The problem
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, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Severe corrosion can seize the lower intermediate shaft which may cause the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
The risk
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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 occurred as a result of lower intermediate shaft corrosion, 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. Ford's recall number is 13S08.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 13V-385 (13V385000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 13S08 |
| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Component | Steering |
| Report date | August 29, 2013 |
| Owners notified | October 23, 2013 |
| Vehicles affected | 355,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2005 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2006 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2008 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2009 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2010 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
- 2005 Lincoln Town Car
- 2006 Lincoln Town Car
- 2007 Lincoln Town Car
- 2008 Lincoln Town Car
- 2009 Lincoln Town Car
- 2010 Lincoln Town Car
- 2011 Lincoln Town Car
- 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2007 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2010 Mercury Grand Marquis
- 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis
Owner complaints about the steering
- 2005 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 36
- 2006 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 27
- 2007 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 25
- 2008 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 25
- 2009 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 17
- 2010 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 7
- 2011 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems 12
- 2005 Lincoln Town Car steering problems 8
- 2006 Lincoln Town Car steering problems 13
- 2007 Lincoln Town Car steering problems 18
- 2008 Lincoln Town Car steering problems 3
- 2009 Lincoln Town Car steering problems 1
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 13V-385 repair free?
Yes. Ford dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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 occurred as a result of lower intermediate…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 355,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.