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2006 Ford Crown Victoria steering problems
critical
Owners of the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria have filed 27 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 111,320 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Q1 77kmed 111kQ3 156kn=23
Complaints
27
Recalls
2
Avg fix
$700
steering complaints on the Ford Crown Victoria, by model year
Of the 27 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
2 (18.2%)
100-125k
3 (27.3%)
125-150k
3 (27.3%)
150k+
3 (27.3%)
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.
How fast does it fail?
Cumulative share of the 11 mileage-bearing steering complaints filed against the 2006 Ford Crown Victoria by each odometer reading.
Median failure: 129,906 mi.
10% have failed by88,329 mi
Half the fleet by129,906 mi
90% have failed by156,000 mi
Curve based on owner-reported odometer mileage at the time of complaint. Reflects when owners filed, not when symptoms first appeared. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve.
Embed this failure-mileage curve
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<p style="font:12px/1.5 system-ui,sans-serif;color:#64748b;max-width:640px;margin:6px 0 0">Source: <a href="https://problemsbyvin.com/2006-ford-crown-victoria/steering-problems/" style="color:#b8540a;font-weight:600">2006 Ford Crown Victoria steering failure-mileage curve — ProblemsByVin</a></p>
What stands out
Steering accounts for 51% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Among the 7 model years of Ford Crown Victoria in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria, 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles manufactured March 23, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and 2005-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles manufactured March 8, 2004, to August 30, 2011, and on which the upper intermediate shaft was serviced during the course of safety recall 13V-385
Improper servicing of the upper intermediate shaft could cause the shaft to separate, which can then result in a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Ford will notify the owners of vehicles whose repair records reflect that the upper intermediate steering shaft was repaired during the course of the prior recall 13V-385. Dealers will inspect and replace the upper immediate shaft if necessary free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 14S25.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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.
Service Bulletin16-0072Apr 2016
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
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
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.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two primary steering failure patterns on the 2006 Crown Victoria: sudden column separation and bushing dislocation. In the separation cases, the steering shaft detaches with little or no warning, leaving the wheel free-spinning and unresponsive—some owners heard banging or clunking beforehand, others had none. Failures occurred across the mileage range (50,000 to 191,000 miles) and in at least one fatal collision at 3,000 miles where a steering column deformity was noted. Several owners who had the vehicle repaired under NHTSA Campaign 13V385000 or Ford Service Campaign 13S08 experienced repeat failures, sometimes within days of repair. The issue appears linked to a missing retainer bracket that should hold the steering column bearing—owners report dealers failed to install it during recall work. Steering wheel stiffness and seizure during turns also occur, and law enforcement reported power steering lockup during hard U-turns in fleet vehicles. One owner found electrical burning and smoke from the steering area. Repairs run over $1,500 with dealers citing parts unavailability and long waiting lists. The manufacturer declined repairs on older vehicles and cited recall completion as sufficient despite ongoing failures.
Same Ford Crown Victoria steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Steering column separation/shaft detachment
The steering column or steering shaft separates or detaches from its mounting, causing complete loss of steering control. Owners report the shaft coming loose, separating with no warning, or the steering becoming completely non-responsive.
When: Typically 50,000–191,000 miles; one case at 3,000 miles (fatal collision); some without mileage noted
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes free-spinning with no response; Banging, clunking, or abnormal sounds from steering; Sudden loss of all steering control; Steering shaft visibly loose with play under dash; Steering column coming apart; Airbag warning light illuminated (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Upper and lower steering shaft replacement; steering column bushing replacement; complete column replacement (in some cases repeated without permanent fix); owners report $1,500+ in repair costs; parts availability delays reported by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V385000 (Steering); Ford Service Campaign 13S08 (two-part recall); manufacturers have declined repairs on older vehicles citing age; dealers report extended waiting periods and unavailable parts
Steering column bushing separation/dislocation
The upper or lower steering column bushing separates, loosens, or dislocates, creating excessive play in the steering column and rendering steering unreliable or non-functional.
When: 88,329–111,000 miles reported; timing after recall completion also noted
Symptoms owners cite: Significant play in steering wheel; Steering wheel becomes loose or wobbly; Bushing visibly exposed (green plastic piece observed on floor mat); Loss of steering control; Steering wheel fractured and completely loosened
Codes mentioned:PE12025 (Steering: Column), 13V385000 (Steering), 13S08 – Ford Service Campaign (notes retainer bracket missing during partial recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column bushing replacement; retainer bracket installation to hold steering column bearing in position; in one case, dealer failed to install retainer, leading to reoccurrence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 13S08 noted as partial recall that may not complete full repair; owners report dealership did not install required retainer bracket; manufacturer declined responsibility
Steering wheel stiffness and seizure
Steering wheel becomes stiff, difficult to turn, or seizes completely during turns or normal driving. In one case, rust was identified as the cause.
When: 92,000–156,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes stiff or difficult to turn; Steering wheel seizes during turns; No warning lights illuminated; Rust visible on steering column components
Codes mentioned:13V385000 (Steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering shaft replacement recommended but not completed in reported cases; rust removal or column replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but did not assist in some cases; Campaign 13V385000 referenced
Power steering loss or lockup under hard turns
Momentary loss of power steering assist or steering lockup when executing hard U-turns or aggressive steering inputs, particularly reported by law enforcement training personnel with police-spec vehicles.
When: Low mileage (training conditions); production year 2006–2007
Symptoms owners cite: Momentary power steering loss during hard U-turns; Steering lockup or inability to complete turn; Issue occurs during normal patrol responses and training
Repairs/costs cited: TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) issued by Ford; investigation ongoing
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford TSB issued; police fleet monitoring and meeting scheduled with Ford technician
Steering column binding and universal joint wear
Lower and middle universal joints bind, suspected heat-related. Steering shaft does not travel on a true axis, causing the retaining ring to wear and eventually fail catastrophically.
When: No specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column retaining ring failure; Binding of lower and middle universal joints; Steering shaft not traveling on true axis; Catastrophic column separation imminent
Repairs/costs cited: Retaining ring replacement; universal joint alignment correction needed
Electrical smoke/burning smell from steering column
Electrical burning smell and smoke observed coming from around the steering wheel area while driving.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical burning smell; Smoke coming from around steering wheel
Steering pump lockup with no fluid leak
Steering system locking up while pump operates normally with no fluid leaks, indicating mechanical binding rather than hydraulic failure.
When: No mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: Steering locking up; Steering pump functioning normally; No power steering fluid leaks
Synthesized from 27 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
11 most recent
steering · 156,000 mi
· filed 11/20/2019
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford crown victoria,.while driving various speeds the steering wheel became stiff. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to prescott brothers Ford Lincoln of princeton, inc. (1502 w peru st, princeton, il 61356) where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
steering · 159,000 mi
· filed 10/23/2012
Was driving down hwy when I smelt electrical burning and noticed smoke coming from around the steering wheel. *tr
steering · 129,906 mi
· filed 10/11/2017
Steering column was coming apart. There was a small green plastic piece on the driver floor mat. I looked at the steering column by the brake pedal and the green bushing was totally exposed.
steering · 151,080 mi
· filed 10/01/2012
Inspection found dislocated bushing. *tr
steering · 124,389 mi
· filed 10/01/2012
Inspection found dislocated bushing. *tr
steering · 111,320 mi
· filed 10/01/2012
Inspection found dislocated bushing. *tr
steering · 88,329 mi
· filed 09/24/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford crown victoria. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection of a steering failure. The mechanic advised the contact that the steering column bushing on the upper steering column was loose. In addition, the mechanic advised the contact of a concurrent investigation pertaining to the failure under NHTSA action number:…
steering · 130,000 mi
· filed 09/18/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Ford crown victoria. While making a right turn at an unknown speed, the steering wheel seized and became very difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 13v385000 (steering); however, the failure persisted. The dealer stated that the upper intermediate shaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the…
steering · 77,118 mi
· filed 09/17/2012
Catastrophic failure of the steering column; column separating and total failure imminent. *tr
steering · 103,565 mi
· filed 09/12/2012
Catastrophic failure of the steering column; the steering column retaining ring failed. Binding of the lower and middle universal joints and believe it is heat related? Steering shaft not traveling on a true axis and a result is the retaining ring is being worn and eventually wears out. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2006 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 2006 Ford Crown Victoria?
It's a serious issue. 27 complaints have been filed, including 5 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 77,118 and 156,000 miles, with the median around 111,320. A quarter of owners report trouble before 77,118; a quarter make it past 156,000. 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?
Yes — 2 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
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/2006/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.