DETROIT, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Ford Motor Co. is recalling 370,000 cars in the United States and Canada, including some police cruisers, for a steering issue, a federal watchdog said Tuesday.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a release posted on its website that Ford is recalling 355,000 of its Ford Crown Victoria, including Victoria Police Interceptor, Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis cars made from 2005 through 2011.
Fox Business reported another 15,000 of the vehicles are being recalled in Canada.
The NHTSA said severe corrosion can cause the lower intermediate shaft to seize, causing the upper intermediate shaft to collapse and the steering column lower bearing to separate.
"If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash," the agency said.
Ford is notifying owners of the cars and dealers it will replace the lower intermediate shaft, free of charge. The upper intermediate shaft and steering column lower bearing will be inspected for any damage, and will be repaired or replaced as necessary, the NHTSA said.
If the steering column lower bearing has separated, a retainer clip will be installed.
The agency said the recall, number 13S08, is expected to begin Oct. 21.
Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
