Power steering fluid was leaking on the exhaust system.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Power steering fluid was leaking on the exhaust system.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

When driving through water there is a loss of steering for a short time.has been this way since new.we are older now & it is much more difficult to control the vehicle.I read where you had had the same complaint several times.when you look under lright front of car you can see why this happens.the belt drive pulley is exposed so that water is splashed on it.wonder how many fatal accidents this has caused.

- Crawfordsville, IN, USA

Thermostat goes up to the red. Then, power steering went out. Consumer pulled over and let car sit for a while. Gas tank has been replaced, wiring harness problem.

- Marietta, GA, USA

Consumer has been experiencing problems with steering and brakes. During inclement weather power steering goes out and the power brakes fail. Also, the battery light illuminates. The manufacturer has been contacted.

- Union Town, PA, USA

Defect corrected at 28,000 miles, and re-occurred at approx 45,000 miles. Defect corrected again at 58,000 miles. This vehicle should be recalled for this potentially dangerous defect. Ford is aware of the problem, as they have issued several tsb's to dealers to correct the problem

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Under wet condition power steering goes out, causing the whee tol have to turn back to the normal position manualy. Dealer has not been contacted.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

I was driving my 1995 Ford Contour when I lost my power steering. I pulled to the side of the highway to check my power steering fluid. The fluid container was empty. I brought the car to Firestone service to check the problem. I received a call from the mechanic asking if I had transmission work done on the car. I indicated I did in 9/97 when the Ford dealer, rittenhouse-kerr, replaced the original trans under Ford warranty. I asked him why he was asking about the trans when it was the power steering that was inoperative. He informed me three bolts that hold the trans to the motor mount where missing and that caused the trans to damage the axle which caused the power steering line to be cut resulting in the loss of power steering. He suggested I bring the car back to the Ford dealer for repair. Rittenhouse-kerr acknowledged the bolts where missing but could not give a reasonable explanation why. I suggested they were defective or not put in properly. The dealer would not take responsibilty for the failure of the bolts. I then called Ford on several occassions and though courteous, they essentially told me to take it up with the dealer. I then brought the car to another mechanic to get repaired. I had the power steering line and axle replaced but could not get the trans attached to the engine mount. The mechanic explained there are three bolts (Ford part number W500034-S303) that hold the trans to the engine mount. In two of the three openings where the bolts thread into the trans, there were parts of broken bolts in them and the third had stripped threads preventing the bolt from holding. I contacted the dealer and Ford again. Neither would acknowlegde responsibility. If useful, I have pictures I can provide. Your assistance in looking into this unsafe situation is appreciated. Also, did Ford have a recall on trans bolts for the 1993 Taurus model?

- Red Bank, NC, USA

During rainy weather the power steering unit failed. Repairs were done, but the problem still exist.

- Layd Lakes, FL, USA

Very dangerous malfunction - should be on a recall. Due to my physical disability I do not have the strength to steer the car when power assist fails.

- Houston, TX, USA

No summary listed for this vehicle.

- Houston, TX, USA

Loss of all power assist when driving through puddles, had a close call. Almost collided with a truck when turning a corner. Took both hands on wheel to complete turn. Someone less stronger and/or unaware will have a wreck some day.

- Houston, TX, USA

Ford has agreed to fix (not a recall) cars under warranty. It's expensive to fix and this should be a recall on Contour/Mystique automobiles. No defec (s) mentioned in the summary.

- Louisville, KY, USA

Transmission slipping/failing to engage in overdrive. Also, loss of power steering when it rains.

- Flushing, NY, USA

Whenever the vehicle goes through an excessive amount of water it loses power assist. Dealer is aware of the problem, but not able to correct it.

- West Columbia, TX, USA

Power steering failed while making a right hand, resulting in loss of control.

- Austin, TX, USA

Power steering locks/fails when turning a corner after driving through puddles of water. A repair kit was installed by dealer, yet, problem persists.

- Odessa, TX, USA

Wire was broken for power steering.

- Waukegan, IL, USA

When going through a puddle of water all power steering is lost. A kit was created for this problem. Dealer stated to consumer that kit will resolve only 80% of problem. Consumer states the kit has been installed and vehicle has repsonded fairly well, consumer avoids puddles and drive very little during rain.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

When driving the vehicle moisture gets into the vehicle and the power steering goes out and has no control.

- Melbourne, FL, USA