Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1997 Ford Taurus

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.

When gear shift is in reverse or drive,power steering goes off, radio sound goes off and the power windows will not go up or down. What could cause this problem I have contacted Ford they would check into the problem, but have not had it repaired yet.

Consumer states that while driving at any speed on flat surface and no warning the power steering will lock up then disengage and it is causing it to be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified. Mr.

Erratic loss of power asssited steering after a few minutes of driving, sometimes with seat belt light on and power window control inoperative. Chattering noise suggests an eletrical problem. Definitely dangerous if loss or regain of power assisted steering happens due to over or under steering.

Power steering goes out intermittently. Dealer/manufacturer were not contacted at this time. Feel free to provide any further details.

Steering exhibits groan or shudder with some loss of assist when recovering from a right turn. Ford has issued over 10 technical service bulletins on this matter. Dealer and Ford motor contacted. Ford motor took information and indicated that no assistance will be offered to fix this problem. Repairs estimated at $500. I am concerned about the slight loss of power assist in recovering from a turn which could contribute to loss of control.

Something happened to the steering while I was driving a Ford Taurus rental car that made me lose control and tumble over an embankment. Before the accident, I noticed irregular steering that resembled sterring consistant with a low tire. However, after stopping to check the tires, I found that all appeared to be properly inflated. Approximately 5-10 minutes later, the steering failed causing me to lose control in a curve and tumble over an embankment several times landing on my roof. Since this was a rental car, I do not have the specific information such as VIN number, mileage, etc. I have provided you with all of the information I can recall, but will attempt.

On several occasions, especially during or after a rainfall, when driving through standing water which caused an upward splash under the right front, the engine died , causing loss of power . Engine would restart as soon as vehicle cleared the deep water area, but a squealing of the power steering would follow for about 30 seconds. Dealer aware of problem, but ha syet to replac eparts.

While driving approximately 10 to 15 mph turning through a water puddle, the vehicle looses power steering with no warning. Dealer has been notified.

Power steering is lost and battery-warning light comes on for about 5 to 10 seconds whenever I drive through a puddle more than about an inch deep. Ford seems to be aware that this is a defect (they said the part replacement was mandatory and covered by warranty), but the dealership still wants me to continue to drive the car --at the height of south florida's rainy season-- for another week while a part is on order for the repair. They don't seem to appreciate how dangerous it is to drive with intermittent loss of power steering (if they did, they would use a faster method to ship the replacement part).