The issue is caused by the sedan's power steering pump. According to the automaker, it had replaced the prior generation's version with a smaller one to allow more road feel and greater fuel economy. Apparently, though, the new pump makes it more difficult for police officers to turn their vehicles.
Though Ford has replaced some of the pumps, most have been changed by the cities or dealerships out of their own pocketbooks. While Ford considers the issue to be a 'nuisance', several departments have expressed concerns that officers could be surprised by the tougher steering issue and overcompensate and cause an accident.
Over 55,000 Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors may have the issue. Our take? If the men and women in blue don’t seem significantly concerned, we're not concerned. Yet. Have any of those departments considered Dodge Chargers?
Additional articles:
Ford Recalls Over 100,000 Police Cars For A Wheel Check
Ford versus Buyers Over Car Fires