NHTSA Complaint #11517407 — 2006 FORD CROWN VICTORIA

The contact owns a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, there were banging, clunking and abnormal sounds coming from the steering wheel. The contact veered to the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the steering shaft was loosened and there was significant play under the driver's side dash between the firewall. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper and lower steering shaft were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact was able to pull into his parent's driveway. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the steering column bushing had separated and there was significant play in the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel fractured and became completely loosened. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was previously repaired under Ford Service Campaign Number: 13S08; however, the contact stated that the dealer had failed to install the retainer to hold the steering column bearing in position. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.