2004 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems

Filed Feb 8, 2022 · Steering · MA

I was informed by my mechanic that my steering column shaft needs to be replaced on my 2004 primary vehicle. Ford says they do not have a recall and will not cover the service. I have a recall for THE SAME ISSUE for my (not currently driving) 2005 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor made in the SAME LOCATION (St. Thomas). 2005 Manufacturer Recall Number 13S08, the federal safety agency Recall Number 13V385000). The recall includes cars originally sold in NH (both of mine) and says: 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. Safety Risk: IF THE LOWER BEARING SEPARATES, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF STEERING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. How can Ford say there is no issue when there is an active recall for it on model years 2005-2011? Have there been reported issues/crashes of 2004 cars with this defect? Is there anything I can do to have Ford cover this? Or are they not bothering because there probably aren't many 2004s still on the road? Is it possible to get Ford to provide the manufacturer lot/date codes of the defective steering parts? As my 2004 & 2005 were built in the same location, I would bet my 2004 was built with the same steering part manufacturer lot as my 2005- they probably don't turn out the volume of police Interceptors as commercial cars. Thank you

Filed Aug 22, 2019 · Steering · 96,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford crown victoria. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized while turning right or left. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred periodically. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was 96,000.

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Steering · 83,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford crown victoria. While driving at unknown speeds, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the steering shaft and steering linkage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 83,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 200,000 miles · CA

I was driving and all the sudden I start hearing this real loud noise coming from passenger rear and all my brake lights ABS lights and traction lights came on . Well I was told it was wheel seals come to gind out there is a bit grove out of shaft wherr bearing rides. And shaft is very week

Filed Mar 12, 2017 · Steering · 130,000 miles · OH

Lower steering shaft loose rusted front end wobbles.

Filed Jan 14, 2016 · Steering · 174,000 miles · MD

Vehicle became increasingly hard to steer at all speeds over a period of several months. The steering wheel would bind and become stiff at multiple positions during turns, but could still be steered with additional effort. During low speed turning it would take an unreasonable amount of effort to steer the vehicle. Investigation and inspection revealed that the multiple universal joints on the steering linkages in the engine compartment were heavily rusted and corroded, resulting in poor movement and the stiff steering. Linkages were cleaned and lubricated and steering returned to normal. During repair it was noticed that the exhaust heat shield was also heavily corroded and beginning to separate from the mounting hardware. If the heat shield separates from the exhaust manifold it will interfere with the steering linkages. The heat shield was removed. I believe that other model years were recalled for both of these issues. According to the federal safety agency there are no recalls on my vehicle.

Filed Sep 16, 2015 · Steering · 106,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized making it difficult to make a left turn. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2015 · Steering · 140,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 ford crown victoria. While driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2015 · Steering · 152,000 miles · NH

While steering, the steering column seems to lock and click when moving from side to side. Could actually feel it thru the steering wheel. It gets hard to turn and have to fight it to move the steering wheel.

Filed Oct 10, 2014 · Steering · 55,500 miles · KY

When making a turn, I felt a hitch in the steering,like it doesn't want to turn smoothly. It has gotten worse and checking under the hood reveals rusted steering column shafts with universal joints with no zerk fittings. While checking with the ford parts counter, I found out there has been a recall on these parts.I called ford motor company & gave them my v.I.n. And they tell me there is no recall on this for my vehicle. So I did an internet search and find that there is a recall on this very same thing for 2005-2011 crown victoria's(ford recall # 13s08). If my 2004 crown victoria has the same steering with the same parts with the same defect, why is it not included in the recall?