1996 Ford Taurus: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine · CA

Headlights would only work some of the time. Dealer replaced defective headlight switch. The engine developed a high pitched squeal, almost like a belt squeal. It was determined the cam synchronizer was defective. At that time the cam position sensor was also found to be defective. The magnet was falling out. The coolant overflow bottle was discolored, leaking and full of cracks causing antifreeze to pour out of the cooling system. Ford acknowledges there is a bank to bank coolant flow imbalance on some 1996 model year taurus leading to contaminated/corroded coolant. Recall 98b23 was performed. But the damage was already done to the rest of the cooling system.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · CA

This car continually stalls out , the battery light comes on, the engine repair light comes on, the underneath suspension squeeks and groans, the brakes squeak, the wheel doesn't turn when the car stalls out. It has happened numerous times when I am turning a corner, the car stalls out and the wheel will not turn. Now the computor systems are not working the air conditioning. I have to restart the car to get the radio and the air conditioning to start up. These things happen but no one can find a problem.

Filed Dec 7, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 30,000 miles · TX

Vehicle loses power steering after driving through standing water. Serpentine belt squeals for about 20 seconds and when the noise stops the steering power is restored.

Filed Mar 27, 2002 · Engine, Visibility · LA

The consumer turned on the heater and defroster and cold air along with a mist that filled the inside of the vehicle and covered the windshield. The consumer had to use paper napkins to clear the windows. The heater core is an existing problem that reoccurs every 3 months since april 2001. The dealer was notified. Nlm coolant leak. Dealer replaced heater core 5 times. Right rear window inoperative. Dealer replaced right rear window motor. Switch on air conditioner control head falls off. Dealer rpelaced cracked center control knob. Sunglass compartment in center console lid broke off. Console compartment door, hinge pins and spring replaced. Squeak noise under hood. Replaced belt tensioner and idler pulley.

Filed Jan 11, 2001 · Steering · NC

Power steering makes a squeaking noise when turning right and left. Dealer has been contacted, and notified consumer that power steering pump was going bad.

Filed Oct 4, 2000 · Engine · TX

Had driven through a puddle of water & the water got inside the front of vehicle. Belts inside got wet. This caused the engine to stall. Had made squealing noises when it was stalling. After a few seconds squealing sound stopped. Vehicle then returned to normal. Did not have to restart vehicle. Taking vehicle to dealer to check.

Filed May 13, 2000 · Steering · IA

There is a terrible squeaking noise when turning right. The ford mechanic said there is a big problem with taurus's. He said ford changed the design in the model. Our three year-warranty expired in november. There was a small problem before but now it is quite noticeable. The mechanic said the repair cost would be $700. Why should the consumer pay if there is a design problem made by ford? Our car has very low mileage and has been well maintained-- always a 3,000 mile oil change. I have checked on internet under ford taurus complaints and there are many dissatisfied taurus customers because of the faulty rack and pinion.

Filed Oct 29, 1999 · Suspension · NJ

Car make loud squealing noise when makeing sharp turns. This has been going on for a long time. When car was brought in under warranty they couldn't find anything wrong.

Filed Oct 15, 1999 · Steering · NC

The power steering fluid had leaked out. Fluid is coming from tubbing that's rubbing against the undercarriage of vehicle. This had caused a pin hole in tube. Also, steering was making grinding noise when turned. Have not been to dealer yet.

Filed Jul 30, 1999 · Steering · AL

A part within the steering column broke, causing the steering column to slip and the steering wheel to become lose which could result in loss of vehicle control. There was a grinding noise when making turns.

Filed Feb 27, 1999 · Steering · OH

My problem is not been determined a safety defect as yet but could possibly be one eventually. The steering makes a grinding noise when turning right. I have reviewed your database on consumer complaints and have found other instances of a similar problem. I have also had problems with the door handles and have also to this date have had the entire front suspension replaced. I realize this is a forum for reporting safety defects but I have exhausted all other means

Filed Feb 5, 1999 · Steering · MD

Experienced grinding noise when turning steering wheel to right. Diagnosed as a short rack and power steering return problem. Service tech stated that this problem "doesn't occur under normal driving conditions," and couldn't provide a reason for problem. I believe it is a defect from the manufacturer, and I should be refunded my costs for the repair. There should be some sort of recall action because the problem, from what I am reading from others, is too systemic to be a coincidence.