Ford recalls 370,000 vehicles due to steering risk

Ford Motor Co. said Friday it was recalling about 370,000 vehicles in North America due to possible corrosion of the steering shaft that could cause a loss of steering. The recall, affecting the 2005-2011 model years of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car vehicles, will take place in high-corrosion US states and Canadian provinces, Ford said in a statement. About 355,000 of the recalled cars are located in the US and some 15,000 in Canada. The vehicles are affected by de-icing chemicals used on roads during winter months. Ford said it would replace the lower intermediate steering shaft and, if necessary, replace the upper intermediate steering shaft. The corrosion problem "may potentially result in loss of steering," the US automaker said. "We are not aware of any accidents or injuries attributed to this condition," it said. Ford said that any customers who have concerns regarding their vehicles' steering would also be able to have their vehicles inspected and repaired if necessary.