Rack and pinion power steering pump failure.

- Hannibal, MO, USA

Car "bouncing" a lot, brother in law said it sounded like a bubble in the tire. Had the tires changed and my husband was called over by mechanic. The mechanic told my husband we had a serious problem and showed him that the rods for steering were loose but that the lug nuts were tight. He said it was the rack pinion. I went online to see if there was a recall or where I could have it fixed and came across 0 recalls yet hundreds of complaints of the same issue in a 1999 Ford Taurus.

- Zephyrhills, FL, USA

On Friday, August 19, I heard noise in the right front of my 1999 Ford Taurus as I turned into a parking lot. As I left the parking lot, the steering seemed "stiff" and on hard turns there was noise. As a result, I took my car immediately to a local Ford dealership. The attendant looked at the steering fluid and found it to be "dirty" and low. It was suggested that we try changing the fluid to determine if that would resolve the problem without costly diagnostics. By the time I arrived home (approximately 5 miles) the steering once again was noisy and "stiff". since I was to be out of town until Wednesday, I returned the vehicle to the dealership this morning (Wednesday, August 24). The dealership determined that the rack and pinion steering and power steering fluid pump will need to be replaced at a cost of $1,100. The Taurus has only 48,700 miles. As I looked at the dot website, I discovered 3 or 4 identical complaints on the 1999 Ford Taurus. One of these vehicles had 48,000 miles.

- Wichita, KS, USA

The steering wheel locked up. The consumer will take the vehicle to a mechanic for the repair of the rack and pinion.......repair shop removed and replaced power rack and pinion steering gear, and bled power steering system.

- Stewartstown, PA, USA

The vehicle lost power assistance while driving 45 mph, the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer informed consumer that the rack & pinion needed to be replaced.

- Taylor, MI, USA

Rack and pinion had to be replaced so consumer request and investigation into the design flaw of the 1999 and 2000 Ford Taurus.

- Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA

The "rack and pinion" on my 1999 Ford Taurus needs replacing. I think this is too soon under "normal" city driving. The car is still under the 6 yr.-75,000mi. Warranty.

- Belleville, MI, USA

The vehicle rack and pinion was replaced at 54000. The vehicle was involved in a head on collision. The driver's air bag partially deployed and the passenger's air bag did not deploy.

- Covington, GA, USA

Rack and pinion seal leaks fluid into the right hand boot and then the ground, causing the power steering not to function properly and failure to the power steering pump. I can't believe Ford doesn't care about the safty and loyalty of their customers and take steps to correct this consistant defect quite common in this model.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Power steering failure- steering pump growling and whining was followed by overflow of power steering fluid around cap. Repair shop replaced power steering pump ($200) which worked for less than 30 minutes before power steering assist failed again. Repair shop is now diagnosing problem as rack and pinion seal leakage issue and recommending replacement at another $ 200+ for parts plus 2+ hours of labor. Purchased this car 11 months ago with 26,000 miles on it. Ford says it isn't their problem. I will remember that when I buy my next car!

- Lindley, NY, USA

Just out of the blue, I started having difficulty with my steering. For a couple of weeks, I had to constantly replace power steering fluid. What really scared me was when I had to travel out of state to get back home. I put in power steering fluid and it just disappeared right in front of my eyes. It was at that time I took it to a mechanic and he was amazed when he saw my power steering fluid leaking out of the rack. The seal had broken badly. He informed me that the rack pinion had to be replaced. I expect I would eventually have car problems as with anyone else but I almost fell to ground when I was told how much it was going to take to repair the problem. I am just really disappointed with Ford. I have always spoke very highly of Ford and I am sure I still will and I am sure my next vehicle will be a Ford. I just found it so hard to believe that I had to pay for something this major so soon. Sad thing is, I feel even worse after learning there are so many other consumers who has had the same problem. I was amazed to find there was so many others. Even now, my car does not feel the same. I have got to take it back to the mechanics because the wheel has started to tighten up again.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

Consumer stated while traveling and without any indication vehicle lost power steering. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed both cv boots and rack and pinion steering failed.

- Wabasha, MN, USA

Consumer states rack and pinion steering was installed incorrectly, causing steering to fail. Dealer notified.

- Charleston, SC, USA

My 1999 fprd Taurus SE with 47,995 miles had the power steering pump break and spray power steeing fluid throughtout the car, the rack and pinion steering is gone, leaking everywhere, and the defrost, fan, and blower have stopped working.

- Schaghticoke, NY, USA

I bought the car new and it has never been wrecked. At 44,000 miles the rack and pinion seals began leaking power steering fluid into the cv boots. The first symptom was loss of power steering fluid, pump noise, and pump overheating. The rack and pinion is going to get replaced and the service manager at the dealership is going to try to get Ford to pay for part of the repair. The car is out of warranty.

- Ft Leavenworth, KS, USA

Rack and pinion steering failed while driving, causing loss of vehicle control. Upon repair, mechanic advised that rack and pinion had been previously replaced.

- New York, NY, USA

Rack and pinion went out at 84K miles - $750-$800 for repair. After reading the 30+ other complaints, I'd figured I would add mine as well.

- Poland, OH, USA

While driving and without warning the rack and pinion snapped and caused the consumer to lose steering control..

- Pontiac, IL, USA

Power steering failed due to broken seal in steering rack. Spent $711 to replace. Appears to be frequent occurrence on many Ford. Should recall.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

I was told by Ford dealer, the rack & pinion needs to be replaced at a cost of $700. Mileage is only 32,500

- Milton, PA, USA