A Ford recall of 373,000 Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car models has been announced due to a potential corrosion to the steering shaft that could result in a loss of steering.
No collisions or injuries have been reported due to a steering wheel failure, according to Ford.
The recall will affect all of those models produced between 2005-2011 that were registered in the "Salt Belt" states, in which large quantities of salt are applied to roads during the winter season to control snow and ice.
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The states affected by the recall include: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as Washington D.C.
Beginning Oct. 21, dealers will inspect the cars and may replace the lower intermediate steering shaft and if necessary re-secure a lower steering column bearing and replace the upper intermediate steering shaft,
the Associated Press reported.
Of the 373,000 vehicles being recalled, approximately 355,000 cars are in the U.S. and 18,368 in Canada.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into the matter after having received 15 reports and warranty claims involving 2005-2008 police interceptor models in connection to steering shaft separation issues,
MSN notes.
In subsequent months, Ford launched its own review of the models and found that at least 14 police cars in Maryland, Connecticut and Michigan had steering failures. Several of the vehicles cited in the Ford report had previously been involved in frontal collisions, though they were apparently not related to steering shaft corrosion.
Ford owners in the "Salt Belt" states will receive a recall letter in the coming weeks, while owners in other states can also ask for inspections and repairs, the AP notes.
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In June,
Ford issued a recall for 465,000 2013 models including the Fusion, Explorer, and Taurus after the company received hundreds of complaints of fuel tank leaks that could have resulted in fires.
Ford said a fuel delivery module in the tank could leak and that it had received 600 consumer complaints as of March 31.
Models include the 2013 Ford Fusion, Flex, Explorer, Taurus, Interceptor Sedan, and Interceptor Utility, as well as the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, MKS, and MKT.