1997 Ford Taurus Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 8%of 770 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford Taurus, 8% of the 770 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10463622, filed 2012-06, 153,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069632, filed 2004-01, 50,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10106541, filed 2005-01, 69,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10204505, filed 2007-09, 142,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10087207, filed 2004-08, 13,000 milesSteering: 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 1997 Ford Taurus
214 complaintsEngine cooling
145 complaintsBrakes
73 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
57 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsSuspension
28 complaintsBody and structure
25 complaintsEquipment
24 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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