehicle (ngv) exploded during a fire.Ford and vrtc test engineers jointly examined the incident vehicle and reviewed testing to determine whether the performance of the pressure relief valve (prd) was proper.the purpose of a prd is to protect a compressed natu

SuspensionRQ03002 · opened Jan 2003, closed Jun 2003

Ball joint separation

See attached report.

Fuel System, GasolinePE02071 · opened Oct 2002, closed Jan 2003

Cng tank exploding in a fire

An explosion of a compressed natural gas (cng) tank should not be able to occur, as the tank is fitted with a pressure relief device (prd). This prd should release the cng in the tank, prior to the pressure reaching the tank burst pressure.the prd did not release in the subject wisconsin police cruiser explosion.NHTSA

Engine and Engine CoolingEA02025 · opened Sep 2002, closed Jun 2004

Speed control deactivation switch fires

Based on the low rate of fire incidents (2.5 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold) where failure of the scds is involved and the age of the vehicles ? 7 to 11 years ? A safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigatio

Vehicle Speed ControlDP02007 · opened Aug 2002, closed Dec 2002

Fuel-fed fires

The fars data shows that the risk of fire from impact in all directions in the subject vehicles is the same as all other sedans.the subject vehicles are not over represented with respect to the risk of fire in real-world high-energy crashes.a further discussion of issues related to post crash fires in the subject vehic

Fuel System, GasolineSQ01014 · opened Nov 2001, closed Oct 2002Led to recall 02I003000

Post rear end collision fires

There is no summary currently available

SeatsPE98041 · opened Jul 1998, closed Sep 1998

Front seat anchor bolt failure

The driver's seat, of the subject split-seat configuration, is secured to the vehicle floor pan with four bolts.a single bolt is located at both the front and rear of each of the two seat tracks.these tracks are located on each side of the seat.if the outboard-forward bolt fails, the seat is retained by 3 remaining bol

Selling a 1997 Crown Victoria: questions

How much is a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria worth for junk?

It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.

Can I junk a 1997 Crown Victoria that doesn't run?

Yes. We buy 1997 Crown Victorias that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.

Can I sell a 1997 Crown Victoria with open recalls?

Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Crown Victoria?

Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.

Sources

Data retrieved October 2026.

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