For 2005-2012 Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles, Regional Program 13R01 applies to vehicles not registered in corrosion states and not included in Safety Recall 13S08, where operation in high corrosion areas for an extended period may lead to corrosion in the lower intermediate steering shaft swing link. This may result in a compressed upper intermediate steering shaft and separation from the steering column, which can result in a loss of steering control. Vehicles covered under 13R01 that were inspected or repaired without replacement of the lower intermediate shaft, and have relocated to high corrosion areas, may experience subsequent corrosion of the lower inte
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 36 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 7 model years of Ford Crown Victoria we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 36.
Owners have filed 36 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Inpected or repaired under 13R01 - Requests for recall service action under 13S08
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION OF SWING LINK JOINTS, COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, RESULTING IN STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. MODEL 2005-2011 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR. UPDATED 04/23/14 UPDATED 07/10/15 UPDATED 7/15/15
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: SWING LINK JOINTS ON LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, HAS CORROSION, AND COMBINED WITH COLLAPSED UPPER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT, ON SOME VEHICLES, CAUSES STEERING COLUMN TO SEPARATE, LEADING TO STEERING CONTROL LOSS. MODEL 2005-2011 CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS, TOWN CAR.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LIGHT STEERING EFFORTS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Crown Victoria has a history of steering failures across multiple components. Corroded U-joints in the upper and lower steering shafts cause binding and stiffness, especially at low speeds; temporary relief comes from spraying lubricant, but the problem returns. Recall 13V385 replaced the lower shaft on many vehicles, but the upper shaft—experiencing identical corrosion—was not included, forcing some owners to pay $675–$900 for repairs even on recalled parts once warranty expired.
Exhaust heat shields rust away at their mounting points and separate, then wedge between the steering shaft and engine components, locking the wheel solid or causing severe binding. Removing the shield restores normal steering but leaves the vehicle unprotected.
More severe failures include steering column bearings or shafts separating completely, causing the wheel to spin freely with zero steering control—a hazard at any speed. One owner crashed at highway speed (65–70 mph) after the shaft disconnected; another paid $1,382 out-of-pocket after Ford denied warranty coverage. Steering columns also exhibit retaining ring failures tied to misalignment under heat, and tie rod failures have occurred even on low-mileage vehicles.
Ford recalls 13V385, 14V704, 13R01, and 13S08 address various steering defects, but the scope of coverage is inconsistent and warranty periods are short (3 months or 5,000 miles on recall parts).
Same Ford Crown Victoria steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Corroded steering shaft U-joints (upper and lower)
Universal joints in both upper and lower steering shafts corrode, causing binding, stiffness, difficult turning, and clunking noises. Corrosion prevents needle bearings from operating properly. Owners report spraying with lubricant as temporary fix. Affects steering feel and control.
When: Various mileages; one case at 150,000 miles; can occur soon after recall repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Steering binds or becomes stiff, especially at low speeds; Difficult to turn steering wheel; Loud clunking noise from steering column when wheel passes 6 o'clock position; Steering feels like it is catching or being blocked; Intermittent steering difficulty that improves temporarily with lubrication
Repairs/costs cited: Factory recall 13V385 replaced lower shaft; upper shaft corrosion not covered. One owner paid $888.31 CAD ($675.95 USD) for repair of recall part re-experiencing same corrosion after 3-month/5000 km warranty expired. Temporary relief from WD-40 or lubricant spray.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V385000 (steering); Recall 14V704000 (steering). Dealer stated upper shaft not part of recall. Recall warranty limited to 3 months or 5000 km (3125 miles); paid repairs covered under 2-year unlimited mileage warranty per one owner report.
Exhaust heat shield separation and lodging in steering mechanism
Heat shields from exhaust manifold or headers rust away at mounting bolts and detach, then lodge between steering shaft/knuckle and exhaust components. Causes immediate steering lock-up or severe binding when wedged. Owners report removing shields to restore steering function. Repeated contact can damage steering shaft and other components.
When: Occurs during normal driving; one case at 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Steering becomes intermittently difficult—alternating between normal and stuck; Steering feels blocked by something solid; Visual confirmation of corroded, detached heat shield lodged in steering area; Steering returns to normal after heat shield is removed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair cost given where owner removed heat shield themselves. One complaint mentions shield still absent from vehicle. Owners note the shields are concave and do not collapse, making them effective blockers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory response documented for heat shield defect in complaints. One dealership noted the issue in diagnosis.
Steering shaft separation or disconnection from steering column
Steering shaft falls out of or completely disconnects from the steering column, resulting in total loss of mechanical steering control. Wheel spins freely with no effect on vehicle direction. One crash reported at 65–70 mph. Owners report this should not happen without collision, yet occurred without prior warning.
When: One case at 90,000 miles (post-recall); one at 65–70 mph highway incident; one at 5 mph turn attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel spins freely or rotates more than 360 degrees with no vehicle response; Complete loss of steering control; No warning before failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,381.75 for repair. Dealer stated shaft fell out of column (should not happen unless in collision). Service manager and experienced mechanic (50+ years) both stated they had never seen this failure mode before.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denied coverage or assistance in one case; owner paid full repair cost. One vehicle had recall 13S08 completed 10/10/14 before shaft disconnection failure on 10/06/15 (one year later).
Upper steering column bearing defect and separation
Upper steering column bearing or upper intermediate shaft becomes defective, causing the bearing or shaft to separate or shift out of alignment. Owners report a bluish-green bearing that disconnects from upper shaft or lower shaft. Bearing or joint fails to maintain connection, preventing steering control.
When: Cases reported between 90,000 and 150,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes loose or feels disconnected; Power steering assist fails intermittently; Bearing or joint separates and no longer connects shaft components; Complete loss of steering control when bearing disconnects
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to restart vehicle to temporarily restore steering. Failure recurred on multiple occasions. Dealer diagnosis indicated upper intermediate shaft needed replacement. Police agencies reported this defect in police interceptor Crown Vics.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V704000 addresses steering; one owner's failure recurred even after recall repair. Recall 13R01 mentioned for steering column shaft in one complaint.
Steering column retaining ring failure and universal joint binding
Steering column retaining ring fails catastrophically, causing binding in lower and middle universal joints. Owners believe heat causes steering shaft to misalign, wearing out the retaining ring. Shaft does not travel on true axis, leading to wear and eventual failure.
When: Not specified in complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column begins to separate; Binding of lower and middle universal joints; Steering wheel is very difficult to move left and right
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details or costs provided in complaints.
Steering linkage and tie rod failures
Steering linkage assembly and tie rod components fail, causing difficult and unresponsive steering. Owners report tie rod failure on a vehicle with only 6,000 miles. Linkage failures more pronounced at lower speeds.
When: One tie rod failure at 6,000 miles (1 year old vehicle); tie rod failures at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes difficult and not responsive; Problem more pronounced at slower speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Steering linkage assembly replacement at considerable expense. One tie rod failure with 6,000 miles resulted in side-swiping a parked truck; police report filed.
Power steering fluid loss or pump failure
Power steering system loses assist, making steering extremely difficult. One report notes smoke coming from vehicle when power steering suddenly failed, suggesting possible fluid leak or pump overheating.
When: Not specified; one case during highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist suddenly fails; Steering becomes almost impossible to turn; Smoke observed coming from vehicle in one case
Loose steering wheel and steering column defects
Steering wheel becomes loose on column, reducing steering control and responsiveness. One new vehicle exhibited loose steering wheel at delivery; steering column had to be replaced by dealer, but issue persisted or related problems remained.
When: New vehicle at delivery; one case at 40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes loose; Vehicle requires engine restart to temporarily correct loose steering; Failure recurs on multiple occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced steering column on new vehicle; horn issue also present and required separate repair.
Steering stiffness and delayed response during highway driving
Steering becomes stiff and unresponsive during long road trips or highway driving. Wheel feels like it floats or delays responding to input, as if steering is catching or being blocked. Multiple mechanics unable to diagnose root cause despite inspecting fluids, rack, pump, and greasing components.
When: During long road trips; can worsen gradually over time
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels stiff on long road trips; Steering wheel floats away from intended direction; Delayed steering response; Feels like steering is catching or blocked; Eventually progresses to total steering lock-up requiring brute force
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports steering rod looked strange in movement and arm appeared bent; mechanic stated never seen this before. Owner unable to drive vehicle and unable to find mechanic able to diagnose and fix issue.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Recieved information regarding the lost of steering in the 2005 - 2008 Ford crown victoria police interceptors that police agencies where experiencing. After contacting our local dealer and Ford, we were provided with a picture of a light blue/green bearing that is under the dash. We had this vehicle inspected and it was found to have a defect in this bearing which is near the locking column.…
On 10/06/2015 the vehicle in question was travelling at 65-70mph in the left hand lane of a highway going straight ahead when operator lost complete steering due to the steering shaft becoming disconnected from the steering column resulting in single vehicle crash. The vehicle had a recall completed on 10/10/14 -13s08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Ford crown victoria. The contact stated that while making a right turn at approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper intermittent shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was previously serviced…
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Ford Crown Victoria?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Ford Crown Victoria?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 32 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 70,000 and 128,848 miles, with the median around 101,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 128,848. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Ford/Crown Victoria.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.