1989 Ford Taurus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 9%of 562 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Ford Taurus, 9% of the 562 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 10 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 1989 Taurus w/od transmission that shifts hard and rough, also the front and rear rattles and sounds like it is going to fall off. We were not aware of the recalls for this on our vehicle. The paint is blistering with orange rust coming through, and the stearing (power w/tilt) has a jerk in it. Can you or will you help me with these defects?”
NHTSA complaint #10086192, filed 2004-08, 95,000 miles“Jim dandy transmission replaced the transmission. Now I have major problem with the power stearing leaking where there was no leaks and the power stearing worked fine before they worked on my Taurus they are located on callen street in vacaville ca. Phone 449-8282. I feel that they are responsible for the conditiion that the power stearing is in now. To remove the transmission they drop the front a frame moter and all so they had to deal with the power steering to do this type of repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #757573, filed 2002-01“Body mounts at rear corners of subframe were corroded and repaired a year ago, but problem reoccurred. Consumer received a recall notice and body mounts will be repaired. Also, problems with steering system. While driving at highway speeds, vehicle pulls to the right which may result in an accident. Been to dealer, but dealer cannot determine problem. No repairs for the steering problem. Recall 93v106000. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #834762, filed 1999-02“Put a new unit on in sept.98 and now am going to have to do it again. Fluid leaking out. Also sometimes when I startincg the car there is a strong gas smell , but it goes away in a short period of time. And it seems the recall items are showing up too.”
NHTSA complaint #716296, filed 1999-12“Power steering high pressure hose exploded. Hose failure sprayed power steering fluid onto hot exhaust manifold and ignited causing engine compartment fire. Was a Ford hose that had been replaced less than 12 hours earlier.”
NHTSA complaint #538764, filed 1998-07Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 7% |
| 2016 | 9 | 10% |
| 2015 | 50 | 18% |
| 2014 | 64 | 28% |
| 2013 | 295 | 50% |
| 2012 | 17 | 22% |
| 2011 | 25 | 13% |
| 2010 | 41 | 20% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 35 | 20% |
| 2007 | 5 | 3% |
| 2006 | 5 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 1% |
| 2004 | 13 | 3% |
| 2003 | 12 | 1% |
| 2002 | 18 | 1% |
| 2001 | 20 | 2% |
| 2000 | 29 | 2% |
| 1999 | 106 | 12% |
| 1998 | 40 | 7% |
| 1997 | 59 | 8% |
| 1996 | 101 | 12% |
| 1995 | 39 | 3% |
| 1994 | 26 | 3% |
| 1993 | 57 | 4% |
| 1992 | 56 | 8% |
| 1991 | 76 | 12% |
| 1990 | 51 | 13% |
| 1989 | 53 | 9% |
| 1988 | 26 | 8% |
| 1987 | 21 | 8% |
| 1986 | 9 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1989 Ford Taurus
142 complaintsElectrical system
118 complaintsEngine cooling
97 complaintsBody and structure
66 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
52 complaintsBrakes
35 complaintsFuel system
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
23 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsTires
11 complaintsWheels
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology