Eight problems related to steering wheel have been reported for the 1996 Ford Crown Victoria. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The ignition switch will release the ignition key before it is in the proper off position. At times there is a warning sound and other times there is none. With the ignition key removed before the off position it will allow the car to be started without a key. This presents two risks: one - the car can be stolen, second a child could accidentally start the car and put the car in gear.
Steering locks up and will not return.
Steering loks up and will not return.
Steering locks up and will not return.
Police cruiser: when turning corners, the steering wheel is very tight and hard to turn. Would have to force it manually, to original position. This makes it hard to drive or control vehicle.
Steering sticks intermittently, releases with excessive force.
Consumer wa sdriving and sometimes the steering jerks, also front end misalignment, while going around curves to the left, steering wheel will suddenly pull left, almost causing loss of control.
The steering column has deteriorated while making a turn. The wheel does not return, and it started locking up, making it difficult for the consumer to straighten the wheel. This is a police vehicle. Dealer has been contacted.