Ford Recalls 2005-2011 Vehicles for Steering Column Corrosion Risk
Ford is recalling 2005-2011 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car vehicles in specific states because severe corrosion can cause steering loss.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (steering column corrosion) that can lead to loss of steering and a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including 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.
The recall addresses a defect where severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft. This 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 for damage 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.
The recalled product
- Product
- MERCURY, FORD, LINCOLN GRAND MARQUIS, CROWN VICTORIA, TOWN CAR
- Brand
- MERCURY
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 355,000
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- GRAND MARQUIS
- CROWN VICTORIA
- TOWN CAR
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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