The steering wheel locked up. The consumer will take the vehicle to a mechanic for the repair of the rack and pinion.......repair shop removed and replaced power rack and pinion steering gear, and bled power steering system.

- Stewartstown, PA, USA

Power steering failure- steering pump growling and whining was followed by overflow of power steering fluid around cap. Repair shop replaced power steering pump ($200) which worked for less than 30 minutes before power steering assist failed again. Repair shop is now diagnosing problem as rack and pinion seal leakage issue and recommending replacement at another $ 200+ for parts plus 2+ hours of labor. Purchased this car 11 months ago with 26,000 miles on it. Ford says it isn't their problem. I will remember that when I buy my next car!

- Lindley, NY, USA

There were steering power problems. While driving, the power steering had gone out, and the consumer was not able to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The problem occurred as the consumer had taken a yield to the right on the highway. The steering was stiff and difficult on turns, especially right turns. The front seal was found busted and leaked out of the cluster cover.

- Hamlet, NC, USA

When I purchased the car everything was ok. Then within a 6 months the power steering went out... took it to a mechanic because the car wasn't covered under warranty anymore. The mechanic said it was not only the power steering but also the whole steering front end. They said the power steering pump going out was the result of the rest of the rack going out, since it's all hydraulic. Well I got it fixed for $600 and low and behold 6 months later the same thing went out again. I went through this site and found several people talking about relatively the same issue. Since manufacturers are not responsible for their product...that is unless someone dies, then I'm assuming nothing can be done... but to keep shelling out $$$$$. and the saddest part is... I'm still paying on the car.

- Hurst, TX, USA

Problems with car since day one. Began with wipers turning on by themselves, spoke to mechanic, said it was nothing to worry about. Then the car kept refusing to switch gears (second to third), the speedometer would quit and car died on side of road several times. Along with this problem, the brakes squealed very loud. Called dealer, would not help, sent me to Ford dealer (dave goulds). Replaced speed sensor, scraped "rust" off brakes and said they may continue to squeal, they do! the car picks up speed from no where, specially when coming from a stop. Very scarey, refuse to let my daughter drive because of it. Now the power steering is making a horrible hum and I have lost power steering on several occaisions. Added fluid, the next day it looked like cocoa bubbling out. I contacted the gould Ford dealership and I have to bring it in tomorrow. I am afraid to drive it and he tells me that my extended warranty most likely won't cover the repair (they didn't cover the speed sensor either). I bought this car at a local company after a severe accident, it was traumatizing to get back behind the wheel, but this car is like a rolling death trap, why isn't Ford recalling them?

- Sullivan, ME, USA

Power steering failed to work which made steering the vehicle very difficult, roaring sounds come from the steering column, the speedometer fluctuates and caused car to jump forward and speed ahead. Nlm

- Marietta, GA, USA

When I bought this car, the steering was making a grinding sound, I took it back twice to the Ford place to have it checked, and I asked the man I bought it from, why it made that noise, and the salesman and the repair man both told me on 3 different occaisons that "it was supposed to make that noise!". so I dealt with it. But my power steering has been messing up for about 5 months now. My steering wheel won't turn, it's making this awful noise and when I stop the fluid just bubblies out, steaming hot. And the rack and pinion busted, and the fluid started pouring out. We called the Ford place, and he plainly told my husband that it would only cost $2000 to fix! I think these people new they were selling me a lemon! this needs to be reported, because I've asked other people that drive the same kind of car, and their having trouble with their power steering also.something needs to be done about this!!

- Douglas, GA, USA

While driving there was a squeaking noise, power steering went out. Also, a fuel leak.contacted dealer.

- West Union, OH, USA

While driving power steering went out, causing vehicle to become harder to control. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Trafalgar, IN, USA

When turning wheel there is a grinding sound. Dealer determined vehicle was losing power steering fluid. Also, rack and pinion needed to be replaced.

- Lansing, MI, USA

While traveling consumer noticed smoke coming from the engine area and then vehicle lost all power steering. Consumer pulled vehicle over and looked under the hood. Noticed power steering fluid leaking.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA