Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1997 Ford Contour

22 yr. Old son matt crashed his 1997 Ford Contour into utility pole-feels bearings caused him to lose control of steering. Inner windshield driver's side post at corner came apart, plastic on interior-which stopped at top of post and wasn't connected to anything on inside of roof-popped out and lacerated his left eyeball. The eyeball interior was protruding and surgery was necessary to stitch the eyeball back together. He will eventually need a cornea transplant to get decent vision from that eye. The right eye sustained blunt trauma which caused a hematoma to develop which caused blindness until it's recent removal. Restoration of eyesight in the right eye is a slow progress.

While driving, the vehicle intermittently lost power steering. This happened only while the road was wet. Dealer stated it wasn't their problem. In the past 6 years power steering froze twice during a severe rain storm.

Power steering pressure switch failed causing fluid to leak, resulting in engine fire.

When driving the vehicle in wet conditions, the power steering stops for about 3-5 seconds. When taken to the dealer on two occasions, dealer stated that the manufacturer is aware of the problem and working on a correction.

After driving through puddle, power steering assist is lost, drive belt squeals, and it becomes impossible to turn steering wheel for several seconds which causes lack of control. Ford has issued a TSB on this problem, but will not pay for repair.

Vehicle in number of times for power assist going out when driving in rain or water. 2/99 acceleration lost while driving vehicle in traffic, no power. Had vehicle in previous week before was supposedly repaired.