1990 Ford Taurus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 13%of 381 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the steering of the 1990 Ford Taurus, 13% of the 381 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving 10 MPH sub frame bolts snapped. As a result, steering failed. A recall was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10075494, filed 2004-06, 119,000 miles“While driving, consumer constantly has to steer to left to keep vehicle in line. Consumer states that the the design for the power steering is poor, the pump is in the right forward corner of the engine and the hoses going to the rack and pinion go over the fwd exhaust manifold, pass over the transaxle, and then pass over the after exhaust manifold.”
NHTSA complaint #8001285, filed 2001-12“Car was driven at low speed turning corner (direction of turn - right), when front steering control was suddenly lost. Steering control loss was due to steering assembly under front end of car becoming detached from strut. This caused severed steering assembly to puncture right front tire and right rear tire due to sudden breaking of vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #701793, filed 1999-01“Steering fluid kept leaking oil, had pumps and hoses replaced, and dealer still could not find problem. Coming around a curve on highway vehicle seemed like it didn't want to turn in proper direction consumer was going. Consumer was putting power steering fluid in frequently, consumer said it was very scary on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #875250, filed 2000-11“While driving at 65 MPH the transmission went out without prior warning, and the steering wheel locked up, causing the consumer to lose a little steering. Brought vehicle to repair shop to have the transmission repaired. Dealer put the vehicle up on the computer, and still can't determine the problem that has returned.”
NHTSA complaint #833634, filed 1999-01Steering: 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 1990 Ford Taurus
78 complaintsBody and structure
68 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
42 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsBrakes
26 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsSuspension
18 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsFuel system
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Ford Taurus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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