Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
1. Steering and power completely failed suddenly while driving after only two weeks after buying car 2. Had repaired at dealership where we bought it,something about module, 3. After about 4 mo. Started same problem again, no response from dealer or Ford about my concerns,caused my daughter to hit a tree damaging car heavily and causing my daughter to hit her head resulting in headaches 4. Had car repaired from accident and let it go back because I was afraid to drive it 5. Now we're being constantly harassed by Ford motors lawers weltman,weinberg & reis 323 lakeside ave. Cleveland 44113-1099, phone216.739.5081 with garneshments now they trying to get our social security.
Something happened to the steering while I was driving a Ford Taurus rental car that made me lose control and tumble over an embankment. Before the accident, I noticed irregular steering that resembled sterring consistant with a low tire. However, after stopping to check the tires, I found that all appeared to be properly inflated. Approximately 5-10 minutes later, the steering failed causing me to lose control in a curve and tumble over an embankment several times landing on my roof. Since this was a rental car, I do not have the specific information such as VIN number, mileage, etc. I have provided you with all of the information I can recall, but will attempt
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.
Vehicle moving down a hill. Power brakes and steering lost power,engine still running, but no power to brakes or steering. Finally stopped vehicle with no incident. Turned off vehicle and restarted, power to brakes and steering restored. Took to service.replacement was made to camshaft sensor. Problem seemed to have been corrected, but returned about 6 mos. Later...same circumstances,only in first incident, check engine light had been appearing intermittently.
Tl* 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.
While driving it was hard to shift gears/steer the vehicle. The brake and tail lights failed to work. The electrical system was intermittent, the radio would go off when the steering wheel was turned and when the vehicle was in drive. The problem would start when the vehicle was in park, reverse, or neutral. The seat belt light flickered on and off without cause.
Power steering intermittent failure; first began when placing shift lever into reverse gear, then later occurred also in forward drive gears. Suspect electrical/electronic problem since radio speakers also go silent and power windows do not operate when this occurs. All other fuses working properly. Dealer is not yet contacted.
Due to a defective sensor power brakes and power steering malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to run up a curb and into a building. There is a TSB bulletin on this safety problem. Please provide further information.
Power steering is lost and battery-warning light comes on for about 5 to 10 seconds whenever I drive through a puddle more than about an inch deep. Ford seems to be aware that this is a defect (they said the part replacement was mandatory and covered by warranty), but the dealership still wants me to continue to drive the car --at the height of south florida's rainy season-- for another week while a part is on order for the repair. They don't seem to appreciate how dangerous it is to drive with intermittent loss of power steering (if they did, they would use a faster method to ship the replacement part).
Steering complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 8% of the model year's 770 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford Taurus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1997 Ford Taurus, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford Taurus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.