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 1999 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving on pa turnpike on feb 6, 2004, the driver side control arm broke causing loss of control to the vehicle, resulting in damage to the frame and resulting in the vehicle being deemed a "total loss".
I bought this 1999 Ford Taurus in 2011. I had to have the power steering rack replaced due to it leaking. Once this got replaced the car began to idle really really bad when the ac or heater was turned on, this would also sometimes occur just sitting at a light with nothing on. It would also happen in reverse sometimes stalling the car. I have put over 2000 into the car to try and figure it out. I came across the 2005 Ford freestyle that is having the same issue that is being investigated know. I have replaced the idle air control valve, mass air flow sensor, cpu, throttle position sensor, power steering position sensor, cam shaft position sensor, alternator, power steering rack, and there are a few other that I will need to find the receipts for. This is a very unsafe issue because it has almost caused several accidents when I was driving and also my father in law. …
I have owned the vehicle for fourteen months. As I was parking in front om apartment, my right front tire bumped the curve and triggered my air bags, which in turn exploded and caused $3,000 in damage. The Ford certified dealer in my area was unable to find a reason for the airbags to go off. And when I called Ford the lady on the phone told me that she had never heard of such a thing. She said she had heard of people complaining that the airbag did not deploy when they felt it should, but not the airbag deploying from a <1mph impact of a tire into a curb. Ford insisted they could not help me. This has really been hard on me considering my insurance company was hesitant to cover the incident because according to them no collision occured for the airbags to deploy. However, my insurance company finally accepted claim. …
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. …
I lost the power steering on my 1999 Ford Taurus station wagon. When it stopped working, I had a very difficult time turning around corners. I had a very difficult time making a left turn into my driveway. I then became afraid to drive it as I did not have the strength to make a turn. I had to have a male friend who is far stronger than me, drive the car to the dealer for repairs. My car only has 41,000 miles on it. This is not a part that should wear out. I was advised by the dealer that the rack and pinion seals had leaked and that the whole rack and pinion steering had to be replaced for a total bill of $734.51. I feel that this part itself is defective and it also could be quite dangerous when a driver is not able to negotiate a turn as expected. I would appreciate all you could do to investigate the power steering equipment used on the 1999 Ford Taurus. The incident date is jan. …
1999 Ford Taurus se: while turning, started hearing grinding, sqealing noises. Power steering fluid level was fine. Brought it to mechanic, said the power steering rack and power steering pump had to be replaced. Vehicle has 65000 highway miles. Per mechanic and Ford dealer, this is a very common problem in the 1999 Ford Taurus. Cost: over $900.00 usd. Planning on filing complaints with Ford and taking them to court, if necessary, to get reimbursed. This should not happen on a 5 year old vehicle that has been maintained by the book! I've done some searches on the internet, and there are tons of people out there with this same problem...please look into asap...
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Ford Taurus. The contact stated the steering wheel was difficult to turn while driving at various speeds. The failure was more pronounced when making right turns. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the power steering fluid was replaced. Approximately two weeks later, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another independent repair shop where the contact was informed that something was blocking the path of the power steering fluid within the power steering fluid's reservoir. The power steering fluid was again replaced. The failure mileage was 42,470.
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!
Under 40,000 miles on my 1999 Ford Taurus and it has a power steering pump failure which causes no power assist to the steering, even after refilling unit with fluid. Loud whine from engine compartment does not abate with fluid refill. Problem came on suddenly and wife had difficult time driving home with children in the car. Unit does now seem to hold fluid, but fluid pouring out the top of cap is evident, and whine is still present.
I'll copy anothers post to reflect exactly the way I feel and my experience with this steering issue... 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.
Steering complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 106 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Ford Taurus, 12% of the model year's 874 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (49 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Ford Taurus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Ford Taurus, though it has 5 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 1999 Ford Taurus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.