Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2 | 22% | 30,000 miles |
| 2010 | 6 | 24% | 60,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 19% | 175,000 miles |
| 2008 | 23 | 29% | 66,000 miles |
| 2007 | 9 | 9% | 140,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 9% | 135,000 miles |
| 2005 | 20 | 4% | 124,000 miles |
| 2004 | 65 | 19% | 85,000 miles |
| 2003 | 28 | 8% | 98,000 miles |
| 2002 | 9 | 12% | 90,000 miles |
| 2001 | 11 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 2000 | 18 | 11% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 16 | 10% | 90,000 miles |
| 1998 | 17 | 12% | 83,000 miles |
| 1997 | 22 | 7% | 75,000 miles |
| 1996 | 21 | 9% | 134,000 miles |
| 1995 | 24 | 13% | 98,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash. Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash
The road was dry and bare. I felt a right rear skid (?"black ice"). I tried to turn steering wheel to correct the skid and it was locked. It jerked out of my hands, the engine roared and the car flew to the left across the road into a large tree. I had no control over the steering wheel. On impact of the tree, there was no balloon with air bag deployment, only pungent fumes and white flecks. The car was towed and totaled.
About a month ago I contacted Beechmont Ford (600 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, Ohio 45245) in reference to Manufacturer Recall Number # 13S08 NHTSA Recall Number # 13V385000. I've wrote them three time and they have not responded. A week ago I chatted with Fords Hotline and they said they would do what they could. I've heard nothing back. Where do I go from here?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering wheel. The contact also stated that the vehicle had to be placed in neutral to be started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. Sunny king Ford (1507 s quintard ave, anniston, al 36201, [phone]) was contacted to schedule a second diagnostic test, but the contact was having difficulty getting the vehicle to the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 13V385000 (steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: cas-22278603. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering felt loose. The contact stated that the power steering was still operable however, the vehicle would drift to the left or right with no input on the steering wheel. The contact stated that he would correct the steering and the vehicle would continue to drift to the right and to the left. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed and the mechanic related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V385000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the lower intermediate shaft was replaced. The contact stated that it was determined that the upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing did not need to be replaced at the time. Several years after the recall repair was completed, the steering column began lowering unintendedly, and a zip tie was used to keep it in place. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Called Walker Ford in Clearwater, FL on 12/27/2025 at 09:35 am. I reported to them that two recalls that would pertain to my car, 13S08 and 13R01 needed to be performed as my steering bearing retainer has failed. They informed me it was repaired, but it has failed again. According to my research, regardless if its been performed or not, Ford is still liable to fix it again. A possible loss of steering could result in death or injury if not addressed. My contact info is [redacted] Thanks!
On September 29, 2017 around 9-10 pm , my husband had just picked me up from work and I was 6 months pregnant, we were driving down the highway and a car on the opposite side of the highway pulled out from the light and hit us on the driver side wheel and fender and broke the steering knuckle, the rack and pinion and broke the steering wheel loose, also the suspension. My car was disabled from the accident. I also had to be rushed to the hospital because I was having contractions so they wanted to make sure my baby was okay. Also the driver hit us and ran. The cops never found the car. In order for me to get my car back on the road I had to purchase a steering column, a rack and pinion, and steering knuckle and suspension out of my own pocket. I was never informed of a recall.
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during…
Remedy: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385.
Steering
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria 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,…
Remedy: 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 to identify any damage that may have…
Frequently asked questions
Which Mercury Grand Marquis years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (65), 2003 (28), 1995 (24), 2008 (23) and 1997 (22) model years. Steering complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-704 (pinion shaft, Nov 5, 2014); 13V-385 (steering, Aug 29, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mercury Grand Marquis steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 miles; 15% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (24 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (19).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.