Two problems related to hood latch have been reported for the 1997 Ford Crown Victoria. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The hood cover came loose while the car was moving on the highway, but was caught by a latch at the horizontal position.
While driving my wife's 1997 Ford crown vic at approx 55 mph the hood flew open. The latch separated from the hood. The only damage was to the car and our nerves. I will have it repaired at a local body shop this week.