Ford Recalls Large Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Sedans

Ford Motor Company is recalling 370,000 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury large sedans because of a potential steering issue.

Ford Crown Victoria Sedans during production in 2011 (Ford Motor Company)

The New York Times reports, “The action covers Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car models from 2005 through 2011, Kelli Felker, a Ford spokeswoman, wrote in an e-mail. The recall is in effect in 22 states and the District of Columbia and includes about 195,000 Crown Victoria police cars.” The paper adds that the recall follows an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration into steering complaints regarding police models of the 2005 to 2008 Ford Crown Victoria.
Though Ford says it does not know of any accidents or injuries related to the recall, the company told The Times that corrosion could affect the steering shaft, which could cause a loss of steering.
The Associated Press says, “Dealers will inspect the cars and may replace the lower intermediate steering shaft and if necessary resecure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft.”
The recall impacts cars in 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 who live in other states can request a vehicle inspection from Ford.