Photo: Ford
The NHTSA is hard at work nowadays, the most recent preliminary evaluation looking into a potential issue with the Ford Crown Victoria. The Office of Defects Investigation has received 5 complaints alleging incidents of steering shaft obstruction caused by interference from a dislodged heat shield.
Not only the 2004 – 2007 Ford Crown Vic, but the Mercury Grand Marquis and the 2004 – 2005 Mercury Marauder are also investigated because of jammed steering. People that complained reported either tight steering work or complete lockup, with one injury already connected to the problem after a 2004 Ford Crown Vic's steering wheel froze and led to a rollover accident. In this particular case, investigators are suspecting salt corrosion to be at fault for the misbehaving steering shaft.
Thankfully, the driver of the Crown Vic has sustained only minor injuries. All 5 complaints indicated that the driver's side exhaust manifold shield can dislodge due to corrosion of the attachment bolts and become jammed between the manifold and steering shaft preventing the steering from turning or requiring excessive force to overcome it. Classified as NHTSA Action Number PE14021, the issue could potentially affect an estimated 500,000 vehicles in total.
This and the aforementioned accident and complaints are what triggered the NHTSA to open a preliminary evaluation to assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the defect. If the steering column shaft obstruction turns out to be a wider spread problem than it is now, the Blue Oval will be forced to announce a recall operation and contact affected owner in order to schedule a visit to the nearest dealer service department.
Thankfully, the driver of the Crown Vic has sustained only minor injuries. All 5 complaints indicated that the driver's side exhaust manifold shield can dislodge due to corrosion of the attachment bolts and become jammed between the manifold and steering shaft preventing the steering from turning or requiring excessive force to overcome it. Classified as NHTSA Action Number PE14021, the issue could potentially affect an estimated 500,000 vehicles in total.
This and the aforementioned accident and complaints are what triggered the NHTSA to open a preliminary evaluation to assess the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the defect. If the steering column shaft obstruction turns out to be a wider spread problem than it is now, the Blue Oval will be forced to announce a recall operation and contact affected owner in order to schedule a visit to the nearest dealer service department.
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