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1997 Ford Taurus steering problems

59 complaints (8% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
59
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
2
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Hydraulic power assist system
    28
  • Rack and pinion
    7
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    5
  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    2
  • Hydraulic power assist: pump
    2
  • Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
    2
  • Linkages
    1
  • Column
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Ford Taurus steering problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152018

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Ford Taurus steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 10Steering noise 6

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 Ford Taurus owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 29, 2012 · Body, Steering · 135,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford taurus. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the a frame sheared off and landed on top of the steering box, causing steering loss. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis and the contact was told that the a frame was completely rusted. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 135,000.

Filed Jun 29, 2012 · Engine, Steering · 153,000 miles · FL

I purchased my 1997 ford taurus in february 2010, and shortly after experienced my odometer stopping and my power steering stopping at the same time. It usually happens if I drive the car longer than 30 minutes, or if I sit at a stop light to long. It also seems to happen at speeds of 40 MPH or higher. I also noticed that my transmission will slip, and I will find my car moving forward after stopping. I have gotten used to staying a good distance from cars so I have room to stop.

Filed Dec 30, 2007 · Steering · HI

Vehicle makes popping noise when turning left or right. Sounds as though the noise is generated from tie rods or rack n pinion problem, which have already been replaced/repaired on vehicle.

Filed Sep 30, 2007 · Electrical, Steering · 142,000 miles · IL

Power steering intermittent failure; first began when placing shift lever into reverse gear, then later occurred also in forward drive gears. Suspect electrical/electronic problem since radio speakers also go silent and power windows do not operate when this occurs. All other fuses working properly. Dealer is not yet contacted.

Filed Apr 27, 2005 · Steering, Transmission · TX

1997 ford taurus experiencing problems with the power steering. *mr the power steering had gone out due to the wrong automatic transmission fluid being placed in the vehicle. *sc

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Brakes, Steering · NC

I have experience the same lost of power steering and brakes,I have also notice that when I turn my wheel it makes a squeaking sound.had the car checked was told it needed to be lubed.had it lubed car is still doing the same thing.a coworker has a 1997 ford taurus like my car and they are experencing the same noises. Please advise if this problem is common.

Filed Jan 18, 2005 · Steering · 69,000 miles · OH · 1 injury

1. Steering and power completely failed suddenly while driving after only two weeks after buying car 2. Had repaired at dealership where we bought it,something about module, 3. After about 4 mo. Started same problem again, no response from dealer or ford about my concerns,caused my daughter to hit a tree damaging car heavily and causing my daughter to hit her head resulting in headaches 4. Had car repaired from accident and let it go back because I was afraid to drive it 5. Now we're being constantly harassed by ford motors lawers weltman,weinberg & reis 323 lakeside ave. Cleveland 44113-1099, phone216.739.5081 with garneshments now they trying to get our social security.

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 90,000 miles · IA

Vehicle moving down a hill. Power brakes and steering lost power,engine still running, but no power to brakes or steering. Finally stopped vehicle with no incident. Turned off vehicle and restarted, power to brakes and steering restored.*ak took to service.replacement was made to camshaft sensor. Problem seemed to have been corrected, but returned about 6 mos. Later...same circumstances,only in first incident, check engine light had been appearing intermittently.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 13,000 miles · OH

While driving it was hard to shift gears/steer the vehicle. The brake and tail lights failed to work. *ak the electrical system was intermittent, the radio would go off when the steering wheel was turned and when the vehicle was in drive. The problem would start when the vehicle was in park, reverse, or neutral. The seat belt light flickered on and off without cause. *sc

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Steering · 50,000 miles · MO

F you can reference the "car talk" article from july 2002 it explains my problems to a "t". Numerous mechanics replied to the article and "car talk" relayed that info to me. My taurus was 5 years old when the problems started. My driver's side back window started cutting out at times. Then my radio started cutting out only when turning right. Then when in reverse and so on till it didn't work. My wipers also had problems at times. All these were miner till my power steering started cutting out. That is the time I saw this article and got the info that the transmission sensor was the problem. Ford refused to do anything or admit that there was a trend. I got the sensor replaced by one mechanic who stated he had many ford cars on which he replaced the sensors, all the same years- 97-98s. Unfortunately, he did not replace the connector piece and the problems returned. I then paid the big bucks and had a dealer replace the piece. They, of course, said that was not the problem and wanted to do all this testing. I showed them all the documentation on what I found and what "car talk" sent me. I have had no problems since getting it replaced. I am incensed that ford would not recall a piece that allows your power steering to go out. If a recall occurs, I would love to be part of it. I am out 300$.

Questions about the 1997 Ford Taurus steering

Does the 1997 Ford Taurus have steering problems?

Owners have filed 59 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 8% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Ford Taurus steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Ford Taurus steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Ford Taurus have bad steering?

The Ford Taurus model years with the most steering complaints are 2013 (295 complaints), 1999 (106 complaints) and 1996 (101 complaints).

Other 1997 Ford Taurus problems

Transmission 212Engine 150Brakes 73Electrical 62Acceleration 58Visibility 56Airbags 42Lights 36Fuel system 33Suspension 27Body 25Seat belts 23Tires 22Locks 4Seats 3Wheels 3

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