Six problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1998 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
My car problem happens when it rains. When I hit a puddle on the right front side the power steering does not work for several seconds, though the engine runs fine. When I hit the water it splashes up and gets the belt to the power steering pump wet and all power steering goes out for 5 to 10 seconds. This is a nightmare in traffic.
Power steering developed a leak and suddenly became non functional. System failed, and is being repaired.
High pressure power steering hose ruptured at highway speeds. Loss of vehicle control. Loss of power steering boost. No injuries.
After about 60000 miles the serpentine belt that drives the power steering started slipping when we hit a puddle, causing power steering to stop. Belt replaced at 68,000, but problem recurred starting again at about 85000 miles. Very dangerous, unexpected failures. Dt.
This could have been a fatal accident I was driving at about 60 miles and all of a sudden I had lost control of wheel and was fighting to steer the car. This happened twice within a month 7/23/99 and again8/23/99. The lord was truly with me I could have had a serious accident both times.
Power steering unit experiences noise, replacement of hose and unit did not rectify noise problem.