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 2000 Ford Taurus owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The brake system in our car has not performed properly on wet roads many times. On jan 21st, 2002 and mar 13th, 2002, we asked muzi Ford to fix this problem. They could not find the problem. They reported, it is common to confuse ABS activation with difficulty stopping". In fact, our car is not equipped with ABS. On the morning of jan 17th, 2003, my husband was driving in the slow lane of I-95; the car in front of our car came to a sudden stop. He immediately braked. He was still far away, and the speed was only 45-50 MPH, the road was wet and our cars brake system did not work properly and it hit the front car. There are many problems with our car. …
I just bought a used 2000 Ford Taurus....I was wondering why my tires were screeching every time I drove, my tires bald badly within a week or two...took it to a mechanic he told me that the right lower control line was bent and that's why I really cant drive anywhere. I am very concerned about my car I need a vehicle to work and see my daughter...
Vehicle Has A Heavy Power Steering Fluid Leak!!! Will Be Taking It To The Shop To Diagnose The Concern!!! I Was Checking To See If There Were Any Campaigns Or Recalls Reported!!!
When I purchasesd this car from peyton cramer Ford last summer I complained about a groaning noise in the steering column. The first diagnosis was a problem with the rack & pinion, which I thought sounded fairly serious. When the parts were replaced the noise was still there and a new diagnosis was made and more steering parts were replaced. I returned the car to the dealer two more times before my "simple" complaint was taken care of. I expressed concern to the service manager about the number of steering problem they found and was assured that the car was completely safe. Three weeks ago as I was driving on a flat, dry stretch of road, the car suddenly made a violent right turn. When I tried to correct it there was no response as the car continued to the right, slamming into a curb causing extensive damage to the right front suspension. …
The air bag light appeared on the dashboard until the vehicle was turned off. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer for analysis and the mechanic noticed that air bag module needed replacement. The air bag light would come on when the vehicle was started and the vehicle lost all electrical power. The consumer had to turn off the auto defrost, and then turn it back on to reset the componets. Also when the failure occurred the consumer had to place the vehicle in park and a loud metal sound came from the front of the vehicle and it would have to be shut down before placing the vehicle in park. The valet switch on the left side of the steering column had fallen off.
Dt: contact stated while driving she went to make a right turn and the vehicle made a horrid noise. The vehicle did not steer to the right. She drove the vehicle home. Her husband checked the vehicle and found there was no power steering fluid in the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic. They checked the vehicle and determined the rack and pinion steering failed. Repairs will be made at contact's expense.
After being parked in garage all nite I noticed the floor was wet as I was about to leave for work. I checked the oil level and power steering fluid and noticed the powering fluid was low and replaced the fluid that had leaked out. A few days later more power steering fluid had leaked out so I had the car towed to a mechanic and was told it was the rack and pinion. Has anyone else had this problem or has there been a recall?
Consumer was traveling on highway and vehicle stalled without prior warning. Had to avoid a truck and went into a ditch. Dealership replaced iac valve) twice. On February 17 a mass air flow sensor was replaced. Also, processor computer chip replaced, and steering wheel locked up. Vehicle had earlier problems tha were still existing.
As I approached a stop light I heard a brief faint wine and my vehicle froze. I could turn the vehicle on and off and shift it into gear but the car would not move. I was pushed to the side of the road and awaited a tow truck. We changed the transmission oil and filter hoping for the best but no luck. The car still sits.
I have had to replace my rack and pinion twice (in 2003 and 2004). I purchased my 2000 Ford Taurus new and have been the only owner. This vehicle has not been in any accident. I am curious if there has been any other complaints or recalls on the rack and pinion for this vehicle.
Steering complaints in other Taurus years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Ford Taurus?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Ford Taurus, 2% of the model year's 1,195 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford Taurus steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Ford Taurus, though it has 8 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 2000 Ford Taurus steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire 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.