Cops, old people, and anybody who rides in a taxi should know Ford is recalling 38,645 Crown Victorias, Mercury Grand Marquis', and Lincoln Town Cars because the last time they recalled those cars, they may or may not have done something "that could potentially result in a loss of steering."
At this point the company is aware of only "one accident and no injuries attributed to this condition." So they've got that going for them, which is nice.
Recall details:
The vehicles being recalled include certain 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, March 23, 2004 to Aug. 30, 2011; certain 2005-2011 Mercury Grand Marquis vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, March 23, 2004 to Aug. 30, 2011; certain 2005-2007 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at Wixom Assembly, March 8, 2004 to June 5, 2007 and certain 2008-2011 Lincoln Town Car vehicles built at St. Thomas Assembly, Aug. 28, 2007 to Aug. 30, 2011.
If your Panther-platform Ford falls into that range, you can bring it to a Ford dealer who will inspect-and-replace the upper intermediate steering shaft if it's broken. While they're in there, they're meant to inspect the steering column lower bearing and install a bearing retainer kit if necessary as well.
Now you have one more thing to worry about as you're hurled around the back seat of a cab like a moonshine jar in the trunk of the General Lee on your way uptown!
Image via Ariane Hunter/Flickr