Three problems related to lose power steering have been reported for the 2008 Ford Taurus. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Ford Taurus based on all problems reported for the 2008 Taurus.
When trying to make a ninety degree turn right or left into a parking space or pulling out while making a turn, I lose power steering and only have manual steering. I almost hit a car or the corner of the road/building as using all my strength, I cannot make a sharp turn. I have to back up and make wide turns. I am not driving this car much as afraid I will lose steering at a higher speed. It has become very difficult to pull into a parking lot to park at slow speeds as I completely lose the power assisted power steering and I have trouble steering in manual mode--can barely turn the wheel using all my strength at 1 mile per hour. I learned that Ford has recalled thousands of cars for this recently and online blogs show there have been complaints about the power steering for this model.
While driving approximately 35 miles an hour I lost my power steering. My vehicle steers very hard and is extremely hard while trying to park car. Right turns are harder than left turns. The vehicle is hard to maneuver around sharp turns and corners. Mechanic diagnosed it as a bad rack and pinion (steering gear) and is a safety hazard concern.
I was backing out of a parking space when I lost all power steering. Turning the wheel made a grinding noise and on the drive to the mechanic's garage some power came back, but it was much easier to turn left than right. My mechanic reported that he found a TSB from Ford on this issue detailing the exact problem I had and how to fix it (replace rack and pinion unit, replace steering pump, power steering fluid exchange - cost approx. $1600) Ford is aware of this problem. This is a safety issue. These vehicles should be investigated.