Recall 15V861 affects 296,004 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis vehicles for lighting control module failure. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford recall 15V861 covers 296,004 2003-2005 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis vehicles because the lighting control module can fail and result in a loss of headlights. A loss of headlights reduces driver visibility and increases crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Ford makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The lighting control module in recall 15V861 is the electronic switch box that controls headlight power on 2003-2005 Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis vehicles. When the headlight switch is on, the module uses an internal relay to send electrical power to the headlights so the lamps stay lit while driving.
On affected vehicles, the headlight relay inside that module has insufficient solder at six terminals. Solder is the metal joint that holds an electrical connection in place. Heat changes and vibration can crack those joints, and a cracked joint interrupts power to the headlights. The result is poor headlight performance, from dimming or intermittent outage to full headlight loss.
Before the headlights go out, owners can notice intermittent headlight operation or flickering. Those are warning signs that the lighting control module is losing a steady electrical connection.
Who's affected?
Covers Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis sedans across the 2003-2005 model years, with the same headlight component listed for each scope.
| 2004 Ford Crown Victoria | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2003 Ford Crown Victoria | Headlights |
| 2004 Mercury Grand Marquis | Headlights |
| 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis | Headlights |
| 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis | Headlights |
| 2005 Ford Crown Victoria | Headlights |
| Units affected | 296,004 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 636 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of headlights reduces driver visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Intermittent operation or flickering headlights are warning signs; if they appear, use caution, avoid night driving, and schedule service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis is included in this recall.
- Watch for Ford's owner notice before scheduling the free lighting-control-module replacement.
- Call a franchised Ford dealer with recall number 15V861 and ask when the LCM repair for headlight loss is available for your VIN.
- Bring the recall notice if Ford has mailed one, or give the dealer recall number 15V861 when you call.
- Avoid night driving until the repair is complete, since LCM failure can cause headlight loss.
What happens at the repair
Ford lists the final dealer repair as under development, so confirm with the dealer before assuming parts and instructions are open. Once available, a Ford technician will replace the lighting control module, the part tied to headlight operation. The final dealer repair will be free under the recall. If you already paid for an LCM related repair before the recall notice, Ford's general reimbursement plan applies, with eligibility ending February 29, 2016. Contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 with prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 22, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 22, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 19, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 19, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 14, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V861?
Recall 15V861 covers 296,004 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles with a lighting control module that can fail and cause loss of headlights. That loss of lighting reduces driver visibility and increases crash risk. Ford dealers replace the LCM for free.
What should I do if my 2003-2005 Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V861. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask to schedule the lighting control module replacement. Reference recall number 15V861 and Ford recall number 15S39 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers replace the lighting control module free of charge under recall 15V861, regardless of where the vehicle was bought.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of headlights while driving. Without headlights, the driver has reduced visibility and other road users have less warning of the vehicle's position, increasing crash risk. If your headlights fail, avoid night driving and contact a Ford dealer about the free recall repair.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis is included, then give recall number 15V861 to the Ford dealer service desk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V861000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V861 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V861000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →