2001 Ford Taurus Steering Problems

“I bought a new Ford Taurus in 2001. Three months after my purchase, a vibration began in the front end. I took the car in and had repairs. To my dismay, the car began to vibrate again in january 2002. I took my car in for repairs again. April 2002 the same problem occurred again, so more repairs. This continued until I gave the car back (july 2004) due to these problems and many others. The dealership, silsbee Ford, seemed to only fix the problem temporarily,resulting in me returning the vehicle again and again. …”

“Strange sound from front right tire in terms of loud squeaking when going over bumps and rolling road. Took car to dealer. It was found to have a broken tie rod at the front right end. However they also found the right rear coil spring was broken. The broken spring had cut a deep groove into the inner sidewall of the tire. I had the broken spring and tie rod replaced by the dealer under the terms of my extended warranty but they were not obligated to pay for the tire. I paid for a new tire. On the way home a loud hammering sound now came from the right rear tire area when riding over bumps. …”

“Bought used 2001 Taurus in aug. Of 2002. On the test drive I noticed the car pulled to the left and there was vibration in the steering wheel. The dealer at no cost to me did a wheel alignment and wheel balance. I drove again and it was fine. Approximately 4500 miles later the steering wheel vibration returned and the car was again pulling slightly to the left. I took it in to the dealer again and was told that the likely cause of the vibration was that a wheel weight was lost, but had no explaination for the pulling. They rebalanced the wheels and rotated the tires. …”

“Car parked for 10 minutes after a short 5 mile drive. Smoke reported from under hood. Once hood opened, found small fire which was easily extinguished by owner. Vehicle driven to local Ford dealer. Mechanic claimed 3 leakes from ruptured power steering lines caused hydraulic fluid to spill onto engine. Dealer replaced lines for $600.00. Owner had to clean remaining fluid from engine compartment after repair.”

“While driving it was hard for the consumer to steer the vehicle. Dealerships informed the consumer that the problem pertained to the rack and pinion. It was also difficult to steer the vehicle while trying to park. The consumer was told that the rack and pinion cracked.”