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.

- Hurley, NY, USA

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.

- Edgewater, FL, USA

Vehicle makes popping noise when turning left or right. Sounds as though the noise is generated from tie rods or rack N pinion problem, which have already been replaced/repaired on vehicle.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

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$.

- St Louis, MO, USA

Transmission going out at such a low mileage, serpentine belt failure, cam sensor & false distributor shaft, & multi-functional switch in steering column

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

When turning the vehicle it makes a popping sound.

- Durham, NC, USA

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.

- Plano, TX, USA

While driving through a water puddle, the vehicle and driver experienced an approximate 4-5 second loss of power steering and the alternator light came on.

- Wichita, KS, USA

Electrical short caused power windows to fail. Also, steering malfunctioned intermittently. Dealer notified, and appointment was received.

- Altamont, KS, USA

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.

- Denton, TX, USA

While driving the steering locked up and there was no steering in the vehicle. Tried to turn the wheel and there was no reaction in the wheel. So the driver tried to apply the brakes and there were no brakes in the vehicle. This problem happened all of a sudden.

- Washington, DC, USA

Seat belt anchor is installed incorrectly. The only way the restraints can be latched is if twisted the restraint across to the buckle. Owner has contacted the manufacturer, and is waiting for a representative to inspect the vehicle. The steering becomes hard when brakes are applied. The consumer states that the vehicle was prepped, inspected and sold to him with defective seat belt in total disregard for his safety.

- Springhill, FL, USA

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.

- Levern, TN, USA