Seven problems related to steering have been reported for the 1997 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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.
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$.
When driving on wet streets or over an puddle I loose all steering and controll of car. Especially when I make an right hand turns. Belts squeel for 10 to 30 seconds and the battery light comes on. The dealer says it is awware of this problem and there is no solution to this problem. This is a very dangerous situation. I have almost been in an accident.
The consumer has been experiencing problems with power steering and accelerator. While driving power steering went out, and vehicle constantly decelerated and accelerated. The manufacturer has yet to be contacted.
While driving vehicle and making a right turn there seems to be excess pressure on left, causing clunking and popping noises. Owner is very concerned for safety. Dealer told owner that problem could not be corrected.
When turning the vehicle it makes a popping sound.