NHTSA recall 13V-385 (13V385000)
steering recall reported August 29, 2013 - about 355,000 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 13V385000
- Also written as
- 13V-385
- Manufacturer number
- 13S08
- Reported
- August 29, 2013
- Vehicles affected
- ~355,000
- Component
- steering
What is being recalled
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.
Why it is dangerous
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
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 repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 13V-385 when calling a dealer.
Affected 3 models
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.