Ford Recall Addresses Potential Steering Problems

Ford issued a recall for 370,000 cars to address a potential steering issue. Some of the vehicles may have corrosion on the steering shaft, which could result in a loss of steering if the lower bearing separates.

The recall includes the 2005 to 2011 models of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and the Lincoln Town Car. The automaker listed 22 states affected, most of which see moderate snowfall and are known for salting their roads in winter.

CBS Detroit reports that Ford will notify owners of the recalled vehicles. Dealers will replace the vehicle’s lower intermediate steering shaft for free.

The upper immediate shaft and steering column will also be inspected for corrosion or other damage that may have resulted from the lower shaft’s issues. If there is an issue, those parts will be replaced as well.

ABC News notes that states involved in the recall include: Connecticut, Delaware, 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, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

Owners in states not involved in the recall can still ask for inspections and repairs at their local Ford dealership. No serious accidents or injuries have been reported from the recall issue.

Corrosion on the steering shaft can cause the lower bearing to separate. The separation results in a loss of steering, which could lead to an accident.

The Ford recall is expected to begin on October 21 and the automaker will notify owners of all 370,000 vehicles involved. Of those, 355,000 are in the United States and the remainder are in Canada.

The recall comes after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into complaints related to the 2005 to 2008 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Regional recalls are nothing new, but consumer advocates have long criticized them. While the recall is not for every vehicle that could have issue, those who live outside the recall states can still have their car repaired for free.

[Image by tx-re via Wikimedia Commons]