TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 FORD CROWN VICTORIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND CONTINUED TO TURN. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CURB, WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD, FACE, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES ALONG WITH ARM BURNS THAT WERE CAUSED BY THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (JACK BYRNE FORD, 1003 HUDSON RIVER RD., MECHANICVILLE, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.